Helicopter Excursions

Home , Hol Chan Marine Reserve

EXCURSIONS Belize is definitely one of the best adventure destinations in the Caribbean and the list of things to do is never ending. Below is a partial list of excursions you might be interested in. We offer many day trips as well as overnight trips for your pleasure and can also assist in arrangements for spending a part of your trip exploring other parts of Belize. We also offer custom excursions catering to your every whim. Just let us know what you want and we’ll do our best to make it available.

HELICOPTER EXCURSIONS

HELICOPTER CHARTER AND REEF OVER TRANSFER

This is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of your entire trip. Once you land in Belize City, you can quickly clear customs and transfer directly to Azul Resort in the privacy of your own helicopter. After leaving from the Belize International Airport, the flight takes you directly to the exotic view of the world’s second largest reef, Belize’s Barrier Reef. See the small cayes along the reef as they drench in the midst of the deep blue waters, such as Coffee Caye, Montego Caye and Long Caye. Following the path of the reef, be amazed at the different shades of colors and look closely as you might see a manatee, dolphin or shark in the waters. You will then fly over Caye Chapel, an island made up almost entirely of one big golf course. Then, cross over the split of our sister island, Caye Caulker, and see how a past hurricane divided the caye into two separate parts. Further up the Reef you will be able to view the most popular snorkeling site in Belize, Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The flight continues further along the reef where you can be dazzled by the water view that borders our Reef until arriving to the final destination of Azul Resort, the only helipad on the island.

For safety purposes, each passenger will be weighed prior to departure. For passengers and baggage exceeding the helicopter weight limit, we will transfer your bags on Tropic Air at no additional cost. Your bags will arrive approximately 1-2 hours after your arrival, so be sure to pack a small lightweight carry-on bag with your necessities until your bags arrive (bathing suit, sunscreen, shorts, etc.) NOTE: Weight limit is 725 pounds max for the Bell jet Ranger (3-4 passenger) and 1000lbs max for the Long Ranger (5-6 passenger)

Private Helicopter Adventure to the Maya Mountains, Waterfalls, Mayan Ruins of Altun Ha & Lamanai plus Airboat Tour Your adventure will begin once you board your private helicopter at Azul Resort. This unique adventure will take you to see the Longest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere and the Mayan Mountains Rivers, Valleys and Waterfalls among others. As you depart you will head south down the path of the Reef where you will be able to see the most popular snorkeling site in Belize, Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The flight continues further along the reef where you can be dazzled by the water view. You will then pass over Caye Caulker where you will be able to have a bird’s eye view of the split that was caused after a hurricane in Belize.

Further along you will see many other cayes, along the way keep your eyes open for sharks, stingrays, manatees and dolphins. Continuing along heading west toward the city, you will be able to see the great St. George’s Caye, a historic place where a battle took place in 1790 between the Spaniards and the Baymen. The Baymen were successful and claimed their independence from the Spanish.

Next you will fly by Belize City heading to the Northern Lagoon. Then it’s out to the green pastures of the beautiful forest of Belize. On your scenic helicopter journey to Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Heliport your flight takes you over the winding Sibun River with its many twist and turns. You will then fly over Caves Branch where you will be able to see the beauty of the river as it flows through the cave system. This area encompasses 58,000 acres that are situated beneath a 100 ft rainforest canopy and is bordered by the turquoise waters of caves Branch River. Ahead of Caves Branch lays the deep forest of the Mountain Pine Ridge. You will get a bird’s eye’s view of Belize’s pristine jungles, rivers, caves, limestone arches and mountains.

