7 Nights · Reef + Ancient Maya

A 7-Night Belize Reef and Maya Itinerary at Casa Al Mar

See the Belize Barrier Reef and an ancient Maya city in one week, from a single island base. Casa Al Mar is a private, fully-staffed home on St. George's Caye, taken by one group of 8 to 14. The private boat, captain, and licensed guide run the reef days, with one guided day inland to Lamanai, up the New River. It stays one base the whole week, with no domestic flight: 20 minutes from BZE to the dock, then 20 minutes by boat to the caye.

The boat and team are yours all week, so the plan is set on the first evening with your host and chef and shifts day to day. The Lamanai day is the one mainland trip in the week; the rest runs from the house and the water.

Day 1: Arrival at St. George's Caye

Arrive at Belize's International Airport (BZE), where your host greets you and coordinates the short transfer to Belize City. From there, board your private boat for the 20-minute ride to St. George's Caye. After settling in, enjoy welcome cocktails and a short briefing with your host and chef, your first chef-prepared meal, a swim off the east dock, and your first Caribbean sunset.

Day 2: Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef

Spend the morning on the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The captain and licensed guide choose snorkel sites by the day's weather and visibility; several are just 15 to 20 minutes from the house. Water, drinks, and snacks come on every outing. Back for lunch, the afternoon stays open for kayaking, a hammock, or a walk around the caye. Dinner is family-style in the main dining room.

Day 3: Caye Caulker and Island Hopping

Cruise to Caye Caulker, about 35 minutes by boat. On the way, you stop to snorkel coral gardens and swim with nurse sharks and rays. On the island there is time to wander and to feed the tarpon on the west side, before the ride back to Casa Al Mar for sunset and dinner.

Day 4: Lamanai, Up the New River

The one mainland day of the week, and one of Belize's most memorable. From the house it is a short 20-minute boat ride to the mainland, then about 1.5 hours by road to the New River, where a boat takes over.

The river runs through forest where crocodiles, tropical birds, and howler monkeys are part of the trip, and ends at Lamanai, one of Belize's largest and longest-occupied Maya cities. Climb the temples, walk the site, and eat a packed lunch from the chef before the ride back to Casa Al Mar.

The Lamanai day is not included in the rate. It is a mainland add-on at a reasonable price, fully arranged and coordinated by the team.

Day 5: Fishing and Sandbars

Back to the water at your group's pace. Drop fishing from the boat in the morning, then a sandbar afternoon in shallow, clear water, where you can stay an hour or stay for four. Many fishing grounds are within 20 minutes of the island, and some sandbars are visible from the balcony. If the fishing goes your way, the chef can cook the catch; snacks and a bartender come out on the boat.

Day 6: A Slow Island Day

After a busy week, a day with no schedule. Sleep in, take a late breakfast, paddle around the island, read in a hammock, or spend the afternoon on the balcony watching the boats pass. The dock is there for jumping, swimming, and floating with a drink.

Day 7: Revisit a Favorite

By the last full day, the group knows what it wants more of: another snorkel site, more fishing, a second caye, or one last long lunch at the house. In the evening, the front lawn is set for a farewell dinner under the stars.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, the team coordinates your transfer back to Belize City and BZE for your journey home.

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Common Questions

Can you see Maya ruins from Casa Al Mar?

Yes. Lamanai is a guided mainland day: a short boat to the mainland, a road transfer, then a boat up the New River to the site. It is an add-on the team arranges and coordinates.

Do you need a domestic flight for the Lamanai day?

No. Lamanai is reached by boat and road from the house. There is no domestic flight on this itinerary.

How long is the Lamanai day trip?

It is a full day. From the house it is about a 20-minute boat ride to the mainland, then roughly 1.5 hours by road to the New River, where a boat continues to Lamanai. The chef sends a packed lunch.

Are the reef days included, or are they extra?

The private boat, captain, and licensed guide are part of the stay, so the reef snorkeling, Caye Caulker, fishing, and sandbar days are included. The Lamanai day is a mainland add-on priced separately.

How many nights is this itinerary?

Seven nights at Casa Al Mar. The house has a five-night minimum, and seven nights leaves room for a reef week plus the Lamanai day.

Other Casa Al Mar Itineraries

Want jungle nights too? See the 8-night reef and rainforest itinerary (Casa Al Mar + Chan Chich)

5-night group itinerary

7-night scuba diving itinerary

Group vacation rental: rooming, rates, and how the house works