How it works: This is a perfect trip where you can choose the parts you wish to take part in or add your own excursions! You can come for all of the parts you want, or leave out one of the destinations of the trip to create your own adventure!

Belize Island Adventure on Ambergris Caye  - For those of you that have never been to the Caribbean, get ready for the some of the most beautiful, crystal clear water you've ever seen in your life. The visibility for scuba diving is truly world class, and for those that want to we'll be venturing out to different dive sites every day. The Belize Barrier Reef is the 2nd largest barrier reef in the ENTIRE WORLD and the island of Ambergris Caye boasts over 25 miles of pristine reef diving action just 1 mile offshore! We'll have the option to dive at the Great Blue Hole as well, one of, if not THE most famous scuba dive site in the entire world. Check out this video below for some insight as to the scuba diving experience! 

Not a Scuba Diver? No Worries!  There are plenty of other things to do on the Island of Ambergris Caye besides Scuba Diving! You can mix & match any amount of adventures - or relaxation - that you want! Some notable activities include Bacalar Chico National Park on the Island, a Catamaran cruise, snorkeling with sharks and rays, hanging out on "Secret Beach" and more! Check out these photos!
 

ENTIRE BELIZE TRIP ITINERARY
(Tuesday Night, August 31st - Saturday Night, September 11th)

Pre-Trip Scuba Certification Itinerary

(All accommodations, local transport, & some meals INCLUDED in price. All diving excursions NOT included)
CLICK HERE to sign up for the Pre-Trip Add On! 

(If you're already certified, you can(and should) still come to this part of the trip! It's just an option to invite those looking to get certified!)

• Tuesday, August 31st - Hop on a plane in the Bay Area on TUESDAY NIGHT and take the overnight flight to Belize City, stopping in either Atlanta or Houston along the way. We recommend flying out of San Jose or Oakland, it's cheaper than San Francisco! See "Suggested Flights" below.
   
• Wednesday, September 1st -  We arrive in Belize City around 11am-12pm all together! Yay! We make a quick transfer to hop on our puddle jumper flights over to San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye. Take in the breathtaking views from the plane the entire way there. Upon arrival, we'll pick up our Golf Cart Rentals, get settled at our Villa accommodations with a POOL, then go out and explore the local town a bit before a massive UD FEAST and 1st night hang out at the Villa, a staple of every Urban Diversion Trip. 
   
• Thursday, September 2nd - This is your day to get SCUBA CERTIFIED! Head down to the local dive shop where you've signed up for your course, and proceed to do all 4 of your certification dives! If you want, you can split them up into 2 days, and finish the rest of the dives the next day. 
  • If you're already certified, head out there and do some dives! This part of the trip is not solely for people who need a certification! Afterwards, relax by the pool after a hard days work in the ocean, and enjoy a night out on the town! Get ready to meet up with the rest of the crew who decide to arrive the next day!
     
• Friday, September 3rd - Wednesday, September 8th- Same itinerary as the "Main Trip Itinerary" below!!
   

Main Trip Itinerary

    
(All accommodations, local transport, & some meals INCLUDED in price. All diving excursions NOT included)

• Thursday, September 2nd - Hop on a plane in the Bay Area on TUESDAY NIGHT and take the overnight flight to Belize City, stopping in either Atlanta or Houston along the way. We recommend flying out of San Jose or Oakland, it's cheaper than San Francisco! See "Suggested Flights" below.
   
• Friday, September 3rd -   You'll arrive in Belize City around 11am-12pm all together! Yay! We make a quick transfer to hop on our puddle jumper flights over to San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye. Take in the breathtaking views from the plane the entire way there. Upon arrival, your host Sam will pick you up in our Golf Cart Rentals, get settled at our Villa accommodations with a POOL, then go out and explore the local town a bit before a massive UD FEAST and 1st night hang out at the Villa, a staple of every Urban Diversion Trip. 
   
• Saturday, September 4th - These days are what you make of them! We can certainly head out and dive at any of the incredible dive sites right off shore, or we can go check out the National Park on the island, go check out "Secret Beach", go to Shark Ray Alley, go shopping, etc.! So many options, there is no shortage of stuff to do. You knowledgeable and adventurous host will have all of the information and ideas ready for you to pick whatever you're feeling for that day.
   
• Sunday, September 5th - These days are what you make of them! We can certainly head out and dive at any of the incredible dive sites right off shore, or we can go check out the National Park on the island, go check out "Secret Beach", go to Shark Ray Alley, go shopping, etc.! So many options, there is no shortage of stuff to do. You knowledgeable and adventurous host will have all of the information and ideas ready for you to pick whatever you're feeling for that day.
   
• Monday, September 6th - For those that wish to join, we'll be going to the famous Great Blue Hole(see photo earlier in write up) for the scuba dive of a lifetime, followed by 2 more dives on the way back. There are also snorkeling options available, and generally speaking it's a super fun all day trip out on the water - no matter your water sport interest level! If you choose not to partake, then once again your host will have a ton of awesome suggestions for you to check out, or just relax by the pool! 
   
