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Explore a vibrant reef and lush jungles
Discover the tropical wonders of Belize on a voyage along the country’s coastline and reef system. With National Geographic Sea Lion as your base of exploration, snorkel the colorful corals of the Belize barrier reef, skirt the shores of white-sand islands by kayak and stand-up paddleboard, and swim in turquoise lagoons teeming with marine life. Discover the Northern Hemisphere’s largest and most vibrant reef system—a region seldom explored and known to few. Head inland to explore lush jungles on foot; and cruise coastal rivers in Zodiacs, seeking out howler monkeys and toucans in the surrounding rainforest canopy.
Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in turquoise lagoons and board Zodiacs to cruise wildlife-rich coastal rivers
Spot turtles, rays, and myriad species of colorful fish while snorkeling or diving the coral gardens of the Belize barrier reef
Join a naturalist for a hike in Mayflower Bocawina National Park and learn about the latest research on jaguars
Enjoy a festive drumming performance from the internationally acclaimed Garifuna Collective
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Duration
6 Days
Price
From $4,110 per person
(does not include flight)
Dates
Jan
Feb
Special offers
BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS
BRINGING THE KIDS
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Belize & Guatemala, Wild Escapes
Day By Day
Make the expedition as active as you choose. Go on an aerobic hike, take a stroll along the beach, or choose to simply get a massage aboard and relax. Explore by Zodiac and on foot with further options each day for more physical activities such as longer hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or biking. Scuba diving the reef is also available for experience divers.
Standard
Embark
Belize City, Belize
Disembark
Belize City, Belize
Special Offers
Special Offers
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View DirectoryDaily Expedition Reports
2/12/2022
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Half Moon Caye and the Great Blue Hole, Belize
The sun rose today with the promise of a fantastic day. As we swung on the mooring on the south side of Half Moon Caye at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, we observed the 50 feet drop-off below us, which dropped 1,500 additional feet to a deep cobalt blue. Everyone was excited as we sped six miles north to the Great Blue Hole. A beautiful rim of shallow corals surrounds a 1,000-foot wide marine sinkhole, a collapsed cavern in a now submerged cave system. Purple sea fans, green rope sponges and various mounds of stony corals are home to fish of so many shapes and colors. The highlight was a great hammerhead that swam into the Blue Hole just 20 feet below a group of snorkelers. Back at Half Moon Caye, baby red-footed boobies have grown quickly and become more active. The birds move around their flimsy nests in the orange-flowered ziricote trees. Unfortunately, the nests become unstable sometimes, and a baby falls. Today, two baby birds were rescued from the forest floor and taken for rehabilitation to the Belize Audubon Society’s field station and then to the Belize Bird Rescue. In a few weeks, the boobies will return to their home for a soft release back into the wild. With a painted sunset, the day ended for happy explorers onboard National Geographic Sea Lion .
2/11/2022
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Monkey River and Laughingbird Caye
We woke up early this morning to venture upstream on the Monkey River. Our early morning start gave us an opportunity to view wildlife during the most active time of day, just after dawn. Starting in Monkey River Town, we picked up our guides who expertly navigated the shallow river while pointing out shore dwelling birds and iguanas. Farther upriver, we heard what sounded like dinosaurs in the trees. We slowed our motors and viewed a whole troop of howler monkeys feeding. Male howler monkeys have an enlarged hyoid bone in their throat that amplifies their voice, making each “howl” identifiable for miles around. After our jungle cruise, we repositioned the boat to Laughingbird Caye, a national park and World Heritage Site. We spent the afternoon lounging and snorkeling. Calm seas allowed for impressive views of the corals and shoaling fish. Some snorkelers even spotted nurse sharks and barracudas in the shallows. Just another day in paradise here in Belize!
2/10/2022
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National Geographic Sea Lion
West Snake Caye and Payne’s Creek National Park
Today we celebrate Belize’s beauty below and above her crystal blue waters. The first day of our expedition gives us an idea of the diversity and density of charismatic animals.
2/7/2022
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Laughing Bird and Silk Cayes, Belize
This morning, we awoke as the ship cruised to Laughing Bird Caye. This national park is named for the laughing gulls that make themselves heard from just about anywhere onshore. In the morning, we motored ashore the small 1.8-acre white sand paradise where we relaxed, kayaked and snorkeled. Laughing Bird Caye is unique not only for its national park protections but also for its active coral restoration zone. After a thorough exploration of the reef, we got back on the ship to reposition to the Silk Cayes. These “islands” are mostly beautiful reefs with a pile of protected sand in the middle, with hardly a palm tree supported. Local lobster fisherman were cleaning their catch in the shallow sandy bottom, and we were treated to a feeding frenzy of rays, turtles and sharks, all eager to pick up scraps discarded by the fisherman. After snorkeling, we swam ashore to bask in the sun and drink cocktails. It was the perfect end to an ocean-filled day.
2/6/2022
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Monkey River and Placencia, Belize
Mother Nature smiled on our group today and showed us everything from howler monkeys, birds, iguanas, flowers, and crocodiles to the tiny sac-wing bats clinging to a tree trunk overhanging the riverbank. The group was able to get up close and personal with the jungle when we took a hike which culminated with the spotting of an entire troop of howler monkeys that were not shy about making their whereabouts known! If you’ve seen Jurassic Park , you will have heard that sound before! After that delightful river safari, it was back to National Geographic Sea Lion for brunch. In the afternoon, we were treated to the drumming and energetic singing of one of the most popular bands in Belize: The Garifuna Collective! Since we were at anchor in the Placencia Harbor, it was just a short Zodiac ride to the Placencia Yacht Club where the performance took place. This dynamic group of musicians had everyone swaying to the rhythm of the music and many even dancing and singing along. As the sun sank towards the underworld, we headed back to National Geographic Sea Lion , and thus ended another beautiful day in Belize.
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Wild Escapes
Wild Escapes 2022-23
2022-23 Voyages | Expeditions.com