Students to Belize Photo Gallery
BELIZE: CORAL REEFS AND RUINS
8 DAY TROPICAL FIELD STUDY
COST: $1425-1775 one teacher at no charge; cost varies with group size
DAY 1: BELIZE CITY
Our group arrives to Belize International Airport and transfers by van into Belize City, the primary port of Belize. We'll tour the historical waterfront and then return to our guest house for dinner and an orientation to our Belizean field study.
DAY 2: LAMANAI MAYAN RUINS
Today's adventure begins as we head north by van to the Orange Walk District where we'll begin our tour of Lamanai - "the submerged crocodile". We'll travel by motorboat up the New River to this ancient site looking for marsh residents such as herons, birds of prey and crocodiles along the way. Lamanai has a rich history beginning in 1500 B.C. or earlier to 1650 A.D., making it the longest occupation of any Mayan site studied to date. We will have a special guided tour of the ruins before heading back to Belize City to meet Ricardo Castillo, our host for the remainder of our Belizean adventure.
DAY 3: RICARDO'S BEACH HUTS
Ricardo's Beach Huts are part of a small fishing and lobster camp in the Bluefield Range Islands. After breakfast, we will have an introduction to the art of snorkeling in the shallow protected bay that surrounds us. We'll snorkel over an intricate system of mangrove roots and turtle grass flats which afford protection to an array of juvenile species. Invertebrates specimens will be collected for an afternoon lab. In the evening, we'll discuss the splendid natural resources of this tropical nation and the diverse cultural traditions of the Belizean people.
DAY 4: RICARDO'S BEACH HUTS
Today, we'll venture out to Rendezvous Caye, an island jewel located on the majestic barrier reef of Belize. We'll snorkel over massive coral heads where huge schools of iridescent reef fish abound. Our field study today will include the unique and often strange behavior of tropical fish and other reef inhabitants. You can expect another great seafood dinner followed by a slide show on Coral Reef Ecology.
DAY 5: RICARDO'S BEACH HUTS
Today we'll learn how Belizeans have traditionally secured food from the sea using hand lines and lobster hooks. Following an afternoon reef study you may choose to snorkel, fish, canoe in wooden dugouts or work on your filed studies.
DAY 6: RICARDO'S BEACH HUT
A morning hike will be offered to examine the interior of a mangrove forest. Colorful warblers, magnificent frigate birds, yellow crested night herons, and small boa constrictors are residents of this fascinating terrestrial ecosystem. In the afternoon, Ricardo will take us by motorboat to a special site on the barrier reef where the snorkeling is truly spectacular. We will conduct a quadrant study on the reef collecting data with the use of underwater slates.
DAY 7: RICARDO'S BEACH HUTS
We will continue our study and exploration of the vast coral gardens that flourish in this area. Our day will include an afternoon snorkel on the outer barrier reef to observe pelagic species such as tarpon, sea turtles, harmless nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays that often frequent deeper waters.
Tonight we'll offer an exciting opportunity for an evening snorkel to observe the nocturnal inhabitants of a coral reef and enjoy a campfire on the sugar white beach of Rendezvous Caye. During an optional night snorkel the damselfish, queen angels, parrotfish and other colorful daytime fish are hidden, but have given way to the nighttime plankton feeders. The coral polyps are active as the water around us sparkles with bioluminescent plankton. But most impressive are the larger secretive invertebrates such as octupus, squid or basket stars that we encounter as we carefully swim in the dark using flashlights to light our way.
DAY 8: HOME
After breakfast, we will pack up and head towards the mainland to catch our flight back home.
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BELIZE INFORMATION SHEET
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: The country of Belize does not require any specific immunizations for entry. However, The Center For Disease Control has issued a set of recommendations for travel to Belize. The CDC suggests the use of a prescription anti malaria drug- chloroquinine (brand name Aralen). Dengue fever which is transmitted by mosquitoes during daylight hours has been recorded in Belize. Clothing and repellent is recommended to prevent both the transmission of malaria and dengue fever. As a general precaution in third world areas such as Belize, the CDC suggests getting a gamma globulin shot for prevention of hepatitis A. Tetanus-diphtheria and measles boosters should be current. Please consult your physician and the CDC (888-232-3228) regarding your trip . All medical precautions are the decision of each participant.