• Tuesday, September 7th - We will take a day trip to Caye Caulker together via water taxi! This quaint, backpackers island just south of Ambergris Caye will be an awesome little town to check out for part of the day. We'll grab some lunch, enjoy the ride across the beautiful blue ocean, and make it back in time for plenty of day left, for people to get some extra dives in, or hang out on the beach! It's Saturday, so we'll hit the town for some drinks and dinner later on. This will be our final night together for some of us, so we'll be sure to celebrate it in style!!
   
• Wednesday, September 8th - THERE ARE 2 OPTIONS FOR THE REST OF THE TRIP, FROM HERE ON OUT!
   
  • Option 1: Catch the return leg of your puddle jumper flight back to Belize City, where you'll transfer to your flight home to the USA :( It was great having you with us! At this point, you're golden bronze from the sun, you can speak fluent Spanish, and you can crack a coconut open with your bare hands!
     
  • Option 2: BELIZE & GUATEMALA JUNGLE ADVENTURE! SEE BELOW!

Post-Trip Belize & Guatemala Jungle Adventure Itinerary

(All accommodations, local transport, excursions / activities, & some meals listed below are INCLUDED in the trip price)
CLICK HERE to sign up for the Post-Trip Add On! 

• Wednesday, September 8th - BELIZE & GUATEMALA JUNGLE ADVENTURE! We'll depart from San Pedro early in the morning on Sunday, take a ferry to Belize City, hop on a bus, and ride in our private shuttle 2 hours west to San Ignacio, a culturally rich, jungle city in Western Belize. We'll arrive at our accommodations, and have a dinner all together! The trip goes on baby! Woohoo!
   
• Thursday, September 9th - Today is the day we go to Guatemala! We'll be up early, and get picked up by our awesome tour guide who will take us West, across the border, and into Guatemala! You'll get the fancy stamp on your passport, and we'll spend the rest of the day exploring the INCREDIBLE Tikal Mayan Ruins. Lunch will be provided, and we'll be sure to take an insane amount of photos so that we never forget it. Afterwards, we'll have one last big dinner out together, and get prepared for a longer travel day the next day :(
   
• Friday, September 10th - For those of us who have ventured to San Ignacio, we'll wake up early and get prepared for our day trek into the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave! We'll be climbing around, getting wet, seeing old Mayan Pots, stalagmites and stalactites, and even a human skeleton! This will be an adventure for the ages, trust us. Afterwards, we'll go into the town and do some shopping at one of the local markets! Woohoo!
   
• Saturday, September 11th - Today is the day we all go home :( For those of us still on the island, you'll catch the return leg of your puddle jumper flight back to Belize City International Airport for the flight home. For those of us in Western Belize, we'll hop in our private shuttle bus and drive 2.5 hours to the airport in Belize City, where we'll all meet up, tell our favorite stories from our incredible trip, and catch our flights home to the USA. From there, we'll dream of our next trip with UD ;) 

ADDED QUESTIONS & DETAILS:

What if I want to come on the Pre-Trip, Main Trip, & Post-Trip adventures? Awesome! We would love that! The only reason we have split them up into 3 separate, registrable events, is to give YOU flexibility. We understand some people might not be THAT into diving, or THAT into the jungle adventure, or they just can't get that much time off work! This format gives you several options, and the price of all 3 options combined is the same price as what the regular trip would be anyway. You can come on Pre Tip + Main Trip... Main Trip + Post Trip... Pre Trip + Main Trip + Post Trip... or just the Main Trip! The choice is yours! Email sam@urbandiversion.com with any questions.

Am I paying more $$ by signing up for 3 different parts of trip, instead of 1 big trip? No, we have calculated everything out so that the total cost of the 3 separate parts to the trip add up to what 1 big trip registration would've cost. Again, this is just to give you more flexibility. If you want a 10 day, big trip, sign up for all 3, it's the same price :)

Who will be on the trip?: Expect 8-15 of your fellow Urban Diversion members as well as non-members looking to escape the rat-race of the working world and experience some peaceful surrealism of the pristine jungle combined with the thrill of foreign adventures.  THIS HAS FILLED UP EVERY YEAR!

How do UD Trips Work?: Think of UD trips as friends and friends of friends traveling together.  We have arranged an exciting itinerary of included activities and some optional activities below.  A few weeks before the trip you will be given a very detailed customized itinerary... This is what the host is doing that day, join, or organize your own itinerary. Because your host knows the area very well, the group can customize things on the fly!

Will I have my own room? My own bed?  Unfortunately, if we wanted to give everyone their own bed, in their own room, it would cost way more money to make the trip happen and we would have to charge more! That being said, we will be doing our absolute best to make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible. You will either have your own twin-sized bed in a shared room, or share a Queen/King size bed with someone of the same sex in your own room. If you are sharing a bed, we will get consent from both parties, and try to make sure you know each other, are friends, and are comfortable with each other. No one wants to share a bed with a stranger! 

