Roots & Reef Experiences

Account Type
Tour Operator
Tagline
Immersive Travel !!
Languages
Languages spoken by staff
Creole
English
Garifuna
Spanish
Service Types
Tours | Activities
Shuttles
Accommodation
Vacation Packages
Cruise Excursions
Private Guides
Tour Operator License
05-105
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About Provider
Belize Gold Standard Certified - Belizing.com

Roots and Reef Experiences is immersive travel services company. Roots and Reef Experiences is geared towards promoting immersive exploration of indigenous cultures and the beauty of nature and reef in Belize, Latin America and the Caribbean. Empowering travellers through a shared experience of historical & traditional legacy,  knowledge, music, culture, food, dance and dives.

Roots and Reef Experiences works with all of the indigenous cultures of Belize, Lantin America and the Caribbean including Creole, Mestizo, Maya, and Garifuna in an effort to improve cross-cultural awareness and improved understanding of heritage and the connectivity to nature. Instead of drive-by visits or tourist trap-style fake cultural performances, Belize Cultural Adventure Travel Services works directly with the indigenous cultures to help them preserve and protect their ancient traditions.

Activities offered by Roots and Reef Experiences include excursions, workshops, travel abroad international travel experiences for students on making traditional foods from scratch, village home stays, and music, dance performances, dives, snorkelling and fishing.

At Roots and Reef Experiences, the empowerment of local communities comes first. That's why a portion of all proceeds goes towards funding an annual cultural entrepreneurship and indigenous cultural preservation summer camp.

Roots and Reef Experiences is a sister company of the Palmento Grove Eco Cultural & Healing Institute located in Hopkins, Belize, which is a Garifuna community that actively works to protect and promote traditional Garifuna culture.
 
