Belize: Reefs, Ruins & Reggae

Touch down in Belize City and catch the afternoon overland transfer heading west into the Cayo District. San Ignacio is the basecamp for the next two days. Drop your bags at the hotel, grab a cold Belikin beer, and meet up with the crew for a casual dinner at a local spot in town.

Today is completely open to tackle the Cayo District's wild backyard. Your best move is to coordinate with the crew to split a ride to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave to swim through caverns filled with Mayan artifacts and skeletal remains. Alternatively, rent a bike to explore the hilltop ruins of Xunantunich or head deeper into the pine forests of Mountain Pine Ridge.

Trade the jungle canopy for salty air. The morning starts with a two-hour overland drive back to Belize City, where you'll have some free time to grab lunch on your own near the marina. From there, board the public water taxi for a 45-minute ride out to Caye Caulker. This car-free island runs on a strict "go slow" policy, where sandy paths replace paved streets and golf carts are the only traffic. Once you drop your bags, head out to explore the beachfront. Meet up with the rest of the crew for a casual seafood dinner along the main strip as the sun drops below the horizon.

Spend the day living on island time. Rent a beach cruiser to explore the sandy lanes, find a quiet spot to swim at the Split, or book a snorkeling trip out to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve to swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays. Tonight, the crew gathers for an organized dinner before heading out to experience the island's laid-back reggae bars and open-air beach clubs.

The sailing expedition begins this morning. Pack a small day bag with your essentials and leave your bulky luggage in the boat’s secure hold. Board the catamaran and set sail into the southern cayes, leaving the crowds behind. You'll make two distinct snorkeling stops at Sergeant’s or Goff’s Caye to explore the massive coral formations of the Belize Barrier Reef. After a fresh lunch prepared by the onboard chef, drop anchor at Rendezvous Caye—a tiny, uninhabited strip of sand surrounded by shallow turquoise water. Pitch your tent on the beach, sip a rum cocktail, and watch the sunset before a fresh dinner under the stars.

Wake up to the sound of the ocean and set sail further south. Today's route takes you to Tobacco Caye, with multiple snorkeling stops along the way at Colson Caye, Caye Glory, and the Southern Long Caye Channel. Keep your eyes peeled for loggerhead turtles and southern stingrays gliding through the clear water. By afternoon, you'll arrive at Tobacco Caye, a tiny island sitting directly on top of the barrier reef. The island is dotted with brightly colored wooden houses and coconut palms. Spend your free time swimming right off the shore or relaxing with a cold drink. Tonight, enjoy another fresh-catch dinner and sleep in a shared dorm-style room right on the water.

Your final morning on the water features one last snorkel session in the deep channel off South Water Caye. Swim through schools of tropical fish, then wade ashore to relax on the powdery white sand. After lunch, sail back to gather your gear and disembark at Dangriga in the late afternoon. From the docks, head south to the coastal village of Hopkins. This laid-back Garifuna community is known for its drumming culture and quiet beaches. Check into your accommodation and use your free evening to explore the Garifuna culture and beaches of Hopkins. Your best move is to head out to find a local spot for dinner.

Pack your bags and prepare for your onward journey. You can depart at any time today to catch a bus or transfer back to Belize City for your flight home, or choose to extend your stay on the coast.