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Belize and Guatemala (Grande Mariner)

Belize and Guatemala (Grande Mariner)

From $4,599 USD

Description

The remote islands and clear blue waters of Belize combine with the lush forests and Mayan ruins of Guatemala on this 12-day adventure. The Belize Barrier Reef, one of the largest and most celebrated in the world, is the perfect setting for kayaking and snorkeling. In Guatemala, explore the roots of Mayan culture at Quirigua, an 8th century monument. Your Blount ship is uniquely designed to go where big ships cannot, including up the Rio Dulce, and to scenic and remote islands. A patented bow ramp lets you step directly from ship to sandy shore. An onboard naturalist guides you to breathtaking cayes, reefs and lagoons introducing you to exotic fish, Howler Monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds.

Trip Name
Belize and Guatemala (Grande Mariner)
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Cruise Length: 56m Passenger Capacity: 88 Built/ Refurbished : 1998 / 2010 She was refurbished in 2010, with totally new cabin configurations including new décor, new bathrooms, new furniture in the cabins, a renovated lounge, new décor, and brand new furniture. So if you want to take in a few rays on the sun deck, relax and enjoy the vista-view lounge, or just have a few quiet moments in your cabin as the sea drifts past your open picture window, the Grande Mariner is ready.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Depart from Belize City
Welcome to paradise as you embark in Belize City for this 12-day adventure.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Man-O-War Caye & Southwater Caye, Belize
About 40 miles south of Belize City you will explore 2 breathtaking cayes today. Our onboard naturalist helps you uncover the hidden gems of Man-O-War caye, a designated bird sanctuary where you may see magnificent frigate birds and brown pelicans, known to entertain with their aerial acrobats; as well as brown footed boobies, white ibis, ruddy turnstones and blue heron. On Southwater Caye, a private island listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biological diversity and beauty, discover fascinating reef ecosystems, tropical fish and colorful coral when you swim, snorkel or kayak.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Placencia Village, Belize
Replete with palm-lined beaches and home to a Garifuna community known for their traditional drumming and dance, this 16 mile peninsula has become known as an eco-destination. Look for the laughing gulls, royal terns, and several sandpiper species that live along the coast here. Experience a bow landing on Placencia Point. Step off the bow ramp of the ship and onto the sandy shore to visit this growing and diverse village.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Lime Caye & Punta Gorda Town, Belize
Lime Cay, part of the Sapodillas Cayes Marine Reserve, invites you to swim, snorkel or kayak in its spectacularly clear waters or lounge on its pristine beaches for a day of perfect relaxation. Stop in Punta Gorda before you pass into Guatemala. This southernmost city is a seaport and fishing town that is also home to a unique mix of Garifuna, Creole and Mayan cultures. Explore the village market, and browse an array of family-owned shops.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Livingston, Guatemala
In Eastern Guatemala, Livingston sits where the mouth of the Rio Dulce meets the Gulf of Honduras. With no roads to Livingston, the only way here is by boat. Explore the local village, enjoy a cool drink at a unique cafe or simply relax by the river.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Castillo De San Felipe & Nan Juana, Guatemala
Going where larger ships cannot, you cruise the gorgeous Rio Dulce brimming with lush, dramatic gorges. You may spot white egrets in the trees, and even the secretive keel-billed toucan, the national bird of Belize. Explore Castillo de San Felipe, a 400-year-old Spanish fort built to protect Lake Izabal from pirates. Later, dock where sailboats do at the Nana Juana Eco-hotel and Marina. Here you will relish in the spectacular setting, with its private bar, pool and hot tub. You may choose to venture off into the heart of unspoiled tropical forests on an optional jungle trail and canopy tour.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Nana Juana, Guatemala
Take an optional excursion that transports you to the 8th century as you tour the Quirigua Mayan Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, a recent birding group had the pleasure of seeing a turquoise-browed motmot with its “tennis racket” like tail.
Day 8 - DAYS 8 & 9 Punta Gorda, Belize
Heading back to Belize, you once again cruise the spectacular Rio Dulce filled with howler monkeys, toucans and picturesque waterfalls. Return to Punta Gorda for a day of relaxation. On an optional tour, indulge in the decadence of traditional Mayan chocolate as you visit a local cacao farm and learn how cacao farming supports the community. Continue at a chocolate factory, where the beans are made into a treat you can sample. This afternoon, lounge in the sunny splendor of the top deck or stroll along the waterfront.
Day 9 - DAY 10 West Snake Cay & Water Caye, Belize
At gorgeous West Snake Caye, another bow landing takes you directly into the unspoiled inner lagoon of the Belize Coastal Zone, where you can swim, snorkel or kayak in the sparkling clear waters. Anchor this evening in serene Water Caye, where stunning seascape views unfold under the Caribbean stars.
Day 10 - DAY 11 Goff Caye, Belize
The tiny island of Goff Caye sits on the edge of the Barrier Reef. Here, warm waters support thriving populations of lobster and conch. Tonight in Belize City, enjoy the tones of a local steel drum band and celebrate Belize with your fellow travelers and new friends during a festive farewell celebration.
Day 11 - DAY 12 Disembark in Belize City
Disembark today in Belize City, Belize.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-01-201822-01-2018USD$4,599Category 1
11-01-201822-01-2018USD$5,199Category 2
11-01-201822-01-2018USD$5,999Category 3
11-01-201822-01-2018USD$6,599Category 4

Inclusions

    • Explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world.
    • An onboard naturalist and Belize local enhances your journey.
    • Cruise the dramatic gorges of the Rio Dulce.
    • Tour Castillo de San Felipe, a 400-year-old Spanish fort.
    • Kayak and snorkel in unspoiled lagoons.

Map