Reef & Rainforest: The Ultimate Belizean Family Adventure
A Vacation Package That Offers It All
The Reef & Rainforest Vacation Package is the perfect way to experience the best of Belize’s island and jungle adventures—all in one trip! Combining Casa Al Mar, a private island paradise, with Chan Chich Lodge, a remote jungle retreat, this package gives families the chance to explore Belize’s most stunning landscapes in two completely different ways.
At Casa Al Mar, expect barefoot luxury, ocean breezes, and endless water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and even scuba diving. The calm, turquoise waters make it an ideal spot for families to explore marine life, whether it’s swimming with nurse sharks or simply relaxing on a private beach. The laid-back island lifestyle allows for quality family time, whether enjoying a freshly prepared meal with an ocean view or unwinding in a hammock as the sun sets over the Caribbean.
Then, trade in your swimsuit for hiking boots as you head deep into the rainforest at Chan Chich Lodge, where wildlife safaris, jungle treks, and farm-to-table dining bring a whole new sense of adventure. The dense jungle setting immerses you in nature, offering an entirely different pace—one filled with the sounds of howler monkeys, the thrill of tracking elusive wildlife, and the excitement of nighttime safaris that bring the rainforest to life. Then, trade in your swimsuit for hiking boots as you head deep into the rainforest at Chan Chich Lodge, where wildlife safaris, jungle treks, and farm-to-table dining bring a whole new sense of adventure.
For more detailed reviews of each resort, click here: Casa Al Mar Review | Chan Chich Lodge Review.
A Seamless Transition Between Worlds
Packing up at Casa Al Mar was effortless—staff carried our bags down to the boat, loaded them, and whisked us to the mainland, where the Chan Chich van was waiting. On the way, we made a quick grocery stop for snacks and extra diapers before heading deep into the jungle. The transition was seamless—one moment, we were barefoot on the beach, and the next, we were trading swimsuits for hiking boots in the dense Belizean rainforest.
The Perfect Contrast: Island Relaxation vs. Jungle Exploration
Going from Casa Al Mar to Chan Chich Lodge felt like switching between two completely different adventures—each complementing the other:
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- Casa Al Mar was all about barefoot island life, fresh seafood, and ocean activities.
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- Chan Chich Lodge introduced us to dense jungle, rugged safaris, and hearty farm-to-table meals.
Even the food was a contrast—Casa Al Mar focused on freshly caught seafood, while Chan Chich featured farm-raised meats and locally sourced ingredients, making every meal feel authentic to its setting.
The Highlights of Both Worlds
Each location had its own incredible moments, making this trip truly one-of-a-kind:
Casa Al Mar:
Scuba Diving as a Family – Our first-ever dive together, making for an unforgettable bonding experience.
Secluded Beach BBQ Day – We spent 3-4 hours on a private island, swimming, playing soccer and volleyball with the staff, and feasting on delicious BBQ.
Chan Chich Lodge:
Night Safari Thrills – The adrenaline rush of searching for big cats in the dark, even though we didn’t spot one, was exciting every night.
Bouncing Along the Dirt Roads – The open-air safari truck and bumpy roads were an unexpected hit—Olivia fell asleep instantly every time!
Trail Cameras Revealing Jaguars Were Nearby! – Though we didn’t see one in person, the trail cameras showed jaguars roaming near us, day and night!
Is This the Right Package for Your Family?
We highly recommend this package to adventure-seeking families, but it’s best for kids over 10. The jungle safaris require patience and quiet, and most of the guests at Chan Chich were older, making us feel a little out of place with a toddler. That said, the staff was incredibly accommodating, even arranging a babysitter for Olivia when needed.
If we had it our way, we’d have spent six days at Casa Al Mar and two days at Chan Chich—but who knows, maybe we’d feel differently if we had actually spotted a jaguar!
Final Thoughts
The Reef & Rainforest Package is the ultimate way to experience Belize, blending ocean and jungle, relaxation and adventure into one seamless trip. Whether you’re snorkeling with sharks, dining on fresh-caught fish, bouncing along a jungle trail, or scanning the trees for elusive big cats, every day is a new adventure waiting to unfold.
If you’re looking for a vacation that offers variety, excitement, and a mix of comfort and wild exploration, this is it!