MALARIA: The Center of Disease Control (CDC) reports that there is a risk of malaria in all parts of Belize except Belize City. They recommend the use of a prescription anti malarial drug and the protection against mosquito bites using clothing and repellent. To my knowledge, no one has contracted Malaria over the last 15 years that I have led trips to Belize. The majority of participants have taken a prescription anti malarial drug. For more information, you may review the CDC traveler's web page at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm.
INSECT REPELLENT: Mosquitoes, black flies, and sand gnats will be encountered in Belize. Avon Skin so Soft is the best defense against sand gnats found in coastal areas. A strong pump style repellent is good against mosquitoes and black flies that occur in the jungle. A layer of light weight, light in color clothing is an effective defense against insects. The skies are not black with insects! However, if you can't tolerate a week of insect bites, a trip to the tropics is not for you!
DRINKING WATER: At each site, students are briefed on policies towards drinking water. Obviously, we are extremely cautious with our decisions about potable water. Most water consumed is bottled with a few exceptions.
CLIMATE: February-April is part of the dry season in Belize although rain fall is always a possibility in the tropics. Your rain gear should be of good quality and durable. Temperatures should be reasonably pleasant with day time highs in the low 90's and lows in the 70's. Easterly trade winds often prevail keeping the temperatures pleasant. Bring a waterproof sun block and lip balm with a sun protection factor of 20 or higher.
CLOTHING: Loose fitting cotton or quick drying nylon work well in the tropics. Lighter colors seem more comfortable in the heat. Jeans take too long to dry out and are not recommended. Laundry is done by hand as needed by each participant.
APPROPRIATE DRESS: For the most part, the dress code is causal through-out the Belize itinerary. However, at several sites we will ask everyone to wear t-shirts with sleeves (no tank tops or tight fitting midriffs at these sites). By dressing appropriately, we are showing sensitivity to the Belizean people. When packing, please include several loose fitting, short sleeved t-shirts in addition to tank tops.
LOCAL CUISINE: Meals are Belizean in style and an intricate part of our cultural education. You may anticipate plenty of chicken, fresh seafood, rice and beans, local fruit, tortillas, and ice cold drinks. Vegetarian meals can be arranged upon request. Please specify dietary restrictions or allergies on your registration form.
ILLEGAL DRUG USE: The Belizean government has very severe penalties for the use of illegal drugs. Do not bring illegal substances into Belize or purchase/use them during this program.
PASSPORTS: Everyone is required to have a current passport for entry into Belize. It usually takes 6-8 weeks to process a passport. Please visit your local post office to obtain and submit a passport application. Please make three photo copies of your passport (one to keep at home, two copies for your teacher chaperone).
LUGGAGE: A medium to large duffel bag with a length long zipper or an internal frame backpack are recommended. Laundry bags or army duffels are difficult to organize and are not recommended. Hard shelled suitcases are acceptable, but since space is limited, soft duffels are preferable. Teachers will update students on specific luggage restrictions that the chosen airline is requiring.
MONEY: US dollars are accepted throughout Belize. Small denominations (20 bills or less) are recommended since you will often receive Belizean dollars in change. There are some crafts - slate and wood carvings @ 10-50 dollars, and typical t-shirts @ 10-15 dollars. The only additional money you'll need during the trip is for extra soft drinks and snacks while traveling through airports. An airport departure tax of $20 is the responsibility of each student. Traveler's checks are recommended if you are carrying over $100.
GENERAL SAFETY: At each site, students are thoroughly briefed on all safety precautions and specific guidelines that everyone is expected to follow. Passports and airline tickets are collected upon arrival to Belize and are kept with an adult chaperone.
ACCOMMODATIONS-
Belize City: Double - Quad occupancy rooms in a local hotel catering to the student eco-adventure traveler. Private bathrooms with hot showers. View of the Belize City seaport from the hotel verandahs.
Ricardo's Beach Huts: Double-triple occupancy cabanas over water and adjacent to island. One dormitory cabana (sleeps up to six students). Outdoor latrines flushed by sea currents. Electricity is provided for a few hours at night powered by an island generator. There is no indoor plumbing. Bathing and laundry is done in saltwater with a bucket of freshwater as rinse. Sun showers purchased at camping stores work great!
