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Marine Biology in Belize

Come explore the 2nd Largest Barrier Reef in the World

Are you ready to swim with the sharks?
Next trip departure May 2009.
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Trip Information

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 of Ambergris Caye.  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.   Ambergris Caye is home to one of the healthiest reef systems in the entire Caribbean.  Belize Marine TREC is an organization dedicated to Research, Education and Conservation.  They are in their 12th year of advancing coral reef education and research who regularly work with a wide range of Marine Biology students.  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.

 
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Tour Itinerary (weather dependent)

Day 1  Arrive in Belize, take a twin prop airplane to Ambergris Caye (http://www.ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/island.html).  Arrive at the field station, get settled in and orientated.

Ambergris Caye
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Four eyed butterfly fish with coral head

Day 3  Once again we will be heading out to explore the mysteries of the reef.  Today we will head to the Soft coral gardens and Tuffy shipwreck.  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.

Soft coral gardens and Tuffy shipwreck
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Juvenile spotted drum

Day 5  This morning we are headed to Hol Chan National Marine Preserve (http://www.holchanbelize.org/).  Black and Nassau groupers are common.  We will also visit the World Famous Shark Ray Alley. We will be snorkeling in eight feet of water that is thick with nurse sharks and southern stingrays.  For those hardy souls tonight will be devoted to a night snorkel of the reef.  If we are lucky we will be able to see the millions of bioluminescent worms as they ascend towards the surface in search of food. http://www.holchanbelize.org/zoned.html)

 

Hol Chan National Marine Preserve
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For more information contact Professor Cox.
Sangamon Hall Room 2329
217-786-4909
Dave.cox@llcc.edu
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Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark
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Trip Details

Expected trip cost: $1550.00
                                                      
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 students are required to bring their own mask, fins and snorkel.  Students will also need to register for Biology 208 (Marine Biology) to be covered by the college insurance.  Biology 208 is a 2 credit biology class.

 
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Sunrise in Belize

Day 2  Watch the sunrise over the blue Caribbean waters.  After breakfast we will board the Goliath and head out to Tres Cocos.  Here we will snorkel with hundreds of different marine species.  The afternoon we will snorkel Pillar Coral and catch Queen Conchs for lunch.  After snorkeling all day we will return to the dock in   time to watch the sunset over the horizon.

blue Carribian waters
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Trunk fish swimming among the coral

Day 4  Today we will head out to a site called Mexico Rocks.  This are is home to hundreds of marine species can be observed in a single glance.  The afternoon will give us a chance to learn about the environmental degradation that is occurring throughout the tropics from residential experts.  Dinner will be at the Holiday Hotel Beach BBQ where, if we are lucky we can witness the World Famous Chicken Drop. http://www.sanpedroholiday.com/history.html

 

Mexico Rocks
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Sea Fans and soft corals

Day 6  Today we will have to catch the last of our tropical sunrays, pack our bags, and take a few last minute photos before we head back to Illinois.

tropical sunrays
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Dave Cox | Biology 208 Marine Biology | BEST OF BELIZE | Belize Adventures | Activities in Belize