en
- Signature
- 13-day trip
- From €24,795 per person
Belize trip | Catamaran tour, jungle and beach in Belize
Experience a luxury adventure in Belize, starting with a catamaran trip across the azure-blue Caribbean Sea. For four nights, you’ll enjoy a private crew, gourmet meals, an open bar and water sports such as snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, whilst discovering colourful coral reefs and tropical marine life. You’ll then travel by helicopter over the famous Great Blue Hole and land in the south of the country at Punta Gorda, where you’ll stay at the opulent Copal Tree Lodge. Here, a special bean-to-bar chocolate experience is on the programme, and you’ll explore the Lubaantun Maya Site during a private visit, followed by a refreshing experience in the Blue Creek Cave. Your journey continues to Placencia, with a stop at the Belize Spice Farm. Here, a private snorkelling excursion to the Silk Cayes and Ranguana Caye awaits, including lunch prepared by a private chef and refreshments from the open bar. The trip concludes romantically with a private dinner for two at It’zana Resort, complete with a bespoke menu and a bottle of wine.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Belize
- Day 2 – 5 Catamaran trip through the Caribbean Sea
- Day 6 Helicopter flight over the Great Blue Hole & stay in Punta Gorda
- Day 7 – 8 Chocolate Experience & day at leisure
- Day 9 Lubaantun Maya Site & Blue Creek Cave
- Day 10 Drive to Placencia with a Spice Farm Tour
- Day 11 Snorkelling tour of the Silk Cayes & Ranguana Caye
- Day 12 Free day in Placencia & private dinner
- Day 13 Departure from Belize
- Day 14 Arrival
Catamaran trip through the Caribbean Sea
After an overnight stay in the US or Panama City, you’ll fly on to Belize City. On arrival, you’ll be taken to the harbour where your luxury catamaran will be waiting for you. This is where your unforgettable four-night sailing adventure begins.
During your stay on the catamaran, you’ll enjoy the full attention of a dedicated crew consisting of an experienced skipper and a chef/first mate. You’ll be treated to gourmet meals every day: a generous breakfast, a light and flavourful lunch, tasty canapés with drinks, a refined dinner and delicious desserts. You’ll also have unlimited access to the open ship’s bar, serving refreshing beers, tropical rum cocktails and wine during dinner.
Your itinerary takes you right across the azure-blue Caribbean Sea, past the impressive Belize Barrier Reef. For those seeking sport and adventure, there is a wide range of activities on offer. You can go fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters. Beneath the surface, you’ll discover a colourful world of coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, graceful sea turtles and perhaps even a friendly nurse shark. Every day, a new paradise awaits: secluded beaches, idyllic islets and turquoise lagoons.
Would you like to make your trip even more special? Then you can optionally book various extras, such as an introductory dive or an in-depth diving excursion to explore the famous Belize Barrier Reef up close, a day’s sport fishing, a relaxing spa treatment or a romantic dinner ashore.
Included:
• Private transfer to the harbour
• 5 days/4 nights on board the Tranquilo Catamaran on a full-board basis
Helicopter flight over the Great Blue Hole & stay in Punta Gorda
After your exclusive catamaran trip, you’ll bid farewell to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, but not without one absolute highlight: a breathtaking helicopter flight over the world-famous Great Blue Hole. This natural wonder – a perfectly round underwater crater over 300 metres in diameter and more than 120 metres deep – is one of the world’s most iconic diving sites. From the air, you’ll see the striking contrast between the deep-blue centre and the surrounding turquoise lagoons, encircled by colourful coral formations – a view you’ll remember for a long time to come.
After this unforgettable experience, you’ll fly on to the south of Belize. You’ll land at Punta Gorda Airport and be taken to your accommodation by private transfer. This region is still often overlooked by many travellers and therefore feels like a hidden gem. Here, the Copal Tree Lodge awaits – a luxury eco-lodge tucked away in a vast jungle reserve. The lodge is set amidst tropical rainforest and overlooks the Rio Grande River. From your room, you can hear the sounds of nature: howler monkeys in the distance, colourful birds in the trees and the gentle rustling of the jungle. As the lodge is in a remote location and there are few restaurants in the immediate vicinity, all meals are included during your stay.
