2027 Rutgers Prep Belize Conservation Expedition
| Travel Dates: |
June 13, 2027 -
June 20, 2027
Dates are tentative until flight are secured
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| 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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| Estimated Airfare: | $500 |
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:
$498.89
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Belize Conservation Expedition
Balanced on the geographical and cultural border between the Caribbean and the rest of Central American, Belize is a small, sparsely populated, and often overlooked destination. But to those in the know, Belize offers a wonderful array of adventure and intrigue. 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 coastline is home to the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere. The clear blue waters, white sand beaches, and friendly locals make it a tropical paradise unlike any other.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Volunteer at ECOMAR Field Station
Visit Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center
Visit Green Iguana Conservation and Rehabilitation Center
Survey underwater manatees and sea turtles at Drowned Cayes
Kayak in the rainforest with Maya guides
Enjoy guided jungle flora and fauna walks through ancient Mayan cities
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.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | USA - St. George's Caye | Today we will travel from the USA to Belize. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Belize City to get fitted for snorkeling equipment if needed before continuing by boat to St. George’s Caye. Once at the field station, we will settle in and participate in an orientation to the program and facilities. If time allows, we may begin with a snorkel checkout at a nearby shallow sandbar to get comfortable in the water. Meals throughout our stay will be prepared at the field station, featuring a mix of local and international cuisine. | ECOMAR Research Station |
| Day 2 | St. George's Caye | Over the next few days, we will focus on building our in-water observation and survey skills while working alongside researchers to better understand the coral reef ecosystem. Through the Belize Barrier Reef Watch program, we will collect and record data on reef health, fish populations, and marine life. Each day will include a mix of morning and afternoon field activities, with time to return to the island for meals and rest. We may also take part in a guided walk of the island and a beach clean-up, while learning about the history and importance of this environment. | ECOMAR Research Station |
| Day 3 | St. George's Caye | Today we will continue developing our fieldwork skills and deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems. Activities may include snorkeling surveys in different habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. Along the way, we may encounter species such as sea turtles, rays, or even dolphins. Our observations will contribute to ongoing conservation efforts, and we will continue recording our findings as part of the program. Evenings may include short presentations or discussions to help prepare for upcoming activities. | ECOMAR Research Station |
| Day 4 | St. George's Caye | Today we will travel by boat to explore the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of Belize’s most important protected areas. Here, we will have the opportunity to snorkel in a vibrant marine environment with a high diversity of fish species. We will also visit Shark Ray Alley, where we may observe nurse sharks and stingrays in their natural habitat. Lunch will be served on the boat before we make a short stop in Caye Caulker for time to walk around and enjoy the island atmosphere before returning to St. George’s Caye for our final evening at the field station. | ECOMAR Research Station |
| Day 5 | St. George's Caye - San Ignacio | This morning, we will depart St. George’s Caye and return to the mainland by boat. On our way to San Ignacio, we will stop at the Belize Zoo, where we will learn about native wildlife and conservation efforts in Belize. After lunch on the road, we will continue to our hotel in the Cayo District. Once settled in, there may be time to relax at the pool before dinner. | Hotel in San Ignacio |
| Day 6 | San Ignacio | Today we will travel through the rainforest to Caracol, one of the largest Maya sites in Belize. As we explore the site, we will learn about ancient Maya civilization and the role this city once played in the region. We will have lunch near the site before beginning our return journey. Along the way, we may stop at natural areas such as caves or pools to learn more about the geology and landscape of western Belize. | Hotel in San Ignacio |
| Day 7 | San Ignacio | This morning, we will explore the surrounding forest on a guided walk, looking for local wildlife and learning about the ecosystem. We will then visit the Green Iguana Conservation Center, where we will learn about conservation efforts and the role of iguanas in the local environment. After lunch in town, we will visit nearby Maya ruins overlooking San Ignacio. In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel for some time to relax before dinner and an evening group reflection. | Hotel in San Ignacio |
| Day 8 | San Ignacio | Today we will visit the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve. After a short hike, we will enter the cave system and float along the river, learning about the geology and cultural significance of these caves to the Maya. Along the way, we will see rock formations and artifacts that provide insight into the region’s history. After lunch, we will return to the hotel with time to relax before our final dinner together. | Hotel in San Ignacio |
| Day 9 | San Ignacio - Belize City - USA | After breakfast, we will transfer back to Belize City for our return flight home. As we depart, we will reflect on the experiences we’ve shared and the knowledge we’ve gained throughout the program. | 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.
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.
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.
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
Communication was excellent! We had absolutely all the info we needed from the moment we signed up. LOVED the blog with photos. The prep and follow up activities on culture shock, re-entry, etc. were fantastic!!! Thank you!!!
Erika
Parent of John, traveler on Peru Service Adventure
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.