Your flight will then take you over the winding Sibun River with its many twist and turns. Then it’s out to the green pastures of the beautiful forest of Belize. Fly over the small but famous bathing spots such as Freetown Sibun, Butcher Burns, Cedar Bank and Gracy Rock Bank. You then fly over Caves Branch, this area encompasses 58,000 acres that are situated beneath a 100 ft rainforest canopy and is bordered by the turquoise waters of Caves Branch River. Ahead of Caves Branch lays the deep forest of Mountain Pine Ridge. Not long after your eyes start to dazzle at the sparkling water that runs from the largest waterfall in Belize and Central America; called 1000 ft falls. Even though the name suggest otherwise, this waterfall is closer to 1600 feet. You will get a view of the entire falls, which is totally unlike the ground tour where you never get to see the falls in its entirety while floating from above. Your flight then heads west as it glides over the lush unspoiled Mountain Pine Ridge where you will see up to 6 additional waterfalls. The flight heads over to the Altun Ha Maya Ruins located 31 miles north of Belize City. Altun Ha means Water of the Rock. It was here that the largest carved jade object in the whole Maya area, a Jade Head, was found. This Jade Head represents the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, and can be seen in the corner of every Belizean banknote. Altun Ha was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period (250-900 A.D) and functioned as a vital trading center linking the Caribbean shores with other Maya centers. You will view the most visited Mayan Site in Belize from above as it looks so peaceful yet magnificent.

Continuing on the journey, you will fly over a rainforest canopy that sweeps across Northern Belize and not further along is the famous Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Feel free like the birds as they flock around at the lake where they come every year for mating season. Crooked Tree is popular not only for bird watching, but also for fishing. Not long after leaving Crooked Tree you will fly over the Lamanai Maya Ruins.

The meaning of Lamanai is Submerged Crocodile. It is located in the Orange Walk district on the New River Lagoon. Lamanai, being one of Belize's largest ceremonial centers, displays the more exotic features of ancient Maya art and architecture. Lamanai had one of the longest occupation spans, dating from 1500 B.C to the 19th century A.D. See it as very few have seen it flying over and around it as you get to have a first-hand air experience of one of the most ancient historical Maya Ruins.

You will then land next to the New River Lagoon where a private Airboat will pick you up and launch on your way to the Mayan Ruins of Lamanai for your private tour of the site; your guide will walk you through and give you a unique insight to the details of this amazing place (lunch can be arranged at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge, before or after your private tour).

Upon leaving from the heliport on your final flight, you will get a bird’s eye’s view of Lamanai, the New River Lagoon, jungles and rivers as you fly back at the end of the day. Before leaving the mainland you will fly over the Northern Lagoon in Crooked Tree.

After leaving from the mainland, the flight takes you directly to the exotic view of the world’s second largest reef, Belize’s Barrier Reef. See the small cayes along the reef as they drench in the midst of the deep blue waters. Following the path of the reef, be amazed at the different shades of colors of the Reef and look closely as you might see a manatee, dolphin or shark in the waters.

Further down the path of the Reef you will be able to see the most popular snorkeling site in Belize, Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The flight continues further along the reef where you can be dazzled by the water view that borders our Reef until arriving to the final destination of Azul Resort.

Note: Requirements: Lunch can be arranged at the Outpost Lodge. • Wear tennis shoes (NO water shoes allowed) • Minimum Age: 8 years old

Private Helicopter Adventure to The Mayan Mountains, Waterfalls, Xunantunich & Horseback Riding

Your adventure will begin once you board your private helicopter at Azul Resort. This unique adventure will take you to see the Longest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere and the Mayan Mountains Rivers, Valleys and Waterfalls among others. As you depart you will head south down the path of the Reef where you will be able to see the most popular snorkeling site in Belize, Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The flight continues further along the reef where you can be dazzled by the water view. You will then pass over Caye Caulker where you will be able to have a bird’s eye view of the split that was caused after a hurricane in Belize.

Not long after your eyes start to dazzle at the sparkling water that runs from the largest waterfall in Belize and Central America; called 1000 ft falls. Even though the name suggest otherwise, this waterfall is closer to 1600 feet. You will get a view of the entire falls, which is totally unlike the ground tour where you never get to see the falls in its entirety while floating from above. Your flight then heads west as it glides over the lush unspoiled Mountain Pine Ridge where you will see up to 6 additional waterfalls.

