MARINE, WILDLIFE & MANATEE CONSERVATION

Touch down near Belize City, and GLA staff will greet you upon your arrival. Our group will drive to our Home Base, located on the Northern Coast in the small fishing village of Sarteneja. Home Base is a family-run hotel near the ocean. Tonight, we’ll unpack, eat a hearty meal, and rest after a long travel day.

On our first full day in Belize, we’ll begin with a program orientation to set expectations with GLA and our local hosts. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Corozal Bay, where the river meets the ocean. As we navigate the New River through mangrove forests, watch for migratory birds and, if we’re lucky, crocodiles. Along the way, you’ll learn about the importance of mangroves in coastal ecosystems. After a swim test, we’ll return to Home Base for a meal, followed by dinner and reflection in mentor groups.

Mangroves are essential to coastal ecosystems, preventing erosion, protecting against storms, improving water quality, and providing habitats for marine life. Today, we’ll help restore a mangrove forest near Sarteneja village. In the morning, an SACD staff member will explain the importance of mangroves and show us how to prepare seedlings. After lunch, we’ll prepare the seedlings at a nearby preserve, then relax with a game of volleyball before returning to Home Base for a leadership activity.

Today, we’ll focus on two conservation activities. In the morning, we’ll collect sea kelp to feed manatees at a local rescue center. In the afternoon, we’ll tour the Manatee Rescue Center and learn about their rehabilitation efforts to protect these gentle creatures. Afterward, we’ll return to Home Base to reflect on the day and prepare for tomorrow’s activities.

Today, we’ll explore Sarteneja’s fishing industry. In the morning, we’ll meet local fishermen at the pier and head out on private boats to see traditional heart-shaped fishing traps. You’ll even help harvest a trap before returning to shore. Afterward, we’ll visit the fishermen’s homes to learn how to fillet fish and enjoy a seafood lunch while hearing about life in Belize. In the afternoon, we’ll meet women entrepreneurs turning invasive lionfish fins into jewelry and souvenirs, and create your own unique piece. After dinner, we’ll have a debate on balancing cultural preservation, tourism, and a sustainable local economy in Belize.

Today, we’ll clean up public spaces in Sarteneja, collecting bottles, cans, and plastics, and possibly helping with a local beautification project. In the afternoon, we’ll begin planning activities for our conservation camp with local kids, starting tomorrow. Come prepared to share ideas for fun icebreakers and conservation-themed games!

Get ready for an action-packed day with local kids! Our group will lead a fun and educational day, so come prepared with impactful games and activities. You’ll guide students through an eco-friendly arts and crafts project or organize a school-wide scavenger hunt! In the afternoon, enjoy some free time—grab a snack at a local store or swim with friends and staff. Afterward, we’ll meet back at Home Base for a hearty meal and a leadership activity before bed.

Get ready for an adventure! Pack your overnight clothes and head to the Sarteneja pier, where our boats will be waiting. The bumpy ride will take us to the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity. We’ll stay in beachside cabins near a park ranger station. After a tour of the museum and a climb up the observation tower for stunning views, we’ll have lunch before boating through a Mayan canal to snorkel the Bacalar Chico reef. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a campfire cookout with marshmallow roasting and Belizean folk tales under the stars.

The next morning, we’ll visit a sea turtle nesting beach to help remove plastic and debris, preserving this important habitat. Afterward, we’ll say goodbye to the rangers and return to Home Base before sundown. This will be our last night in Sarteneja, so we’ll pack up and prepare for the next adventure!

We’ll depart early from Sarteneja Village, heading south to Central Belize. Our first stop will be Altun Ha, a famous Mayan ruin occupied for nearly 2,000 years. Explore the archaeological complex and admire its impressive temples, including the discovery of an 11-pound carved jade head. After the tour, we’ll visit a local artisanal market before continuing our journey. We’ll settle into our cabins at a lush wildlife reserve and enjoy dinner afterward.

Get ready for a day of exploration at a local nature reserve! In the morning, we’ll participate in activities focused on wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. Afterward, we’ll return to Home Base for a satisfying meal before hearing from a guest speaker who’s making a significant impact in conservation efforts in Belize and beyond.

Today, embark on an exciting adventure at the Belize Zoo, home to over 125 native species! During a guided tour, you’ll encounter vibrant wildlife, from howler monkeys to majestic harpy eagles. In the afternoon, we’ll take part in a meaningful service project, then relax by the pool at Home Base. After dinner, we’ll return to the zoo to observe the nocturnal animals that come to life at night.

Get your adrenaline pumping with a high-adventure zipline tour through the Belizean rainforest canopy! As you zip from tree to tree, you’ll learn about the local flora and fauna. Next, cool down with a tubing trip through impressive caves, floating with friends while exploring the unique cave formations of Central Belize. In the afternoon, we’ll reflect on our time in Belize during a final leadership activity. Take time to pack before our last dinner, where we’ll celebrate the memories and friendships we’ve made!

And just like that, our Belizean adventure ends! Head to the airport today with memories that will last a lifetime and a deeper understanding of community development and marine conservation. Staff will accompany students until they have safely departed for their gates. Safe Travels!