Ruling the waves in Belize’s barrier reef

GETTING THERE
From LAX, connecting service is available on American, Continental, TACA, US Airways and Northwest. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $451.

FINDING A TOUR
GAP Adventures, 19 Duncan St., Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3H1, Canada; (800) 465-5600, www.gap.ca. The seven-night “Kayak Belize” tour features three nights in budget hotels and four nights camping on various islands. There are no bathroom or shower facilities while camping, with the exception of an enclosed pit toilet on one island. Meals are included while camping, as is internal transportation. The trip is $895 plus $75 upon arrival in Belize City. No kayak experience necessary.

Island Expeditions, 368-916 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K7, Canada; (800) 667-1630, www.islandexpeditions.com. An eight-night “Coral Islands” package includes two nights of rustic accommodations at the Tropical Education Center near Belize City, one night hotel accommodations, five nights camping on islands and all meals. Campsites feature enclosed pit toilets and portable freshwater showers. The itinerary includes a day trip exploring Maya ceremonial caves, a night tour of the Belize Zoo and a night in the city of Dangriga with entertainment by Garifuna musicians and dancers. Return travel from Dangriga to Belize City is not included. The trip is $1,299, with discounts available for April. No kayak experience necessary.

Slickrock Adventures, P.O. Box 1400, Moab, UT 84532; (800) 390-5715, www.slickrock.com. A sea kayaking week based at Slickrock’s private island is $1,850 per person. A “Belize Adventure Week” trip, featuring mountain biking, hiking, cave exploration, river rafting, sea kayaking, kite-surfing and scuba diving, is $2,095 per person. Accommodations range from beach tents to jungle cabins. Camp facilities include toilets and solar showers. All meals and transportation included, except taxi rides to and from the airport. Equipment for all sports except diving is included.

TO LEARN MORE
Consulate General of Belize, 5825 Sunset Blvd., Suite 206, Los Angeles, CA 90028; (800) 624-0686, fax (323) 469-7346, www.travelbelize.org.