OVERVIEW

Visit the Belikin Brewery and sample a flight of its beers made with premium ingredients that reflect the character of Belize. Although a German brew master oversaw the production for the first 40 years, a Belizean is now at the helm and he has considerably expanded the brand. While touring the brewery, you will hear about the origin of its name – which is from the Mayan language – discover why Queen Elizabeth II knighted one of its founders and see how Belikin beers are produced step by step. Some of the original equipment is on display, and you will learn how the updated equipment enhanced the quality of the beers. A tasting will confirm why Belikin beers are so popular. You might sample the flagship European-style lager, a chocolate stout, and a black and tan, which is a blend of the two. A traditional Belizean lunch of stewed chicken with rice and beans follows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the Belikin Brewery and see how its uniquely flavored beers are produced.
• Hear about the brewery’s history and why Queen Elizabeth II knighted one of the founders.
• Sample a flight of Belikin beers and enjoy Belizean cuisine for lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience the beautiful natural wonders of Belize as you trek through the Belize Jungle into the mysterious and magnificent Cave Branch System. Lie back in your tube and feel the rush of the cool water and excitement growing as you float under limestone archways and into centuries-old caves. This is where the Mayans held their mysterious rituals. After your adventure, make your way out of the river and up to the Jungle Camp Cafe where you’ll enjoy a delicious Belizean lunch, drinks not included and is available for purchase. Free Wifi available.

Be prepared to be amazed by this adventure that puts you up close and personal with the unique phenomenon of crystal caves. Once you’re provided with your life vest, helmet and head lamp, you’ll begin your short hike, with tube in hand, to the secluded entrance of one of the intriguing caves. Your journey begins as you float into a chamber where high ceilings and a stalactite lined wall give the feeling of a cathedral. As you paddle through the cavern, you are dwarfed by boulders rising up from the river, inviting you to explore further. Crystal encrusted cave formations dazzle you with their beauty as you meander up the river. But this is just a taste of what’s to come. As you disembark your tube and enter the crystal chamber to explore the sacred underworld of the Maya, your guide will reveal hidden pottery dating back to 300-900 AD used by the Maya in ancient sacrificial ceremonies. A “frozen water fall" column and glittering stone dam are just a few of the amazing formations you’ll encounter in this Gothic chamber. Back in your tube, you’ll make your way to an underground lagoon bordered by a lagoon where you enjoy a refreshing swim or free float, which signals the end of your subterranean adventure. Don’t forget to visit the photo desk to buy a memento from the photographers who captured spectacular shots of you on your adventure. Enjoy a delicious Belizean lunch of stewed chicken, rice & beans and coleslaw, as you reflect upon your expedition. Drinks not included and is available for purchase. Free Wi-Fi available.

Your quest for the perfect mix of adventure and knowledge starts here in the heart of the Belizean jungle. Upon arrival at your hidden destination, your skilled high angle guides will fit you with your harness and give you a safety briefing before you get started. Feel the rush as you traverse 5 zipline starting with 500 ft across the jungle for a bird’s eye view of a cavernous opening to one of the Mayas ancient ceremonial caves and the starting point of your next adventure. Adrenaline pumping and anticipation high, it’s time to switch gears from harness to life vests as the second leg of you quest begins. Be prepared to be wowed by this adventure that puts you up close and personal with the unique phenomenon of crystal caves. Explore the unique stalactites and dazzling formations including a “frozen waterfall” column and glittering rim stone dam. Back in your tube, you’ll make your way to an underground lagoon bordered by a mini waterfall for a refreshing swim or free float which signals the end of your subterranean adventure. Enjoy a delicious Belizean lunch as you reflect on the expedition you’ve just experienced. Drinks not included and is available for purchase. Free Wi-Fi available.

Adventure at its Best! Zip through the lush Belizean jungle and then tube through the ancient caves of the Maya in the Cave Branch River. Take a guided ride to Jaguar Paw Outpost where on arrival your skilled guides will assist you with renting lockers and water shoes and then you’ll be fitted with your gear and given a safety briefing.

You’re now ready for your zipline adventure through a lush tropical rainforest on 5 thrilling traverses and after, you’ll tube through the ancient Maya caves. Certified cave tubing guides will recount the history and rituals of the Maya who settled in these caves. Enjoy a Belizean lunch as you reflect upon your experience.

An approximate 45 minute drive up the Northern Highway brings you to Tower Hill, where you'll board a riverboat and head up the New River. While navigating the many little creeks and lagoons, you may encounter hawks, kites and falcons. Dainty jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while crocodiles bask in the sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai, Mayan for “submerged crocodile” rise into view.