You will then fly over the Xunantunich Maya Ruins. The name means "Maiden of the Rock" in the Yucatec dialect. Overlooking the Mopan River, Xunantunich, was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period. The site is composed of six major plazas, surrounded by more than twenty-five temples and palaces. The largest pyramid "El Castillo" rises 130 feet above the main plaza and offers an impressive panoramic view of the Belize's Cayo District and nearby Guatemala. “El Castillo" was the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize, until the discovery of "Canaa" at Caracol. The most notable feature on "El Castillo" is the reconstructed frieze on the east side of the lower temple. Your flight comes to end as you arrive as your next destination, the Chaa Creek Heliport.

Upon landing, you will be met by your private guide & horses. Your horseback riding tour traverses the trails of the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve through sub- tropical broadleaf forest past ancient Maya sites. As you ride along, your naturalist guide will highlight the various unique plant and wildlife species native to the reserve until you reach the top of a mountain with the most scenic view of

Xunantunich, where a wonderful picnic lunch with chilled crisp Pinot Grigio awaits. Afterwards, continue back to the spa if you would like or head back to Azul Resort.

Requirements:

• Wear tennis shoes (NO sandals or water shoes allowed) • Minimum Age: 8 years old

Private Helicopter Adventure to Cave Tubing & Canopy Your adventure will begin once you board your private helicopter at Azul Resort. This unique adventure will take you to see the Longest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere and the Mayan Mountains Rivers, Valleys and Waterfalls among others. As you depart you will head south down the path of the Reef where you will be able to see the most popular snorkeling site in Belize, Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The flight continues further along the reef where you can be dazzled by the water view, you will then pass over Caye Caulker where you will be able to have a bird’s eye view of the split that was caused after a hurricane in Belize.

You will experience the mystery and beauty of the caves and caverns of Belize. The Caves Branch team unsurpassed at guided cave exploration invites you to share in these exciting adventures, on foot or by water. All cave tours depart daily and may be subject to high water levels during the rainy season. All adventures are full day unless otherwise stated.

This is where it all started! Ian Anderson’s first and still Belize’s longest and most spectacular “River of Caves” Cave Tubing. Over 7 miles underground. Enter the exciting world of rivers disappearing into the underworld as you float on inner tubes with only your headlamp to light your way. Floating past side windows that filter the jungle light through the mist as you swirl around stalagmites jutting from the river and stalactites looming from above. Float past underground waterfalls then into the crystal cathedral, a spiritual center to the ancient Maya.

Some underground hiking and jungle trekking is necessary. This Cave is subjected to high water levels during the rainy season. This tour is only available during the rainy season since the river levels get very very low during the dry season.

This adventure combines cave tubing and cave exploration to explore this incredible river cave system where ancient Maya Ceremonial centers, pottery, artifacts, altars, obsidian blood letting blades, jade and the actual footprints of the Shaman and priests dated to 400 A.D. are still seen. Spectacular crystal formations over 5,000,000 years old cast eerie shadows into the black abyss as you explore and experience the most sacred area of the ancient Maya.

A living museum where the past can still be experienced in its historical and natural location. Massive cathedral size chambers with walls of river sculptured rock dwarf explorers as we pass on foot and inner tube. Imagine the experience as we float through a cathedral and you turn off our lights … leaving you with the sensation of floating in timelessness.

After this one of a kind adventure you will be taken via back through the jungle to Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Heliport where you will board the helicopter once more and venture into your next adventure.

Requirements:

• Wear Shorts and T-shirt • Wear tennis shoes (NO water shoes allowed) • Bring Change of clothes • Minimum Age: 8 years old

Note: Lunch can be arranged inside the Cave (must be packed in and limited to what the guide can carry). Otherwise, all meals served buffet family style at Ian Andersons’ Lodge.

As you depart from the heliport sit back and allow yourself to take in the picture perfect view of the mainland as you soar over lagoons, rivers and caves. On your scenic helicopter journey to Bak-a-Bush's Lost World Heliport your flight takes you over the winding Sibun River with its many twist and turns. Then it’s out to the green pastures of the beautiful forest of Belize.

