Destination · Belize
Placencia
Overview
Belize is a hidden paradise where culture and nature come together to create an unforgettable experience. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins deep in the lush tropical rainforests to immersing yourself in the vibrant local cultures of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Maya communities, Belize offers a journey that’s rich in history and tradition. Whether it's local cuisine, dancing to the rhythms of Garifuna drums, or simply soaking in the warmth of Belizean hospitality, every moment is an invitation to discover something new.
For adventure seekers and nature lovers, Belize is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. With easy access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system on the planet, you can dive into a world teeming with life. Swim alongside colorful fish, explore coral-encrusted walls, and encounter majestic marine creatures like manatees, sea turtles, and even whale sharks. The biodiversity beneath the water is as stunning as the landscapes above.
Beyond the reefs, Belize’s pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and deep-water trenches make it a destination like no other. Whether you’re exploring the underwater world, hiking through rainforests, or visiting the country’s iconic Blue Hole, Belize offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve Park offers a unique opportunity for those passionate about marine conservation, with activities like Reef Health Monitoring, Coral Gardening, Larval Propagation, and Community Integration. This hands-on program is open to everyone, regardless of background, providing valuable skills in protecting and monitoring coral reef ecosystems. Participants will learn about the critical roles various marine species play in maintaining reef health.
Highlights
Program Details
Activities & Training
As a participant in our Marine Conservation and Environmental Education Program, you will take an active role in preserving Belize’s marine ecosystems. You’ll learn about the invasive lionfish, a species thriving in Belize but wreaking havoc on coral reefs. Through spearfishing dives, you’ll contribute directly to efforts aimed at controlling this species. In addition, you’ll join marine identification dives, gaining knowledge about coral reefs, invertebrates, tropical fish, sharks, manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks.
Beyond hands-on activities, the program covers pressing environmental topics like climate change and ocean acidification, providing insight into solutions to protect marine life. You’ll also participate in weekly beach and island clean-ups along the Belize Barrier Reef, playing a vital role in conserving and restoring these incredible habitats.
Why Participate
Through this program you will be contributing to citizen science efforts, by playing an active role in gathering valuable data that helps scientists monitor and protect coral reefs. Through hands-on activities like Reef Health Monitoring, Coral Gardening, and Larval Propagation, you’ll gain practical conservation skills while directly supporting the restoration of these vital ecosystems. By participating, you'll not only experience the beauty of Placencia's underwater world but also help protect endangered species and contribute to long-term marine research. Whether you're a passionate ocean advocate or just looking to make a positive impact, this program offers a meaningful way to support both environmental conservation and scientific discovery.
Available Activities
Conservation
Other*
What to see?
Included/Excluded
Included
- Accommodation during the week
- Training during the program
- Equipment during the program
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Green Tax
- Placement in the program
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Assistance with selecting travel insurance
- Assistance with booking flights
- Pre-departure information pack
Excluded
Location
What is around?
If you want to set out on an adventure to explore Belize’s jungle and rainforest, then head over to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Famous for its impressive waterfalls, nature trails and river tubing, the sanctuary is internationally regarded as the world’s first jaguar reserve.
The village of Monkey River, located where the Monkey river meets the Caribbean Sea, is a portal into Belize’s pristine nature. Here you can board a guided boat tour headed upstream, where you will be welcomed by an array of intriguing animals and plants.
Experience the traditional Mayan way of making chocolate, from bean to bar, at the living Mayan museum. Cacao beans are grown locally at Maya Center Village and are certified organic.
Climb the sumptuous Xunantunich Mayan ruin, also known as “the Maiden of the Rock”. Towering at a height of 40 metres, it is the second tallest Mayan ruin in Belize and it offers a stunning view of the Cayo District, the Mopan River and Guatemala.
Journey beneath the earth’s surface to land in the sacred heart of Mayan civilisation, Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, which was once used for human sacrifices but was later left untouched for over 1000 years. The cave boasts tremendous caverns and colossal stalactites, and serves as a timeless memento of the Mayan world.
How to get there?
You will need to schedule your arrival and departure in and out of Placencia, Belize either on a Saturday or Sunday. You will arrive on a weekend when our staff is off duty, therefore you will need to arrange weekend accommodation in Placencia.
All guests will fly into Belize’s only international airport - Belize International Airport (BZE) which is located in Belize City. From Belize International Airport (BZE), you will take a connecting flight and fly down on a ‘hopper’ plane to Placencia with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air provide several daily flights on the weekends to/from Belize International Airport and Placencia. It is recommended to leave 1.5 hours between your international arrival flight and your hopper flight, two hours if you don't want to stress about flying and missing connections.
At your arrival in Placencia, you can take a taxi from the Placencia airstrip into town, it is only a short 5 minute ride.
Requirements
Requirements
- Must be minimum 18 years of age on the day of the start of the program
- Must be a certified Open Water Diver or must take the dive course with us on the island. Must bring your scuba certification card (or a copy of it) to the island for verification
- A good knowledge of the English language
- Must have visa, travel and health insurance before entering Belize
- A passport valid for 6 months after date of return