Why September? We'll be catching Belize just at the end of rainy season, and right as school picks up again, which will mean less crowds, less tourists, less annoying kids around, and less expensive adventures! Don't believe me? Take it from PADI.com "August to October is considered low season for tourism and diving in Belize. However, the diving is only slightly impacted by the rain and many would argue that this is the best time to dive in Belize. You’ll find fewer crowds and the best deals during these months."

How much $$ is Scuba Diving in Belize? Great question! Assuming you're certified, we have found & contacted a dive shop down there that has some awesome dive packages. For example, 5 days of 2-tank dives(aka 10 total dives) will run you ~$350. Not bad for 10 dives, including all equipment rental! If you want the same package + the Blue Hole day trip(includes 3 total dives) then your total is ~$560 for 13 dives(one dive at Blue Hole). It's definitely a lot more affordable than other diving locations, especially here in the USA.

Here is a UD Trip to Thailand from a years ago! An awesome group of people!

Travel Arrangements: YOU are responsible for your own flight to Belize AND the designated flight from Belize City to San Pedro.  See "Suggested Flights" below.

Getting Around: We will arrange boats, planes, busses, and other means of transport inside Belize & Guatemala. We will be flying into Belize City, then taking a short flight over to the island of Ambergris Caye. It's a BEAUTIFUL plane ride, flying low over the incredible reefs and ocean. We'll have Golf Carts accessible to us to drive around the island, and we'll take a boat ride back to Belize City to experience the journey in the air and over sea. From Belize City, we'll be taking a bus to San Ignacio, will be using local transport in/around the city, and will take a bus back to Belize City before flying home :( It will be safe, adventurous, and unique. Where else can you experience flying, riding on a boat, driving on a golf cart, and riding on a bus in one trip?!

Regular Arrival - Depart Tuesday night & arrive Wednesday morning, OR, Depart Thursday night & arrive Friday morning. Yes, you will probably leave the Bay Area at night and land in Belize the next morning around 10-11am. The flights are cheaper this way, and you get another full day in paradise instead of spending it stuck on a plane! It's a win-win in our book!

Host Notes: Hey all! I have spent a lot of time creating this itinerary to get the most out of your time there! We will be hitting all of the most beautiful attractions in Belize and be doing it in style. If you have never been to Central America, then this is the way to do it best and at a fraction of the cost.

If you have any questions please call me at 608-514-6865
or email sam@urbandiversion.com

Accommodations on the Island- We have an awesome Villa just outside of San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye. I mean, check out these pics! We'll also have golf carts rented so that we can travel around the island in style. 

Accommodations in San Ignacio - We have another awesome place in San Ignacio, with a shared pool, just a 10 min walk from downtown! We'll be staying on-site of a Hotel suite area, with access to a pool, bar, and will be served complimentary breakfast every morning! Beds for everyone, and a great place to unwind after a long day adventuring in the jungle :) 

Costs and Payment: 

• For UD Standard Members
  • Total Cost of Belize Scuba Pre-Trip: $345.00
  • Total Cost of Belize Main Trip: $995.00
  • Total Cost of Belize & Guatemala Post-Trip: $605.00
  • TOTAL COST FOR 12 NIGHT TRIP: $1945.00
     
• For UD Prospect Members
  • Total Cost of Belize Scuba Pre-Trip: $395.00
  • Total Cost of Belize Main Trip: $1095.00
  • Total Cost of Belize & Guatemala Post-Trip: $645.00
  • TOTAL COST FOR 12 NIGHT TRIP: $2135.00
     
• THIS IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN ANYTHING ELSE YOU WILL FIND IN THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY. FOR EXAMPLE - NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DOES THIS SAME ITINERARY FOR CLOSE TO $5,000 FOR 11 NIGHTS. THIS IS A STEAL.

Price includes:

• For the Pre-Trip Belize Adventure
  • Villa Accommodations for 2 Nights, Golf Cart Rental, Some Meals
     
• For the Main Trip Belize Adventure
  • Villa Accommodations for 5 Nights, Golf Cart Rental, Some Meals, Transport to Caye Caulker for Day Trip
     
• For Post-Trip Belize & Guatemala Adventure
  • Accommodations for 3 Nights, Private Shuttle transport, Tikal Day Tour, ATM Cave Exploration Day Tour, Some Meals
     
• Your knowledgeable, adventurous, EXPERT UD HOST SAM to make sure this trip is a once in a lifetime experience
• All coordination of logistics, itinerary, safety, transport, etc. for the entire trip by yours truly
• The usual tons of photos and memories that we are known for
• Loads of fun and laughs

Cancellation Policy - If you cancel up to 3 months out, you get 90% back. If you cancel up to 2 months out, you get 75% back. If you cancel up to 1 month out, you get 50% back.

Visas - Here is a rundown on Visas for AMERICANS 

• Belize - not needed
• Guatemala - not needed

Health & Vaccinations: Usually for the areas we are going it is not required, but this changes often... please check the health site here and talk to your doctor.