For students currently in grades 9–12
Pre-College
Barcelona
Tokyo
Tuscany
You may also like
French
France
Mandarin
China
Spanish
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Spain
Climate & Conservation
Baja & the Gulf of California
Belize
Canadian Arctic
Chile
Iceland
Namibia
You may also like
Columbia Climate School Collaboration
Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit
Australia & Fiji
Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji
Croatia & Slovenia
Iceland
Italy & Greece
Japan
Kilimanjaro
Norway
Patagonia: Skiing
Switzerland, France, & Holland
Costa Rica
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Morocco
Nepal
Peru
Puerto Rico
Tanzania
Thailand
Vietnam

2-weeks & under

Campus-Based

Climate & Sustainability

Eligible for rising 9th graders

Intensives & Workshops

New for 2025!

North America Based

Putney Classics

Science & Nature

Patagonia: Skiing
Switzerland, France, & Holland
Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland
For students currently in grades 6–8
Eligible for 8th grade*
Columbia Climate School Collaboration
Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Grades 7&8
France & Holland
Iceland
Ireland
Italy & Greece
Grades 7&8
France
Spain
Grades 6–8
Costa Rica
Grades 7&8
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Special programs & collaborations
Custom Programs

Looking to create a custom program or collaboration?

smithsonianstudenttravel-icon

Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12

Challenge yourself academically at the world's most prestigious universities

Non-profit organization offering student travel scholarships

High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity

columbia-climate-school-icon

Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12

Belize

Wildlife Conservation from Rainforest to Reef

July 6 — July 23
$8,390 + airfare

Belize

Wildlife Conservation from Rainforest to Reef

July 6 — July 23
$8,390 + airfare

Travel to Belize this summer and learn how the country’s wildlife conservation efforts have become a model for the rest of the world. Shadow professionals and explore a potential career path in zoology and marine biology. Interact with veterinarians at The Belize Zoo, talk to conservationists at animal sanctuaries, and study marine life alongside researchers as you explore Belize’s barrier reef.

• Volunteer at The Belize Zoo and work alongside the staff
• Visit rescue centers for green iguanas, baboons, and raptors
• Hike through dense rainforest in search of howler monkeys
• Snorkel along the barrier reef with a marine ecology expert
“The other students were incredible and I have made lifelong friends. I gained so much knowledge and learned that I want to intern at Tobacco Caye Marine Station.”
—Ellery E., Brookline, MA
Featured

Expert

An Expert joins each Career program for a portion of the itinerary, lending their insights and perspectives to the experience.
No posts found
No posts found
Loading...

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Miami, and fly together to Belize City, Belize. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Tropical Education Center & The Belize Zoo — 5 days

Get an inside look at The Belize Zoo, which was founded in 1983 as a way to provide a home for wild animals that were used to film Richard Foster’s documentary, Selva Verde. Located about 45 minutes from Belize City, the zoo is now home to over 200 native animals. It aims to bring the animals and people of Belize closer together to increase awareness of and appreciation for Belize’s wildlife and to promote the protection of the country’s natural resources. Each morning, work in small groups with the zoo staff to feed the animals, maintain their enclosures, and carry out research projects. In the afternoons, meet with zoologists, conservationists, and veterinarians. Ask questions about their professional training, their experience with various species, and their vision for wildlife conservation in Belize and beyond.

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, La Democracia — 4 days

Travel to Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for more encounters with tropical wildlife and inspiration from the individuals working there. The sanctuary was founded by an American Peace Corps volunteer and a cattle rancher who decided that his land was better suited for a wildlife educational center than a cattle ranch. At Monkey Bay, learn about e-birding with professional conservationists and help build nests for parrots in the field. Then, visit nearby conservation groups and learn about local individuals’ efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect endangered and threatened species.

Macal River — 3 days

Travel to an ecolodge nestled in the dense rainforest of western Belize for further study of terrestrial species on the mainland. Enjoy swimming in the Macal River, exploring the rainforest, and visiting Maya ruins. Explore caves cut into the limestone rock and observe ceremonial artifacts left behind. Visit Xunantunich, an Ancient Maya city that is the second tallest building in the country. Climb the pyramids and explore the plazas of this famous archaeological site. Relax in the cool waters of Rio On pools, a series of clear water pools made from rocks worn smooth by centuries of water polishing. Hike out to Rio Frio Cave, a beautiful limestone tunnel carved out by a river and see where the Maya held ceremonies. Scout for the famous scarlet macaws while hiking an incredible trail network in the Maya Mountains.

