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Throughout this trip, you’ll get to see a huge wealth of different sights and experience the true Central America. For example, you’ll see the Spanish colonial city of Antigua in Guatemala, explore ancient Mayan temples in Honduras, chill out on Roatan Island with a cold beer and stunning views, and navigate the cloud forests of Costa Rica.
Why not take a look at the full itinerary to get a real feel of this experience? What’s more, we’ve also got loads of added extras that you can try (for just a small fee, paid locally), ranging from visiting natural hot springs in Copan through to going on a Maderos Volcano hike.
If you have the energy to spare you can even turn your hand to canyoneering or kayaking (although we won’t judge if you simply want to relax with a cocktail instead).
Early arrivals will need to tear themselves from the beach before getting together with fellow travellers at today’s late afternoon welcome meeting. Aside from the sand there’s loads of stuff to do in Playa with snorkelling, bike hire and the water park always proving popular.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Take a scenic local bus trip south to the gorgeous beaches and warm waves of Tulum. White sand, cocktails and palm trees have never looked so sweet and if you’d like the opportunity to get your first taste of Mayan ruins then Tulum is the best place to start. Renting a mask and snorkel is a great idea and also allows you to find more space in your rucksack as opposed to lugging around your dive gear. One of the best spots for snorkelling is to visit the ruins of Tulum where you can actually swim around some of the ancient walls that have made their way into the sea.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Day 4-5: Caye Caulker, Belize
Say “adios” Mexico and “what’s up?”‘ Belize as you journey across the border on what promises to be a real culture jolt to remember. Once into Central America you’ll be whisked over to the Caribbean island of Caye Caulker where you’ll be able to swim, snorkel and surf amongst some of the most incredible marine reserves on the continent. This is pretty much where things go all Captain Jack Sparrow as from grilled shrimp to rum with everything, keep your eyes peeled for the Jolly Roger flag and you won’t go far wrong. If you really have had enough of land-lubbing and fancy a trip out to sea then there are plenty of options to sail, kayak and snorkel out on the ocean wave. Just make sure you’re home before the ship sets sail.
Accommodation: Hotel included
After bidding the manatees and coral reefs a fond farewell it’s time to travel in-land as you encounter the forest-covered highlands that sit beyond Belize’s capital city, Belmopan. Get ready for rushing rivers, tumbling waterfalls and ancient ruins, with a chance to visit the ceremonial temples of Xunantunich and the incredible caves of Tunichil Muknal. This is a true outdoor adventure playground and for many will prove to be one of the active highlights of the whole tour. Tubing, caving and canoeing are all excellent optional activities for the energetic and the chance to try something new whilst in Belize is going to stay with you for years to come.
If you’re not that into the extreme side of life then don’t panic – there are plenty of more laid-back alternatives with bike hire, butterfly gardens and trips to nearby ruins always proving excellent for learning more about the area.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Step back in time amongst the farming communities of Flores where you’re just as likely to see locals drifting past in a hollowed-out canoe as walking to work across the cobbled streets. The following day is free however, there’s no better way to spend it than opting to visit the awesome Tikal temples – don’t miss this one! The Tikal temples are pretty much as ‘magnificent Mayan’ as you’re going to get and although the pilgrimage does involve a climb through the jungle the views from the top of the ruins are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Next stop is one of the absolute legends of the Central American circuit – the awesome Rio Dulce. This has long been a draw for boaters and if you’re looking for things to do on your free day then why not take a tour of Lake Izabel or explore up river in search of manatees and hot springs.If you’d prefer to keep your feet on dry land then there are loads of other choices to do just that. Although the horse trek past the rubber plantation isn’t essentially you keeping your feet on the ground. With other options including nature reserves and the San Felipe fort at Livingstone, you’re bound to find the right pace to suit your mood and whatever you’re into you’re sure to come away happy, experienced and hungry for more.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Take the rural bus to Antigua for a taste of delicious local street food before settling down for the night in preparation for tomorrow’s meeting with your host family and your stay in a traditional Guatemalan home.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Pick up a gift for your host family at the handicraft stalls of Chichicastenango before heading to San Jorge La Laguna and a real opportunity to practise your Spanish and learn more about the customs and lifestyles of Guatemala. Although living conditions can be pretty basic this is a genuine chance to see what life is like for local people and through a combination of hands, feet and phrase books you’ll be surprised what you can learn during just a short period of time.