After a short orientation and safety briefing, your journey continues across the Savannah Pine Ridge, through the untouched Belizean jungle.

At a remote clearing in the middle of the dense forest, you will enter into a cavernous tunnel which leads to a primeval rainforest encircled by crevassed rock walls more than 100 feet tall. Here dwell many creatures of the night including Vampire Bats. This is where your Chukka Canopy Tour® of the Lost World Cave begins.

A short walk takes you through the giant doorway to the cave, along a 50-foot tunnel, to the top of the rim of the cave where you will find your 1st traverse. Soar along five traverses ranging between 105 - 500 feet long above the floor of the densely populated forest stretching upwards for sunlight peeking through the rim of the cave. Each platform is perched on the inside face of this open-air crater giving you a truly amazing experience.

Your final traverse takes you to a rock shelf, protruding from the side of the large tunnel-like entrance to the cave where your tour ends with an exciting rappel to the floor.

After this once in a lifetime experience you will be taken via back through the jungle to Bak-a-Bush's Lost World Heliport where you will board the helicopter once more and venture into your next adventure.

Requirements:

• Wear comfortable clothes • Wear tennis shoes (NO water shoes allowed) • Minimum Age: 8 years old

Upon leaving from the heliport on your final flight, you will get a bird’s eye’s view of Belize’s pristine jungles, rivers, caves, limestone arches and mountains as you fly back at the end of the day. After reaching Belize City, you will go directly into the breath-taking view of the Caribbean Sea. Flying through the air you will pass over a few small cayes. Enjoy the scenery of the open blue waters just breathing in the fresh air. Further along, you will pass over southern Ambergris Caye before landing at the final destination at Azul Resort.

Private Helicopter Adventure to the Maya Mountains, Waterfalls, Mayan Ruins of Altun Ha & Lamanai plus Airboat Tour AND Ziplining Canopy We may as well call this trip “Do it all in one day” because you will be doing most everything there is to do on the mainland in one day!

The flight heads over to the Altun Ha Maya Ruins located 31 miles north of Belize City. Altun Ha means Water of the Rock. It was here that the largest carved jade object in the whole Maya area, a Jade Head, was found. This Jade Head represents the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, and can be seen in the corner of every Belizean banknote. Altun Ha was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period (250-900 A.D) and functioned as a vital trading center linking the Caribbean shores with other Maya centers. You will view the most visited Mayan Site in Belize from above as it looks so peaceful yet magnificent.

On your scenic helicopter journey to Bak-a-Bush's Lost World Heliport your flight takes you over the winding Sibun River with its many twist and turns. Then it’s out to the green pastures of the beautiful forest of Belize for ziplining! After a short orientation and safety briefing, your journey continues across the Savannah Pine Ridge, through the untouched Belizean jungle. At a remote clearing in the middle of the dense forest, you will enter into a cavernous tunnel which leads to a primeval rainforest encircled by crevassed rock walls more than 100 feet tall. Here dwell many creatures of the night including Vampire Bats. This is where your Chukka Canopy Tour® of the Lost World Cave begins.

Your final traverse takes you to a rock shelf, protruding from the side of the large tunnel-like entrance to the cave where your tour ends with an exciting rappel to the floor.

After this once in a lifetime experience you will be taken via back through the jungle to Bak-a-Bush's Lost World Heliport where you will board the helicopter once more.

Requirements:

• Wear comfortable clothes • Wear tennis shoes (NO water shoes allowed) • Minimum Age: 8 years old

Upon leaving from the heliport on your final flight, you will get a bird’s

eye’s view of Belize’s pristine jungles, rivers, caves, limestone arches and mountains as you fly back at the end of the day. After reaching Belize City, you will go directly into the breath-taking view of the Caribbean Sea. Flying through the air you will pass over a few small cayes. Enjoy the scenery of the open blue waters just breathing in the fresh air. Further along, you will pass over southern Ambergris Caye before landing at the final destination at Azul Resort.

