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Belize: Preserving the Coral Reef |
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Program Number: |
3566RJ |
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| Start
and End Dates: |
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| Duration: |
9 nights |
| Location: |
Belize
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| Price starting at: |
$2,598.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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Service Learning
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| Meals: |
25;
8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners |
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| Meal
Options: |
Vegetarian |
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Working hands-on with a marine biologist, you and other volunteer researchers collect data on key coral reef health indicators off Belize, one of the richest and most diverse marine habitats on earth. Easy-to-learn sampling techniques, including shallow water fish counts and coral reef transects, have minimal impact on local habitats. This monitoring project in association with the Oceanic Society will help provide an early warning of changes in reef health, which contributes to overall global environmental health.
Highlights
• Special research permits allow you to obtain unique coral reef data.
• Working side-by-side with researchers, gather information to help coral reef preservation.
• Snorkel the rim of the famous Blue Hole, visit a seabird sanctuary at Half Moon Caye, enjoy beach snorkeling and a seafood barbeque at Lighthouse Reef Atoll.
Activity Particulars
No prior experience or training required. Participants must be able to swim, snorkel and bring their own snorkeling gear.
Date Specific Information
2-15-2014
Participants must arrive in Beliz City no later than 2:30 PM on Day 1 of the program due to a boat transfer.
3-8-2014
Arrival in Belize City no later than 2:30pm in order to catch boat departure.
Itinerary Summary
Arrival Belize City, Blackbird Caye, 9 nights; departure Belize City.
Flight from the U.S.A. | Arrival Belize City | Boat to Blackbird Caye | 9 nights | Boat to Belize City for departure. |
The habitat of this private island within the pristine Turneffe Atoll serves as a feeding and resting area for dolphins, manatees and other marine and bird life. Under expert guidance, conduct shallow water coral reef surveys, count species of fish and assess coral reef community structure. Small teams join forces on various sampling methods. Evenings include lectures and discussions on the biology and ecology of coral reefs, fish identification and behavior, threats to reef health and coral reef conservation efforts worldwide. Guided snorkeling trips introduce reef marine life and other excursions introduce the area’s natural history. Full day excursion to snorkel at the rim of the Blue Hole made famous by Jacques Cousteau, and Half Moon Caye seabird sanctuary. Excellent beach snorkeling opportunities at the Caye. Learn about the nation’s multi-cultural heritage as you sample traditional Belizean cuisine, which combines Mayan, Mexican, Spanish and Caribbean elements.
Belize
Before it was colonized as “British Honouras,” Belize flourished as a stronghold of the Maya civilization. Today, the country celebrates this unique heritage while sharing in Central American and Caribbean identities. Its tropical climate supports the country’s rich biodiversity, while its coastline along the Caribbean Sea offers access to the second-longest coral reef system in the world.
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Accommodations
Beachfront cabanas in a private island setting.
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