Accommodation: Local homestay included
Say a fond farewell to your new-found friends as today it’s time to make the most of Guatemala’s natural beauty as you swim, surf, hike or kayak within a stunning volcanic backdrop.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Check out the colonial cobbled streets of Antigua where you can soak absorb the Spanish architecture, explore vibrant markets and heritage museums and make sure to try tasty local treats like Tamales and Pepian.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Travel through the wild, dry country of eastern Guatemala as you head to Copan in Honduras. Discover more about the mysterious Mayans with the chance to explore the ancient temples, pyramids and statues of Copan that are famed throughout the land. After a day of travelling there’s no better way to relax and feel refreshed other than a dip in the Copan natural springs. Of course, after you’ve revived your senses then more adventure awaits and optional tours to the Copan ruins and the Macaw Mountain Reserve both provide an excellent means of finding out more about this fascinating area.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Now to head to the island paradise of Roatan Island and to soak up the laid back vibe., Here you can snorkel, dive, swim and jump into the gorgeous warm waters of the Caribbean or simply chill out on the white sands before cooling off with a cheeky beer in the evening as you get to sample the local night life. Roatan Island is all about the activities and the chance to hire equipment allows for just that extra bit of space in your backpack. Of course, you can also rent a scooter and a stand-up paddle board which are both great ways to spend the day just remember to be careful and always ensure safety first!
Accommodation: Hotel included
Return to the mainland by ferry and local bus and head for the beautiful colonial architecture of Comayagua in Honduras. If you’re into your colonial architecture then you’ll be spoiled for choice in Comayagua as there are some superb examples of Spanish influence as well as the oldest clock this side of the Atlantic.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Travel across the border into Nicaragua, where you’ll make your way to the ancient colonial city of Granada. Cobbled streets, bustling markets await you with plenty of opportunities to explore the incredible surrounding area of volcanoes and lakes either on foot or by boat. Hiking up the side of a volcano is an incredible experience no matter where you are and if you dare to take on this optional activity then prepare for a trek to remember. Of course, if you prefer to explore at a more leisurely pace then you’ll be pleased to hear that you can hire bikes and kayaks without too much bother and the chances to check out Lake Nicaragua by boat is a truly sublime experience.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Next stop is the agricultural island of Ometepe which sits in the largest lake in Central America – Lake Nicaragua. This is simply a breath-taking experience and will bring you closer to the wildlife, the people and the volcanic landscapes of this remarkable country. If you can’t get enough of that volcanic stuff then there are more optional hikes available up the side of both Maderas and Concepcion however, after all that huffing and puffing a trip to the Ojo de Agua hot springs has got to be just what the doctored ordered.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Wave farewell to the monkeys and beaches of Ometepe Island as you continue your travels south to the lush green cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica. This is the home of hundreds of species of plants, birds and mammals which means that however you choose to explore, by foot, bike, horse or zip-line, you’ll be in for a really wild time. There are so many additional ways to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes of Monteverde and from cloud forest walks to night time nature rambles, this is an exciting and captivating area of Costa Rica. Coffee and chocolates or butterflies and insects – you name it and you’ll have the opportunity to find out more over this exciting 2 day stop-over.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Monkeys, lakes and volcanoes – oh my! This is what it’s all about and with a whole host of different activities to try, within the realm of the active Arenal Volcano, you’ll never forget Costa Rica. This is pretty much an adventure play-ground for big kids and if you’re interested in learning how to paddle board or maybe even canyoneering then where better to give it a go than here?
Accommodation: Hotel included
Do you know the way to San Jose – you most certainly do! Take your time to relax and explore amongst the artisan markets and cultural museums of Costa Rica’s capital city. Gold, handicrafts and seafood are all on offer.
