Page 16 - Visitor Guides

ISLAND EXPEDITIONS FROM THE BEGINNING

Island Expeditions began with a road trip. In 1986, a few guides looking to extend their

paddling season decided to head south for the winter. Sure enough, that trip was one
to remember. Of all the places on the map, Belize, tucked away on the Caribbean shore
and overgrown with jungles and history, was a place to fall in love with.

After many adventures and a few wrong turns, we ended up on the shores of
the Caribbean, in a village called Dangriga. It was the sound of the drums when we
arrived – turtle shell and deerskin – that first drew us into the heart of the village.
The richness of the Garifuna, Creole, and Mayan cultures, the welcoming community, and the awesome seaside location with

access to remote cayes and brilliant coral reefs proved irresistible. So the next year, we launched Island Expeditions Co. (IEC)
with a single focus: to be the best adventure travel company in Belize and Central America. With the skills and knowledge we’d
honed as veteran guides and with a fresh born passion for travel, we never doubted that this venture would flourish.

We’re Small, we’re Focused and we’re of our trip leaders, managers and support staff have been with

Passionate about adventure travel us for years and we’ve become a part of the communities where
Twenty-five years later, after many extraordinary adventures we travel. The strength of these relationships fosters a fun and

and more than 15,000 guests who have travelled with us, we’re genuine interaction with the people of Belize and Mexico and
still as passionate as ever about the wonder and beauty of time and again, our guests tell us that this quality sets our
the region and her people. Our unique style of active travel trips apart. Being welcomed into the home of a Mayan family,
–small groups with superb leaders – has stood the test of time. learning the secrets of traditional Garifuna cooking with your

And throughout, Island Expeditions has stayed focused on the guides and forming lasting friendships with the people you
pursuit of extraordinary travel, so it’s only natural that so many meet is all part of the adventure with Island Expeditions.

For detailed itineraries, departure dates and trip costs visit islandexpeditions.com 3