Calabash Caye — 3 days

Meet your conservation expert during the transition from the jungle to the sea at Calabash Caye Field Station. Wake up in front of the ocean at Belize’s first nationally owned and managed marine research facility. Spend three days exploring the atolls and the major cayes, lagoons, and fringe reef. During the day, snorkel along the reef and learn about invasive species while observing sea turtles, rays, and scores of colorful fish. At night, look for octopus, squid, and other bioluminescent creatures. Enjoy guest lectures on sustainability from the Turneffe Atoll for Sustainability Association.

Caye Caulker — 2 days

Take a water taxi from the mainland to Caye Caulker, a tiny island located along the barrier reef. At five miles long, Caye Caulker has three roads, and the only vehicles here are bicycles and golf carts! Strap on your snorkel and compare sea grass, mangrove, and coral reef habitats alongside certified guides. Snorkel among groupers, rays, and nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. Hol Chan was declared a marine reserve—the first in Belize—over 30 years ago, and has helped pave the road for marine protection throughout coastal Belize and the rest of the world. Learn about the development of marine-protected areas, examine the role of ecotourism and local conservation efforts in reef preservation. Enjoy the last couple of days of your program while you kayak through the mangroves in search of tiny seahorses, bike around the sandy streets, and play a game of soccer on the local field. Celebrate with your group at a final dinner, reflect on what you learned about Belize’s biodiversity, share your independent project, and celebrate your adventures with new friends.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Belize City to Miami with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Miami, and fly together to Belize City, Belize. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Tropical Education Center & The Belize Zoo — 5 days

Get an inside look at The Belize Zoo, which was founded in 1983 as a way to provide a home for wild animals that were used to film Richard Foster’s documentary, Selva Verde. Located about 45 minutes from Belize City, the zoo is now home to over 200 native animals. It aims to bring the animals and people of Belize closer together to increase awareness of and appreciation for Belize’s wildlife and to promote the protection of the country’s natural resources. Each morning, work in small groups with the zoo staff to feed the animals, maintain their enclosures, and carry out research projects. In the afternoons, meet with zoologists, conservationists, and veterinarians. Ask questions about their professional training, their experience with various species, and their vision for wildlife conservation in Belize and beyond.

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, La Democracia — 4 days

Travel to Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for more encounters with tropical wildlife and inspiration from the individuals working there. The sanctuary was founded by an American Peace Corps volunteer and a cattle rancher who decided that his land was better suited for a wildlife educational center than a cattle ranch. At Monkey Bay, learn about e-birding with professional conservationists and help build nests for parrots in the field. Then, visit nearby conservation groups and learn about local individuals’ efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect endangered and threatened species.

Macal River — 3 days

Travel to an ecolodge nestled in the dense rainforest of western Belize for further study of terrestrial species on the mainland. Enjoy swimming in the Macal River, exploring the rainforest, and visiting Maya ruins. Explore caves cut into the limestone rock and observe ceremonial artifacts left behind. Visit Xunantunich, an Ancient Maya city that is the second tallest building in the country. Climb the pyramids and explore the plazas of this famous archaeological site. Relax in the cool waters of Rio On pools, a series of clear water pools made from rocks worn smooth by centuries of water polishing. Hike out to Rio Frio Cave, a beautiful limestone tunnel carved out by a river and see where the Maya held ceremonies. Scout for the famous scarlet macaws while hiking an incredible trail network in the Maya Mountains.

Calabash Caye — 3 days

Meet your conservation expert during the transition from the jungle to the sea at Calabash Caye Field Station. Wake up in front of the ocean at Belize’s first nationally owned and managed marine research facility. Spend three days exploring the atolls and the major cayes, lagoons, and fringe reef. During the day, snorkel along the reef and learn about invasive species while observing sea turtles, rays, and scores of colorful fish. At night, look for octopus, squid, and other bioluminescent creatures. Enjoy guest lectures on sustainability from the Turneffe Atoll for Sustainability Association.

