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 |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
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What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
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.
Group Flight
Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
ECOMAR MARINE BIOLOGY CENTER at ST. GEORGE’S CAYE
Historical St. George’s Caye is less than 10 miles from Belize City and one mile from the Belize Barrier Reef, making it an ideal location for getting to and from the mainland and reef ecosystems. The Caye, and the other cayes, reefs, and estuaries that surround it, collectively make up Belize’s section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, a chain of barrier islands stretching from Mexico to Honduras that together comprise the largest coral reef ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. This “seascape” is also the second longest reef in the world, and is home to hundreds of invertebrate and vertebrate species such as whale sharks, Antillean manatees, and hundreds of mollusks found nowhere else in the world. The unique geology of the region and the biodiversity it harbors make it a priority conservation area, and one of Sylvia Earle’s “Hope Spots.”
During our stay in Belize, we will be partnering with ECOMAR, and organization that coordinates marine biology and conservation projects that focus on conserving the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and World Heritage Site, along with the associated marine ecosystems and the diverse marine life that is so important to the people that live near the coast. ECOMAR’s mission is to help local people, governments, and visitors learn more about the marine ecosystems that support their livelihoods. “When resources users are more knowledgeable about the ecosystem processes they take ownership of the environment and become involved in protecting these valuable natural resources.”
They do this through a variety of programs that we will learn about and participate in, including sea turtle nesting and in water studies, coral reef ecology studies, manatee and conch research, and a variety of other marine biology research education programs which we will learn about during our stay. We are privileged to be guided in our work by local and visiting researchers who are experts.
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list that is provided as a guideline. Feel free to augment as you feel necessary. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on hikes, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination.
CLOTHES
- Underwear
- Socks (a mixture of good hiking socks and casual socks)
- T-shirts (some quick dry)
- Set of pajamas
- Light sweater
- Rain jacket
- Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
- Comfortable/hiking/everyday pants (NOT all jeans)
- 2 nice shirts/tops to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions)
- Durable athletic/hiking shoes
- Swimsuits
- Sandals (Chacos/Tevas etc)
- Long-sleeve rash guard, to protect from sun while snorkeling (mandatory)
- Hat
Important: Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins). Visit your local dive shop or sports equipment store and have the staff fit you with a mask. A good fitting, comfortable mask and a well-sealed snorkel can make or break a snorkeling or diving trip, so make sure to try it on and practice at a local pool a couple times before you travel. Snorkeling gear can be rented at ECOMAR for a fee of $11.75/day, and this is not included in the cost of tuition. If you plan to not bring your own gear, please bring enough cash to rent gear for the duration of your time at ECOMAR.
TOILETRIES
BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:
- Reef-safe or mineral sunscreen (mandatory), mosquito repellent, and aloe vera – Read list below
- Band aids, Neosporin and other basic first aid supplies
- Hand Sanitizer
- Medication in properly marked original container
- Lip balm
*Those with long hair, a small bottle of conditioner for tangled hair
MISCELLANEOUS
- PASSPORT
- Small backpack
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera
- Ziplock bags to keep valuables out of humidity and water.
- Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
- Durable water bottle
- 1 quick-dry towel (1 big one or 2 small ones)
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Batteries and/or portable cell phone power banks
- Deck of cards or other portable games
CORAL REEF SAFE TOILETRIES
- Sun Block
- Badger Broad spectrum SPF 35 zinc oxide
- Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen
- All Good SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion
- Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion
- Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen
- Raw Elements SPF 30 Certified Natural Sunscreen
- Stream2Sea SPF 30 Mineral Sunblock
- Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- It is very important to know that all items must be Deet Free.
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
Guillermo Montoya Berganza
Guatemala & Belize Country Director
Universidad Rafael Landivar – B.A. Marketing with emphasis on Advertising
Postgraduate studies in Business Management, Costa Rica and India
Guillermo, a globetrotter from Guatemala, has explored North and Central America, Europe, and India, immersing himself in intercultural experiences. His journey began as an exchange student in North Dakota and Canada, later volunteering with an educational organization in Guatemala. This role allowed him to lead Latin American students through Norway and Denmark, fueling his passion for travel. Now based in Antigua, Guatemala, Guillermo champions independent coffee farmers and artisan communities while leading customized programs. Fluent in Spanish and English, he combines his love for adventure, photography, mural painting, and history to create memorable experiences for his clients.
Guillermo has crafted tailored walking tours for VIP clients, including Real Madrid’s Álvaro Arbeloa and former CNN presenters Alberto Padilla and Claudia Palacios, earning a reputation as a sought-after guide. In 2023, he presented on “The Leadership of a Tour Guide” at the XIV National and Ibero-American Congress of Tour Guides in Playa del Carmen. Guillermo has also authored a booklet on Antigua Guatemala’s coats of arms and delivered academic presentations on mural paintings and women’s roles in tourism. With a focus on inclusive tourism and cultural preservation, Guillermo continues to enrich the tourism landscape, blending expertise and passion to showcase Guatemala’s heritage.
Gabriel Duncan
Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO
Colby College – B.A. International Relations and Government
While at Colby, Gabriel spent a semester in Spain at the University of Salamanca studying contemporary Spanish politics and Spanish language. He also lettered for four-years on Colby’s lacrosse team and earned All-American honors. After graduating, Gabriel hit the road. He fished commercially in Alaska, taught in Chile and China, led programs for students in Spain and Costa Rica, and traveled to over 50 countries and all 50 states in the USA. Regardless of where Gabriel is located, he is constantly haunted by his naive faith and unconditional love for Denver sports teams.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Belize website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in comprehensive leadership training. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff, and U.S.-based staff.
We collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.
To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.