Day 1–4
Our adventure begins at Glover’s Reef, named after the pirate
who hid his ships in the ring of islands and reefs when
not plundering Spanish merchant vessels. Today, this tropical paradise
is home to one of the richest tropical marine environments in the
entire Caribbean. Explore the mangroves, vibrant coral reefs, crystal
clear water and colorful marine life in kayaks and on snorkel. Spend
a night camping on a remote white sand beach under a brilliant star
filled sky. After settling into beachfront thatched huts
at Glover’s Atoll, a World Heritage Site, we get ready to blow some
bubbles and explore Belize’s spectacular underwater realm on scuba.
New divers in our group start their PADI Open Water Diver training
and quickly learn that scuba diving is easy, while certified divers
refresh their skills in the marine park surrounding the
atoll. Just minutes from our beach at the edge of the continental
shelf we find coral encrusted walls that are home to schools of
jacks and schoolmaster snappers, as well as spotted eagle rays and
hawksbill turtles.
Day 5–8
We board our comfortable sailboat and set sail on an overnight
trip to another World Heritage Site, the world famous Great
Blue Hole on Lighthouse Reef. The top edge of this limestone
sinkhole, nearly 1,000 feet across, is ringed by a fringing
reef that drops off into the abyss. Jump in on snorkel to discover stands
of elkhorn, club finger and shallow-water starlet corals, giant green
anemones, brightly colored sea fans and a dazzling array of fish in
the shallows. Spend the night on Half Moon Caye, a beautiful little
island that is a Belize National Monument and home to 98 species of
birds including ospreys, pelicans, frigates and over 4,000 endangered
red-footed booby birds.
Day 9–13
Ready to dry off, we travel to the heart of Costa Rica to experience the adventures that await us in Central America’s rainforests. Hike through a lush jungle with a naturalist guide in search of poison dart frogs, new world monkeys and tropical birds. Spend an afternoon horseback riding through a 2,000 acre working ranch. Fly through the trees for a bird’s eye view of the rainforest on a zip line canopy tour. Put on a harness and rappel the 90-foot descent along the Sarapiquí River canyon wall for a magnificent view of the Sarapiquí and Pozo Azul Rivers.
Day 14–17
Take on Costa Rica's most exhilarating whitewater on a rafting
trip down the world renowned Rio Pacuare. The thrilling rapids take
us through tropical rainforests and rocky gorges populated by monkeys,
ocelots and an astounding variety of birds. Camp under a blanket of
stars to the sounds of the river, then hike out of the river gorge
and through the La Amistad National Park, the largest single protected
area in Costa Rica that is home to more than two thirds of the country's
species. Visit an indigenous community and learn about the traditional
customs and history of the Cabecar tribe. Then spend an afternoon
in another small village where we enjoy lunch with the locals and
play soccer with the children. Ready for more fun on the river, we
hop back in our rafts and take on the remaining rapids of the Pacuare's
lower section.
Day 18–24
A short flight takes us to Panama’s Pacific coast where
we board the boat that is our home and base for our final
adventures. The islands off the coast feature some of Central
America’s best surfing spots that are only accessible by boat. We head
out to find long rolling waves that are ideal for both beginner
and experienced surfers. After a morning surf session, head into calm
protected coves for an afternoon of snorkeling or explore secluded
beaches and islands. As we watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean
on our final night in Central America, we celebrate our countless adventures
and unforgettable journey together.