Caye Caulker — 2 days

Take a water taxi from the mainland to Caye Caulker, a tiny island located along the barrier reef. At five miles long, Caye Caulker has three roads, and the only vehicles here are bicycles and golf carts! Strap on your snorkel and compare sea grass, mangrove, and coral reef habitats alongside certified guides. Snorkel among groupers, rays, and nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. Hol Chan was declared a marine reserve—the first in Belize—over 30 years ago, and has helped pave the road for marine protection throughout coastal Belize and the rest of the world. Learn about the development of marine-protected areas, examine the role of ecotourism and local conservation efforts in reef preservation. Enjoy the last couple of days of your program while you kayak through the mangroves in search of tiny seahorses, bike around the sandy streets, and play a game of soccer on the local field. Celebrate with your group at a final dinner, reflect on what you learned about Belize’s biodiversity, share your independent project, and celebrate your adventures with new friends.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Belize City to Miami with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropCBELA Lindsey Forg
Lindsey Forg
View Bio
CropCBAJB Evan Frost 3
Evan Frost
View Bio
Loading...
Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropCBELA Lindsey Forg
Lindsey Forg
View Bio
CropCBAJB Evan Frost 3
Evan Frost
View Bio
Loading...
About the Destination

Belize is a small country with great natural beauty. It has the lowest population of any Central American country, and it boasts incredible biodiversity. Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, subtropical jungles, and rainforests. Belize has taken a leadership role in wildlife and natural resource protection and preservation, from the foundation of wildlife sanctuaries to the banning of offshore drilling and single-use plastics. Belize also boasts countless Mayan ruins, and visitors to these archaeological sites, buried deep within the jungle, learn about the intersection of nature and Belize’s ancient Maya civilizations.

Language

Belize was a British colony from 1862 to 1981, and English is the country’s official language. Other languages spoken include Kriol (Belizean Creole), Garifuna, Spanish, and Mayan languages.

Climate

Belize is a tropical country with two seasons: wet and dry. We visit during the wet season. It rains often in brief, heavy showers, typically in the late afternoon. Daytime temperatures range from 85–95°F, while nighttime temperatures drop between 75–80°F.

Cuisine

Belizean cuisine is hearty fare with rice, beans, and a delicious array of tropical fruits, such as papaya, mango, and pineapple, at almost every meal. A typical lunch consists of rice and beans, fish or chicken, vegetables, cheese, tortillas, and fruit.

About the Destination

Belize is a small country with great natural beauty. It has the lowest population of any Central American country, and it boasts incredible biodiversity. Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, subtropical jungles, and rainforests. Belize has taken a leadership role in wildlife and natural resource protection and preservation, from the foundation of wildlife sanctuaries to the banning of offshore drilling and single-use plastics. Belize also boasts countless Mayan ruins, and visitors to these archaeological sites, buried deep within the jungle, learn about the intersection of nature and Belize’s ancient Maya civilizations.

Language

Belize was a British colony from 1862 to 1981, and English is the country’s official language. Other languages spoken include Kriol (Belizean Creole), Garifuna, Spanish, and Mayan languages.

Climate

Belize is a tropical country with two seasons: wet and dry. We visit during the wet season. It rains often in brief, heavy showers, typically in the late afternoon. Daytime temperatures range from 85–95°F, while nighttime temperatures drop between 75–80°F.

Cuisine

Belizean cuisine is hearty fare with rice, beans, and a delicious array of tropical fruits, such as papaya, mango, and pineapple, at almost every meal. A typical lunch consists of rice and beans, fish or chicken, vegetables, cheese, tortillas, and fruit.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Program Theme

Wildlife Conservation • During your time in Belize, you can expect to interact with veterinarians, zookeepers, marine biologists, naturalists, and conservationists as you explore Belize’s jungle and barrier reef. This program provides students with opportunities to work alongside individuals who have dedicated their lives to the protection and preservation of Belize’s terrestrial and marine species. Hands-on experiences, such as volunteering at The Belize Zoo and reef cleaning on Tobacco Caye, enable students to learn more about potential career paths in zoology, veterinary science, and marine biology.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of zoology, veterinary science, or marine biology of particular interest to you—become an expert on the endangered jaguar, interview a local veterinarian about animal rescue and rehabilitation, or create an album documenting all of the tropical species you encountered in Belize.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. You can expect to walk, snorkel, hike, and canoe. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

At the Tropical Education Center and The Belize Zoo, we stay in shared dormitory-style rooms. At Monkey Bay, we stay in mountain-view cabins. Along the Macal River, we stay in shared cabañas at another ecolodge. Calabash Caye hosts us in two large cabins. On Caye Caulker, we stay in waterfront rooms at a small, family-run hotel.

