Spend one week discovering two different sides of Belize. Check in to your ecolodge within Mayflower Bocawina National Park, and enjoy a few days of adventuring in the rainforest—go zip lining, bird-watching, rappelling, and more. Then, head to Tobacco Caye, part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, and enjoy some time on the pristine beaches. Laze in a hammock on your over-the-water deck, go snorkeling around the Southern Barrier Reef, and spend some time paddling and kayaking surrounded by the fresh ocean breeze.

Highlights

  • Embark on an exotic birding tour in Mayflower Bocawina National Park
  • Go zip lining and rappelling through the Belize rainforest
  • Relax in a hammock on your over-the-water porch in Tobacco Caye
  • Snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard around the South Water Caye Marine Reserve

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Belize Silk Grass
Day 2 Adventures in Mayflower Bocawina National Park Silk Grass
Day 3 More Adventuring in Mayflower Bocawina National Park Silk Grass
Day 4 Transfer to Dangriga, Boat to Tobacco Caye Tobacco Caye
Day 5 Explore South Water Caye Marine Reserve Tobacco Caye
Day 6 Free Day in Tobacco Caye Tobacco Caye
Day 7 Depart from Belize  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Belize

A swimming hole near the eco-lodge
A swimming hole near the eco-lodge

Welcome to Belize! Upon arrival in Dangriga, a guide will meet you and transport you to your eco-resort in the Southern Maya Mountains. Once you arrive in Silk Grass, enjoy a welcome drink, have lunch, meet your fellow guests, and then choose between several guided activities for your next three days of adventures in the rainforest.

Your unique eco-resort is located in the Southern Maya Mountains, within a 7,000-acre national park and adjacent to the world-famous 100,000-acre Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve. Upon arrival, get settled, and the rest of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Day 2: Adventures in Mayflower Bocawina National Park

Zipline through the Bocawina rainforest
Zip line through the Bocawina rainforest

Wake up to the sounds of the tropics, with the chatter of parrots and parakeets flying overhead. At sunrise, head to the grounds to see the first light of day emerging through the jungle mists, followed by breakfast at the ecolodge. There's no need to venture far to experience the heart of the jungle. Spend the day in Mayflower Bocawina National Park, which offers the longest zip line adventure in Belize, five different waterfalls, unexcavated Maya ruins, and a multitude of bird species and wildlife.

Select two half-day, on-site activities offered by the resort, which include zip lining, hiking, rappelling, bird-watching, and more, and take a break for lunch back at the lodge. Following your excursions of choice, the rest of the day is at your leisure, followed by dinner at the lodge.

Day 3: More Adventuring in Mayflower Bocawina National Park

Spot up to  290 species on a birdwatching tour
Spot up to 290 species on a bird-watching tour

Today, after breakfast, enjoy more exploration in Bocawina. If you did not do so yesterday, consider joining a bird-watching tour. The park is an excellent location for bird-watching, with more than 290 identified species residing in the area. Your local Maya guide has more than 20 years of experience in bird-watching.

After the birding tour, enjoy lunch back at the lodge, followed by a second adventure and then dinner. At nightfall, head out for some nocturnal hiking on your own or with the company of an experienced local guide.

Plan your trip to Belize
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 4: Transfer to Dangriga, Boat to Tobacco Caye

Over-the-water decks in Tobacco Caye
Over-the-water decks in Tobacco Caye

After breakfast, travel to the coastal town of Dangriga to meet with a boat charter waiting to take you to Tobacco Caye on the Southern Barrier Reef.

This location is unlike any other along the Belize Barrier Reef. Your home is a small, family-owned lodge where you can relax on your deck in a hammock overlooking tropical turquoise seas. Home to just 30 residents year-round, the 5-acre island is part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve—a 117,878-acre marine wonderland for snorkelers and paddlers.

Upon arrival, get settled and have lunch. Then, enjoy time on the beach before dinner.

Day 5: Explore South Water Caye Marine Reserve

Snorkeling in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve
Snorkeling in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve

After breakfast, enjoy the day on the water's edge. Tobacco Caye is a refreshing yet rustic experience unlike any other in Belize. Simple living surrounded by tropical fish and exotic birdlife, Tobacco Caye is a gorgeous island covered with palm trees and white-coral sand.

Today, spend time exploring the tropical paradise all around you. Reserve a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard to paddle around the beautiful waters, or enjoy some time snorkeling to discover the underwater marine life. Take a break for lunch, and spend more time soaking up the sun before dinner.

Day 6: Free day in Tobacco Caye

Paddleboarding in Tobacco Caye
Paddleboarding in Tobacco Caye

After breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy on your own time. Take advantage of your off-the-grid refuge and indulge in more time outside. Laze a bit more in your private hammock, spend some time on the beach with a good book, or venture out on the water to do some more exploration.

Make sure to take a break to enjoy lunch and enjoy a nice dinner on your last night in Belize.

Day 7: Depart from Belize

Farewell, Belize!
Farewell, Belize!

After breakfast, you will have more time to enjoy Tobacco Caye. Head out for a final snorkeling session or simply relish a walk along the island trails.

In the afternoon, a motorboat will transport you back to Dangriga, where you can continue with your travel plans or board your departure flight home.

More Great Belize Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Belize? Check out these other Belize itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Belize, or discover the best time to visit Belize.

Map

Map of Rainforest & Reef Exploration in Belize - 7 Days
Map of Rainforest & Reef Exploration in Belize - 7 Days