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Belize and Honduras: Unexpected Encounters and Nature : Belize City – Belize City (Ponant)

9 Days

Overview

Overnight in Cancun + flight from Cancun to Belize City + transfers + flight from Belize City to Cancun

Set off on an expedition cruise aboard Le Bellot into the heart of the lush landscapes and hypnotic shores of Honduras and Belize. Spend 8 days falling under the spell of the verdant tropical forest and mangrove scenery, and the shades of blue found in the region’s sea and lagoons. From port to port, encounters with the local populations will punctuate your journey into the heart of the Caribbean.

During your odyssey aboard Le Bellotexpect to hear birdsong and see dense tropical forests and the intertwined roots of mangrove burgeoning with life. From Punta Sal, you will explore the Jeannette Kawas National Park, a haven of peace where the forest melts into the sea, allowing you to contemplate unique biodiversity. You will then explore a completely undiscovered island, Guanaja, which is full of treasures. Just its former name, the green island, is enough to conjure up its many gems. Here you will discover the Caracoles people, who take pride in their traditions, on the small key of Bonacca, also known as The Cay, with its mangroves, tropical rainforests and sandy beaches sheltering rich wildlife.

A little further on, the Bay Islands and the Cayos Cochinos will surprise you with their immense coral reef, where protected access is regulated by a local research foundation. The idyllic shores here are amongst the most beautiful in the Caribbean. In the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Reserve, you will be able to sail through the primary mangrove forest in a Zodiac dinghy, in search of the many birds, howler monkeys and small caimans that live there.

The stunning nature here will reveal itself in the heart of a Caribbean atmosphere imbued with history and tradition. The Garifuna people will welcome you on the small island of Chachauate in the Cayos Cochinos with a unique performance, a visit of their village and the possibility of tasting their singular gastronomy.  In the small town of Placencia, a perfect spot to spend a moment relaxing on the main street running along the seafront, you will be able to hear all about the Mopan and Kekchi Mayan civilisations, a fascinating story that is inextricably linked to the region. You will also fall in love with its many mangroves and its exceptional sea beds. You will discover the local arts and crafts throughout your journey, thus learning about the heritage of these Caribbean shores. You will discover the local arts and crafts throughout your journey, thus learning about the heritage of these Caribbean shores.

Half Moon Caye, the picture postcard view of Belize, is also on the programme of this cruise; in this enchanting place, you will be able to see nesting frigatebirds and red-footed boobies close up. The Great Blue Hole cenote, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s most stunning diving sites. On Water Caye, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is also teeming with many treasures for those who venture into its waters.

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the soul of Honduras, a dive into its lush landscapes and memorable human encounters.
  • Between the sea, lagoons and mangroves, explore this natural setting where contemplation and serenity mix with the discovery of abundant and extraordinary biodiversity.
  • Enjoy unforgettable encounters with the local populations, especially with the Garifuna, who descend from a mix of freed slaves, with the Arawak Caribbean people and with the Kekchi Mayan community.
  • Exclusively with PONANT, a port of call in Guanaja to explore the splendid nature, featuring lush forests and exceptional sea beds, and to discover an authentic village with the Caracoles people and their rich local pottery crafts.
  • Other remarkable ports of call: Punta Sal, Cayos Cochinos and Cuero y Salado.
  • Thanks to the presence of our experienced team and the local naturalist-guides in Honduras, you will learn more about the mysteries of this infinitely rich region and experience unique moments on snorkelling trips, hikes, Zodiac outings or visits using local transport.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Belize Barrier Reef with Half Moon Caye and the Great Blue Hole.
  • Landscapes: palm tree-edged beaches, blue-toned lagoons, idyllic islands, mangroves, tropical rainforest, coral reefs and rich sea beds.
  • Wildlife: howler monkeys, white-headed monkeys, caimans, dolfins, tropical birds, multicoloured fish.
  • Extend your experience during an optional five-day pre-cruise package discovering the Mayan civilisation, including a visit of the famous Mexican archaeological site Chichen Itza.
  • Opportunity of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.