Helicopter Adventure to the Blue Hole Your adventure will begin once you board your private helicopter at Azul Resort. This once in a lifetime adventure will take you to see 2 of the 3 atolls in Belize which has the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere and second largest in the world, stretching for more than 179 miles.

Once in flight you will head south along the Reef where you will quickly turn south- east to the next atoll, Turneffe Islands. At the cross over of the reef you will view the rushing waves that fight to get across the reef. Open your ears as the music of the waves take you far away into a relaxation zone. Keep your eyes open too; you may be one of the lucky few who get’s to see sharks, dolphins, sting rays, manatees or crocodiles along the way.

Not further along will be the beautiful view of Turneffe Islands, about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. The flight enters over the north of the Island at Mauger Caye Lighthouse. You will view the massive lighthouse structure that is located by the shore of Turneffe. You will pass over some of the cayes such as Crawl Caye, Three Corner Caye, Pelican Caye, and Cockroach Caye to name a few. At the atolls, there are about 200 cayes that are covered by mangroves. The Turneffe Islands are home to many exotic marine animals the more popular of those are the eagle rays, playful dolphins, turtles, huge green morays, giant Jew fish, nurse sharks, reef sharks, grouper, snapper and hose-eye jacks.

The adventure continues as you venture into the open ocean continuing south-east heading towards the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, beyond the barrier en route to the one of a kind Blue Hole. The Blue Hole is the largest ocean sinkhole in the world, created by a collapsed underground cavern, hence giving the appearance of a dark blue circle amidst the turquoise sea. The Blue Hole measures 1,000 ft in diameter and 460 feet in depth. It is located approximately 60 miles east from Belize City and in March of 1996 it was declared a World Heritage Site and later declared a National Monument in February of 1999.

Passing inside the Lighthouse Reef you will now see the great Blue Hole surrounded by hard reef that borders it with only two small channels breaking into it. As you go across this spectacular hole, you will be dazzled by its size and color. Going on further in the tour, the flight will take you over one of Belize’s largest protected areas, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument which encompasses 10,000 acres of atoll and 15 square miles of surrounding areas. Moving toward Long Caye on the west side of the atoll, you will pass again over the Turneffe Islands where you will be able to see once again one of the few islands with white sandy beach.

ADDITIONAL EXCURSIONS PRIVATE DEEP SEA AND REEF FISHING CHARTER

If it swims in the Caribbean sea, it can be found in Belize! Fish all day with one of the best fisherman on the island or take a break, tour the coastline, and snorkel in between catches!

Light local breakfast of coffee, fruit, and Belizean treats is onboard to jump-start your day and get you ready to do some serious fishing! In the cooler will be rum punch, water and the local favorite Belikin beer…and if you have any special requests, just let us know.

When you are ready, your captain will take you home, and if you would like, you can bring the fish back to Rojo Lounge for Jeff to prepare one of his famous fish dishes.

PRIVATE FLATS FISHING CHARTER (FULL DAY AND HALF DAY AVAILABLE)

Belize is very fortunate to posses a variety of fishing situations and habitats. Our coastline has a vast array of rivers, lagoons and brackish estuaries that hold every imaginable species of fish that lives in these environments. The Big 3 flats species, tarpon, permit, and bonefish, are all available here in abundance.

The sights and sounds of fishing shallow water are an experience that has to be experienced by everyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Fishing the warm tropical waters of the Caribbean is a rare treat for all anglers, whether you're a trout bum or hardened flats veteran. The beauty of the environment, the power of the fish, the camaraderie and sheer pleasure of walking a flat with a friend and guide will always wash away the stresses and strains of modern life. The ocean flats are pure magic, the salt air rich with anticipation and the unexpected. It is therapy for the soul, without the couch. If you love to fish, Belize is the place to do it!

PRIVATE SUNSET CHAMPAGNE SAIL

Sail along the coast of Ambergris in your very own private catamaran. Enjoy fine Champagne and gourmet appetizers such as hummus, shrimp cocktail and roasted garlic bread while enjoying the beautiful sunset. Includes pick up from Azul dock in a smaller boat, transportation to San Pedro to board the large catamaran, and transportation back to the resort after the sail just in time for a late dinner.

