Marine Research Volunteer Programs
ECOMAR offers opportunities for visitors and students to participate in ongoing research at our Research Station and Field School on Historic St George's Caye. Our standard programs are 8 days/7 night or 5 days/4 nights. The programs include a variety of scientific methods to collect data on coral reefs, sea turtles, queen conch, dolphins and manatees. You will work with researchers in collecting data that ECOMAR will compile into an annual report that will be shared with the St George's Caye Village Council and Fisheries Department.
The area around St. George's Caye has not been well studied and the data we are collecting is baseline date that will tell us how diverse the system is. Our goal is to use this data to one day establish one of Belize's first underwater archaeological marine reserves. The area is indeed diverse as it supports healthy coral reefs, endangered manatees and sea turtles, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and nursery grounds for the important fishery export, queen conch. We can also tailor our programs to specific needs of visiting professors and assist in submitting research applications.
The area around St. George's Caye has not been well studied and the data we are collecting is baseline date that will tell us how diverse the system is. Our goal is to use this data to one day establish one of Belize's first underwater archaeological marine reserves. The area is indeed diverse as it supports healthy coral reefs, endangered manatees and sea turtles, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and nursery grounds for the important fishery export, queen conch. We can also tailor our programs to specific needs of visiting professors and assist in submitting research applications.
Immerse Marine Science (8 days/7 nights)
|
DAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 |
ACTIVITY
Transfer to St George's Caye / Snorkel Checkout Coral Reef Marine Life Survey / Conch Surveys Manatee Survey / Coral Reef Marine Life & Turtle Survey Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Dolphin Surveys / Coral Reef Marine Life & Sea Turtle Surveys Conch Surveys / Manatee Surveys Goff's Caye Day trip & Snorkeling Transfer to Belize City after breakfast |
PRESENTATIONS
Historic St George's Caye Reef Fish ID Coral Reef Ecology Marine Protected Areas Marine Mammals Sea Turtles Trip Highlights & Summary |
TRIP DATES & COST
|
2020
|
January 25 - Feb 1
April 25 - May 2 August 1 - 8 Open Enrollment |
$1,750 to $2,450 per person.* Group limit 12.
|
* Trip prices do not include international airfare. The trip cost is $2,450 per person for the first two participants, and $1,750 for a third participant.
Explore Marine Science ( 5 days/4 nights)
|
DAY
1 2 3 4 5 |
ACTIVITY
Transfer to St George's Caye / Snorkel Checkout Coral Reef Marine Life Survey / Conch Surveys Manatee Survey / Coral Reef Marine Life & Turtle Survey Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Transfer to Belize City after breakfast |
EVENING PRESENTATION
Historic St George's Caye Coral Reefs & Marine Protected Areas Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles Trip Highlights & Summary |
TRIP DATES & COST
|
2020
|
January 25 - 29
April 25 - 29 August 1-5 Open Enrollment |
$1,400 to $2,100 per person.* Group limit 12.
|
* Trip prices do not include international airfare. The trip cost is $2,100 per person for the first two participants, and $1,400 for a third participant.
Additional Notes
- Participants should book a flight that brings them to Belize before 3pm, and when they depart their flight should depart Belize after 11am. This allows sufficient time for transfers.
- All participants should consider investing in their own snorkeling equipment and practice snorkeling in the pool/ocean prior to arriving to ensure equipment works. Equipment can be rented at a dive center in Belize City if needed at $56.25/week.
- Bring any snacks you'll need during the week as there are no stores on the island.
- Three homestyle meals feature international and local cuisine. Please advise any dietary restrictions on the snorkeler details form you'll submit after booking.
- The tropics are hot, and there is no publicly generated power on the island and no air conditioning or hot water. We do spend all of our days at sea and at night our generator provides power for fans.
- Our staff will ensure you enjoy your stay and assist with any questions/concerns that may arise.
- Ask us about an inland extension if you would like to explore the ruins, wildlife or other inland sites!
