Belize | Marine and Terrestrial Science with Morningside College

Upon arrival at the international airport, transfer along the Western Highway to the Tropical Education Center, adjacent to the Belize Zoo. The Zoo and Tropical Education Center are situated on 29 acres of tropical savannah and exhibit over 125 animals, all native to Belize. All of the animals living at the zoo were rehabilitated or rescued as orphans from poaching situations, the illegal pet trade, injury, or exposure due to habitat loss. Founded in 1983, the Belize Zoo has been internationally recognized for its outstanding conservation efforts and excellent simulated natural environments. After settling in at the dorms, there will be some time to explore the grounds before dinner. Later meet in the education center for a review of the course. This evening take an exciting night walk at the zoo to observe nocturnal wildlife. Be on the lookout for snakes, a Harpy Eagle, ocelot, pumas, and jaguars!

Today, explore the 575 acres of rainforest and unique geology during a hike in the St. Hermans Blue Hole National Park. Visit the St. Herman’s Cave and the Blue Hole, which are connected by an underground stream to see speleothems and Mayan artifacts. After the hike and cave walk, there is the opportunity to swim in the Blue Hole which was formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave. In this case, the river running through the original cavern still flows through the cave system, and forms a sapphire-colored pool at the bottom of the cenote. Later this afternoon return to the Tropical Education Center. This evening nocturnal walk around lodge.

Transfer to the Riverside Cafe in Dangriga Town for an opportunity to purchase supplies in the well-stocked shops and produce market. While the stay on Tobacco Caye includes meals, you can purchase snacks here, there is also a snack shop on Tobacco Caye. Bid the mainland guide farewell, this guide will be replaced by a Marine expert during the caye portion of the program. Next board the boats and begin the ride out of the mouth of the Stann Creek River across 12 miles of turquoise lagoon. In approximately 35 minutes arrive at the base for marine exploration, among some of the world's richest biodiversity. The Belize Barrier Reef wraps around Tobacco Caye, providing safe and convenient access from shore. After lunch have snorkeling gear fitted and receive a briefing on how to effectively use equipment and interact with the coral reef before beginning the first snorkeling experience on the reef. Later enjoy some beach volleyball and then dinner. Tonight the first classroom session is an introduction to natural resource management in Belize and the South Water Caye Marine Reserve marine protected area and introduction to the waterproof fish ID cards that can be used during snorkeling if there is interest. Please note the sites and order of visits are weather dependent and will vary according to conditions during your stay.

Spend a full day exploring various sites. Start with a visit to Man O' War Caye, one of 11 Magnificent Frigatebird nesting sites in the Caribbean. Also snorkel amid the mangroves in Tobacco Range Atoll, where you may be able to see manatees, and on Carrie Bow Patch Reef, a shallow patch where all the diversity of the Belizean waters is on bountiful display. Have lunch on South Water Caye, where seahorses are often found swimming near the docks, and enjoy some free time in the crystal-clear water. Visit the Smithsonian Institute Research Station on Carrie Bow Caye; if there are researchers, chat with them about their work. Continue snorkeling nearby sites based on energy level and preference and then return to the island. After dinner, the second classroom session will focus on marine ecology and how mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs interact with the terrestrial environment and each other to create the marine world.

Spend a half day exploring various sites including mangroves, Tobacco Range Atoll, Carrie Bow Patch Reef, and shallow patch reef. After lunch back at the station, participate in a reef clean up project.

Enjoy another half-day of snorkeling. If weather allows, explore the fore reef outside Tobacco Caye, the patch reef at Nuñez Patch, and the Tobacco Caye Channel (south of the cut). The fore reef is an example of spur-and-groove formations. It's a bit deeper than the rest, but the bottom is visible at all times and it's an excellent chance to see the "real" barrier reef. South of the cut is a channel environment, going from mid-deep to shallow. This is a very diverse site and an opportunity to see bigger marine life cruising in the channel if it's present, including tarpons, turtles, and possibly even manatees or dolphins. Núñez Patch is a very shallow patch, and students will be focused on finding smaller sea life like lobsters, anemones, shrimp, and a variety of small fish. Return to the island for lunch. The afternoon is free to snorkel from the shore, relax or play a game of volleyball. After dinner, experience an exciting night snorkel in the lagoon. Step off the dock into a nocturnal world of cephalopods, moray eels, arthropods, and echinoderms. Underwater lights are provided but must be turned off temporarily to observe the phosphorescent dinoflagellates.

This morning after breakfast transfer by boat to Dangriga then transfer to Belize City International Airport for your flight to the United States.