Accommodation: 2 nights hotel included
Today is where your adventures start to really hot up as you travel overland by local bus to the coastal town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Over the next couple of days you’ll be able to learn to surf, explore the area by bike and get up close and personal to the local animals of Cahuita National Park. Aside from the sloths, monkeys and raccoons at Cahuita NP, animal lovers will no doubt jump at the chance to visit the jaguar rescue centre to find out more about this intrinsically beautiful yet deadly natural born predator. Further animal action can be had at the Kekoldi Iguana Reserve which pretty much does exactly as it says on the tin so any lizard lovers out there – you know where to head for. As with many of the projects that you’ll encounter, the chance to volunteer and help out is always an option for another trip and if you’re hoping to find out more then check with your guide or ask in resort as it’s never too late to make good things happen.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Next stop are the legendary limits of Panama and once you’ve crossed the border you’ll be free to explore an incredible array of white sand and lush green islands that have got exotic paradise stamped all over them. This is where your tour really starts to kick in and the chance to rest and relax amongst such an exceptional environment will no doubt bring home what an absolute pleasure it is to be alive. Touring the islands of Bocas del Toro and Bastimentos will bring you into contact with some incredible white sand beaches and picture postcard tropical views and the chance to see a red poison dart frog in its natural environment is an absolute treat.
Accommodation: Hotel included
You maybe departing one tropical screen-saver but don’t despair as you’re heading for another where hot springs, volcano treks and some darn fine coffee are all ready and waiting to make your acquaintance. Boquete is pretty much regarded as one of the finest spots for lovers of nature anywhere on the planet and if haven’t already fallen head-over-heels with Central America then you certainly will do now.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Head out to the Pacific coastline as you use local transport to take you to some of the most remote and undeveloped locations on the Central American trail. This is where those surf lessons in Puerto Viejo come in handy but if you just fancy kicking back and relaxing or visiting beautiful Coiba National Park then you’ve still got plenty of time left to do so. Although you’re nearing the end of the tour there are still plenty of optional activities to try and even if you haven’t learned to surf yet, don’t worry, Santa Catalina’s an ideal spot to get your water wings.
Accommodation: Hotel included
Your final couple of days will be spent amongst the world-famous sites of Panama City and from the UNESCO World Heritage old quarter of Casco Viejo to the thoroughly modern lanes and locks of the Panama Canal, this is your chance to really absorb every last drop of Central American culture. Tobaga Island, Soberania National Park and Isla Barro Colorado can all be visited on your penultimate day however, if you just want to write your postcards as you sup yet another cup of local coffee then who could blame you?
Accommodation: 1 night hotel included
When it comes to creature comforts, this trip is mainly spent is spent in hotels and guesthouses, which are all of good quality and provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Travel will be in buses or on local transport, which are both cheap yet comfortable ways to travel around this region of the world. Don’t worry about having to organise things like accommodation and transport though – there will be a bilingual guide to help you throughout the tour.
During the tour you will have plenty of time to indulge in some optional extras. The following is available.
> Snorkelling, Caye Caulker from US$25
> Macadamia Nut Plantation, Antigua US$20
> Snorkelling tour (half day) US$25
> Canopy tour, Roatan Island US$45-$65
> Maderas Volcano hike, Ometepe Island US$15
> Dos Ojos Cenote snorkelling tour, Playa del Carmen US$35
> Ferry to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen US$25
> Tulum ruins US$8
> Cenote snorkelling, Tulum US$35
> Sunset Sailboat cruise, Caye Caulker US$25
> Sea kayaking, Caye Caulker US$25 per hour
> Bicycle hire, San Ignacio US$3 per hour
> Mountain Pine Ridge day trip, San Ignacio US$75
> Half-day caving, San Ignacio US$55
> Butterfly farm, San Ignacio US$6
> Canoe rental, San Ignacio US$20
> Sunrise tour of Tikal Ruins US$60
> Guided private tour of Tikal US$40
> Zip line tour, Tikal US$40
> Birdwatching boat tour, Flores US$25
> Lake Peten Itza boat tour, Flores US$6
> Boat trip to Livingston, Rio Dulce US$30
> Natural hot springs, Rio Dulce US$15
> Salsa lessons, Antigua US$7 per day
> Volcanoes climb, Antigua US$16
> Copan Ruins US$15
> Natural Hot Springs, Copan US$20
> Scooter rental, Roatan Island – US$35 per day
> Masaya Volcano crater lake boat tour, Granada US$40
> Kayaking tour, Granada US$15
> Bicycle rental, Granada US$10 per day
> Ojo de Agua natural spring, Ometepe Island US$7
> Scooter rental, Ometepe Island US$30
> Butterfly garden and insects farm, Monteverde US$10
> Coffee & Chocolate tour, Monteverde US$30
> Cloud Forest walking tour, Monteverde US$17
> Fortuna waterfall, La Fortuna US$10
> Stand up paddleboarding, La Fortuna US$50
> Hanging bridges, La Fortuna US$57
> Poas Volcano & La Paz waterfalls full day tour, San Jose US$96
> Irazu Volcano, Ososi Valley, Lankester garden full day tour, San Jose US$80
> Bicycle rental, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca US$5 per day
> Cahuita National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca US$2
> Kekoldi Iguana Reserve, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca US$4
> Calderas hot springs, Boquete US$25
> Zipline tour, Boquete US$45
> Coffee Plantation tour, Boquete US$25
> Guided bicycle tour, Boquete US$55
> National Museum, San Jose US$7
The trip runs approximately 2 to 4 times per month throughout the year but there is a maximum group size of 16 so we recommend booking sooner rather than later please contact us the specific departure dates on the contact form below.
