Central and South America

Belize | Experiential Learning: Marine and Terrestrial Science

Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
8 Days
Price:
From $2,375
Interests:
Student Travel
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Gray angelfish
Geoffroy's Spider Monkey at the Belize Zoo
Belize Zoo entrance
Harpy Eagle at the Belize Zoo
Tobacco Caye
Tobacco Caye
Giant Anemone at Tobacco Caye
Spotlight Parrotfish at Tobacco Caye
Manta Ray at Tobacco Caye
Organize This Trip
Organize This Trip

About this trip

Belize is home to a variety of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, from rainforest and tropical savanna to mangroves, coral reefs, and more. Examine and compare the country’s different natural, unspoiled habitats during this 8-day learning adventure. Observe wildlife and hike in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, explore underground caves, and snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef for a firsthand look at marine biodiversity. As students learn more about the importance of Belize’s natural beauty and its conservation, they’ll also gain a deeper understanding of how these environments are connected and contribute to a series of service and research projects at the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center and on the Belize Barrier Reef, gaining a deeper understanding of how these environments are interconnected. 

Highlights

  • Receive an introduction to Belizean wildlife and the importance of its conservation.
  • Work on a service project at the Belize Zoo. 
  • Explore the rainforests and unique geological features of St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.
  • Learn about the connection between inland activities and coastal environments. 
  • Observe and identify a host of marine life while snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef. 
  • Participate in a reef clean-up project, working along a transect and recording data on the trash that’s collected.
8 Travelers

$2,795

Land Cost

Group size

Book 7 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

16 Travelers

$2,575

Land Cost

Group size

Book 14 travelers and 2 group
leaders travel for free

20 Travelers

$2,375

Land Cost

Group size

Book 18 travelers and 2 group
leaders travel for free

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Educators travel for free

Become the leader of an educational travel group and you travel for free!

Safety & security

Our extensive experience, risk management standards, precise safety protocols, and group insurance options can provide a worry-free travel experience for you and your students

Scientific expeditions

Participate in scientific research and citizen science projects with world-renowned researchers and organizations

Curriculum-based Content

Watch your lessons come to life with hands-on learning and discovery projects tailored to your curriculum.

Value for your money

We offer the highest quality educational content in the world of academic travel

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

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La Democracia
Day 1
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 savanna 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. Please note all accommodations use shared bathroom facilities; there are no en suite bathrooms. Later, meet in the education center for a review of the course. This evening, take an exciting walk at the zoo to observe nocturnal wildlife like snakes, a Harpy Eagle, ocelots, pumas, and jaguars.
Dinner included
Belize Zoo's Tropical Education Center
La Democracia
Day 2
Today there will be a talk on the tropical savanna ecosystem, followed by hiking along trails for a firsthand experience of what you have learned. As you hike through the dense vegetation, observe the interactions between the ecology of the savanna and its wildlife inhabitants such as Yellow-headed Parrots, armadillos, and gray foxes. Other wildlife observations may include iguanas, peccaries, coatis, and a variety of tropical birds. Later work on a service project at the Belize Zoo.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Belize Zoo's Tropical Education Center
La Democracia
Day 3
Back in 1997, The Foundation for Wildlife Conservation Inc. (FWC) and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) started Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras - as a research, conservation, and education project with private landowners in both Belize and Wisconsin. The objective of this project was to protect birds by conserving the habitat they need to survive. This project resulted with the establishment of the Runaway Creek Nature Reserve. Early this morning, observe a bird banding demonstration on the grounds of the TEC. Learn how to set up mist nets, safely extract birds from nets, fit birds with Aluminum bands, measure, and record data. After breakfast, hike to the "Painted Cave" and "Guardians of the Cave" in the Runaway Creek Nature Reserve. Trek through different forest types including pine savannah, transitional forest, seasonal wetland, and broadleaf forest. Archaeological evidence suggests that these caves were used by the Maya as well as by African people seeking freedom from slavery. Today, the caves are used primarily by wildlife. You might be lucky to see the rare spider monkey foraging or resting in the trees outside the openings of the caves. Trail cameras are set up to capture wildlife passing through one of the caves; you will have an opportunity to view the photos taken by the camera, which often include recent shots of jaguars and pumas! Return to the TEC for a late lunch and an evening of relaxing around the pool.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Belize Zoo's Tropical Education Center
Western Highway
Day 4
After breakfast, leave the lowland savanna ecosystem to hike the foothills of the Maya Mountains and experience the rainforest. Visit the popular St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, which is within the Sibun Watershed, and explore its forests and unique geological features. Also journey by inner tube into a sunken underground cave, approximately 300 feet wide and 100 feet deep. This evening, enjoy a discussion on how inland activities within the Sibun Watershed affect coastal environments in Belize and around the world.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Belize Zoo's Tropical Education Center
Tobacco Caye
Day 5
This morning, check out and head for the coastal town of Dangriga, stopping at the Riverside Cafe for an opportunity to purchase supplies in the shops and produce market. The stay on Tobacco Caye includes meals, but you can purchase snacks here to bring with you. (There is also a small snack shop on Tobacco Caye.) Bid your mainland guide farewell and greet the marine expert who will accompany you during the caye portion of your program. 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 Tropical Coastal Ecology and Conservation'. Also receive an 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. Accommodations at Tobacco Caye are rustic, basic dorm facilities with shared bathrooms and cold-water showers.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tobacco Caye Dorms
Tobacco Caye
Day 6
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 "Ocean Plastic and Pollution - Including Nurdle Survey."
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tobacco Caye Dorms
Tobacco Caye
Day 7
This morning, set out for a half day of snorkeling. If weather allows, explore the fore reef outside Tobacco Caye, the patch reef at Núñez 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. This afternoon, participate in a reef clean-up service project, working along a transect for data purposes. Split into groups of three and take turns collecting trash and using a data slate to record the origin of items you collect, any surprising finds, etc. Back on shore, the trash will be weighed and the data slate notes will be collected. Discuss what you found, how plastic can harm the environment, and how the activity made you feel. Return to the lodge, with free time 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.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tobacco Caye Dorms
Departure
Day 8
This morning after breakfast, transfer by boat to Dangriga then by bus to Belize City for your flight home via Belize City International Airport.
Breakfast- included
8 Travelers

