Wild Belize Escape
Dates: January 31- February 5, 2024
Book by August 31 and receive a $700/person air credit!
Join either a six or nine day expedition in stunning Central America!
Wander through Belize's tropical wilderness and kayak or paddleboard along white sand beaches. Take a dip in turquoise lagoons with unique opportunity to snorkel alongside sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish win the world's second largest coral reef system.
The Belize Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the Northern Hemisphere, reveals hundreds of species of fish, marvelous sea turtles, graceful rays, gentle manatees, and over 90 varieties of coral. Much of Belize remains genuine wilderness, with large expanses of dense tropical forest, miles of wild rivers, and abundant bird life.
Extend your trip by visiting the stunning ruins of the Ancient Maya World. Discover seldom-visited Yaxhá, a critical ceremonial site and the third largest ruins of the Maya world and then spend a day at Tikal among extensive, well-preserved stone temples, palaces, ceremonial platforms, terraces, and roads cloaked in lush, wildlife-harboring vegetation.
The National Geographic Quest accommodates 100 guests across 50 cabins and comes equipped with open air space, observation deck, dining space, Zodiacs, kayaks and more!
To make a reservation, contact Lindblad Expeditions at 888-773-9007 or groups@expeditions.com.
Costs and Inclusions
Pricing includes all meals indicated, all alcoholic (except some premium bands) and nonalcoholic beverages, fitness center access, all excursions, daily activities and more! Air fare, passport/visa fees, meals not indicated are not included.
Prices listed below are per person
| Cat. 1 | Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 | Cat. 4 | Cat. 5 | Cat. 1 Solo | Cat. 2 Solo | |
| Wild Belize Escape | $4,660 | $4,750 | $5,070 | $5,350 | $6,170 | $6,550 | $6,990 |
|
Belize to Tikal: Reefs, Rivers & Ruins of the Maya World |
$6,650 | $6,940 | $7,260 | $7,540 | $8,360 | $8,930 | $9,370 |
Bring the kids: Take $500 off the double occupancy price for each person under 18.
Post Tour Extension: Belize to Tikal: Reefs, Rivers and Ruins of the Maya World
The expedition continues inside the Maya Biosphere Reserve- which is twice the size of Yellowstone National Park. Journey deep into the Jungles of Guatemala led by a local guide to discover the spectacular Mayan temples and pyramids of both Tikal and Yaxhá and see over 400 bird species as well as monkeys.
Accommodations
National Geographic Quest gives you rare access to the turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches of the Mesoamerican Reef. She is equipped with a fleet of onboard tools—snorkel gear for every guest, Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards—so you can experience this vibrant habitat up close and with all your senses. A supremely comfortable ship, National Geographic Quest features open decks, spacious cabins, generous windows, and an accommodating bow area. Life aboard ship is warm and welcoming. The lounge graciously accommodates the expedition community during evening Recaps, and the casual dining room serves meals in a single seating with unassigned tables for easy mingling.
Itinerary
Itinerary stops and sequence subject to modification.
Arrive in Belize City where we embark National Geographic Quest. (D)
Awake anchored in the northern cayes of the Mesoamerican Reef System, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in terms of scale and biodiversity. Enjoy a full day to further explore this dynamic ecosystem. Take to the water by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or don a mask and fins and dive into turquoise waters to encounter sea turtles, swirling schools of tropical fish, and gentle nurse sharks. For scuba divers, incredible dive opportunities abound (additional cost). (B,L,D)
Spend the morning discovering Mayflower-Bocawina National Park. Join the naturalists for a hike along one of the trails to photograph tropical plants, scan the treetops for winged wonders, and spot the tracks of tapirs and jungle cats. The national park is dotted with remote and strategically placed “camera traps,” which frequently capture images of the legendary and mystical jaguar, so revered in Maya culture. At Bocawina, we learn about ongoing research into the behaviors of Belize's jaguars from scientists and researchers. Tonight, enjoy a festive music performance by the internationally acclaimed drumming group The Garifuna Collective. (B,L,D)
At morning light, we are at the mouth of Monkey River, where we board Zodiacs to cruise inland through the Belizean jungle in search of toucans, green iguanas, and myriad bird species. Few experiences rival hearing the first throaty roar of a mantled howler monkey echoing across the canopy. This afternoon, the Belize Barrier Reef calls us, home to idyllic sandy isles and vibrant corals, where we enjoy more opportunities to explore by snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. For scuba divers, there are incredible dive opportunities (additional cost). (B,L,D)
Our second straight day on the reef brings us into the central cayes where we anchor close and go snorkeling, paddleboarding, diving, or kayaking inside the fringing reef. Coral patches dot the shallow lagoon, harboring parrotfish, butterflyfish, octopus, and other marine species. (B,L,D)
Return to Belize City overnight and disembark after breakfast to transfer to the international airport for your flight home. Or continue on our land excursion to Tikal and Yaxhá. (B)
Contact Us
Alumnae/i Relations and Development
Helfarian
101 North Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: 610-526-5532
Fax: 610-526-5228
bmcalum@brynmawr.edu