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The Divemaster course in Roatan in the Caribbean brings you a slice of an amazing lifestyle, gaining more diving experience and thoroughly enjoying life. We will take you from beginner to a dive professional and we can be very flexible. So if you are already a diver we train you from your level up to Divemaster. This is a professional level qualification enabling you to earn a living in the Dive industry, and gives you a license to look good in a wetsuit.
Training to become a Divemaster anywhere is a fantastic way to spend several months abroad. There are few other travel activities that can provide you with this much adventure and fun, and of course the excitement of being underwater in a completely different world totally different to everything your used to. It is highly addictive. On this course, it is particularly special because it is located in the Caribbean, on the world’s second-largest barrier Reef, with some superb dive sites so you will really enjoy your days diving in crystal clear seas.
Honduras has it all underwater, superb network of caves, canyons and underwater channels. Some first-class wreck dive sites, made even more special by the excellent visibility you find in the Caribbean, and of course the extremely diverse and special marine life that you find in Honduras. At one dive site in particular, named Texas, you will find plenty to harass barracuda, elusive Sargassum trigger fish and will no doubt be diving with Dolphins on several occasions.
There is no set itinerary during a Divemaster course, each day is different with different dive sites and different things to learn depending on which stage of your Divemaster internship you are at. Typically a day would involve waking up bright and early, packing equipment jumping on the boat and then going for a spectacular dive before breakfast, some days you will be shadowing instructors, other days taking clients the dive is leading them through the dive sites and giving them their pre-dive safety briefings, and of course there is some theory and study about the safety of diving and everything you need to learn to become a Divemaster.
No diving necessary but we suggest that you have at least tried diving in a pool or have done a Discover Scuba Diving course to see that you enjoy the experience. We would take the you through Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, First Aid and Divemaster.
We would take you through Advanced, Rescue, First Aid and Divemaster.
We would take the diver through Rescue, First Aid and Divemaster.
We would take you through the Dive master course.
During your Divemaster training you will be able to dive and learn every day. You will discover a mix of hard and soft corals and abundant marine life from sharks to turtles and thousands of fish. The sites vary in depth from just a few meters down to 40 meters, there is little current and the water temperature is always warm, ranging from about 27 Celcius to 32 Celcius offering amazing conditions to dive everyday on your Divemaster course abroad!
You will never be alone unless you want to. We work together with small and very professional dive school and who are able to give you a lot of personal attention and training. You will be part of the crew once you have done your open water, advanced open water and rescue diving certificates as you then start the Divemaster internship.
From that moment on you will be assisting at dives and following your own personal instructor teaching you all you need to know as a Divemaster. You will meet divers from all over the world, some staying long term just like you and some just diving for a few weeks.
We use a variety of different accommodation options usually your own cosy apartment or a shared apartment close to the dive centre.
Please note that the included accommodation does not cover your utility bills, and there will be a local payment necessary to cover your bills at the end of the stay. On average this costs US$100 per month although this does depend on your own personal usage.
That means if you run your air conditioning all the time you will end up paying more however if you take care to turn your air conditioning off and your lights off when you go out that your bills will be next to nothing.
