High School: Belize (2023)

Depart the United States
Arrive in Belize
Check into hotel
Later this afternoon, we will explore Belize City through a historic city tour, where we will have a chance to learn about Belize’s history, culture, economics and architecture.

Early this morning we will depart for the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (1.49 hrs). We will explore this ancient, sacred Mayan site and learn more about the traditions that were practiced here. We will swim through a spring-fed pool, seeing chamber lined with stalactites, stalagmites and ancient pottery.

After the tour, we will make our way to Hopkins (2 hrs. 11min) to check into our hotel and get ready for our PADI diving certification days.

PADI Dive Certification Day – Pool Training – Today we will complete the first part of your PADI Dive Certification with the Pool Training Portion.

*Time permitting* We will also take a tour of Monkey River today. (50min drive). Monkey River is a very rustic, frozen-in-time village in southern Belize. We can boat down a river searching for crocodiles and walk through the dense forest to see monkeys.

PADI Dive Certification Day – Barrier Reef Tour. Today we will continue with our PADI Dive Certification with our Barrier Reef Tour.

*Time permitting* Later today we will explore Garifuna culture, by visiting Kalipuna Island, where we will join an authentic Garifuna Cultural & Culinary Adventure Journey. We will explore the rich legacy of the Garifuna people through viewing art, clothing and other historical artifacts. We will also learn more about their use of coconuts and coconut trees. We will also, work in the kitchen to prepare a traditional Garifuna meal. Lastly, we will have the opportunity to experience Garifuna drumming and learn some basic drum techniques during a drumming session.

PADI Dive Certification Day – Barrier Reef Tour. Today we will continue with our PADI Dive Certification with our second Barrier Reef Tour.

*Time permitting* We will visit the village of Hopkins. Here we can spend time either renting a bike, paddleboards or kayaks – or just walking around enjoying the wonderful shops and restaurants here.

Full diving day with an AM and PM dive scheduled. 

In the morning, we will visit a working Banana Farm where you will have a chance to learn more about how the fruit is grown and harvested locally.

Later in the day, snorkel in Belize’s barrier reef.

This morning we will spend more time snorkeling n one of the many caves off the shore on an additional ½ day trip.

This afternoon we will go on a Maya Chocolate Tour. We will experience the traditional Mayan way of making chocolate from bean to bar. We will visit a cacao farm to learn about how cacao trees are cultivated. .

*Tonight, we will either travel by car back to Belize City or by plane from Daringa. TBD*

Depart Belize to travel back to the United States