Included:
• Private transfer to the airport
• Helicopter flight from Belize City to Punta Gorda, including a flight over The Great Blue Hole
• Private transfer to the lodge
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Chocolate Experience & day off
During your stay at the Copal Tree Lodge, you’ll enjoy an exclusive bean-to-bar chocolate experience. Belize is renowned for its high-quality cocoa, and you’ll have the chance to witness the entire process up close. Accompanied by a local expert, you’ll walk through the cocoa plantation, where you’ll learn how the beans are grown and harvested. You’ll then follow the process of fermentation, drying, roasting and grinding, until you finally create your own dark chocolate.
The following day is entirely yours to spend as you wish. Relax by the pool with views over the jungle, pamper yourself at the spa, or explore the surrounding area with an optional activity such as kayaking on the river, a nature walk or a cultural excursion to a nearby village.
Includes:
• Bean-to-Bar experience with private service and an English-speaking guide
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Lubaantun Maya Site & Blue Creek Cave
On your final day in Punta Gorda, an unforgettable finale to your stay awaits. Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Lubaantun, once an important ceremonial centre. As you wander amongst the mysterious stone structures, you’ll hear stories about the rich history, rituals and legends of the Maya who lived here thousands of years ago. The unique architectural style – built without mortar, using perfectly fitted stones – makes Lubaantun one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Belize.
After this cultural experience, your guide will take you to a hidden natural wonder: Blue Creek Cave. Here, a short walk through lush jungle begins, leading you to the cave. The crystal-clear water invites you to take a refreshing dip. Whether swimming or floating in the cave, you’ll experience a magical atmosphere, surrounded by rock formations and soft, filtered light.
Includes:
• Private excursion to the Lubaantun Maya ruins & Blue Creek Cave with an English-speaking guide
• Overnight stay on a full-board basis
Trip to Placencia with Spice Farm Tour
After your special stay in the jungle of Punta Gorda, you’ll travel by private transfer to the coastal town of Placencia. On the way, you’ll make a special stop at the Belize Spice Farm & Botanical Garden. During a private guided tour, you’ll discover the scents and flavours of this tropical plantation, where vanilla, cardamom, black pepper and nutmeg, amongst other things, are grown. Your guide will tell you all about the cultivation process, the history and the use of these spices in Belizean cuisine. Naturally, you’ll have the chance to taste and smell them.
After the tour, you’ll continue your journey to Placencia, a charming coastal town known for its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, long sandy beaches and colourful village charm. Here, a new chapter of your journey awaits: sun, sea and relaxation by the coast.
Included:
• Private transfer to Placencia, including a stop-off at the Spice Farm with an English-speaking guide
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Snorkelling tour of the Silk Cayes & Ranguana Caye
A special day at sea is on the programme. During an exclusive private boat trip, you’ll sail to the idyllic Silk Cayes and Ranguana Caye, two tiny islands that lie like pearls in the Caribbean Sea. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll explore the colourful underwater world around the Belize Barrier Reef. Whilst snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, you’ll see schools of tropical fish, beautiful coral, sea turtles and perhaps even a playful stingray or nurse shark.
On one of the islets, you’ll enjoy a special experience: a private chef will prepare a freshly cooked lunch on the spot, accompanied by snacks and drinks from a deluxe open bar. Think tropical cocktails, chilled wine or a local beer, whilst you relax with your feet in the sand and a view of the azure blue sea.
Includes:
• Private snorkelling tour of Silk Caye & Ranguana Caye with an English-speaking guide, private chef, snacks and drinks
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Free day in Placencia & private dinner
The days are yours to spend as you wish, allowing you to relax completely and discover the paradise of Placencia at your own pace. Enjoy the It’zana Resort, with its luxurious facilities, tranquil beach and inviting swimming pools. You can opt for complete tranquillity, a stroll along the soft sandy beach, kayaking on the azure Caribbean Sea or a refreshing dip in the pool. There are also optional activities available to book, such as snorkelling, visiting a local market or enjoying a spa treatment.
To round off the day, a private dinner for two awaits you. Your dinner will be arranged privately for you at the resort, for example on the beach with the gentle sound of the waves in the background, or in the atmospherically lit garden. The chef will prepare a bespoke menu, tailored entirely to your preferences, accompanied by personalised service and a carefully selected bottle of wine.
