Wild - Mexico & Belize
Why Mexico & Belize? Diving: Cenotes, Blue Hole, Belize Barrier Reef. Jungles & Mayan Ruins.
Of course, there are lots of options & permutations... so contact us to tailor-make a tour just for you.
Why a Mexico & Belize Tour?
Mexico's Cenotes - clear limestone sinkholes. See beautiful formations, experience a halocline, thermocline & hydrogen sulphide layer.
Belize's Blue Hole - a large submarine sinkhole in the middle of Belize's Barrier Reef.
Belize Barrier Reef - World class diving & second largest Barrier Reef system. Magnificent coral atolls.
Cozumel - From Santa Rosa Wall to awesome Punta Sur Reef. Made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Mayan ruins & jungles - explore ancient ruins: Chichen Itza, Tulum, Caracol, Tikal. Visit tropical jungles, teeming with wildlife.
Highlights: Cenotes (unique to Mexico), the Blue Hole & Barrier Reef in Belize.
Is this for me? For the seasoned diver who wants a totally different & unique experience.
Day | Location | |||||
1 | Playa del Carmen/ Tulum, Mexico | |||||
2 | Tulum area | |||||
3 | Tulum area | |||||
4 | Tulum area | |||||
5 | Long Caye, Belize or Blackbird Caye/ Caye Caulker |
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6 | Long Caye |
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7 | Long Caye | |||||
8 | Long Caye | |||||
9 | Belize City/ jungle | |||||
10 | Belize City | |||||
Diving Safari Highlights | ||||||
Cenote diving: Limestone sinkholes with spectacular formations, haloclines, hydrogen sulphide layers. Clear water, great viz. Every day. Any season! |
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Day | Mexico & Belize Activities & Highlights | |||
1 | Arrive at Cancun airport, then transfer to your hotel in or near Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Relax & prepare for the coming days of adventure. | |||
2-4 | Over the coming 3 days, you will do 6 dives - 2 dives per day. |
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5 | After an early breakfast, you will depart for your road transfer to Belize. If going to Caye Caulker: board a water taxi from Chetumal to Caye Caulker. Otherwise, continue to the border post where you will complete immigration formalities, & continue on to Belize City. Afternoon transfer by boat to your remote island. (B D) |
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6-8 | Depending on the island destination chosen, you will have up to 8 dives during the coming 3 days. Caye Caulker: 1 day on local barrier reef with 2 dives. 1 day at Lighthouse reef, with 3 dives, including 1 at Blue Hole, 1 Half Moon Caye, 1 Lighthouse reef. 1 day at Turneffe Islands or Elbow: 3 dives. Long Caye: 1 day on Lighthouse Reef, with 2 dives & 1 night dive. 1 day at Blue Hole, with 1 dive, & 1 dive at Lighthouse reef. 1 day at Half Moon Caye, with 3 dives. (B D) |
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9 | In the morning, water taxi/ boat transfer back to Belize City where you can relax ahead of your journey home tomorrow. Alternatively, stay on your island for an extra night. Or head inland for the afternoon to visit the Belize zoo, or to go cave tubing in the Caves Branch. Or stay a couple of nights to experience the ruins & jungles. (B) |
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10 | Today transfer to the airport for your international flight back home. (B) | |||
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $9,585 to $13,000+
Want even more?
Spend longer & dive more in each destination. Or spend longer to head inland and discover ancient Maya sites, experience the tropical jungle, explore caves, go cave tubing & meet the local people... it's your choice.Below are some ideas. Contact us for specific recommendations just for you.
Whale sharks in Mexico or Belize - min 1-3 nights Always wanted to see & snorkel with whale sharks? Each year, during the spring & early summer months, whale sharks visit the waters off the Belize & Mexico coasts. They are seen off Belize's south coast from March - June, up to a week on either side of full moon. This is to do with the movements of their preferred food source: plankton. Meanwhile, they are seen off Isla Holbox off Mexico's north coast from May to September, with the best time being July. Incl. transfers, accommodation, breakfast, snorkelling with whale sharks. From US$ 600 pp for 1 night. |
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Belize - Jungles & Caves - min 2-3 nights Want to explore the jungle & also Mayan caves? Head a couple of hours inland from Belize City for a tranquil jungle experience. Enjoy walks or hikes in the jungle to see wildlife, float down the river in a tube. For the more adventurous, an optional exploration of Actun Tunichil Muknal cave - a journey into the Mayan underworld, known as Xibalba. Incl. transfers, accommodation, most meals, activities. From US$ 995 pp for 2 nights. |
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Guatemala - Tikal Ruins & Jungle - min 2 nights Want to see the ruins of the biggest & most influential Maya city? Head to Guatemala to explore the Tikal Ruins. Towering pyramids set in the dense jungle, with colourful birds & howler monkeys adding their atmospheric calls. Tikal was once one of the most powerful city states at the height of the Mayan civilization over a 1000 years ago. The Yucatan is the real centre of pyramid building; the Maya constructed 100 pyramids for every 1 in Egypt! Incl. transfers, accommodation, visit to the ruins, breakfast & dinner. From US$ 1189 pp for 2 nights. |
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Mexico - Chichen Itza - min 1-2 nights Want to visit this famous '7th Modern Wonder of the World'? This is the best restored and the most famous of the Yucatan's Maya sites. Within easy reach of Playa del Carmen & Cancun, a visit to Chichen Itza makes an excellent foray into the fascinating Maya world. Incl. transfers, accommodation, breakfast. From US$ 590 pp for 1 night. |
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Q: How much does it cost?