Meals

Our accommodations provide all meals throughout the program. We enjoy typical Belizean fare together in the dining halls of our accommodations.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Program Theme

Wildlife Conservation • During your time in Belize, you can expect to interact with veterinarians, zookeepers, marine biologists, naturalists, and conservationists as you explore Belize’s jungle and barrier reef. This program provides students with opportunities to work alongside individuals who have dedicated their lives to the protection and preservation of Belize’s terrestrial and marine species. Hands-on experiences, such as volunteering at The Belize Zoo and reef cleaning on Tobacco Caye, enable students to learn more about potential career paths in zoology, veterinary science, and marine biology.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of zoology, veterinary science, or marine biology of particular interest to you—become an expert on the endangered jaguar, interview a local veterinarian about animal rescue and rehabilitation, or create an album documenting all of the tropical species you encountered in Belize.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. You can expect to walk, snorkel, hike, and canoe. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

At the Tropical Education Center and The Belize Zoo, we stay in shared dormitory-style rooms. At Monkey Bay, we stay in mountain-view cabins. Along the Macal River, we stay in shared cabañas at another ecolodge. Calabash Caye hosts us in two large cabins. On Caye Caulker, we stay in waterfront rooms at a small, family-run hotel.

Meals

Our accommodations provide all meals throughout the program. We enjoy typical Belizean fare together in the dining halls of our accommodations.

A Day in the Life: The Belize Zoo​

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Belize.
6:30am
Join an optional birding excursion and watch the sunrise
7:00am
Enjoy breakfast together at your accommodations
9:00am
Carry out volunteer projects at The Belize Zoo, from food preparation to data collection
12:00pm
Break for lunch at the zoo’s café
1:00pm
Travel to a baboon sanctuary and learn about local efforts to protect the black howler monkey
4:00pm
Cool off at the Tropical Education Center’s swimming pool
6:00pm
Enjoy a typical Belizean dinner together as a group
7:00pm
Gather around a bonfire and roast marshmallows
9:00pm
Reflect on the day and discuss tomorrow’s schedule

A Day in the Life:
The Belize Zoo​

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Belize.
6:30am
Join an optional birding excursion and watch the sunrise
7:00am
Enjoy breakfast together at your accommodations
9:00am
Carry out volunteer projects at The Belize Zoo, from food preparation to data collection
12:00pm
Break for lunch at the zoo’s café
1:00pm
Travel to a baboon sanctuary and learn about local efforts to protect the black howler monkey
4:00pm
Cool off at the Tropical Education Center’s swimming pool
6:00pm
Enjoy a typical Belizean dinner together as a group
7:00pm
Gather around a bonfire and roast marshmallows
9:00pm
Reflect on the day and discuss tomorrow’s schedule
“The experts we met helped me discover potential opportunities to work with wildlife in Belize.”
—Kedhar B., Wayne, NJ
devon-swinburne

This Program is Directed by

Devon Swinburne

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

devon-swinburne

This Program is Directed by

Devon Swinburne

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

$800 tuition discount + no application fee

Pre-College
Barcelona
Tokyo
Tuscany
Intensives
Oxford Academia
You may also like
Climate & Conservation
Baja & the Gulf of California
Belize
Canadian Arctic
Chile
Iceland
Namibia
Culture & Art
Science & Business
Exploration
Australia & Fiji
Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji
Croatia & Slovenia
Iceland
Italy & Greece
Japan
Kilimanjaro
Norway
Patagonia: Skiing
Switzerland, France, & Holland
Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland
French
France
Mandarin
China
Spanish
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Spain
You may also like
Service
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Hawai'i
Morocco
Nepal
Peru
Puerto Rico
Tanzania
Thailand
Vietnam
Eligible for 8th grade*​
Columbia Climate School Collaboration
Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Grades 7&8​
Ireland
Iceland
France & Holland
Italy & Greece
Grades 7&8​
France
Spain
Grades 6–8
Costa Rica
Grades 7&8​
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Belize
Wildlife Conservation from Rainforest to Reef

2024 Dates
July 6 — July 23

Duration
18 days

Tuition
$8,390 + airfare

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
14–16 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from Miami

Service Hours
12–16 

Additional Info

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

 

2024 Dates
July 6 — July 23

Duration
18 days

Tuition
$8,390 + airfare

Service Hours
12–16 

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
14–16 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from Miami

 

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

Share this program:

Request More Info

Why Choose Putney?

Putney has been the leader in student travel and educational summers for more than 70 years. As a family-run organization, our decades of experience, our dedication to quality programs, and the personal service you receive are unmatched.

We invite you to subscribe to hear about new programs and upcoming events, and start your path to the summer of a lifetime.

Request More Info

Thank you for your request. We’ll be in touch shortly!