Bring your camera and lots of film. Windbreaker suggested as the breeze gets cooler in the evenings.

HALF DAY PRIVATE HOL CHAN AND SHARK RAY ALLEY SNORKEL

Just a 20 minute boat ride away, you can visit what has been called “The best 10 foot dive in the world” because you see so much sea life within just that. Hol Chan Marine reserve is a 5 acre protected reserve where you can swim with nurse sharks or gaze at the tropical fish. Shark Ray Alley is right next door and is popular for viewing the gorgeous sting rays and more nurse sharks in beautiful crystal clear blue water. Along the way look for dolphins and sea turtles swimming about. Afterwards, if you feel up to it, have your captain stop in San Pedro where you can shop for souvenirs before heading back. Just coordinate with your captain the time you want to meet him at the dock for the trip back. Rojo Lounge can pack a cooler with beer, sodas, water and snacks for your trip if you’d like. Also includes private guide and boat, park fees and roundtrip transportation from Azul Resort.

TWO STOP SNORKEL TRIP AND A VISIT TO THE ISLAND OF CAYE CAULKER ON THE CATAMARAN, SEADUCTION Seaduction is a 38’ Fountaine Pajot Athena Catamaran that combines high performance with style and comfort. Enjoy laying on the front of the boat watching the water pass by. The boat is equipped with a head (bathroom) and is beautifully appointed. This a snorkel trip in comfort.

This is a wonderful day filled with sun, fun and snorkeling. We start the day by sailing out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve where we will do our first snorkel stop. Then we head on to Shark Ray Alley where you will encounter sharks and rays in their natural habitat.

Once back on board you can rinse off with the fresh water shower and settle in for the short sail to Caye Caulker where you will have time to find a spot for lunch and explore our quaint sister island. In the afternoon we head home to San Pedro after a great relaxing day. This trip includes beer, sodas, rum punch and chips and homemade salsa to snack on.

You may also travel via private catamaran. We can pack a custom picnic lunch and a cooler full of wine, champagne, beers, margaritas and more. Inquire for more information.

CORAL GARDENS DAY SAIL

This is another great day on the water on the Seaduction catamaran. Sail to Coral Gardens for a delightful snorkel stop. Your guides will navigate you through this favorite snorkel area. Then it’s time to head to the “Ship Wreck” for a second snorkel stop. After working up a healthy appetite, rinse off in the fresh water shower and find a spot to enjoy your tasty picnic lunch of grilled chicken sandwiches, pasta salad, chips and salsa, coconut brownies and fresh tropical fruit while sailing the afternoon away. This trip also includes beer, sodas, rum punch and water.

MASSAGE

Start your morning or end your day with a relaxing massage in your villa. If this isn’t enough, how about an exfoliating seaweed sugar scrub, facial, manicure or any of our other in villa spa services? We also offer private yoga sessions at your leisure. For a wider range of spa services, there are other spas on the island we can recommend as well. Please inquire for details.

DIVING AND SNORKELING

Ambergris Caye is filled with many wonderful dive companies that you may choose from. If you do not have a preference, we will recommend you to dive with our good friends at Amigos Del Mar. Extremely well trained and professional, yet a lot of fun to dive with, Amigos del Mar is Azul Resort’s dive company of choice.

Established in 1991, Amigos Del Mar is a PADI resort facility which specializes in full-service diving, instruction, snorkeling, and fishing expeditions and is ideally situated in the heart of San Pedro Town. Our boats provide a convenient complimentary pick-up service at most of the island’s major hotel docks.

Home to Belize’s most prestigious natural treasure, the world’s second largest living barrier reef at roughly 185 miles/298 kilometers in length, located just off its’ eastern shore, Ambergris Caye is a true diver’s haven. The reef crest is well defined by a conspicuous line of breaking water that is clearly visible from the shore and at low tide, Staghorn and Elkhorn coral can even be seen protruding above the surface. Over 35 of Belize’s most spectacular dive sites are within close proximity and are accessible by boat via a series of natural channels that traverse the reef crest to the open water beyond.