$2,795

Land Cost

Group size

Book 7 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

16 Travelers

$2,575

Land Cost

Group size

Book 14 travelers and 2 group
leaders travel for free

20 Travelers

$2,375

Land Cost

Group size

Book 18 travelers and 2 group
leaders travel for free

What's Included
  • Accommodations may include multi-share rooms and shared bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Carbon Offset
  • Snorkel gear
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Tips
  • Items of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Rates are based on triple and quadruple occupancy for participants.

Prices are valid for travel from Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2027. Holiday surcharges may apply.

Travel Info

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Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Belize. U.S. passports must be valid for the duration of your stay in Belize. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least six months’ passport validity.

A visa is not required for visits up to 30 days.

If you are traveling with minors, you may be asked to show U.S. birth certificates for each child. You may also be required to present documentation that the minor is traveling with the permission of any non-traveling parents/guardians, such as with a notarized letter of consent, custody decree, adoption papers, or death certificates.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Belizean Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

When leaving Belize by air, there is a departure tax of USD $55.50, which is usually included in the cost of your airfare. Consult with your airline to determine whether the departure tax is included in your ticket cost. If the departure tax is not included in your ticket cost, it should be paid at the airport prior to check-in, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). When crossing the land border into Guatemala, please be prepared to pay the exit fee of USD $20 for U.S. citizens, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). Please note exit taxes are subject to change without prior notice.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Belize, unless you are traveling from (or transiting through) a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.

Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers visiting Belize.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. The CDC advises that the risk of malaria in Belize is low, but travelers should still take precautions against mosquito bites. Cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).

DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES

Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Belize, including dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and others. Travelers to Belize should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above.

After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Belize. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Belize’s rainy season is June to November, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs. If your itinerary indicates muddy hikes with rubber boots provided on-site, pack a few pairs of knee socks to prevent blisters.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re caving or visiting the beach or cayes, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or Buff-style headwear

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we strongly recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Converter/adapter
  • Chargers for electronics
VERY accommodating and caring. Great job in making the experience educational and safe.
- Aaron B.
Belize , 2018
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Highlights of Belize in Photos
 Photographer and Holbrook Program Manager Laura Hare was able to capture some of the beauty and nature in Belize during a recent trip.  Black Orchid, the national flower of Belize Lamanai Archa
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