Tropical Program in Belize
Sea Star Explorations offers a tropical marine program each year to students ages 15 and up. The program is a comparison of temperate waters to the tropical waters of the Caribbean through time spent on and in the warm waters around Belize.
Tropical Marine Program
Dates: December 13-20, 2026
Open to: Students 15 years and up
Cost: $3500 plus airfare
What will we do? As guests of the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) located in San Pedro on Amergis Caye, we will use their vessel, the Goliath, to snorkel, explore and study the world’s second largest barrier reef. Hosted by Dr. Ken Mattes and Maureen Mattes, RN, they will guide us on snorkels through reef systems and marine protected areas to study the diversity and productivity of these tropical waters. A large part of everyday will be spent in the water; so while previous snorkeling experience isn’t required, you must be comfortable in the water. There is NO SCUBA diving on this trip. In the evenings, our staff or one of the directors will give us a talk on a marine topic. The students are asked to do their own research during the trip and make a presentation of their findings at the end of the week. One day during the program, the group will make a trip to the mainland to tour a Mayan ruin where local guides will teach us about Mayan culture and the ruins themselves. TREC provides all transportation for off-site visits as well as transportation to and from the San Pedro airport.
Two to four students are housed in dorm style rooms, each with a private bath and ceiling fans. TREC’s local cooks provide plenty of good food at meals and lunches are picnic style and served on the boat. There are opportunities to visit a local store for snacks as well. The tuition does not include the flight from Miami to Belize City, but does include the flight from Belize City to San Pedro, hotel rooms in Miami the night of Dec. 12 (if needed), room and board during the program, entrance fees to activities, and transportation during the program.
