Sea kayak and snorkel remote areas deep in the land of the Maya.

The journey will take you to the extraordinary coral reefs, coastal wetlands, and tropical forests of southern Mexico and neighboring Belize. From this remote corner of the Yucatan Peninsula we sea kayak along the world's second- longest barrier reef, visit remains of ancient Mayan culture, and snorkel in the exotic underwater world of tropical fish and coral. We visit the lagoons and mangrove forests of Bacalar Chico National Park in Belize; home to ocelots, margay, jaguar, and puma. Our guides tell the story of the area's natural history while graceful rays swim beneath our kayaks and pelicans watch from above. At a remote island in Chetumal Bay we observe roseate spoonbill, boat billed heron, white ibis, Louisiana heron, wood stork, and many other bird species up close. At day's end, we relax in hammocks under coconut trees where frigate birds soar above the white sand beaches and aquamarine Caribbean waters.

We stay in small, comfortable inns that combine beach side dining with thatched roof cabanas - distinctive cottages with tiled floors, comfortable beds, and private baths. Evening meals include plenty of fresh salsa and delicious entrees such as wood grilled citrus chicken breast or grilled fish fillet with Tuscany black olive tapenade.

  Itinerary

• Day one
  Meet in Cancun, then drive south to the lodging in Tulum. After a relaxing dinner, stick your feet in the sand and slow down the pace.
• Day two
  Following breakfast drive 30 minutes through the jungle to visit the ruins at Coba where as many as 55,000 Mayans once lived in a city of 20,000 structures. Hike to the Nohoch Mul pyramid, a 140-foot-high temple rising above the jungle canopy. Snorkel in one of the area's cenotes (places where underground rivers are exposed through openings in the limestone rock). At the end of the day we travel south to the small village of Xcalak at the southern-most tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Comfortable cabana accommodations are nestled in the shade of a coconut grove, a barefoot walk from the water's edge.
• Day three
  There are no phones in Xcalak. The only electricity comes from recently installed wind powered generators. Outside your cottage, the turquoise Caribbean water will take your breath away! Snorkel on the barrier reef, followed by a sea kayak clinic in the afternoon.
• Days four through six
  Sea kayak along the reef to Bacalar Chico National Park in Belize. Guides help interpret the coastal wetlands and identify the many native and migratory birds. When the coral below looks interesting, we trade the paddles for flippers and explore the world below the surface.
• Day seven
  You can choose to do whatever the day inspires. Kayak along the reef, take time for a walk, snorkel, dive, or simply lounge in a hammock and soak it all in. Back to beach front cabanas in Tulum for dinner and a chance to reflect on our shared adventure together.
• Day eight
  Drive back (reluctantly) to Cancun for departures home.