Trip style

Active: This has to beat the treadmill at the gym! Our range of Active trips adds the thrill of a physical challenge to your holiday. So if you like nothing more than hitting the trail at sunrise, peddling along mountain passes or kayaking along fast flowing rivers, then Active adventures are just what you’re looking for. Be warned – you’ll work up a sweat, but you will have access to sights and experiences other travellers would consider privileged to see! Back To Index

Service level

Standard: Step out of the normal tourist mind-set and truly experience the world. Most nights will have you staying in a simple yet clean twin-share hotel or lodge rooms with private facilities, complete with running water and electricity. Occasionally you may have a multi-share night at rustic local guesthouses, with communal bathrooms and the sporadic cold shower. Transportation will be a combination of public transport, private buses and some private vehicles. Back To Index

Physical grading

3: May include moderate hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other activities that require only an average/moderate level of fitness to enjoy. Back To Index

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Belize City

Arrive in Belize City at any time, check into the hotel and enjoy the city as there are no planned activities.

For many years Belize has been a relatively unknown destination, so tourists have only recently begun to explore this fascinating country leaving a lot of the country untouched. Take this opportunity to explore some of the virgin territory. The mention of “Belize” conjures up visions of unbelievably clear blue waters, diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef and remarkable marine life. Belize consists of dense jungle vegetation, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easygoing people. Belize is this and so much more!

In many ways, Belize has more in common with its Caribbean rather than its Latin neighbours, although it has plenty of distinctively Central American features as well. It exhibits a unique blend of cultures that includes Mayan, Mestizo, African, European, Arabic and Asian. English is the first official language (as it is a former British Colony) and Spanish runs a close second, though the locals speak Creole the majority of the time.

Belize City straddles the estuaries of Haulover Creek, part of the Belize River, which empties into the Caribbean Sea. This is a small (60 000 inhabitants), but busy city, and we recommend that you do not go wandering alone at night.

With Belize's independence in the early 1980s life has changed somewhat. To get a taste of what colonial life was like, visit Belize City before the old Swing Bridge (if t hasn't been replaced) and watch the twice daily traffic jam, which occurs when the low-lying bridge across Haulover Creek is closed to cars, while it pivots to allow tall-masted boats to pass through and out into the sea.

You should know that Belize City is not a Caribbean "paradise." The city is aging, rustic, and although perched on the edge of the gorgeous Caribbean, has no beaches. Antiquated clapboard buildings on stilts (often unpainted, weathered, tilted or streaked with age) line the narrow streets. Such buildings are slowly being replaced by concrete structures and a few modern glitzy buildings.

Residents of Belize City take pride in the local attractions. It has the oldest Protestant church in Central America, St. John's Anglican Cathedral. This lovely old building is the only typically British structure in the city and is surrounded by well kept lawns. In 1812, slaves in Belize built this graceful piece of architecture using bricks brought as ballast on sailing ships from Europe. Several Mosquito Coast Kings (from the Waiki tribe) were crowned in this Cathedral with much pomp and grandeur. The last king was crowned in 1815.

The Supreme Court Building is located across from Belize City's Central Park. The antiquated town clock sits atop the white clapboard building and shows a different time from all four sides (each wrong since it stopped running a while back); locals nicknamed it the “four-faced liar.” The Government House is another example of colonial Caribbean architecture.

Bliss Promenade meanders along the waterfront and eventually brings you to the Bliss Institute, where social functions and seminars are held. This is the location of a theatre, museum and library, as well as the National Arts Council. Take a look at the display of Mayan stelae and altars retrieved from the Cayo District.

Please note: the heat and humidity of Belize may affect you upon arrival, with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm, it is simply your body’s reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do not attempt too much in any given day. We prefer fan-cooled rather than air conditioned rooms to avoid having to acclimatize to the heat and humidity every time you go outside. This is also a more energy efficient method compared to air conditioning.

Day 2 Placencia

Depart Belize City by van for the small coastal town of Placencia. Spend the first afternoon getting acquainted with this charming town and its golden beach. Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner at one of the delightful restaurants in town.

