The areas of highest interest include: Maya Ruin tours; Caves & Waterfalls; Horseback Riding; Bird Watching; River Trips to see Manatees, Howler Monkeys, Iguanas, Turtles, and sometimes Crocodiles; The Belize Zoo, housing the native animals and snakes of Belize; Snorkeling; Scuba Diving; San Pedro and HolChan, Ambergris Caye; the old and new Capital of Belize (Belize City and Belmopan); Local Villages; Wood Carvers at work; Tikal in Guatemala; and much more.

Half day Belize tours: include guide; transportation; cooler with ice and good drinking water.
Full day Belize tours: same as half day tour, but also includes lunch and soft drinks.
What to bring: Loose fitting, light weight, tropical type clothing; outdoor or tennis shoes, a good sun hat with chin strap is helpful, day pack, water bottle, camera, binoculars

Half Day Tours

BELIZE CITY:
The old capital of British Honduras is situated on the coast & is surrounded by mangroves. It is still the busiest & largest population center of Belize. The Swing Bridge, St. John's Cathedral, Foreshore, Courthouse, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and Princess Margaret Drive are areas of interest. Included in this visit is a stop at Her Majesty's prison, which is now the Belize museum. The museum has a showing of pictures of old British Honduras and a wonderful collection of Mayan artifacts. You will also have a chance to shop for souvenirs.

THE BELIZE ZOO:
This is the home to approximately 100 species of native Belizean animals. Animals live as close to natural habitat as possible while at the zoo. Visit the otters and don't miss the jaguars, tapirs, toucans and margay! While small, this is "must see" place on your vacation in Belize!

SNORKEL THE BARRIER REEF:
A short boat trip to the reef where you can snorkel. See the exotic tropical fish & many types of colorful coral. Relax & enjoy the beautiful blue Caribbean.

BELIZE "OLDE" RIVER:
The Belize "Olde" River was the mainstream of activity for the first European settlers who used the river to transport logwood & mahogany. Settlements along the river still bear the names of those who first staked out claims and worked the area. Crocodiles, iguanas, many species of birds, snakes, turtles, howler monkeys, possibly a manatee, and the flora of the area are also sites on this eco-tour.

Full Day Tours

BEST OF THE WEST:
(The Belize Zoo, Xunantunich Maya site & Cahal Pech Maya site): Spend the day exploring the Belize Zoo, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. Explore the Belize Zoo and visit many of Belize's native animals, birds and wildlife. Visit the otters and don't miss the jaguars! Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock) was a major ceremonial Mayan site overlooking the Guatemala border and Cayo district. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the largest temple of this site and gaze across the expanse of the remains of this great Maya City. Travel on to Cahal Pech (Place of the Tick), which is a beautifully restored elite Maya family residential area, located near the town of San Ignacio. Walk through the archways and see how the Maya lived.

THE OTHER WEST:
(Guanacaste Park, Xunantunich, & Butterfly farm): Birding, Butterflies and Ruins: Start your morning visiting Guanacaste Park, one of Belize's many wonderful reserves. Wander the nature trails looking at the flora and fauna and searching for the MotMot or some of the other colorful birds of Belize. Continue on to Xunantunich Maya site, which was a major ceremonial site. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the largest temple of this site. Xunantunich also offers scenic nature trails for birding. This time, you will finish off your day with a stop at the "Trek Stop" butterfly farm. Wander under the enclosed tent with butterflies fluttering all around you. See if you can name all the different species.

NATURE'S WEST:
(The Belize Zoo, Guanacaste Park & the Inland Blue Hole): Explore the Belize Zoo and visit many of Belize's native animals, birds and wildlife. Visit the otters and don't miss the Jaguars! Continue your day with a visit to Guanacaste Park, one of Belize's many wonderful reserves. Wander the nature trails looking at the flora and fauna while searching for the MotMot or some of the other colorful birds of Belize. Continue on to the Inland Blue Hole, offering many jungle trails great for birding. This is a great place to end your day with a swim in the cool waters of the Inland Blue Hole.

