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Compare Belize: Research & Conservation Experience by Discover Corps vs Belize by Under30Experiences

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Duration 8 days 5 days
Price From $ 3,295 $ 1,145
Price Per Day $ 412 $ 229
Highlights
  • Volunteering directly with manatees to monitor conservation efforts
  • Taking a boat to a remote island off the coast of Belize
  • Exploring pristine beaches and rainforests scouting for wildlife
  • Uncovering waterfalls tucked deep in the jungle & exploring mystical caves
  • Snorkeling over colorful reefs in the crystal blue Caribbean waters
  • Visiting ancient Mayan ruins tucked deep in the rainforest
  • Enjoying the laidback tropical rhythms of the country
  • Snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve
  • Cave tubing jungle adventure
  • Spot tropical sea life while swimming in the world's second-largest barrier reef
  • Listen to reggae music as you walk down Caye Caulker's sandy main street
  • Chill out, relax, and enjoy the tropical island vibe on Caye Caulker
  • Get a taste of Marie Sharp's hot sauce, Belize’s own local hot sauce
Trip Style Small group tour Group tour
Lodging Level Standard Standard
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 3- Moderate
Travel Themes
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Family Friendly
  • 50 plus
  • Education / Learning
  • National Parks
  • Volunteering & Community Service
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • Transformative
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks
  • High Adventure
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Toledo
N/A
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Ground transport included
Activities
  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Caving
  • Culture
  • Nature
  • Snorkeling
  • Volunteering & Community Service
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Nature
  • Snorkeling
Meals Included

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners

4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 4 Dinners

Description

Coral fringed islands, the world’s second largest barrier reef and some of the most pristine rainforests in the world – this is Belize.

Under this natural beauty lies a growing problem. A combination of habitat loss and human impact have affected Belize’s endangered manatee population. Spend part of the time monitoring the health of the manatee population, taking measurements of the environment and counting the population of the West Indian Manatee. This information is crucial for the people you’ll work with who track these gentle creatures.

You’ll also have a chance to explore the reefs and jungles, meet with the friendly locals, uncover the ancient Mayan past and take in Belize’s laidback Caribbean rhythms.

Welcome to Belize!

Belize is home to the second largest reef system in the world, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Caye Caulker is known for its world class scuba diving, snorkeling, and the Go Slow mantra.

Leave your worries at home as you dive into Caye Caulker’s island vibes, explore the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, eat delicious Caribbean food, and spend the evenings dancing at one of the reggae bars.

Itinerary: Belize: Research & Conservation Experience

Day 1

Arrive in Belize City and drive to Hopkins, stopping at a baboon sanctuary along the way

Punta Gorda

Day 2

Explore Mayan ruins at Nim Li Punit, visit with a local family, and tour the city

Payne’s Creek

Day 3

Meet conservationists monitoring manatees in Payne’s Creek National Park

Day 4

Help to monitor manatee populations, visit the small town of Punta Negra for a coconut oil making class, and experience a night lagoon ride

Punta Gorda

Day 5

Snorkel and visit West Snake Caye beach, free afternoon

Day 6

Early morning kayak before a free day or the optional zip-lining. Creole drum lesson by night Drive to Belize City

Drive to Belize City

Day 7

Explore the natural beauty of Rio Blanco National Park

Day 8

Travel back to Belize City for your flight home

Itinerary: Belize

Day 1: Arrival in Belize

Afternoon

  • Arrive at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) by 1:00 pm.
  • Your Trip Leader will meet you at the airport and where you'll take included transportation to the ferry dock in Belize City for our water taxi to the lovely island of Caye Caulker.
  • Enjoy the scenic 45 minute water taxi to Caye Caulker as you glide across crystal blue water and gaze at other small islands in the distance.

Evening

  • After getting settled into your hotel that is just steps away from the ocean, take a stroll around the beautiful island of Caye Caulker and catch your first Belizean sunset.
  • Enjoy your first dinner on the island at a local restaurant steps away from your hotel.
  • Rest after a day of travel or hit the town for a local beer or cocktail.
  • *If your flight is delayed and you miss the shuttle* You are responsible for your own transportation.  Find a licensed taxi to drive you to the ferry dock and take the ferry to Caye Caulker. In Belize, a GREEN license plate means the vehicle is a licensed taxi.  Expect a $25 taxi fare and $15 ferry fare.
  • *If your flight is delayed and you miss the 5:30 pm ferry* Please take the 8:00 am San Pedro Express Water Taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker.  We suggest staying the night at the Radisson Fort George for a safe room close to the ferry. Expect a $25 taxi fare, $15 ferry fare and the cost of your hotel stay.  Your travel insurance may reimburse you so save your receipts.*

Day 2: Snorkeling Trip

Morning

  • Wake up to watch the sunrise over the ocean from the comfort of your hotel.
  • Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant a short walk from the hotel.
  • Gear up for a day of exploration at sea as you prepare to snorkel the most famous marine reserve in the country.

Afternoon

  • Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the second largest barrier reef, shark and ray alley, and more.
  • Have lunch right on the boat with your new friends and keep your eyes peeled for even more marine life.
  • Take a scenic boat ride back to the island and maybe even enjoy some local rum punch.

Evening

  • Relax after a day at sea or head down to the Lazy Lizard before sunset.
  • Enjoy a Caribbean dinner at a local restaurant and maybe even try the famous hot sauce.
  • Hit the town for a night out or relax poolside at your hotel and stargaze with friends.

Day 3: Cave Tubing

Morning

  • Have breakfast at a local restaurant and grab a fresh coffee from the local coffee house on the island.
  • Prepare for another adventure as you will be floating underground on the Sinbun River. (~45 min boat ride to Belize City & 1.5 hour ground transportation to cave tubing site)

Afternoon

  • Get ready to enter the exciting world of rivers disappearing into the underworld as you float on inner tubes with only your headlamp to light your way.
  • Your local guide will walk you down our jungle track, pointing out the various medicinal trees and other flora, before splashing into the cool, easy flowing waters of the Sibun branch. (Lunch is included)
  • Back in Caye Caulker, enjoy some downtime to relax at the beach or explore more of Caye Caulker before dinner.

Evening

  • Watch the sunset at the Lazy Lizard while you play cornhole with the locals or hang out poolside at the hotel.
  • Have dinner at a different local restaurant and try some fresh seafood or  more Caribbean dishes.
  • Hit the town for another night out, hang at the pool, or stargaze on an ocean dock.

Day 4: Caye Caulker

Morning

  • Enjoy a perfect Caribbean island sunrise, or sleep in after a long night out – it's your trip!
  • Eat a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant and then relax in the island.
  • Rent a bike to explore the island or get a beachfront massage to relax.

Afternoon

  • Shop for souvenirs, visit the local shops, or rent jet skis.
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon lounging on inner floats over perfect turquoise waters.

Evening

  • Watch the sunset on the other side of the island or go out for a happy hour drink.
  • Enjoy another delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Spend your last night going out in the town or relax at the hotel as you reflect on the week's adventures.

Day 5: Relaxation & Departure

Morning

  • Catch your last Belizean sunrise before eating a delicious breakfast and reminiscing about your time on this incredible island.
  • Check out of your ocean view hotel and take a scenic boat ride back to Belize City where you'll take included transportation to Belize City International Airport.
  • Be sure your flight departs after 12:00 pm.
  • ‍For those doing the 9 day trip to Mexico, we will have breakfast to go and then take the water ferry to Chetumal, Mexico.
  • We look forward to welcoming you into our close-knit travel community.
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"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions."
Oliver Wendell Holmes
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