Come explore the 2nd Largest Barrier Reef in the World

Come see the manatees, loggerhead turtles and many more endangered species during this 6 day/ 5 night adventure.

Trip dates May 2011.  Exact dates still to be determined.

This international education opportunity will take you to the beautiful beaches and warm waters of the Caribbean.  The Western Barrier reef is the 2nd longest barrier reef in the world.  It is home to hundreds of species of tropical fish, thousands of species of marine invertebrates and located only half a mile from the tranquil beaches in the small fishing village of Hopkins.  Miles of staghorn and elkhorn coral tower above the sea floor while nurse sharks and southern stingrays swim below the turquoise water.  Barrel sponges, lobsters, nurse sharks, upsidedown jellyfish, resident loggerhead turtles, stingrays and manatee sittings are almost a guarantee.   Belize is home to one of the healthiest reef systems in the entire Caribbean.  Healthy marine ecosystems are critical to the safety and welfare of the majority of the human population.  Be prepare for a once in a lifetime adventure to the heart of the Caribbean.

This international education opportunity will take you to the beautiful beaches and warm waters of the Caribbean.  The Western Barrier reef is the 2nd longest barrier reef in the world.  It is home to hundreds of species of tropical fish, thousands of species of marine invertebrates and located only half a mile from the tranquil beaches in the small fishing village of Hopkins.  Miles of staghorn and elkhorn coral tower above the sea floor while nurse sharks and southern stingrays swim below the turquoise water.  Barrel sponges, lobsters, nurse sharks, upsidedown jellyfish, resident loggerhead turtles, stingrays and manatee sittings are almost a guarantee.   Belize is home to one of the healthiest reef systems in the entire Caribbean.  Healthy marine ecosystems are critical to the safety and welfare of the majority of the human population.  Be prepare for a once in a lifetime adventure to the heart of the Caribbean.

Trip cost: T.B.D.

Approximately $1550 but it will depend upon airfare

                                         
Trip cost includes airfare, shuttle to and from LLCC parking lot to St. Louis airport as well as in Belize, room and board,  snacks, snorkeling trips and Marine park fees.

A $200.00 deposit is required to secure your spot.  The remaining balance can be paid in installments.  Students will need a valid U.S. passport to gain entry into Belize.  Passports take approximately 8 – 10 weeks to obtain and can be obtained at the main Post Office in downtown Springfield.  All participants are required to bring their own mask, fins and snorkel.  Students will also need to register for Biology 208 (Marine Biology / 2 credits) to be covered by the college insurance while non student participants will need to register through the International Commmunity Education program. 

Trip cost: T.B.D.

Approximately $1550 but it will depend upon airfare

                                         
Trip cost includes airfare, shuttle to and from LLCC parking lot to St. Louis airport as well as in Belize, room and board,  snacks, snorkeling trips and Marine park fees.

A $200.00 deposit is required to secure your spot.  The remaining balance can be paid in installments.  Students will need a valid U.S. passport to gain entry into Belize.  Passports take approximately 8 – 10 weeks to obtain and can be obtained at the main Post Office in downtown Springfield.  All participants are required to bring their own mask, fins and snorkel.  Students will also need to register for Biology 208 (Marine Biology / 2 credits) to be covered by the college insurance while non student participants will need to register through the International Commmunity Education program. 

Day 1  Arrive in Belize, take a shuttle to the village of Hopkins and get settled in for the evening.  

Day 1  Arrive in Belize, take a shuttle to the village of Hopkins and get settled in for the evening.  

Day 3  Once again we will be heading out to explore the mysteries of the reef.  Today we will head to the aft reef area where loggerhead sea turtle sightings are common.  In the afternoon we will conduct a beach walk to investigate the various species that live on the beaches.  At night we will be conduct a night seining to study the nocturnal marine life.

Day 3  Once again we will be heading out to explore the mysteries of the reef.  Today we will head to the aft reef area where loggerhead sea turtle sightings are common.  In the afternoon we will conduct a beach walk to investigate the various species that live on the beaches.  At night we will be conduct a night seining to study the nocturnal marine life.

Day 4  Today we will head out to Tobacco Caye.  This area is home to hundreds of marine species can be observed in a single glance.  Weather permitting we will stop at Carrie Bow Caye which houses the Smithsonian National History Museum's Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems Program.  Here we will have a chance to learn about the health of the reef from a variety of international scientists. 

Day 4  Today we will head out to Tobacco Caye.  This area is home to hundreds of marine species can be observed in a single glance.  Weather permitting we will stop at Carrie Bow Caye which houses the Smithsonian National History Museum's Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems Program.  Here we will have a chance to learn about the health of the reef from a variety of international scientists. 

Day 2  Watch the sunrise over the blue Caribbean waters.  After breakfast we will head out to one of the shallower reef sites.  Theis will allow us to fet familiar with snorkeling in the ocean while providing us wih ample opportuinity to see hundreds of different marine species.  The afternoon will take us to a second snorkel stop which will have a new variety of marine life to explore.  After snorkeling all day we will return to the dock in time to watch the sunset over the horizon.

Day 2  Watch the sunrise over the blue Caribbean waters.  After breakfast we will head out to one of the shallower reef sites.  Theis will allow us to fet familiar with snorkeling in the ocean while providing us wih ample opportuinity to see hundreds of different marine species.  The afternoon will take us to a second snorkel stop which will have a new variety of marine life to explore.  After snorkeling all day we will return to the dock in time to watch the sunset over the horizon.

Day 5  This morning we are headed to Glovers Atoll.  The southern section of the atoll serves as a protected reserve.  Glovers contains over 700 shallow coral patches within its lagoon.  There is an abundance of marine life to be found in Glovers, including turtles, manta rays, and all types of sharks. 

Day 5  This morning we are headed to Glovers Atoll.  The southern section of the atoll serves as a protected reserve.  Glovers contains over 700 shallow coral patches within its lagoon.  There is an abundance of marine life to be found in Glovers, including turtles, manta rays, and all types of sharks. 

Day 6 Today is our last day to collect a few more rays of sunshine before we packour bags, say goodbye to our hosts and get ready to head home.

Day 6 Today is our last day to collect a few more rays of sunshine before we packour bags, say goodbye to our hosts and get ready to head home.

 If you are interested in the adventure but do not need the academic credits please contact me and we can discuss participation through the college's International Community Education program.  Space is limited so don't wait to sign up.

Group size will be limited to 15 participants in order to provide a 5 to 1 student instructor ratio.

For more information contact Professor Cox.
Sangamon Hall Room 2329
217-786-4909
Dave.cox@llcc.edu

 If you are interested in the adventure but do not need the academic credits please contact me and we can discuss participation through the college's International Community Education program.  Space is limited so don't wait to sign up.

Group size will be limited to 15 participants in order to provide a 5 to 1 student instructor ratio.

For more information contact Professor Cox.
Sangamon Hall Room 2329
217-786-4909
Dave.cox@llcc.edu