Belize Barrier Reef
Belize - Jewel of the Caribbean aboard Le Levant
Departure Dates
Trip Summary
Just off the coast of Central America is a jewel of the Caribbean: the Belize Barrier Reef. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, this massive coral reef ecosystem is home to more than 70 types of coral and hundreds of species of brilliantly colored fish and marine invertebrates. Angel fish, spotted eagle ray, Hawksbill sea turtle, and schools of snapper and jack numbering in the thousands all inhabit the azure waters of this remarkable coral community.
Enjoy an unparalleled opportunity to explore the three major coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere - Lighthouse Reef, Glover's Reef, and the Turneffe Islands. Visit tropical islands with white sand beaches, groves of palm trees, and belts of mangroves. Snorkel and swim in renowned sites such as the Blue Hole - a perfectly round collapsed cave with spectacular coral reefs surrounding a circle of deep blue water.
Throughout the program, experience the 5-star accommodations and service and fine cuisine of the world-class expedition vessel, Le Levant.
Members of the American Museum of Natural History and the Harvard Museum of Natural History will accompany us on this adventure. The Belize Barrier Reef is an ideal destination for viewing warm water coral ecosystems and marine wildlife. I hope you will join us.
Itinerary
Day 1
Friday, January 4
U.S. / Belize City, Belize
Fly to Belize City today and board Le Levant, our home for the next seven nights. Attend a welcome reception and dinner this evening with fellow travelers as the ship sails toward the Mesoamerican Reef-a priority area for protection. The reef is part of a larger interconnected system of currents and habitats that stretch throughout the Caribbean basin and beyond. Its massive structure provides an important defense against storms and coastal erosion, while the living reef and associated ecosystems support recreation and commercial fishing.
Lodging:Le Levant (D)
Day 2
Saturday, January 5
South Water Cay / Carrie Bow Cay
Following a snorkeling instruction session this morning, discover the underwater wonders of South Water Cay Marine Reserve. In calm, clear waters, snorkel the reef in search of shy sea turtle, endangered manatee, shark, and ray. You might even catch a glimpse of a rare long-snout seahorse. This afternoon visit the Carrie Bow Cay Marine Research Field Station to learn about the reef's ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Alternatively, go bird watching by Zodiac to look for sooty tern, brown noddy, and frigatebird.
Lodging:Le Levant (B, L, D)
Day 3
Sunday, January 6
Laughing Bird Cay National Park
Discover the shallow reefs of Laughing Bird Cay, located within the protection of the main barrier reef and encompassing an extraordinary ecosystem teeming with rainbow-colored fish and amazing coral. Queen angelfish, bluehead wrasse, and queen triggerfish are just some of the spectacular species found here. Snorkeling guides help identify the variety of coral formations. Above water, look for magnificent frigatebird, red-footed booby, and brown pelican.
Lodging:Le Levant (B, L, D)
Day 4
Monday, January 7
Glover's Reef
Today explore the variety of reef topography in Glover's Reef Atoll - renowned for the clarity of the water and the remarkable profusion of marine life. The atoll is an important nursery and feeding ground for lobster, conch, and finfish. Look for sea turtle and dolphin. Explore Elkhorn Crossing, known for Glover's golden coral gardens, and Gorgonia's Gallery, where huge coral spires dominate the deep scenery of this atoll. With more than 700 patch reefs and numerous seagrass beds, Glover's Atoll is also an important spawning ground for grouper.
Lodging:Le Levant (B, L, D)
Days 5 - 6
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 8 & 9
Lighthouse Reef
Spend two days exploring remote Lighthouse Reef, a body of pure coral interspersed with sandy islets. Two special features of the reef are the red-footed booby reserve on Half Moon Cay and a spectacular geologic formation, the Blue Hole.
Set like a carafe of indigo ink in the colorful center of a shallow reef, this perfectly circular void, 1,000 feet across, has vertical walls that plummet 400 feet through crystal-clear water to a distant dark bottom. The lip of the structure features one of the richest shallow-water coral communities found anywhere. By Zodiac explore nearby mangrove thickets whose ecological function is essential to the survival of the reef ecosystem and the creatures that live here.
