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Belize

Experience mindful adventure as you explore the Mayan history and lush landscape at the south of the Yucatan peninsula

Belize is a small country with high biodiversity, allowing you to conduct meaningful biological research surrounded by a world-renowned diversity of flora and fauna. Contribute to local scientific knowledge by participating in hands-on biological research. Simultaneously explore & enjoy the beauty, history, and culture of Belize.

Belize
Intro
Program Highlights
Sample Itineraries
Learning Objectives
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Program Highlights

Participate in Meaningful Multi-day Biological Scientific Research
- Study coral competition
- Algae farming by damselfish
- Hermit crab competition for shell homes
- Gas exchanges on marine gas
- Flotsam and jetsam studies
- Cleaning station observations
- Mangrove nurseries
Program Highlights

Additional Activities Available at Research Station Include:
- Tour around the Smithsonian’s research station
- Mangrove snorkel
- Whale Shoal
- Swim with stingrays
- Night Snorkeling
- And More!
- Visit to the Mayan ruins of Caracol which is surrounded by lush rainforest
- Hike to swim in the pools at the bottom of rainforest waterfalls

Sample Itineraries

Scientific Research

Day 1: Travel to Belize

Transfer to our jungle lodge. The eco lodge is located 33 miles from the Mayan ruins of Caracol and is surrounded by lush rain forest. The cottages are large native-style freestanding cottages, built with materials gathered from the forest, including thatched roofs. Orientation for trip.

Day 2: Caracol

Mayan Ruins of Caracol, which at one time in history had a population of about 185,000, covering an area of 75 square miles. Afternoon back to the lodge and a short hike to swim in the pools at the bottom of the Big Rock Falls.

Day 3: Wildlife Sanctuary

Arrive to a wildlife sanctuary for greeting and orientation tour of the campus and facilities. Enjoy lunch, followed by 1 km hike to river for mid-afternoon swim in the Sibun. Evening after-hours guided night tour at Belize Zoo to interact with Belize’s unique fauna when they are most active – after dark – in their natural surroundings.

Day 4 - 7: Science Field Station

Launch the scientific research component of the trip. We will be based at our field station, perched on the second longest barrier reef in the world in the South Water Caye. Scientific research projects will be created based on school preferences and curriculum- with the oversight and guidance of our local staff. In addition to daily meaningful, hands-on research, other activities available include: Fore Reef – A leisurely drift snorkel adventure along Belize’s Great Barrier Reef Carrie Bow Caye – A guided tour around the Smithsonian’s research station Twin Cayes – A mangrove snorkel! Tobacco Cut – swim with stingrays, spotted eagle rays and sometimes even manta rays Night Snorkeling

Day 8: Homeward Bound

Begin our journey home after an incredible trip to Belize.

The Belize Experience

Day 1: Travel to Belize

Transfer to our mountain lodge. The eco lodge is located 33 miles from the Mayan ruins of Caracol and is surrounded by lush rain forest. The cottages are large native-style freestanding cottages, built with materials gathered from the forest, including thatched roofs. Orientation for trip.

Day 2: Carocol

Mayan Ruins of Caracol, which at one time in history had a population of about 185,000, covering an area of 75 square miles. Afternoon back to the lodge and a short hike to to swim in the pools at the bottom of the Big Rock Falls.

Day 3: Wildlife Sanctuary

Day 4: Community Service & Canoe Paddle

Depart to a local village or wildlife sanctuary for introduction to service project. We will work on phase one of our project for the morning. Afternoon downstream canoe paddle down Sibun River. Evening discussion and debrief on service project and intercultural communicative competency.

Day 5: Community Service & Jungle Exploration

Morning finishing the final phase of our service project. Afternoon guided jungle excursion, including limestone cave formations waiting for our exploration. Pass ancient Mayan pottery and artifacts, and go through mature stands of Cohune palms and tropical hardwoods, noting the historical use of this private protected area.

Day 6: Caye Lodge

Boat ride to an isolated Caye on the Barrier reef. Participate in a walking tour of the island and take a snorkeling briefing to learn about the marine wildlife we will see. Afternoon swimming at Caye. Evening discussion about climate change and barrier reefs, optional night snorkel with lights.

Day 7: Tropical Research Institute

Special trip to the Tropical Research Institute research station on nearby Carrie Bow Caye. Participate in a second snorkeling session and visit a Man-O-War Caye bird sanctuary. Head out on a lagoon tour for a chance to see manatees and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Day 8: Homeward Bound

Begin our journey home after an incredible trip to Belize.

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Learning Objectives

Zero Waste

Through investigation, research and collaboration, students will learn what it takes to maintain and preserve the lush landscape of Belize. Students will work with people in local villages, study Mayan history and culture and visit protected wildlife areas in order to better understand how to take care of the Earth.

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