Sea Kayaking Vacations
For those who are looking to extend their stay in
Belize, or to experience the natural beauty of Belize's offshore atolls,
we have our 3 day Glovers Getaway Extension. This 3 day excursion
is a great addition to a self propelled kayak adventure along the
southern barrier reef. Imagine spending 3 days paddling, snorkeling,
and scuba diving from our well apointed luxury basecamp! After you
have returned from the main reef, why not join us at Glovers Reef
for 3 days of pampering? This extension includes all meals, accommodations,
use of specialized equipment, and some guiding services. Details of
this package are included below.
Glovers Getaway Extension Thirty six miles offshore of the Belize mainland lie a group of tropical islands cradled within a turquoise lagoon and surrounded by a living coral reef. Glover's Reef Atoll is considered to be one of the richest tropical marine environments in the entire Caribbean. Our private island base of over 13 acres is perched on the southern edge of the atoll with a dramatic view facing east over the main reef crest and the open Caribbean. Based from our comfortable field camp we are fully equipped to spend six and a half days sea kayaking and kayak sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing and windsurfing. After our adventures each day we like to reward ourselves with a bounty of fresh seafood, island baking, tropical fruits and yes, even rich, decadent deserts! Glovers is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the comforts of a well-appointed field camp yet want an active and flexible day-to-day schedule. Also available are optional Scuba certification courses, resort courses and equipment rentals. Trip Description Begin from: Dangriga
End in: Dangriga
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Trip Dates: Click here for dates
Group Size: 2-18
Guides: 1 Belizean Leaders.
Activities:
- Sea Kayaking (Paddling)
- Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving (optional, cost not included in trip price)
- Fishing
- Windsurfing
- Birding
- Photography
Accommodations: Glovers Base Camp
The Setting...
One of three atolls offshore of Belize, Glover's Reef was named after the pirate John Glover who used this remote offshore ring of islands and coral reefs as a base from which to raid Spanish merchant ships. The shallow waters offshore of Belize with innumerable coral reefs, mangroves and small islands were ideal waters for pirates and buccaneers to hide their raiding ships after plundering Spanish galleons laden with riches, destined for the Old World. Today, the attractions found within the atoll (20 miles long by 7 miles wide) are the clarity of the water and the remarkable profusion of marine life. In 1993, the atoll was declared a marine park, and 25% of the area and lagoon was protected from fishing and harvesting. To continue the conservation efforts to preserve this extraordinary environment, the site was designated as a World Heritage Site, in 1996. We travel and explore this area by sea-kayak, paddling and sailing the shallow 82 square mile lagoon with an unequaled variety of over 700 patch reefs. The reefs of Belize have long been known as the richest in the Caribbean, and Glovers is the best in Belize!
Typical Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 to 3: We depart early in the morning by charter boat out past the main Barrier Reef to our private base-camp on Southwest Cay, at Glovers Reef Marine Reserve. We are introduced to our new environment and get settled into our accommodation. Once settled, the guides provide instruction, teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling and safety in the tropics. Then, we paddle out to a nearby patch reef and start to explore some of the 700 sites that Glovers Atoll has to offer. Glovers is one of only four atolls in the Caribbean Sea, and is truly the most spectacular marine environment in Belize. Due to its isolation from the mainland, the waters are exceptionally clear with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system that offers the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. We spend the days exploring the atoll with both single and double kayaks (rigged for sailing). If all this sounds a little too busy, you always have the choice of just kicking back in a hammock and relaxing with a good book and a cold drink.
Accommodation: (Tent-Walled Cabanas)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rendezvous with boat charter...
We depart in the morning on Sunday by charter boat out past the main Barrier Reef to our private basecamp on Southwest Cay, at Glover's Reef Marine Reserve. The transfer to Glovers typically takes 2 hours during fair weather conditions and longer during inclement weather conditions.
Return to the mainland
We depart Glovers Reef in the early afternoon and usually arrive back to Dangriga on the mainland at approximately 3 pm.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is advised that any other travel arrangements you have in and around our departure and arrival schedule for Glovers Reef should have some time
flexibility as weather and other factors may cause delays in the transfers.
What's Included...
