Partner Location Trip
Gales Point, Belize
In 2017 FFC began a partnership with the leaders of Gales Point, Belize, to help create sustainable solutions to the complex needs of the village. This partnership grew into FFC's construction of an Aquaponic Farm and greenhouse, creating jobs and a healthy food source for the community.
Our work of creating a pathway of hope and healing for the residents of Gales Point has just begun. The Lagoon surrounding Gales Point boasts a secluded tarpon fishery, and we see incredible potential for livelihood through tourism in the village. With the vast majority of global fisheries operating at or close to maximum sustainable yield, Gales Point remains one of the few locations on the planet offering anglers a unique fishing experience in such an unpressured environment. Furthermore, the rich African heritage of the village holds deeply rooted traditions that the resistents celebrate and welcome outsiders to join in. Storytelling, basket weaving, culinary arts, and a unique ceremonial drum rhythm called "Sambai" are just a few.
By purchasing an FFC Partner Location Trip to Belize, you'll have an authentic experience in the village with the local community while helping the community grow in sustainability. From fly fishing in the gorgeous Lagoon for Tarpon to participating in basket weaving and drum lessons to watching a Sambai (African drum ritual) to experiencing the local Mayan ruins to ziplining and cave-tubing, it'll be a trip to remember. We'd love to partner with you for this unforgettable journey to Belize.
Pricing
After your booking your flight to BZE (our team is glad to assist you with this), plan on the following trip expenses.
Boat ride to village is $500 per group (up to 8 people).
Lodging & Meals (per night)
Single person room with private bathroom & meals: $135
Double occupancy room with private bathroom & meals: $225
Individual rate dorm room with shared bathroom & meals: $100
*Gratuity not included
Optional activities within Gales Point
Fly Fishing: $400 for two people
John Moore, also known as the Tarpon King, was born in Gales Point in 1961 and still lives there today. He learned to fish at an early age from his dad, an excellent fisherman in his own right. John picked up the art of fly fishing in his twenties and has since mastered the skill. As a certified fly fishing and spin fishing guide, John works for local fishing resorts but enjoys private fishing tours the most. John would love to have you join him out on the waters to guide you to the best catch.
Basket Weaving Lessons: $20/person, 1-2 hours
Robert and Nadine have been weaving baskets together for over ten years. Nadine learned her basket-weaving skills from her mother as a teen. Now, the two create traditional "Titai" baskets that are beautiful and functional. The Creole "Titai" (or tie-tie) baskets are made from spiky vines extracted from the jungle with a machete, peeled, stripped, and dried in the sun. The vines are carefully handwoven into a variety of exquisite baskets, including fruit baskets, laundry baskets, picnic baskets, wastepaper baskets, handbags, lampshades, and hats.
Drum Lessons: $20/person, 1-2 hours
Emmeth has been playing drums since he was a boy. This deep Routed tradition was handed down to him by the older men in the village. For over 25 years, Emmeth has made his drums from local wood and bamboo. Styles range from bamboo souvenir finger drums to high-quality mahogany djembes or coconut Sambai drums. Emmeth has traveled throughout Africa, researching his heritage and learning how to play different traditional beats and make a variety of drums. He is passionate about teaching the kids in the community how to play and make drums. Emmeth has been a part of several local bands and has held many workshops to educate future generations about the Kriol culture of drumming. Skilled at playing many Creole rhythms like Sambai, Brukdong, and Kunjai as well as many African rhythms, he is a well-known drummer in and around the village.
Sambai: $340 group rate
The term 'Sambai' refers to the West African rhythm and dance style around a fire. During a Sambai, you'll experience a tradition deeply rooted in the Creole culture of the Gales Point people. Many talented young dancers in the village have learned their heritage through this tradition and are now able to keep the tradition alive. Seeing the joy on their faces while dancing and chanting is a beautiful site. Witnessing the Sambai is genuinely a treat that you will not soon forget.
Optional activities near Gales Point
Fly Fishing or Snorkeling at Abergris Cave
Two hours by van, then an hour by ferry, will land you on Ambergris Caye, an island proudly hosting the second-largest reef in the world. Luxurious beachfront accommodations will be awaiting your arrival. We recommend a minimum stay of three nights on the island. Professional local guides will pick you up from the dock each morning to guide you in your desired daily activities. The waters surrounding Ambergris Caye abound with a great variety of saltwater fishing, as the island boasts some of the best fishing guides in the country. A wide variety of fish including bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon can be caught year-round. Within 15 minutes of leaving the dock, you'll be fishing tidal flats or in blue water hundreds of feet deep. Inside the vast Belize Barrier Reef, countless opportunities exist for incredible snorkeling adventures.
Fly Fishing $700 per day (1-2 anglers)
Snorkeling $200 per person
Lodging (TBD)
Zip Lining, Cave Tubing, & Mayan Temple: $80/person
Forty-five minutes from the village, you can experience Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing and Jungle Zipline. Hidden beneath the tropical rainforest canopy in western Belize, this ideally situated location is near some of Belize's best cave tubing networks. All tours are family-friendly, accommodating children as young as three years old on the zip lines.
From there, a quick hour ride, and you'll be in Xunantunich. This ancient Mayan archeological site was the central location for elite ancestral and funeral rites and ceremonies. Here you can climb the ancient steps of the El Castillo pyramid (test the acoustics while you're up there), see the tomb of previous rulers, and walk the Pok-ta-pok court.
Volunteer Work
There’s always a ton to do in the village. Volunteering alongside Cameron, the Farm Manager, looks like weeding, transplanting, seeding, general clean up, mulching, etc.
Ready to learn more or book your trip?
If you're interested in booking an FFC Partner Location Trip to Belize, please fill out the form below. Once received, we'll do our best to set up a trip within your preferred timeline. Please be aware that your experience on the trip is important to us, so we will work with our village partners to ensure they are available for your group.