Over 35 mooring buoys have been installed for use as dive boat docking facilities in an effort to circumvent anchor damage to the reef. Upon exiting the dive vessel, divers are engulfed in a gorgonian plane at 40 feet of water that is inhabited by wavering sea fans and sea rods as well as pillar, boulder, and fleshy corals that dominate the underwater landscape and uniquely characterize Belize’s flourishing reef eco-system.

The brink of the deep reef that starts at 60 feet and extends to a depth of well over 100 feet is within close swimming distance due east of the boat mooring area. Routine dives extend to depths of between 60 and 80 feet where mazes of lobster and Black drum inhabited spur and groove canyons can be intricately explored. Large groupers evasively linger around go-by cleaning stations while turtles and spotted eagle rays make sudden appearances by scurrying over the edges of oncoming canyons. The vibrant waters are also home to a multitude of shark and dolphin species. Here boulder corals such as the Mountain Star variety change morphology, opting instead for their deep-water plate formations to maximize the ambient sunlight that penetrates to this depth. Swim-through caverns and tunnels provide more adventurous diving venues where divers may exit through sporadic chimneys to discover that they are in a totally different location from where they primarily entered.

Belize is blessed with a diversity of reef systems which we allow our divers to fully explore: from the distinctive topography of the Barrier Reef, to the offshore walls of the Turneffe and Lighthouse atolls, and last, but certainly not least, the magnificent Blue Hole.

We provide local diving expeditions on a daily basis starting with two dives at 9a.m. and two afternoon dives commencing at 1 p.m. Night dives are also available upon request.

Belize’s three major atolls are surrounded by miles of spectacular reefs that encompass an array of pristine palm fringed beaches washed by the tepid azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. The atolls’ sheltered waters are home to a cornucopia of marine life, unspoiled reefs with an abundance of rare soft corals, and flamboyant multi-colored sponges. Visibility usually exceeds 100ft/30 meters.

In addition to the local diving excursions, trips to Belize’s renowned offshore atolls including Turneffe -“The Elbow”, Turneffe North, and The Great Blue Hole situated at Lighthouse Reef are also available. All packages are full day excursions that consist of three dives and include continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks.

SUNSET SERENADE

Follow the sun on board as we sail along the barrier reef to Caye Cangrejo, where we anchor to worship the sun as it disappears into the horizon. While the schooner sails through the turquoise waters, enjoy and island rum punch, homemade snacks and relax with the harmonics of the sea. By the time we reach home, relaxed, it will be the start of a new evening.

Included: Rum Punch and Snacks, round trip transportation from Azul Resort (2-3 hours trip time). Bring your camera and lots of film. Windbreaker suggested as the breeze gets cooler in the evenings.

Private Charters are also available.

GOLF ON THE ISLAND OF CAYE CHAPEL

With direct flights directly from San Pedro, this gorgeous island is and 18 hole championship golf haven with over 7000 yards o challenging golf only 15 minutes away. Four Par 5 holes average distances of 560 yards from the tips, with a long par 72 boasting more than 7000 yards of extraordinary views of the Caribbean Sea and Barrier Reef. Links are impeccably manicured and hazards abound with a multitude of native birds, unpredictable trade winds, and yes, even… crocodiles… along the lake banks.

Our day package includes roundtrip air transportation, unlimited golf, golf cart, golf clubs, pool- side Caribbean lunch and use of the resorts swimming pool complex, hot tub and private beach.

MANATEE TOUR

After winding your way down the coast and along the perfectly turquoise waters of the Caribbean, you will come to a protected area of mangrove south of Belize City to view the tranquil life of the endangered West Indian Manatee, also known as the gentle sea cow. These non-aggressive herbivores are truly one of the world’s wonders.

You will then head on to Goff’s Caye where you can snorkel and have a relaxing lunch under the shade of a palapa. Lunch is a picnic of local cuisines, fresh fruit, beer and sodas.

