Private Luxury Belize Family Vacation

Upon arrival, our representative will greet you and escort you to the boat dock at the Belize Tourism Village. From there, embark on an exhilarating 90-minute water taxi journey to the captivating Turneffe Atoll. Traverse turquoise waters adorned with mangroves and coconut-covered islands, passing the iconic Belize Barrier Reef, until reaching the western side of the Turneffe Atoll. Check-in to your room and indulge in a refreshing swim in the tranquil Caribbean waters. The beachfront cabanas offer breathtaking views, direct access to world-class snorkeling and SCUBA diving, and feature private porches with seating, hammocks, comfortable beds, and en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers. Meals are a delightful family-style affair, showcasing a diverse range of fresh fish, meats, salads, fruits, vegetables, desserts, and local specialties.  Overnight at Turneffe Island Resort. 

Note: To ensure timely island transfer, arrive in Belize City no later than 2 pm on Saturday.

Immerse yourself in world-class snorkeling on the renowned barrier reefs. Snorkel straight from your cabana’s beach or join two guided excursions daily. Explore diverse sites teeming with colorful fish, vibrant coral, rays, barracuda, nurse sharks, and more. Accompanied by skilled guides armed with lethal spears, each snorkeling excursion presents an opportunity to spot and hunt lionfish. Witness their population control firsthand, and perhaps even enjoy them as a delicious meal!  On land, engage in activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, Hobie cats, and bird watching walks. For fishing enthusiasts, hire a guide and test your skills in fly fishing for bones, snook or permit. Embrace the freedom to stay active or unwind in a hammock on pristine white sand beaches. All meals and overnights at Turneffe Island Resort. 

 Note: Snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel) are included in your trip price already.  

Embark on a full-day boat excursion to Belize’s premier dive spots and barrier reef environments. Begin with a visit to the awe-inspiring Great Blue Hole, a massive sinkhole in Lighthouse Reef atoll. Experienced divers explore ancient caves adorned with giant stalactites and stalagmites formed 15,000 years ago. The outer rim and coral heads teem with vibrant marine life, offering exceptional snorkeling among angelfish, butterfly fish, groupers, and colorful corals. Enjoy a Belizean-style BBQ on Half Moon Caye’s sandy shores and witness red-footed boobies, frigate birds, and land iguanas at the bird sanctuary. On the return journey, experience the thrilling spectacle of frenzied yellow snapper feeding and encounter impressive barrel sponges at another captivating snorkeling or dive location. Overnight at Turneffe Island Resort.

After your snorkeling exploration of Turneffe Atoll, a comfortable boat transfer will whisk you to the Belize Marina. There, you’ll connect with your local driver for a scenic two-hour journey to San Ignacio, the heart of the Cayo District.  Upon arrival in San Ignacio, settle into your luxurious accommodations for the next three nights: The Lodge at Chaa Creek. This award-winning eco-resort seamlessly blends comfort with adventure and cultural immersion, creating the ideal base for discovering Belize’s wonders.  Unwind in your free time with a variety of onsite offerings. Explore the 400-acre private nature reserve, or embark on guided tours of the Natural History Center, Butterfly Farm, or the Maya Medicinal Plant Trail. Hike the Ruta Maya trail system, go birdwatching, canoe the Macal River, or simply relax by the eco-infinity pool.  For those who need to stay connected, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available.  Overnight at The Lodge at Chaa Creek.

Get prepared for an unforgettable day innertubing though the expansive limestone caves at Caves Branch. Pass through citrus orchards to the river’s edge where a short float trip carries you into a massive cavern with underground waterfalls, limestone formations, and an incredible crystal cathedral chamber. No experience is needed since the trip does not involve technical caving. After lunch head off to the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich or “Maiden of the Rock”. The dominant structure of this ruin rises 130 feet, providing an amazing view of the surrounding forest and ancient city below. Explore the ruins and picture ancient Mayan life while your guide gives a detailed description of the historical events surrounding this fascinating area. Return to the lodge for another savory dinner while listening to the sounds of the rain forest. Stay overnight at The Lodge at Chaa Creek.

This morning you’ll visit a local Mayan home to learn to make authentic corn tortillas. Corn tortillas form the base of the Mayan diet and children not only love to make them, they love to eat them! Your Maya experience continues as you delve into Xibalba (she-bal-ba), the Mayan underworld. The Maya believed that caves served as a connection between the living world and underworld. Your guide takes you into the Barton Creek cave system, one of Belize’s most extensive, with over four miles of underground tunnels. The cave was formed by the Barton Creek and so you explore by canoe equipped with high powered lights amongst giant stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive calcite crystal formations. Learn about the rituals that archaeologists believe were performed here and the cave’s importance to the ancient Maya people. Hop out of your canoes and head up to the zip-line course set into the side of the Mayan Mountains. Choose from a variety of courses ranging from four platforms and 1,000 ft. to 15 platforms and 2,700 ft. of pure zipping enjoyment. Stay overnight at The Lodge at Chaa Creek.

Depending on your departure time, settle into the van for a scenic drive back to the Belize International airport.  Laugh about your good times on the way home and start planning your next family adventure!