Most Belizeans agree that Placencia is one of the nicest places in the country to visit. One of the oldest villages in the country, Placencia hasn't been spoiled by high-rise hotels or huge tour groups which have transformed many other once-placid Caribbean locations. There is an informality that's very special and highly contagious. After spending a day getting used to the laid back Belizean lifestyle, grab your paddle and prepare for your adventure.

Day 3-6 Island Hopping (4B,4L,4D)

Travel by motorboat to the jumping off point for our kayaking adventure. Exact starting point and route vary depending on local weather and other conditions—we try to stay one step ahead of everyone else! Spend the next 4 days kayaking between islands and we may stop in a variety of cayes near the Gladden Split Marine Reserve. Paddle for approximately 2 to 4 hours per day, which will leave you with plenty of free time to snorkel, relax on the beach, explore, read or do more paddling around the islands. Sleep on the islands in tents, or, if you prefer, under the stars. Beach picnics will occur everyday and food will consist of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. In April you have the chance to spot Whale Sharks, a gentle giant that is the world’s largest fish and harmless to humans.

More than 300 cayes (pronounced “keys”) lie just off the mainland of Belize. They range in size from no more than a half-block-long patch of mangrove forest to the largest, which is 45 km long and 7 km wide. Some of these islands are inhabited by people, while others only by wildlife. Most of the cayes lie within the protection of the Belize Reef (almost 320 km long), which parallels the mainland. Without the protection of the reef, the islands would be washed away by the constant pounding of the surf.

Within the reef the sea is calm, shallow and inviting. The water is an even more enticing rich, crystalline shade of turquoise. Mangroves provide wonderful breeding grounds for the magnificent sea life that attracts divers from all over the world. The cayes provide the appropriate habitats for incredibly diverse marine life. Sand beaches, swaying palm trees and mangroves are just a few of the attractions that draw visitors here year after year. The reef is the world's second longest (after Australia) and offers some truly amazing sights including coral canyons and an astonishing range of tropical fish, manta rays, sharks and barracudas, as well as the more mundane and edible varieties of fish.

We have found that a kayak offers an unmatched first-hand, natural experience off the Belize coast. Explore at your own pace and with minimum environmental impact. Take the time to notice that Belize operates at a natural rhythm. This is your opportunity to slow down, take time to relax and enjoy life the way the locals do! In no time you will be maneuvering your kayak like a pro and you will glide through the water like a fish. We use single and two-person sea kayaks on our expedition, which are fully equipped with everything you need to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Your local guide has over 25 years experience kayaking in the Belizean Cayes and will have you feeling at home in your kayak before you know it.
Remember, NO PREVIOUS KAYAKING EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY.

Day 7 Placencia

Return to Placencia after a morning paddle or snorkel, and enjoy a well-deserved fresh water shower, dinner and a real bed at our comfortable seaside hotel.

Day 8 Depart Belize City

Morning flight to Belize City where your tour ends.

Back To Index

StartFinish

ex Belize City Back To Index

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. Back To Index

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Back To Index

Important Notes

1. On this island camping trip, no bathroom facilities are provided! The guides will brief you on environmentally safe practices in this regard.

2. Please note that this tour combines with other Gap Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with Gap Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another Gap Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

3. Both solo (1 person) and tandem (2 person) kayaks are used and group members may be asked to rotate to give everyone a chance to experience both types of kayak.

4. Due to the fact that we use small, simple local hotels in Placencia, it may be necessary on occasion to split the group's accommodation arrangements between two locations. Back To Index

Group Leader Description

All Gap Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a Gap Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Back To Index

Group Size Notes

Max 15, Avg 10 Back To Index

Your Fellow Travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Back To Index

Meals Included

4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners Back To Index

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with Gap Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Back To Index

Transport

Private van, Local flight, 1 and 2-person ocean kayaks, Motor boat. Back To Index

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Back To Index

Single Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. Back To Index

Accommodation

Hotels/bungalows (3 nts), Camping (4 nts). Back To Index

Joining Hotel

Belize City
The Coningsby Inn
76 Regent street
Belize City, Belize
Ph: (011-501-2)271566 Back To Index

Joining Instructions

The best way to get to the arrival point hotel is via taxi from the airport – there are fixed rates from the airport. ($25 USD at time of writing)

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned. Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Back To Index

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs. Back To Index

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact Gap Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in San José, Costa Rica. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

Gap Adventures San José, Costa Rica,
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT –6).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +506 2296 6994.