ALTUN HA MAYA SITE & BELIZE CITY:
Altun Ha (Rockstone Water) is the nearest major Maya ruin from the Lodge. Altun Ha was a major trading center during the Classic Period. The famous jade head of the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau, was uncovered here. This site is a birder's paradise. Belize City is the old capital of British Honduras and is situated on the coast and is surrounded by mangroves. It is still the busiest and largest population center in Belize. The Swing Bridge, St. John's Cathedral, Foreshore, Courthouse, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, & Princess Margaret Drive are areas of interest. You will also have a chance to visit the Old Majesty's Prison which has been converted into a wonderful museum. This is also a great time to shop for souvenirs.

LAMANAI MAYA SITE & NEW RIVER:
See birds and other wildlife as you boat up the New River to Lamanai (Submerged Crocodile). You will experience the mystical spirit of this Mayan ruin as you walk trails through the jungle visiting the different acropolises. This was one of the longest occupied sites in the Mundo Maya world. Lamanai also has a very interesting museum.

MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE:
Enjoy a relaxing day traveling through our 300 sq. mile forest reserve, comprised of hills and valleys, rivers and waterfalls, swimming pools and caves, all surrounded by magnificent Pine forests. Swim in our enticing natural pools. Road and weather conditions allowing, you will travel to the Hidden 1000 ft. Falls, a spectacular site amid the tropical rainforest. (4 person minimum)

CHECHEMHA MAYA POTTERY CAVE & BUTTERFLY FARM:
Lead by an experienced native guide, hike about 30 minutes uphill to the entrance of Che Chem Ha cave. The entrance opens into a vast array of winding limestone passageways and tall, narrow rooms filled with ancient Mayan pottery dating back 1500-2000 years. At the end of the cave is a large room believed to have been used for sacrificial ceremonies. Evidence of a sacrificial altar is still evident. This tour requires a certain degree of physical fitness. The Butterfly Center located in Succotz and has been created to raise awareness and understanding of the local environment for locals and visitors. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural history and geography of Belize with an emphasis on the Cayo District. Visitors are lead through displays of butterflies, moths, insects and amphibians, and archaeological artifacts. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to explain and answer questions. There is also an interactive area focusing on the lifecycles of forest life and the fragility of their ecosystems.

MANGROVE CATHEDRALS,
MANATEE WATCH, & MIAMI BEACH:
Enjoy the boat ride through the spectacular 60 - 90 foot high red mangroves, which are the tallest in all of Belize. Examples of the competition between the environment and development will be pointed out and explained as mangroves are an absolutely essential part of the ecosystem. Continue on in search of manatees in areas that they frequently visit. You will pass by St. George's Caye, the unofficial capital of British Honduras, settled by the British in the 1600's. Swim at Miami Beach, which isn't a beach at all, but a shallow white sand bottom in crystal clear water, frequented by a variety of saltwater fish.

SNORKEL THE BARRIER REEF:
Snorkel the day away watching exotic tropical fish and observing the many different types of colorful coral. Sunbathe & picnic on an island in privacy. Spend a relaxing day snorkeling and enjoying the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef.

COMMUNITY BABOON SANCTUARY & CROOKED TREE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:
Visit the baboon (Belizean local name for the black howler monkey) ranger station and learn about the howler monkey and the local wildlife. Hike through the Bermundian Landing sanctuary and see the howler monkeys in their natural habitat. Continue on to Crooked Tree, an excellent spot for bird watching and home of the annual May cashew festival. See the nests of the Jabiru stork and if you are lucky, the actual Jabiru itself.

BARTON CREEK CAVE CANOEING & BOTANICAL GARDEN AT DUPLOOY'S:
Barton Creek Cave was an ancient Maya Indian burial site. The cave is only accessible by canoe and within the cave you will see evidence of the Maya along with pottery. The formations of stalactites and stalagmites are also beautiful. The trip to the cave is very scenic and passes through the Barton Creek Mennonite community. You will get a glimpse of the Mennonites as they go about their daily routines. After the cave canoe trip you will want to take a swim in the crystal clear waters of Barton Creek. Finish your adventure with a walk through the beautiful garden at Duplooy's. Learn about the use of local trees, shrubs and flowers in Belizean society. (4 person minimum)

COMMUNITY BABOON SANCTUARY
& BELIZE OLDE RIVER:
Visit the baboon (Belizean local name for the black howler monkey) ranger station and learn about the howler monkey and the local wildlife. Hike through the Bermundian Landing sanctuary and see the howler monkeys in their natural habitat. You will then meet a BRL guide and visit the Belize Olde River by skiff. The river was the mainstream of activity for the first European settlers who used the river to transport logwood and mahogany. Settlements along the river still bear the names of those that first staked out claims and worked the area. Crocodiles, iguanas, many species of birds, snakes, turtles, howler monkeys and the flora of the area are also sites on this tour.

