Belize | Experiential Learning: Marine and Terrestrial Science with University of Colorado Denver

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. Later, meet in the education center for a review of the program. This evening, take a walk at the zoo to observe nocturnal wildlife like snakes, a Harpy Eagle, ocelots, pumas, and jaguars. Please note all accommodations use shared bathroom facilities; there are no en suite bathrooms.

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.

After breakfast, check-out and visit the ancient Maya site of Caracol, located deep in the Chiquibul Rainforest. This is also the site of an ongoing archaeological project under the auspices of the University of Central Florida. The project has estimated that as many as 36,000 structures make up the Caracol complex and that at its peak supported a population of around 140,000 people, roughly twice the size of Tikal. This afternoon, head to your lodge in San Ignacio.

Early this morning, go canoeing on the Macal River in search of wildlife such as iguanas, kingfishers and cormorants. In the afternoon, horseback ride to the Maya archaeological site of the Xunantunich, Belize's most accessible Maya site of significance. The site's dominant structure, El Castillo, rises 130 feet above the jungle floor, offering superb views of western Belize.

This morning, head to the foothills of the Maya Mountains and experience the rainforest in St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park located within the Sibun Watershed. Explore the forest and journey by inner tube into a sunken underground cave, approximately 300 feet wide and 100 feet deep to learn about its unique geological features. This evening, enjoy a discussion on how inland activities within the Sibun Watershed affect coastal environments in Belize and around the world.

After breakfast, travel to 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 Tobacco Caye. The Belize Barrier Reef wraps around the Caye, providing safe and convenient access from shore. Settle into your room and then join your guide for a walk around the island. Have lunch and then have your first classroom session "Intro to Basic Marine Geology and Reef structure." Next, your guide will conduct an intro to snorkeling and sea kayaking workshop. During the workshop, your guide will introduce you to the reef cleaning efforts that are being conducted on the island. While on your snorkeling trips, you will be assisting by identifying and retrieving plastics to keep the coral clean and beautiful. Please note the sites and order of visits are weather dependent and will vary according to conditions during your stay. Accommodations at Tobacco Caye may have shared bathrooms and cold water showers. There is limited Wi-Fi available on the island. If you need to use your cell phone, please consider purchasing an international plan.

After breakfast, join your guide in the water just offshore to collect dead coral, rocks, old conch shells and other hard debris to bring back to the beach to rebuild the natural wall that slows hydraulic erosion and helps to preserve and protect the existing vegetation. Next, you will have your second classroom session to learn about Hard and Soft Corals. Take a walk to the south end of the island and swim and snorkel the fringing reef and coral wall drop off. After lunch, learn about Fish Identification and Fish Behavior. Focus on identifying male, female and juvenile species, what they eat and what eats them. Later this afternoon, paddle across the channel to a protected foreshore reef. Anchor and snorkel with a focus on fish ID and behavior. This evening will be at leisure to play volleyball, do paddle boarding and hammock surfing. 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, participate in your last classroom session "Mangrove Ecology." Learn how to identify types of mangroves and learn about the habitat relationship with aquatic birds and reptiles living above the water and invertebrate and juvenile fish species living in the roots systems below the water. Paddle kayaks 2 miles to Tobacco Range and visit the Boobie and Frigate rookery before heading to the mangrove. Once there, do a mangrove root snorkel and manatee search. This evening, learn about the Garifuna culture with local food, Garifuna drumming, dancing and storytelling. After dark, have another opportunity to do a night snorkel.

After breakfast, transfer by boat to Dangriga then by bus to Belize City and the Belize City International Airport.