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Roots & Reef Experience B
Listings Available
Tours | Activities | Shuttles
Experience Royalty: The Garifuna Royalty Breakfast Prepare for a morning of regal indulgence as we invite you to join us for The Garifuna Royalty Breakfast, a journey that blends the ... moretranquil beauty of nature with the culinary richness of Garifuna heritage. Your adventure begins with a short kayak ride across pristine waters, leading to Palmento Grove Cultural and Fishing Lodge—a small island meticulously crafted to resemble a vibrant Garifuna village.
Kayak Ride and Herbal Garden Exploration
Your morning adventure commences with a peaceful kayak ride, guiding you to the welcoming embrace of Palmento Grove. As you disembark, you'll be greeted by the lush expanse of our herbal garden—an oasis of medicinal and recreational herbs. Here, you'll discover the secrets of these remarkable plants and select a handful to accompany you on your culinary journey.
Cultural Kitchen Delight:
Step into our cultural kitchen, where tradition comes to life over a crackling open fire stove known as the "fire heart." Our culinary journey begins as you take part in preparing a sumptuous Garifuna breakfast. Fresh fish, banana fritters, locally harvested eggs, sautéed vegetables, beans, and herbal tea crafted from your harvested herbs—all these ingredients combine to create a feast fit for royalty.
Breakfast Fit for Royalty:
Savor the flavors of Garifuna cuisine as you dine on a breakfast that mirrors the richness of Garifuna heritage. Every bite is an homage to tradition, every sip a tribute to nature's bounty. As you enjoy your meal, you'll discover the deep cultural significance of Garifuna breakfast, a ritual steeped in history and flavor.
Join us for The Garifuna Royalty Breakfast, where the tranquility of a kayak ride, the wisdom of herbal gardens, and the savory delights of a Garifuna breakfast combine to create an unforgettable morning. Reserve your spot today for a journey that celebrates nature, culture, and the joy of culinary discovery!
Type of Tour/Activity:
Cultural Immersion
Departs From:
Hopkins
Gold Certified:
No
Climb to the top of 1000 foot waterfall through lush rainforest learning about the flora & fauna on the journey. End the challenging 1.5 hours hike with a refreshing swim in the ... moreemerald pools on the mountaintop and take in the breathtaking view of the Tropical Rainforest & Caribbean Sea. Take the exhilarating 250ft rappel in two stages. Overcome the steep, rugged, and slippery terrain and create true memories of your heroic moments.
Type of Tour/Activity:
Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Departs From:
Hopkins
Gold Certified:
No
The blue turquoise water calls in Southern Belize the only English-speaking country in Central America, where you get to venture out to Southwater Caye Reserve home to an abundance ... moreof bonefish. They are easy to see but takes great skill to get them in the boat. This experience includes an expert local fisher guide that has been fishing for decades and whose passion it is to share in his hobby of being a sustainable seaman. Authentic local food and rum punch or beers are provided for lunch on one of our many islands where we get to unwind and share stories.
Type of Tour/Activity:
Water Sports
Departs From:
Hopkins
Gold Certified:
No
Travelers will be engaged in traditional hand line fishing on the pristine beach and test their luck in the emerald green waters of the Fresh Water Creek Lagoon. Let our indigenous ... morefisherman teach you the tips and tricks to hooking that beautiful & tasty black snapper a winning that fights to get it on your plate. If you're really lucky you even might be able to catch a grouper.
Type of Tour/Activity:
Water Sports
Departs From:
Hopkins
Gold Certified:
No
Enter our traditional Garifuna Kitchen where we share with you. Our Cooking Class at Hopkins Belize is always a fun time. Earn your bragging rights by overcoming the heat in the kitchen. ... moreCook on a traditional open-fire heart for a unique signature experience where you get to prepare your own traditional meal depending on the time of day you choose. We have specials for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. From the Hudut, Bundiga, Boil Up and more for lunch to fluffy fry jacks, fresh fish, banana fritters, and more for breakfast or dinner. If it's a cultural meal you're seeking, all you need to do is ask and we'll have fresh ingredients ready to satisfy your taste buds and a lesson to satisfy your culinary interests. Culminate your Garifuna Cooking Experience with a delicious cultural dessert.
Type of Tour/Activity:
Cultural Immersion
Departs From:
Hopkins
Gold Certified:
No
Engage in baking a traditional Garifuna wonder bread with our master indigenous baker over an open flame traditional fire heart. We start by picking all organic ingredients out of ... moreour local garden. You then experience how to pull out the cassava root straight out of the ground to prepare for your plate. Then we go through the traditional process of preparing the cassava for baking. All that hard work will surely pay off as you enjoy that mouth-watering taste of the wonder bread that can last for up to 5 years and has allowed the Garifuna people to win wars against Western society.
Type of Tour/Activity:
Cultural Immersion
Gold Certified:
No
Engage in baking a scrumptious black cake the traditional Garifuna way with our master indigenous baker over an open flame traditional fire heart. We start by picking all organic ingredients ... moreto make whatever your sweet tooth craves. Then start to make a delicious black cake from the finest organic ingredients with all our love put into it. We also add delectable flavors from our not-so-secret ingredients surely to entice your sweet tooth. All that hard work will surely pay off as you enjoy that mouth-watering sweet treat and will have all bragging rights at your next family gathering after you prepare it for them. Also, enjoy the ambiance of our secluded cultural island.
Type of Tour/Activity:
Cultural Immersion
Departs From:
Hopkins
Gold Certified:
No
Bird watching can be enjoyed all year round outside the heat of the day. Belize has well over 500 residential and migratory bird species with 80% being residential. Whether you are ... morean experienced ornithologist or a birding beginner, Belize is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and cruise through the Sittee River and the rich farmland of Hopkins by boat and foot. Travel through a diverse ecosystem with literal forests with 3 types of mangroves, red, white, and black. Mangroves are an excellent habitat for crocodiles, turtles, fish, and year-round water birds, like The Great Blue Heron and White Heron, Egrets, Pelicans, Osprey, Hawks, Falcons, Frigate birds, ducks, and the pink Roseate Spoonbills. While also giving you access to other bird species that are also found inland and not on the coast. Best of Both worlds
Type of Tour/Activity:
Wildlife and Nature Encounters
Departs From:
Hopkins
Gold Certified:
No
Perfect for birders or adventure seekers this tour will take you with our indigenous guide on a scenic 1/2 mile hike through a bio-diverse rain forest in the Maya Mountains up to the ... morenesting area of the majestic scarlet macaws. Where you will be able to see from 15-40 birds flocking in their majestic hues. Our guides are skilled nature lovers and will also show you distinct flora and fauna along the way. This tour is seasonal and operates from December to March.
Type of Tour/Activity:
Wildlife and Nature Encounters
Departs From:
Hopkins
Gold Certified:
No
Pristine waters and an abundance of fish is the best recipe for an amazing fishing experience. Top it off with an expert indigenous local Garifuna guide and you are sure to make it ... morea catching day. This tour takes you out to the deep blue waters in search of wahoo, kingfish, or/and Grouper. Fresh catch is fillet and an authentic local lunch prepared with fresh produce. Relax on a beach, eat, and drink in the great company of your local fisher friend.
Type of Tour/Activity:
Water Sports
Departs From:
Hopkins
Gold Certified:
No
Contact Information
3 reviews   0 comments
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(5.0 of 5)
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Kathyc
Great experience! A unique kayak trip that you can’t experience in very many places.
Review for Otherworldly Bioluminescence Lagoon Kayak Adventure
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INCREDIBLE!
The class was great- Gregory told great stories and taught us about Garifuna origins and life, and the owner was incredibly hospitable and kind; she taught us about how to make hudut and helped to make the different elements of our lunch which was super tasty. We learned a couple of drumming patterns as well. I got to kayak around the lagoon which was just amazing and beautiful and I really enjoyed ... more it. Definitely a must do for anyone who finds themselves in the Hopkins area. I gained a much deeper understanding of the Garifuna culture and several skills I can take with me!
Review for Garifuna Basket weaving
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Mari Titterton
Great trip, great guide! So much fun!
Review for Guided Fresh Water Creek Lagoon Kayaking
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