If you’ve always wanted to try stand-up paddleboarding — or SUPing as it’s called — what better place to do it than in Belize?
(feature photo: Julian Clark/iStock)
The tranquil Southern Barrier Reef has long been an epic destination for snorkellers and divers — and now SUPers are adding themselves to the list of travellers looking for a good reason to visit this little-seen stretch of sand.
This trip, geared toward novice and experienced paddlers alike, is being coordinated specially by Norm Hann Expeditions and Island Expeditions. You’ll spend days SUPing and snorkeling around off-the-beaten-path areas of the reef, trekking across uninhabited islands, exploring coral reefs, and meeting abundant marine life.
You’ll stay in family-run lodges and get a chance to explore other features of beautiful Belize. Oh, and birdwatching and yoga are also on the list as options!
Itinerary Highlights
Days 1: Arrive via domestic flight at Pelican Beach Resort, where you meet your group and trip leader over dinner and drinks.
Days 2-4: Glover’s Reef Basecamp. Head out to sea via charter boat, about 38 miles off shore to Glover’s Reef Atoll basecamp. Spend the next two days via SUP exploring Glover’s Reef, which is part of the great Mesoamerica Reef system, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in terms of its size and biodiversity.
The turquoise waters are clear and warm, and there is “a tremendous variety of marine life, including southern stingrays, eagle rays, grouper, nurse sharks,” and more. Your trip leader will review SUPing techniques and practices, and can help you individually will skill building if necessary.

The stunning life of Belize’s coral reef, part of the Mesoamerican Reef system. (Credit: John Anderson Photography/iStock)

Glovers Reef Atoll in Belize. (Credit: Julian Clark/iStock)
Days 5-6: Tobacco Caye Paradise Lodge. You next head to Southwater Caye Marine Reserve on the Southern Barrier Reef and stay for two days at Tobacco Caye Paradise Lodge. Explore in and around coral islands, mangrove forests and coral reefs.
Day 7: Return via water taxi to mainland, then depart.
Coral Islands SUP | ISLAND EXPEDITIONS
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Phone: 800.667.1630
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SM: FB, IG, Twitter
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Length/Departs: 6 days; regular depart dates December thru April.
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Accommodation: Lodges
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Price: ask about current pricing.