A: The short answer: It depends....
The long answer: The world's wildlife & best diving destinations are often expensive because of strict government controls, high park fees & complex logistics. Amongst other things, it also depends on accommodation quality, location & exclusivity; what type of vehicles are used; whether you're flying around a lot; and how many days you spend in-country.
Whatever your budget, we will recommend the best possible diving adventure to suit you.
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Prices based on 2 people travelling, sharing a room.
Choose your own Private Safari or a Small Group - contact us for your tailor-made adventure!
No hidden costs - Guaranteed!
Choose your own Private Tour or a Small Group - contact us for your tailor-made adventure!
Accommodation & responsible travel
We are strongly committed to the principles of responsible travel, and therefore recommend accommodations that are trying to do the right thing - by the environment, their staff & local communities, and their guests! Environmental initiatives include using renewable energy such as solar power, using low-impact structures, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible. They support their local communities by providing employment as well as educational, medical, and other support; some even include profit-share arrangements. Many have, or support, anti-poaching units to de-snare and protect the wilderness areas within which they operate.
Great, so what's the difference between a luxury vacation and an even more luxurious or exclusive one?
Standard | More Luxury & Exclusivity | ||
Good quality hotels & lodges, which tend to be on the larger &/or simpler side. Food is of a reasonable standard, often presented as a self-serve buffet. |
More intimate & secluded hotels & lodges, Or high quality branded city hotels. Usually in excellent locations for diving. High standards of food & service. |
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Accommodation featured: | Accommodation featured: | ||
Dos Ojos Lodge Tankah Hotel Seaside Villas, Caye Caulker Caye Caulker Condos Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge Tikal Inn, Guatemala Tikal Jungle Lodge, Guatemala |
Casa Cenote Hotel Dreams Tulum Resort Long Caye Diving Blackbird Caye Lodge Pook's Hill Lodge, Belize Gran Hotel de la Isla, Guatemala Hotel Maya International, Guatemala |
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We clearly explain what's included & what's not:
Inclusions: All your accommodation, some or most meals depending on level of accommodation chosen, up to 6 dives in Mexico and up to 8 dives in Belize, tanks & weights included, all airport transfers, transfer Playa del Carmen to Belize City, water taxi if required, all marine park & conservation fees.
All government taxes, fuel surcharges, marine park & conservation entrance fees are included and correct as at date of quote. However they are subject to government & local authority imposed changes, often without notice (!) and therefore beyond our control. We will always endeavour to minimise their impact and inform you if a supplement is required.
Exclusions: International airfares to & from your chosen destination. Visa fees, personal & travel insurance, dive gear unless specified, excursions not specified, drinks or meals unless specified, laundry, telephone or internet costs, gratuities, and all other personal expenses. Some airports now charge safety fees, which are payable directly at each airport upon departure.
Additional things to consider: Busy times of the year normally have a supplement added by the accommodation providers - Easter, Xmas & New Year holidays. These will be included in our costs - so no surprises when you get there!
Q: When is the best time to go to Belize & Mexico?
A: It depends on what you want to see & experience, and how comfortable you are with different climates.
There are two main seasons in this region: the dry 'winter' season, and the wet summer season. Both seasons have their advantages & disadvantages. It can still rain in either season - and the 'wet' season usually has sunny days with afternoon downpours. Water temperatures are always relatively warm, and generally vary from 24C - 28C (75 - 82F). The fresh surface waters of the cenotes vary little from 24C (75F) year-round, although the denser bottom layer of saltwater will vary with season.
If you're constrained to travelling at a particular time, don't worry: we'll recommend the best diving locations to visit at that time.
If you have specific interests - such as seeing & snorkelling with whale sharks - then you do need to travel at the right time of year, AND to the right area.
Guide to the scuba diving seasons & the best time to go to Mexico & Belize
November - April Cooler dry season, with cooling sea temperatures (from 27C down to 24C/ 81 to 75F). Most comfortable above-water temperatures, perfect for jungle & ruins exploration. Occasional nortes (storms from the north) blow in from Nov - Feb, cooling things off. |
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May - October Hottest temperatures & highest rainfall. Water temperatures warm up during this season (up to 28C/ 82F). May - September is the best time for seeing whale sharks off Belize &/or Mexico. Hurricane season peaks around September & October - they don't always blow in, but when they do, diving in the ocean is definitely blown out! |
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Whatever time of year you choose to travel, rest assured that when you choose to travel with us, we will advise you of the best diving locations, diving seasons and dates for your particular interests.