Upon arrival at the international airport in Belize City, transfer to Belize Municipal Airport for a short flight to Dangriga. A representative will be waiting to escort your group to the Riverside Cafe in Dangriga. Take advantage of this 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.) Next, board the boats and begin the journey out of the mouth of the Stann Creek River and across 12 miles of turquoise lagoon. In approximately 35 minutes, arrive at your base for marine exploration, situated in the middle of some of the world's richest biodiversity. The Belize Barrier Reef wraps around Tobacco Caye, providing safe and convenient access from shore. After lunch receive an orientation to the marine station, a snorkel gear fitting, and a briefing on how to effectively use equipment and interact with the coral reef. Begin 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', as well as 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.

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."

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. The afternoon is free for coursework and to snorkel from the shore. Evening marine lecture based on group interest.

Continue coursework with a full day excursion for snorkeling in South Water Caye Marine Reserve.

Today take a field trip to Glover's Reef Atoll. Situated 15 miles east of the Belize Barrier Reef, it is one of only four atolls in the Atlantic Ocean. Once through the fringing coral reef, you'll find yourself surrounded by an incredible turquoise lagoon, filled with lush patch reefs. Explore the fore reefs that drop from the atoll into the abyssal trench. This trip is dependent on calm weather.

Finalize coursework during your last full day of snorkeling. This evening take a final night snorkel. 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 after breakfast, transfer by boat to Dangriga then by bus to Belize City for your flight home via Belize City International Airport.