Your next stop is at Coco Solo or more spectacular snorkeling and a chance at spotting some playful dolphins along the way.

Finally, you will take another break at the Island of Caye Caulker where you can browse the streets, shop for souvenirs or take a swim before heading back to San Pedro.

WATER SPORTS

SailSports Belize is a full service sailing centre with rentals and instruction available for Windsurfing, Sailing and Kite surfing at two locations on Ambergris Caye. If you are looking for un-crowded sailing, warm water, friendly people or lots of alternative activities for the non-sailor, give this a try. KITE SURFING Whether beginner or expert, Ambergris Caye is a great location for kite surfing! The shallow reef mile offshore creates a flat water paradise 20 miles long with No Crowds. Beginners, for your safety all the teaching is conducted just inside the reef in knee deep water, so you don’t need to worry about getting dragged into anything dangerous. Intermediates can get assisted launches out by the reef, advanced kiters can launch in several locations just north or south of town. Down- winders are something else we love to do whether it is 3, 5, or 10 miles or to the next island, whether it is just for fun or to help with your board skills. If you are part of a more adventurous group then the lagoon side of the island is an undiscovered flat water paradise stretching all the way to Mexico.

Our windiest time of year is February through July when the wind speed is usually 12-20 knots. We do get days of 20 plus knots but not consistently. Most of the year the wind is from the east or northeast giving onshore or cross-onshore breeze. October through Jan can be good with cold fronts sweeping in.

MAINLAND TOURS

All tours are available as private charters and well as by helicopter. Please inquire for more information.

CAVE TUBING THE CAVES BRANCH RIVER AND IT’S EXTENSIVE CAVE SYSTEM This wonderful day begins as you are picked up by boat and make your way towards the mainland. Winding your way up the Old Belize River while enjoying a light breakfast, you will encounter crocodiles, iguanas and Howler Monkeys. Once at Manatee Lodge, you will board a private bus to the Jaguar Paw Resort.

You will first cross the clear blue Caves Branch River and hike through the jungle led by your experience and knowledgeable guide, who will point out flora and fauna along the way. He will also answer any questions that you may have. After about an hour you will get into the river with your inner tubes and begin the ride through 5 cave tunnels back to the originating point. Along the way you will be able to see the stalagmites and stalactites that have been created over thousands of years.

Once back at Jaguar Paw you can change into dry clothes and enjoy a delightful lunch. Next it is on to the famous Belize Zoo. This is not your average zoo and is well worth the trip! Finally, we will return to San Pedro by boat as the sunsets.

ZIPLINING THROUGH THE TREES OF THE JUNGLE This adventure makes you feel almost like Tarzan and Jane. Your guide will strap you securely into a harness and off you will go…swinging from tree to tree, high in the air.

CAVE REPEL If you like rock climbing you will enjoy repelling from our cliff that falls right beside the caves branch river. This perfect tour is combined with a jungle walk of approximately thirty minutes. We also have different areas to repel. This is very exciting for the adventurous people who like surprises. You will descend 60 meters (180 ft.) down the cliff beside the Caves Branch River or to the ground into the lush jungle. Our trained guides will direct you all the way down. At the bottom of the cliff there will be another guide waiting for you.

LAMANAI JUNGLE RIVER ADVENTURE Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast as you wind your way through the Northern River where you will see a rich variety of flora and fauna. Once at Bomba Village you will board a private bus that will take you along the old Pan American Highway to Tower Hill. You will then board another boat and make your way down the New River where you might encounter Belize’s precious Toucan, monkeys or crocodiles. Once you reach Lamanai you will enjoy a lunch of local fare below the canopy of the jungle. After lunch is a complete guided tour of he ruins before heading back to San Pedro.

VISIT THE 1000 FOOT WATERFALLS, RIO ON POOLS, XUNANTUNICH, OR THE BUTTERFLY FARM IN THE CAYO DISTRICT The above is recommended via helicopter only. Please inquire for more information.