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South America – Belize
Belize Barrier Reef
Aboard Le Levant
Overview
Dates Jan 04 — Jan 11, 2009
Activity Level Moderately active
*SEE PROGRAM RATES FOR SPECIAL OFFER: $1,000 OFF EACH CABIN!*
Join us to experience a jewel of the Caribbean: the Belize Barrier Reef. This massive coral reef ecosystem is home to more than 70 types of coral and hundreds of species of brilliantly colored fish. Angel fish, spotted eagle rays, Hawksbill sea turtles, and schools of snappers and jacks numbering in the thousands all inhabit the azure waters of this remarkable coral community.
Explore the three major coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere— Lighthouse Reef, Glover’s Reef, and the Turneffe Islands—while cruising in luxury aboard Le Levant. Stroll deserted islands with white sand beaches and palm trees, and learn from snorkeling instructors and reef experts.
To download a full brochure for this program, click the PDF button at the top right side of this page.
Map
Itinerary
- Day 1 — U.S. / Belize City, Belize
- Day 2 — Man-O-War Caye / Carrie Bow Caye
- Day 3— Laughing Bird Caye
- Day 4— Glover's Reef
- Days 5 and 6 — Lighthouse Reef
- Day 7 — Turneffe Islands
- Day 8 — Belize City / U.S.
Highlights
Post-Tour Extension
Tikal, Guatemala
January 11-14
Hieroglyphic texts suggest that Tikal, in what is now Guatemala, served as capital of the ancient Maya civilization more than 1,200 years ago. Explore this grand archaeological site, featuring the highest temple-pyramids in the New World, located deep within a wildlife preserve. Tikal is also a prime area for viewing both howler and spider monkeys, and the jungle canopy is alive with parrots, toucans, and woodpeckers.
Program Leaders
James Karr
James Karr, professor emeritus at the University of Washington, served as deputy and acting director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama from 1984 to 1988. He has conducted extensive research in Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea, with emphasis on the ecology of birds and tropical forests.
Michael Osmond
Michael Osmond is a biologist and senior marine program officer for the World Wildlife Fund. His background includes extensive work on coral reef ecosystems and marine-protected areas and research on humpback whales.
Eleanor Sterling
Eleanor Sterling is the Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History. A conservation biologist who specializes in tropical regions, she conducts fieldwork and studies distribution patterns of biodiversity.
Joel Simon
Joel Simon is a marine biologist and freelance photographer with more than 20 years of experience as a study leader in coral reef environments. His images have been published in many magazines, including Time, Outdoor Photographer, and Travel & Leisure.
Sponsors
American Museum of Natural History
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Journeys
World Wildlife Fund
Accommodations
Cruise Ship
Le Levant
Le Levant is a superb expedition cruise ship built in France and staffed by a 50-person French crew dedicated to outstanding service. She carries 90 passengers in 45 cabins, each measuring 195 square feet and featuring large sleeping quarters whose beds can be configured as queen-size or two twins. Each cabin includes a sitting area, private marble bath with shower, bathrobes, hair dryer, satellite TV, generous storage space, mini-bar, safe, and individual temperature controls. A large picture window affords scenic views. Le Levant’s public areas include the Grand Salon for lectures and presentations, two restaurants that accommodate all passengers at one seating, two bars, a library, small exercise room and wading pool, steam room, boutique, and salon. There is an onboard physician. Le Levant also features an aft marina with a swimming platform and freshwater shower, and motorized Zodiacs to whisk passengers to the best beaches and snorkeling sites.
Program Rates
Airfare
Airfare is not included in the program rates. Please call for assistance with your travel arrangements for this program.
Program Rates
*SPECIAL OFFER: $1,000 OFF EACH CABIN!*
Join this departure to Belize, and receive $1,000 off each cabin! Now from $5,490 per person, double occupancy! Call now to take advantage of these savings: (800) 395-3288.