"A FEW THOUGHTS FROM MICHAEL"

Day 2 Sunday
Morning
Breakfast at 7:30am, followed by a group orientation given by the sea kayaking trip leader that focuses on safety protocol, group management, and the week’s agenda.

After a delicious breakfast we meet trip leader at sea kayaks for Intro Class in sea kayaking that addresses on water safety, Boat safety, Paddling Clinic, self-rescue, assisted rescue, cowboy/cowgirl entry for exiting and re-entering kayaks during snorkeling outings. Break for lunch!

Afternoon
Lunch is followed by a shake down paddle and snorkel to the north end of the caye to explore local patch reefs.
Afterwards, we retire to our cabins for a little relaxation, shower, and cocktail before dinner in the palapa at7pm. Dinner is normally followed by a short check in meeting, then guest are free to roam the beaches , star gaze, and feel the trade winds tantalize their spirits.

Day 3 Monday
Morning
Meet at kayaks; gear up for a longer paddle north along the atoll, stop for a patch reef dive, paddle to Soldier caye, and back for lunch

Afternoon
Paddle to Blackbird Scuba diving lodge, and then portage kayaks across a small narrowing of caye to the central Lagoon where we begin our search for the Bottlenose dolphin.

Day4 Tuesday
Morning and Afternoon
Destination is Little Calabash Caye where we find the “Upside down jellyfish. We land on Little Calabash for lunch and snorkel. After the snorkel, we paddle over to Calabash Caye to visit the University of Belize Marine Biological Research facility. Before departing for Blackbird Caye, we swim and play off the most pristine white beach in the crystal clear sea in front of the research facility…pure unadulterated relaxation!

Day5 Wednesday
Morning
Paddle to extensively explore the Central Lagoon and paddle with the dolphins. Enroute we will stop at the “Old Fisherman’s home’ for a traditional warm Belizean greeting from a very fine high spirited being that will be delighted to sell us his “hand made coconut oil” made behind his humble home! And if we are lucky we will spot “Muncie” a rather large American Salt water Crocodile…..the old fisherman’s neighbor.!!!

Afternoon
After lunch we begin our first free period where you go and do what you want within certain safety parameters. During this free period, sea kayaking classes in Advanced paddling Techniques and give Eskimo Roll Classes are given.Note: If you are a qualified scuba diver, this is the day to check out the local scuba resort next door to the oceanic society…great rates and dives

Day6 Thursday
Morning and Afternnon
Optional Full Day trip out to dive and explore the Bluehole and Lighthouse Caye…a real must for everyone( Approx. $130 per person). For those that stay behind on Blackbird caye, we continue with more kayaking, classes and free time.

Day 7 Friday
Morning and AfternoonFree Day to do whatever you like, that is, guided trip, more classes, and a solo paddle with your mate, or just relax in your cabin to assimilate all the wonderful experiences that you have had this week!After dinner we walk with head lamps on down a trail under a canopy of palms to the local scuba resort where your trip leader addresses the entire group and staff for a farewell gathering and celebration. And now the fun begins, The music goes up , locals and staff pull you out onto the dance floor to move and sway your body to the fun and warm Caribbean dances.

Day 8 Saturday
Morning
Departure day to the mainland.
Bags placed at the foot of the stairs at your cabin as you leave for a 7:30am breakfast. Oceanic yacht departs for Belize City at 8:30am and arrives at the Princess Hotel at approx. 10 or 10:30am. Hugs and farewells to all!!!!!!

Turneffe Atoll

Nov. 29 thru Dec. 6, 2008

Dec. 6 thru Dec. 13, 2008

April 25 thru May 2, 2009

May 2, thru May 9, 2009

Cost: $1,790

Slideshow / National Geographic Video