2026 GSSM Belize Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: | January 6, 2026 - January 17, 2026 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$4,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $759 |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free monthly installment plan. Follow whichever option works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $4,990
Pay in Full
$4,990.00
due today
Payment Plan
Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:
$1,496.67
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Belize
Balanced on the geographical and cultural border between the Caribbean and Central American regions, Belize is a small and often overlooked country that nonetheless harbors its own unique mix of both worlds. The thick jungles of the western districts are some of the most pristine in all of Central America, which not only harbor a wide array of wildlife but also hide the secrets of old, fallen empires buried under centuries of tropical growth. Beyond the lush forests, Belize’s relatively small coast hosts the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere. The clear blue waters and white sand beaches make it a tropical paradise unlike any other!
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Dive along the second largest coral reef in the world!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Explore Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Date | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6 | USA - Belize | Today, the group will arrive in Belize City, where we will meet our program leader. We will then transfer to Ambergris Caye, where we will spend the next few days. Once we settle into our hotel, we will have an orientation meeting to discuss the details of the upcoming days. If time allows, we will also try out our scuba diving equipment and review the details of the dives planned for the next few days. After dinner, we will head back to our hotel for a good night's sleep to prepare for tomorrow. | Ambergris Caye Hotel |
| Jan 7 | Amberguis Caye | After breakfast, we will have our first dive in Belize’s beautiful blue waters! Once we have our equipment ready, we will board our boat and sail to the dive site, where we will enjoy our first two dives. Afterward, we will return to Ambergris Caye to freshen up at the hotel before lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of Belize's premier snorkeling and diving destinations, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters. We will start with snorkeling to get a broader view of the reserve and then go for a dive to explore it more deeply. After a fun day in the ocean, we will head back to the hotel where students can rest and relax before dinner. | Ambergris Caye Hotel |
| Jan 8 | Amberguis Caye | Today, we’re off on a full-day adventure to Turneffe Atoll! After breakfast, we’ll take a 1.5-hour boat ride to this vast marine ecosystem made up of hundreds of cayes, mangroves, and rich coral reefs. Turneffe offers a unique blend of biodiversity and natural beauty. As one of Belize’s top dive spots, it’s famous for its dramatic wall dives, thriving marine life, and the chance to encounter larger species like reef sharks and dolphins. We will go on three dives today, with a break for lunch before heading back to Ambergris Caye. After another exciting day in the ocean, we’ll return to our hotel for some downtime before dinner. | Ambergris Caye Hotel |
| Jan 9 | Amberguis Caye | On our last day in the cayes, we’ll have breakfast before spending the morning doing two more dives near Ambergris Caye. After returning, we will take the ferry to visit Caye Caulker, where we will spend the afternoon exploring its charming cafés, restaurants, and shops. In the evening, we’ll head back to our hotel to rest and prepare for tomorrow's journey. | Ambergris Caye Hotel |
| Jan 10 | Amberguis Caye - San Ignacio | In the morning, we’ll hop on a boat back to the mainland—but our adventure is just beginning! On our way to the hotel, we’ll stop at the famous Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. This isn’t just any zoo; it’s a unique place where we’ll discover Belize’s incredible wildlife and learn about the important roles these animals play in the ecosystem. We’ll meet fascinating creatures, from majestic jaguars to colorful toucans—many of which have been rescued and given a second chance at life. After exploring the zoo, we’ll have lunch on the road before continuing to our hotel in the Cayo District. If time allows, we can take a refreshing dip in the hotel’s pool before dinner. | Cahal Pech |
| Jan 11 | San Ignacio | Today, we’re heading deep into the lush western rainforests of Belize to visit Caracol, an ancient Maya metropolis near the Guatemalan border. Once we arrive, we’ll explore towering pyramids, grand plazas, and mysterious ruins, imagining what life was like when Caracol thrived as a powerful Maya city. We will enjoy lunch at the archaeological site before continuing our journey through the vibrant jungle. Along the way, we’ll stop at caves and natural pools, learning about the fascinating geological history that shaped this beautiful region. | Cahal Pech |
| Jan 12 | San Ignacio | After breakfast, we’ll set off on a walk through Belize’s enchanting forest trails, keeping an eye out for the country’s vibrant native birds and unique wildlife. Our adventure will lead us to the Green Iguana Conservation Center, where we’ll learn about these fascinating reptiles and their vital role in the ecosystem. You might even get the chance to see baby iguanas and learn how they are cared for before being released back into the wild. Afterward, we’ll grab lunch in San Ignacio Cayo, followed by a delicious ice cream treat. But the day’s not over yet! In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Maya ruins overlooking San Ignacio, taking in stunning views and reflecting on the ancient history beneath our feet. We’ll return to the hotel for some pool time and then enjoy dinner together. To wrap up the day, we’ll gather for a group reflection and a fun activity before heading to bed. | Cahal Pech |
| Jan 13 | San Ignacio - Belize City - USA | After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to head back to Belize City for our flight home. As we prepare to leave this breathtaking paradise, we’ll take a moment to reflect on all the incredible experiences we’ve shared—from diving in vibrant coral reefs to exploring ancient Maya cities. Once at the airport, the group will catch their international flight home. Hasta luego, Belize! | Your own bed! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Cahal Pech
Cahal Pech offers a beautiful setting in San Ignacio town. Rooms include hand-crafted pieces made of Belize hardwoods, two double beds, a writing table, private, screened veranda with deck chairs and a hammock. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the facilities to keep everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
ECOMAR Research Station
Founded in 2009, the St. George’s Caye Research Station & Field School supports archaeological and marine research for visiting professors and their students. The facilities at ECOMAR are based on traditional Creole colonial architectural styles, students will share screened-in dorm rooms with bunk beds and private bathrooms. As water conservation is a integral part of island life, power is generated each night, and hot water and air conditioning are not available. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
My son had a wonderful experience in Costa Rica, helped to build a preschool classroom, and has created memories that will last a lifetime!
Jodi
Parent of a Costa Rica traveler
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.