Below is an example of an apartment our Divemaster trainees frequently stay in.
The diving on Roatan is some of the best found on the planet, with over 40 dive sites, wreck dives, lots of marine life (including dolphins!), walls and shore dives. Why you should become a Divemaster and train in the Caribbean:
We suggest that you have at least $200 – $300 spending money a week for food, drink and personal expenses. Meals out are $5 – $30 depending on the restaurants. If you buy food and cook you can obviously live more cheaply.
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We Include all the training you need and offer different packages depending on what level diver you are.
We also include:
There are no set start dates for this trip please contact us with your preferred travel date.
“I will definitely recommend you to all my friends and book through you again! See more reviews here.”Louise Penman
” Hi Debby! The trip was absolutely incredible! more reviews here.”Alice Horsfield
” Hello, Im now home from the trip of a life time!! See more reviews here.”Eddie UK
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]]>The post Xtreme Reporter – With Work Experience appeared first on Xtreme Gap Year UK.
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How would you like to get a diploma, spend four weeks travelling somewhere exotic with the possibility to get paid for your efforts at the end of it. Sound too good to be true? Well it isn’t.
Not only can you do all that, you will get mentored by one of the top journalists in the country Beci Wood who spent 10 years at the biggest newspaper in the UK. Get assistance publishing your piece and sending out through news channels with the aim of it being picked up as newsworthy. This will give you an amazing exposure and a genuine opportunity to try out and launch a new career in journalism.
On this program you can either undertake the diploma only and use it to boost your qualifications whilst you undertake any of our gap year programs, or you can involve yourself On our Xtreme journalism assignments. Set in 2 locations where you can study and learn more about journalism.
For the assignments, you can choose either Thailand, or Mexico and you have four weeks to complete the course and we throw in some adventure activities along the way. What they are depends on the time of year, we do not keep it set so we can react to any newsworthy stories or events.
The course involves quite a bit of coursework, so where better to undertake some investigative journalism, or get inspired than abroad by paradise beaches.
You have full backup and support of our UK-based tutors, who have considerable experience in the industry. You can actually study anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection and a laptop.
Once you have completed the course and have written your final piece we will assist you in sending this out to our media houses who may or may not pick up on the story. If you do get published you will receive 60 percent of your royalty fees which could be enough to cover the cost of the entire course.
What you report on is up to you, but you will have the full back up and support and guidance of professional journalists (including the head mentor on the programme – Beci Wood with 10 years experience on staff at the UK´s biggest newspaper).
Not only is journalism and exciting career, it’s something you can take with you to your next stage after travelling, whether that be a part-time job at University, or something you do on the side or launch phone into as a career.
So whether you want to do something genuinely rewarding while you travel, or want to have something that not only looks amazing – really is amazing on your CV then the Xtreme reporter as you.
On the Thailand option we have a completely unique and very exciting work experience attachment to this program. You will work in a genuine media Company that produces monthly magazines all over Asia. Working from their offices in Phuket, you will put your newfound skills to use: tasked With writing articles and uncovering stories as a reporter. You will go out develop and write stories and make a valued contribution to the magazine and online websites. Working under the CEO and his media team this is a genuinely unique opportunity to gain work experience and do a really fun job which will build your resume and give you an insight into an exciting industry as you travel.
The company is called think media and is American run running various different franchises of popular magazines, what’s on guides and delivers local news and features in and around Phuket.
The work experience option can either last two weeks or four weeks, depending on your preference and includes all accommodation.
In Mexico you will stay in Playa del Carmen, a short walk from the beach at our base the Bendito Rancho. This is based on a dormitory (shared accommodation).
In Thailand you will stay in Phuket where you will also be involved in a work experience module with think media. You will stay on a bungalow either your own or shared with one other person the same sex. The bungalow is located close to the officers.
Journalism needs specialists. People with knowledge and passion for their subject. We provide a range of courses in specialist subjects ranging from health to the environment through to investigative and travel journalism.
Journalism courses currently available:
Yes our courses are accredited by third party organisations
Our diploma is widely recognised in the UK and overseas. It is a vocational award, equivalent to an NVQ level 1 or 2.
The Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) and the ABCC validate it.
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