What to Bring: Camera, binoculars, drinking water, reef walkers or sandals, plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent and a change of clothes to get into after the trip. Wearing shorts is fine; however, swimwear is recommended as you will want to go for a dip.

Rafting or Kayaking (1/2 to 2/3 day) Includes: transportation, gear, guided tour while kayaking. Optional self-guided tour of Xunantunich or Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Entrance fee is US 10.00

Departs: anytime before 2:00 p.m Driving time: 30 mins Fitness: moderate

Macal River Canoeing
We enter the river 4 1/2 miles upstream from Crystal Paradise and float down stream back to the lodge. An easy float down one of the most sparkling clean rivers in Belize. Take along a guide or set out on your own. Just remember to take it slow and enjoy the view. Canoeing the Macal River is a memorable experience and highly recommended. The shoreline is covered with a lush tree canopy, which is the natural habitat for tropical birds, butterflies and iguanas.

There are several stops you can make along the way. About 1 mile down river from our drop-off point is the Belize Botanical Gardens at DuPlooy’s. Spend some time wandering through the beautiful gardens and exploring the rich variety of plants. Another stop while canoeing is Chaa Creek. This Belize resort is home to the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm and the Natural History Center, as well as the Ix Chel Medicine Trail. Both places serve lunch and drinks. In addition, there are several other small bars and restaurants that advertise their locations along the water edge.

Macal River Canoeing with a Bird Guide: While canoeing, you can see an array of birds that frequent the river banks and iguanas sunning them-selves on the rocks. Some of these birds include Black Phoebe, Social Flycatcher, kingfishers, Mangrove Swallows, and occasionally the Gray Necked Wood Rails.

Macal River Canoeing

Self guided $28.00 each Guided $40.00 each

Other Canoeing - You can canoe down from Crystal Paradise to the town of San Ignacio 3 ½ miles away enjoying the tranquility and peacefulness. You can try out one of the local restaurants in town or simply walk the town and meet with the friendly Belizean people.

Belize River Canoeing (Full Day) Formed from the union of the Macal and Mopan Rivers, this historic river used by the English settlers in search of mahogany in the 1600's, was once the only means of travel between San Ignacio and Belize City. Every year a four-day canoe race is held on this river from San Ignacio to Belize City some 180 miles away. Chances are you might encounter howler monkeys feeding off the fig trees along the river and crocodiles sunning themselves on sandy beaches or logs. Bring packed lunch for this tour; order at the dining room the night before.

Belize River Canoeing - (Full Day) Includes guide, equipment and transportation

Departs: 8:00 a.m Driving time: 1 1/2 hrs Fitness: moderate