CARACOL MAYA SITE:
Available in the Dry Season Only. Travel deep into the Chiquibul Forest Park, to the Mayan site of Caracol (The Snail). Caracol is still being excavated, yet it has already offered many changes to the previously formed concepts about the Maya. Evidence shows that Caracol is bigger than Tikal in Guatemala, and won a war over Tikal. Caana (the sky palace) is the largest temple at the site, and the largest building in the country of Belize today. A museum is open at the site. (Please note 3 hour drive time into site, so an early departure from the Lodge is required. 4 person minimum)

AERIAL TREK CANOPY TOUR (ZIP LINE) & CAVE TUBING:
Visit Belize's jungle in a new and exciting manner as you gently glide over the rain forest along steel cables from platform to platform. This tour will offer a total of 8 platforms and uses technology heavily borrowed from rock climbing and features a double line with redundancy to provide safety. Jaguar Paw was the first Canopy tour in Belize and uses lines that were built to approved International standards. This aerial trek canopy tour offers an adventurer a thrilling opportunity to sour through the jungle treetops above the forest floor. Combine the day with river tubing. After an approximate one hour hike though the jungle and across the Caves Branch River, you will begin the tour. While cave tubing Belize, you will float through five cave tunnels back to the originating point. Along the way, you will see the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites within the cave systems. Both tours are fully guided and along the way, on both tours, the guides will explain the different areas of the ecosystem that you are experiencing.

ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL
(ATM) CAVE:
A beautiful cave tour that begins after a hike through the lush subtropical forest near the Tapir Mountain Reserve. Within the cave you will see sparking stalactites and stalagmites and magnificent Mayan artifacts that reveal the mystical world of the Maya. (Early departure from the Lodge is required to make the tour in time. Transportation to tour site is at an additional cost.)

IAN ANDERSON'S CAVE TOURS:
Explore the Mayan ceremonial caves (Xibalba). Mayan shamans & priests used these caves for many ceremonial purposes. There are two tours that we recommend, Footprint Cave, which is a float tube wet tour, and Ceremonial Cave, which is a dry cave tour. View the ceremonial alters, artifacts, pottery, along with natural cave crystal stalagmites and stalactites. Enjoy your day exploring the mystical world of Xibalba. Cave tours require some underground hiking and jungle trekking. Tours are subject to high water levels during the rainy season. (Early departure from the Lodge is required to make the tour in time. Transportation to tour site is at an additional cost.)

SMUGGLER'S RUN HORSEBACK
RIDING & ALTUN HA MAYA SITE:
You will be horseback riding through lush greenery, under wonderful overhanging trees and beautiful flowers. The majestic calls of Belize's exotic birds are your background music. Relax in your western-style saddle and enjoy your fully guided nature adventure while the sounds of nature surround you. Whether you begin or end your day at the Maya site of Altun Ha, you will experience one of Belize's many wonders. Altun Ha was a major trading center during the Maya Classic Period. You will be able to wander through the plazas and experience the wonder of a past civilization.

TIKAL MAYA SITE BY AIR:
Fly into Guatemala and travel deep into the jungle to the Mayan site of Tikal and the temples of the grand jaguar. Of all the Maya sites in the region, Tikal is one of the most restored. Approximately 90,000 people lived around this acropolis. Exotic birds, wildlife, & the sacred Ceiba tree will be seen on this tour. Tikal also has a large museum.

SCUBA DIVING:
Explore the reef from the bottom up. Dive amid the coral of the Barrier Reef, swimming with the tropical fish. Certified divers only.

Day water tours and fishing available for cruise ship passengers.