Includes:
• A private dinner for two, including a set menu, personalised service and a bottle of wine
• Overnight stay on a full-board basis
Accommodations
Tranquilo
Tranquilo is moored at Cucumber Beach Marina in Belize City and is a luxury Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran offering an intimate getaway. The double cabins are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. You can dine in the indoor and outdoor lounges. You can…
Tranquilo is moored at Cucumber Beach Marina in Belize City and is a luxury Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran offering an intimate getaway. The double cabins are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. You can dine in the indoor and outdoor lounges. You can relax on the swim-up platform and the sun deck, which features a trampoline. Additional facilities include kayaks, snorkelling equipment, paddleboards and fishing tackle.
Your stay: 4 nights
Copal Tree Lodge
The Copal Tree Lodge is situated in the lush green hills above the Caribbean coast of southern Belize. The lodge features a Jungle Farm Restaurant, Rum Bar, Jungle Spa, a lounge, a swimming pool and its own observation deck from which you can enjoy stunning views of the coast, the Maya Mountains and the endless unspoilt…
The Copal Tree Lodge is situated in the lush green hills above the Caribbean coast of southern Belize. The lodge features a Jungle Farm Restaurant, Rum Bar, Jungle Spa, a lounge, a swimming pool and its own observation deck from which you can enjoy stunning views of the coast, the Maya Mountains and the endless unspoilt rainforest. Furthermore, local dishes are prepared and various outdoor activities are organised from the lodge, such as wildlife spotting and saltwater fly fishing.
The 16 individual, spacious suites are well-equipped with comfortable beds, sheltered open-air verandas and spa-style bathrooms. Travellers can walk down 365 steps or take the private tram to the river jetty, where kayaks and canoes are available for free use. You can also board cruises to sail through the jungle along the Rio Grande, or go on guided snorkelling and fishing trips.
Pack for a Purpose
Copal Tree Lodge is affiliated with Pack for a Purpose. Pack for a Purpose is a charity that offers travellers the opportunity to dedicate a few kilos of their luggage allowance to helping local people. This could include school supplies, clothing, medical equipment and other essentials, which are donated to the local project via the lodge. To ensure you bring items that are genuinely needed locally, the lodge will explain the project to you.
Click here for information about the project at Copal Tree Lodge:
https://www.packforapurpose.org/destinations/central-america/belize/copal-tree-lodge/
Your stay: 4 nights
Itz'ana Resort & Residences
Itz’ana Resort & Residences is situated in the Stann Creek district on the Placencia Peninsula in Belize and is an excellent choice of accommodation for an idyllic Caribbean getaway. The resort features a selection of well-appointed rooms, suites, penthouses and villas. You can enjoy the ocean view or…
Located in the Stann Creek district on Belize's Placencia Peninsula, Itz'ana Resort & Residences is an excellent accommodation for an idyllic Caribbean getaway. The resort features a selection of well-appointed rooms, suites, penthouses and villas. You can enjoy ocean or rainforest views while relaxing on your private terrace. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, sitting areas and televisions; suites have living and dining areas. Villas are equipped with basic amenities and feature an outdoor pool, shower and kitchenette. The resort has a selection of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. Recreational facilities at the resort include a swimming pool and a spa.
Your stay: 3 nights
Ranguana Caye
Ranguana Caye is a private island resort situated an hour off the coast of Placencia, Belize. It lies next to the Belize Barrier Reef and offers excellent shore fishing.
The accommodation comprises three Island Cabanas, each equipped with comfortable beds, a private bathroom with a hot-water shower, and a balcony…
Ranguana Caye is a private island resort situated an hour off the coast of Placencia, Belize. It lies next to the Belize Barrier Reef and offers excellent shore fishing.
The accommodation comprises three Island Cabanas, each equipped with comfortable beds, a private bathroom with a hot-water shower, a balcony with a seating area and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy Bully’s, the resort’s beautiful private island beach bar, which serves tropical drinks, a delicious beach barbecue and the famous shotski.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including beach volleyball, giant Jenga, or any of the other island games. Guests can go paddleboarding, kayaking, fly fishing and reef fishing with expert guides, or spend their evenings by the campfire.
Experiences
Avila Experience - Helicopter flight Blue Hole
Just off the coast of Belize, you will find a remarkable, ancient natural phenomenon, The Great Blue Hole. The natural phenomenon is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Belize's Great Blue Hole on a...
