Belize: Conservation From Ridge to Reef

Travel to the Cayo region

Experience the thrill of a ziplining adventure through the Belizean canopy (Participants must weigh less than 275 lbs) 

Visit the rainforest, where you will participate in ecological activities that might include:

• An ethnobotanical walk along trails through the jungle
• Learn about the local bat population

Visit a local NGO, where you will: 

• Learn about their work in conservation and community development
• Participate in a protected areas research and compliance trek

Take a guided tour of one of the ancient Mayan archaeological sites in the area

Travel to Punta Gorda

Visit a sustainable farm, where you will:

• Discover how agricultural practices are linked to reef health
• Learn about climate-smart farming practices
• Participate in activities like planting seeds, pruning cacao trees, or harvesting fruit

Learn about Mayan culture at a local village, where you will:

• Make tortillas from scratch (then sample your creations!)
• See firsthand how chocolate goes from bean to bar
• Try your hand at traditional basket-weaving and Mayan dances

Explore the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, where you will: 

• Visit the Abalone Caye Ranger Station
• Participate in an underwater transect survey 
• Get an up-close look at marine life while snorkeling 

Visit Punta Negra and learn how climate change and coastal erosion are affecting this community

Help local scientists monitor the manatee population (manatee sightings not guaranteed) 

Enjoy either Creole or Garifuna drumming lessons and a locally sourced dinner cooked over a traditional fire hearth

Support biodiversity during a reforestation project, which helps to stabilize riverbanks, decrease erosion, and improve water quality

Travel to the Southern coast

Take a day trip to Tobacco Caye, where you will:

• Snorkel along the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere
• Dissect a lionfish to learn about its anatomy and invasive impact on marine ecosystems 
• Learn about the impact of plastic pollution from an expert

Travel to Belize City