Lodging:Le Levant ( B , L , D)
Day 7
Thursday, January 10
Turneffe Islands
The Turneffe Islands are the third and largest of Belize's major atolls. Here, discover a diversity of habitats, including dense mangrove colonies, shallow coral ecosystems, and steep wall environments. Snorkel among sea fan, soft coral, tube sponge, and hard coral during our last day of exploration in this magical environment. This evening celebrate this Belize adventure at the captain's farewell reception and dinner.
Lodging:Le Levant (B, L, D)
Day 8
Friday, January 11
Belize City / U.S.
Disembark the ship this morning in Belize City and drive to the airport for flights home. ( B )
Note: Snorkeling from beach or Zodiac is offered every day, depending on weather and sea conditions, with instruction available for all levels of experience. Scuba diving is not offered as part of this program. Interested participants may contract directly with a local provider to join independent diving excursions at certain locations along the cruise.
Price: $
Single Supplement: $
Days 9 - 12
Extension to Tikal, Guatemala
Hieroglyphic texts suggest that Tikal, in what is now Guatemala, served as capital of the ancient Maya civilization more than 1,200 years ago. Explore this grand archaeological site, featuring the highest temple-pyramids in the New World, located deep within a wildlife preserve. Tikal is also a prime area for viewing both howler and spider monkeys, and the jungle canopy is alive with parrots, toucans, and woodpeckers. All meals and on-tour flights between Belize City and Flores (Tikal) are included. Details and rates will be sent to confirmed participants.
Extension to Tikal, Guatemala
Price: $
Single Supplement: $
Study Leaders
Karel Liem
Henry Bryant Bigelow Professor of Ichthyology at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology, is a popular lecturer and author, and winner of several teaching awards. He is an expert on the relationships between and within species of fish.
Susan Perkins
Susan Perkins is a Curator in the Division of Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History. Her microbiology research has involved extensive fieldwork throughout the Caribbean. She has enjoyed leading several nature travel expeditions.
Joel Simon
Joel Simon is a marine biologist and freelance photographer with more than 20 years of experience as a study leader in coral reef environments. His images have been published in magazines including Time, Outdoor Photographer, and Travel & Leisure.
About Le Levant
Le Levant is a superb expedition cruise ship built in France and staffed by a 50-person French crew dedicated to outstanding service. She carries 90 passengers in 45 cabins, each measuring 195 square feet and featuring large sleeping quarters whose beds can be configured as queen-size or two twins. Each cabin includes a sitting area, private marble bath with shower, bathrobes, hair dryer, satellite TV, generous storage space, minibar, safe, and individual temperature controls. A large picture window affords scenic views.
Le Levant's public areas include the Grand Salon for lectures and presentations, two restaurants that accommodate all passengers at one seating, two bars, a library, small exercise room and wading pool, steam room, boutique, and salon. There is an on-board physician. She also features an aft marina with a swimming platform and freshwater shower, and motorized Zodiacs to whisk passengers to the best beaches and snorkeling sites.
Costs
Category C
Champlain Deck
Double: $4,990
Single: $8,490 (Limited availability)
Category B
La Pérouse Deck
Double: $6,790
Single: $11,590 (Limited availability)
Category A
Bougainville Deck
Double: $7,990
Airfare: Airfare is not included in the program rates. As of March, 2007, international roundtrip airfare between Dallas/Ft. Worth and Belize City is approximately $540 per person. Our tour operator for this program is happy to help you with all of your air travel arrangements.
What is Included: Seven nights aboard Le Levant, Meals as specified in the itinerary, Bottled water during shore excursions and wine with lunches and dinners aboard ship, All excursions, Comprehensive educational program by study leader, expedition leader, and local guides, Gratuities to local guides, drivers, and ship's staff, Entrance fees, Snorkeling instruction, International departure tax and port taxes, Pre-departure materials, including reading list, travel information, and luggage tags, Baggage handling and transfers for those traveling on group flights, Professional tour management throughout.
What's not Included: U.S. domestic and international airfare, Accident/baggage/cancellation insurance, Baggage handling and transfers for those not traveling on group flights, Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour, Excess baggage charges, Medical expenses, Meals not specified in the itinerary and dishes, beverages, and liquor not part of included meals, Laundry or valet services, Telephone or fax charges, Other items of a purely personal nature and not stated as included.
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.