Just off the coast of Belize you will find a remarkable, ancient natural phenomenon, The Great Blue Hole. The natural phenomenon is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Belize's great Blue Hole in a unique way, namely by helicopter flight. Enjoy the stunning views you will have of the Blue Hole and be sure not to forget to capture the moment. A unique experience!
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Tour
Our Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Class offers a unique hands-on experience, transforming high-quality organic cocoa into delicious chocolate.
Start with a visit to our cocoa nursery, home to grafted cocoa, coffee, vanilla and spices. Watch as our guide demonstrates grafting Criollo cocoa onto Trinitario rootstock, and…
Our Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Class offers a unique hands-on experience, transforming high-quality organic cocoa into delicious chocolate.
Start with a visit to our cacao nursery, home to grafted cacao, coffee, vanilla and spices. Watch as our guide demonstrates grafting Criollo cacao onto Trinitario rootstock, and taste the tangy, sweet pulp from a freshly cracked cacao pod. Learn about fermentation and drying, then explore our Garden of Exotic Flavours.
The journey concludes at the Agritourism Centre, where we will guide you through the entire process of crafting a chocolate bar from scratch, including roasting, winnowing, conching and tempering. Finally, roll up your sleeves and join our instructor in tempering and moulding your own chocolate bar to take home!
Silk Caye Snorkelling Tour
Your captain and guide will welcome you on board in Placencia. From here, you’ll sail for an hour to the Silk Cayes, a group of small uninhabited islands surrounded by stunning coral reefs. You’ll be given a mask and flippers, after which you’ll enter the warm, clear water with your guide to explore this protected marine area…
Your captain and guide will welcome you on board in Placencia. From here, you’ll sail for an hour to the Silk Cayes, a group of small uninhabited islands surrounded by stunning coral reefs. You’ll be given a mask and flippers, after which you’ll enter the warm, clear water with your guide to explore this protected marine area. Discover the colourful coral and fish (including a number of endangered species). You’ll also enjoy a Belizean lunch, served on the beach, and a stroll along the white sandy beach. In the afternoon, you’ll sail to Turtle Alley, a fantastic snorkelling spot. This spot is known for its sea turtles, stingrays and harmless nurse sharks. It’s an unforgettable experience to encounter all these creatures underwater. After spending the whole day enjoying all these wonders, you’ll sail back to Placencia.
Destinations
Belize
Placencia
Once a sleepy fishing village in the Caribbean, Placencia has developed into one of the country’s leading tourist destinations. This beautiful peninsula boasts unspoilt, tranquil beaches, a stunning lagoon, a wealth of activities and exotic wildlife. There is a lively harbour, a range of charming houses and a number of local cafés and restaurants. You can hike through mountainous rainforests, snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, explore the Mayan ruins or simply unwind on the beautiful golden sandy beach.
You can also learn about Garifuna culture, which is very much present in this region. The Garifuna people are descended from former African slaves who escaped and intermingled with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. They are a people with an interesting history and a language and culture all of their own.
Toledo
Toledo is the southernmost district in beautiful Belize, known for its rich cultural heritage, Mayan-era archaeological sites and remote charm. Toledo's spectacularly scenic landscape features rugged mountains, waterfalls, pristine rainforests, coastal areas and caves. The region is home to a mix of varied indigenous cultures, including: Mopanand Kekchi Maya, Creole, East Indian and even descendants of settlers from the US. Visitors can look forward to exploring the fascinating archaeological sites of Nim Li Punit, Pusilha and Lubaantun. Other popular activities include: tasting Toledo's famous chocolate, as well as diving and snorkelling in the beautiful Sapodilla Cayes marine reserve.
Belize trip | Catamaran tour, jungle and beach in Belize
We offer the described trip from €24,795 per person.
The tour price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flights and helicopter flights as mentioned in the itinerary, including hold luggage
• Overnight stays in excellent and distinctive accommodation
• All meals as specified in the ‘programme’
• All necessary transfers mentioned (private transfers and boat transfers)
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘programme’, including a chocolate excursion, a private tour of the Lubaantun Maya ruins and a snorkelling tour at Silk Cayes and Ranguana
• Entrance fees to national parks during the land programme
• National Geographic travel guide or similar guide
• Meet and greet on arrival
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution of €100 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Accommodation at the Copal Tree Lodge
• Visit to a local spice farm
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Overnight stopover on the outward journey
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Seat reservations on flights
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Personal expenses/tips
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)