As you tour the site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest, amid the chatter of birds and the haunting call of the howler monkeys. After your tour of Lamanai it is time to head downriver to Tower Hill for a lunch buffet of Belizean and Mayan favorites. Following lunch, you’ll board a coach bound for the Belize City docks, where you’ll board your tender to go back to the ship.

This fascinating half-day tour focuses on the contrast between the ancient Mayan city of Altun Ha and modern- day Belize City, highlighting 1,000 years of development. Altun Ha is Mayan for “Rock Stone Water” thrived as a trading post to the Mayan world during the Classic and Post Classic periods. The site was made world famous by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum upon his discovery of the world's largest carved Jade Head, depicting the sun god Kinich Ahau. Weighing in at almost 9 pounds, this has been Belize’s most valuable find.

Belize City today is home to about 35% of the country’s population and remains the commercial capital of the country. Your tour will pass by historical sites such as redbrick St. John’s Cathedral, where Kings from the Mosquito Coast were crowned.

This blend of culture and adventure is an awe-inspiring experience you should not miss during your stop in Belize! Your knowledgeable and experience tour guides take you on an enlightening air-conditioned bus ride through the old capital of Belize en route to the Chukka's Eco Almond Hill Lagoon. During this transfer you are given the interesting history of this small country that is marked by an extraordinary blend of British, Scottish, Maya, Creole and Garifuna cultural traditions. At the Airboat Outpost you are welcomed by the ancestral drums of the Garifuna ethnic group. The Garifuna are of African and Amerindian descent originating from fugitive slaves who were welcomed into local communities. In 2001, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared the Garifuna culture a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. After your welcome and safety briefing, you are off to a thrilling and adventurous 450-horsepower airboat ride through mangrove forest on the Almond Hill. You’ll feel the wind in your face as you skim the surface of the water, zipping through twisting mangrove tunnels or open grasslands. The Almond Hill Lagoon is home to an array of birds and other native wild life that you guide will point out during this fun ride. Return back to Airboat outpost after taking in all the natural beauty and enjoy a taste of Belize as you have the opportunity to shop and sample our local rum and wine while experiencing the more live drumming of the Garifuna culture.

"All Aboard!" Embark on an open-air trolley train for a fun and informative tour through this former British colony. Relax and enjoy the cool ocean breeze as your guide details the rich history and cultural diversity. See all the important and interesting landmarks such as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Governor’s Mansion and St. John's Cathedral to name just a few. Enjoy your complimentary local snack and chilled bottled water while you travel through the contrasting districts to see, hear and experience the real hustle and bustle of Belize City today. Return over the famous Swing Bridge, completing your journey aboard the Calypso Train.

Embark on a wildlife riverboat adventure, complete with a canvas top, where you’ll be greeted by the riverboats captain, be comfortably seated, and set to the journey as the first-mate casts-off from the dock and your captain heads out to sea and along the coast. Enjoy the scenic ride along the seafront while your guide provides you with a brief history of Belize City and its vibrant past.

You’ll enter the mouth of the Belize River after an approximately 20 minute journey, where you’ll cruise slowly along the calm waters, adjacent to the jungle covered river bank, in pursuit of the many different species of wildlife. Your guide will provide you with bird and animal identification cards and help you keep a sharp look-out for crocodiles, manatees, and iguanas, numerous species of colorful birds and even on occasion, a playful dolphin or two that have come up the river in search of a meal. Once wildlife is spotted, your captain will bring you as close as possible for a better view and photo opportunities.

You’ll learn about some of the Belizean bush medicine remedies that have been used by the Mayan, the Bushmen who have worked these jungles for centuries and about some the tropical tree species and other tropical flora found growing along the riverbanks. On the return journey, your attentive crew will serve you a complementary rum punch or non-alcoholic fruit punch, while you listen to rhythmic Caribbean vibes.

Board your air-conditioned transportation at the pier for a driving tour of Belize City, the commercial and cultural center of the country. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, learn about the historic, cultural and business aspects of Belizean life. View the significant landmarks and beautiful colonial buildings as your guide points out the various points of interest around town. You’ll visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, a pioneering project in voluntary grassroots conservation by the local villagers. See the Black Howler Monkey, known as the baboon in the local Creole dialect, in their natural setting of the rainforest where they can be protected in a sustainable environment.

Stop for a sit-down meal at a local favorite, Iguana Stop, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch of rice and beans, stewed chicken and coleslaw. Located on 29 acres of tropical savanna, you’ll continue with a visit to the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. This animal preserve features more than 125 animals that are native to Belize. The zoo’s inhabitants consist of orphaned offspring, animals born in captivity, rehabilitated animals, or those give as a gift to the Belize Zoo from other zoological institutions. Here, you’ll be able to get up close with the unique wildlife of Belize on a guided tour. At the end of your zoo tour, be sure to stop at the gift shop for a memento of your visit before heading back to the pier.