2028 Mullen Belize Conservation Expedition
| Travel Dates: |
January 3, 2028 -
January 14, 2028
Dates tentative until flights confirmed
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$4,390 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $900 |
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: $4,390
Pay in Full
$4,390.00
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:
$243.13
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
Survey underwater manatees and sea turtles at Drowned Cayes
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 | cc | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | USA - St. George's Caye | Arrive in Belize and transfer to Belize City to get fitted for snorkeling equipment if needed and go to purchase snacks in town. Depart Belize City and transfer to St Georges Caye. Participate in orientation to St George's Caye Field Station and settle in. If time permits we will do a snorkel checkout at the Sand Bar, a shallow sandy area with seagrass and associated marine life. All meals will take place at the field station or between sessions in the field. In the evening, we'll learn more about our study area and subjects from knowledgeable researchers. | ECOMAR Research Station |
| Day 2 | St. George's Caye | Mawnin!. The next three days will be spent building in-water survey skills and assisting researchers in collecting data on coral reef health, commercial fishery species, and megafauna. We will visit the different areas important to a healthy coral reef ecosystem including the coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. The group will participate in the Belize Barrier Reef Watch program and submit reports on their observations. We may encounter one of the three species of sea turtles: green, hawksbill and loggerhead; or endangered Anitllean manatees or bottlenose dolphins. We will participate in a minimium of two activities each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Between activities we'll return to the island for lunch, or get a pack lunch to go. Evening and morning presentations will be delivered prior to each activity in order to prepare participants for the upcoming day. Kayaks are available to use early in the morning or at the end of the day. One day we will schedule a guided tour of Historic St George's Caye and do a beach clean-up, and visit with local fishers. Which activities are done each day will be decided on site based on the weather, ocean conditions, and group preferences. | ECOMAR Research Station |
| Day 3 | St. George's Caye | Today we will be working on building in-water survey skills and assisting researchers in collecting data on coral reef health, commercial fishery species, and megafauna. We will visit the different areas important to a healthy coral reef ecosystem including the coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. | ECOMAR Research Station |
| Day 4 | St. George's Caye | Fieldwork continues by surveying and assisting researchers in collecting data on coral reef health, commercial fishery species, and megafauna. We will visit the different areas important to a healthy coral reef ecosystem including the coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. | ECOMAR Research Station |
| Day 5 | St. George's Caye | Today we will have an epic underwater adventure at Hol Chan Marine Reserve! We'll begin out day diving into one of Belize’s first marine protected areas, where vibrant schools of fish swim all around us and big fish roam the waters. At Hol Chan, you’ll be amazed by the incredible variety of fish! It’s the perfect spot to practice our snorkeling skills and snap some awesome underwater photos. After soaking in the sights, we’ll head to a special place where local fishermen clean their catch, and guess what? We’ll enjoy a tasty lunch right on the boat! But that’s not all—our next stop is Shark Ray Alley, where we’ll come face-to-face with friendly nurse sharks and graceful southern stingrays. Imagine swimming alongside these amazing creatures in their natural habitat! As our thrilling day comes to an end, we’ll make a quick stop at Caye Caulker for some delicious ice cream and fun souvenir shopping before heading back to St. George’s Caye. Tonight, we will have our last group dinner at St. George´s Caye. | ECOMAR Research Station |
| Day 6 | San Ignacio | In the morning, we’ll wave goodbye to our amazing friends at ECOMAR and hop on a boat back to the mainland. But hold onto your hats because 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 fantastic place where we’ll discover the incredible wildlife of Belize and learn about their important roles in nature. At the zoo, we’ll meet all sorts of fascinating animals, from majestic jaguars to colourful toucans. Each animal has its own story, many of them rescued and given a second chance at life. We’ll explore their natural habitats and see how they thrive in the wild! After soaking in all that wildlife wonder, we’ll enjoy lunch on the road as we continue our journey. If time allows, once we settle into our cozy accommodations in the Cayo District, we will have the time to have a splash at the hotel´s pool. We will have dinner at the hotel. | Hotel In San Ignacio Cayo |
| Day 7 | San Ignacio | Today, we’re setting off on an incredible expedition through the lush western rainforests of Belize, all the way to Caracol, an ancient Maya metropolis nestled near the Guatemalan border! Buckle up, because this is going to be a day full of exploration and discovery! Once we arrive at Caracol, get ready to be amazed! This ancient city was once home to thousands of Maya people and is filled with towering pyramids, grand plazas, and intriguing ruins waiting to be explored. Imagine walking where ancient kings once ruled and feeling the energy of a civilization that thrived long ago! We will have lunch at this archaeological place, afterwards we drive through the vibrant greenery, we’ll make exciting stops at mysterious caves and sparkling natural pools. Here, we’ll dive into the fascinating geological history of western Belize, learning about how these stunning landscapes were formed over millions of years. | Hotel In San Ignacio Cayo |
| Day 8 | San Ignacio | After breakfast, we’ll embark on an walk through the enchanting forest trails of Belize, where we’ll be on the lookout for the country’s fascinating native birds and other extraordinary wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant colours and unique sounds as we immerse ourselves in this lush paradise! Our journey will lead us to visit the Green Iguana Conservation Center. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about these incredible reptiles and the important role they play in our ecosystem. You might even get to see baby iguanas and discover how they are cared for before being released back into the wild!. We will grab lunch in San Ignacio Cayo, and enjoy a delicious Ice Cream. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! We’ll finish our day by exploring the majestic Mayan Ruins of Cahal Pech, that overlook the charming town of San Ignacio. Imagine standing atop ancient structures, feeling the history beneath your feet, and gazing out over breathtaking landscapes! After a day full of exploration, we’ll head back to our hotel and have a joyful time swimming in the pool and then enjoy a delicious dinner. To wrap up our thrilling day, we’ll gather for a structured reflection and fun group activity before heading off to bed. | Hotel In San Ignacio Cayo |
| Day 9 | San Ignacio | Today the group will be headed to the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve! We will then drive to the site and then go on a short hike through the lush landscape, you’ll gear up and enter the awe-inspiring cave system. As you float down the river, prepare to be amazed as you pass through two enchanting cave passages. Along the way, our guides will share fascinating stories about the geology, ancient history, and rich Mayan culture that shaped this incredible region. We will take a moment to relax and swim in crystal-clear waters while marvelling at stunning cave formations that have been sculpted over thousands of years. Then, brace yourself for the grand finale as we navigate through the last, most active cave passage, where adventure awaits at every bend! After our epic exploration, we’ll refuel with a delicious lunch on the road before heading back to our cozy accommodations. Once we arrive, you’ll have some time to unwind and soak in the day’s excitement before we gather for dinner at our hotel. | Hotel In San Ignacio Cayo |
| Day 10 | San Ignacio - Belize City - USA | After a hearty breakfast to fuel our spirits, it’s time to embark on our journey back to Belize City for our flight home. As we prepare to leave this breathtaking paradise, let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible adventures we've shared—the vibrant wildlife we encountered, the ancient ruins we explored, and the unforgettable memories we've created together. Once at the airpot, the group will catch their international flight hame. Guidance Pan Yu Travel! Wi Love 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.
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
Walking Tree gave us everything we needed to make our vision of the perfect educational trip to China a reality.
Andy
Repeat Group Organizer on programs to China
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.