- All meals (fully catered) while you are at our Southwest Cay base-camp
- Limited alcohoic beveragesl available during meals
- Unlimited use of our Equipment and facilities
- Professional guides and sports instruction services with Belizean and/or North American leaders
- Safari-style Tent Accommodations on Southwest Cay
- Glovers Reef Marine Park user fee of $10US per person
- Comprehensive pre-trip information package
- Financial Support for Conservation and Education programs in Belize.
What's Not Included...
- Transfer back to Belize City after the trip
- Beer & soft drinks at Glovers
- Gratuities
- International Flights & Airport Departure Tax
- Snorkeling or Dive Gear & Scuba Diving fees
- Extra costs due to late Arrivals, and other circumstances beyond our control
Scuba Divers...
There are some great opportunities to dive at Glover's. Optional diving is available for certified divers on certain days of the trip. Single tank dives are available from $45US. For first time divers we can offer, depending on availability, a Discover Scuba or Open Water Referral course. Please let us know in advance. We can also arrange a variety of dive packages before or after your trip. For further information please contact our office.
Equipment...
While at our private base-camp on Southwest Cay, our guests have unrestricted use of the following equipment:
-
Double Kayaks (outfitted with special sails)
- Single
Kayaks
-
Sit-on-Top Dive Kayaks
-
Sailboards
-
Complete Research Library
-
On the island, we are in communication with the mainland via VHF
marine radio.
Accommodation...
On Day 1 to 3 at Southwest Cay, we are "base camping", sleeping in tent-walled cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents are have ample headroom to walk around and are on raised wooden floors with double or single beds. On the island, we have a fresh-water collection system for drinking water, fresh-water showers, modern composting toilets, a fully equipped kitchen. We also have a large dining area and resource library lounge.
A Note About the Ecology...
Flora...
Belize's Barrier Reef is the largest in the northern hemisphere, second largest in the world, extending 185 miles (300 km) along the coastline. Nineteen miles seaward from the eastern border of the Barrier Reef, lies Belize's most spectacular atoll - Glover's Reef. The oval shaped reef walls of the atoll climb from the ocean floor and surround a central lagoon. The surrounding reef is primarily made up of two kinds of coral, the hard hydro-coral (reef- forming coral), such as brain coral or elkhorn coral, and the soft corals, such as sea-fans and feather plumes. The sheltered lagoon at Glover's Reef harbors one of the world's most diverse sea environments; an extensive community of fish, shellfish, and patch reefs. One mile off the eastern shore of the atoll, the reef wall quickly drops 2600 feet to the ocean floor below. The interaction between the deeper open waters of the Caribbean Sea and the sheltered lagoons of the atoll results in a diversity and abundance of marine life which is unsurpassed for sea kayaking, snorkeling and diving.
Fauna...
From our base on Southwest Cay, we will have the opportunity to view a diverse range of sea-life and tropical birds. While exploring and snorkeling the atoll and the many patch reefs, there are opportunities to see grouper, bonefish, angel and parrot fish, stingrays, eagle rays,conger, moray eels, goatfish, just to name a few. Some of the bird-life includes osprey (the Billy hawk), sea gulls, brown-footed & white-footed boobies, frigate birds, hawks, mangrove warblers, and white-crowned pigeons. Around the atoll and the barrier reef, there are nesting sites for loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. If we're lucky, we may see them while out snorkeling or kayaking. We will definitely have a chance to see and sample the main staple for Belizean fishermen, the queen conch and (in season) the spiny lobster.
Getting back to Belize City...
We will make arrangements for you to return to Belize City the day after your trip ends, unless you have made other arrangements with us. We will book a domestic flight from Dangriga to Belize City. The cost of this flight back to Belize City (25 minutes) is approximately $45.00 USD per person or you can travel overland by bus (2-3 hours) for approximately $7.00 USD
Thinking about seeing other parts of Belize with Island Expeditions Co?
The Glover's Getaway combines well with a kayak rental package. You may also consider visiting our main website
Also, experienced paddlers often combine 3 days out at Glovers reef with a self-propelled adventure. Details on kayak rentals can be found at our kayak rental website <www.belizekayaking.com>
Thinking About Traveling Independently, Before or After Your Trip?
With close to two decades of exploration in Belize, our knowledgeable office staff can offer you a wealth of travel information. However, we do recommend that you read up on Belize and find what interests you. Once you find an area of interest, give our office a call, and we can help you plan the best vacation possible! |