Costa Rica Emergency Cell Phone: +506 8322 9140 (after office hours).

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office in Costa Rica,
we have a toll-free line within North America (or our regular direct line), which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from UK: 0844 410 1030
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Outside North America, Australia and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Mobile: + 1 416 305 6139 Back To Index

What to Take

We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever you find easiest to carry. A good size daypack is also essential. Back To Index

Checklist

- USD cash
- Credit and/or debit card (see spending money)
- Travellers cheques (optional to bring a small amount as backup, though they are sometimes difficult to cash and usually at a fee)
- Gap Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Cover for backpacks
- Pocketknife
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, DEET bug repellant, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

Special requirements for this trip:
- Sleeping bag (light) (these can be rented though quality may vary).
- Thermarest or sleeping mat recommended
- Snorkel gear provided as part of snorkel trip. (May wish to bring your own)
- Waterproof bags for gear while kayaking (recommended to bring one dry bag for items such as camera and perhaps for a dry t-shirt or jacket and a second dry bag for your sleeping bag, a few changes of clothes, and toiletries)

Please note that a support boat that will carry most of your gear while kayaking and you will only need to carry immediately necessary items in your kayak. Extra luggage not required for the kayaking portion of the tour may also be safely stored on land until your return from the sea. Back To Index

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Back To Index

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. Back To Index

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. Back To Index

Money Exchange

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards with travellers cheques as backup is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com Back To Index

Local payment description

Effective October 1st, 2009, new Gap Adventures tour bookings will no longer require travellers to pay a portion of their tour price on Day 1 of their tour. What was previously broken out as a local payment for our tours is now being included in the upfront tour pricing as displayed on our website. The changeover period due to the implementation of this policy will mean that on day 1 there will be a mixture of travellers both paying and not paying the local payment, however please note that the overall cost to our travellers has not changed.

People who booked a tour before October 1st 2009, and are travelling after 01 January 2010 will have the option to either bring their local payment funds to their Tour Leader on Day 1, or to prepay their local payment before departure. Anyone who desires to prepay their local payment must contact their Adventure Specialist at Gap Adventures or Travel Agent by October 31st, 2009 to arrange prepayment. If you still wish to pay your local payment upon arrival, the amount to be paid will be clearly stated on your tour voucher and invoice documents.

Please be aware that certain park fees and local charges still apply on some tours; only the Gap Adventures local payment has been discontinued. This change is a result of feedback from our travellers and to streamline and simplify the payment process. Back To Index

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence! Back To Index

Departure Tax

Airport tax - USD35
Departure fee when leaving Belize by land - BZ 37.50 or USD 18.75
Entry fee for Guatemala - Q 10.00 or USD 1.50 Back To Index

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Gap Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Back To Index

Health

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. Gap Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Back To Index

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our Tour Leaders to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please click here. Back To Index

Trip Specific Safety

Belize City is very dangerous during the night. Also on Caye Caulker exercise caution and do not walk around alone at night. There have also been cases of drinks being spiked here. Back To Index

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/medical-form. Back To Index

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes. Back To Index

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number. Back To Index

Trip Specific Responsible Travel

Please make sure to ask for permission while photographing local people! Back To Index

Responsible Travel

Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what Gap Adventures is all about. From the start, Gap Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the Gap Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com Back To Index

Planeterra-The Gap Adventures Foundation

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the Gap Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. Gap Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in Gap Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your Gap Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Back To Index

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next Gap Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations Back To Index

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from Gap Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup Back To Index

Travel Forum - The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Back To Index

We Want Your Photos

If you've got some great photos form your Gap Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often! Back To Index

Free Online Trip Journals

An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 Gap Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to gapadventures.mytripjournal.com. Back To Index

Keeping in Touch

If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff. Back To Index

Highlights

Belize City, Placencia, Sea Kayaking between Cayes. Back To Index

Departure

Departs Mondays, twice per month (Oct-Apr) Back To Index

Recommendation

For a Full Belize adventure, combine this with the Hummingbird Highway - see code BFB. Back To Index

DepEnd

Mon-Mon Back To Index