Tropical Program in Belize
Sea Star Explorations is offering a tropical marine program in November 2025 to students who have attended an advanced session at the Acadia Institute of Oceanography. The program is a comparison of the temperate waters of Maine to the tropical waters of the Caribbean through time spent on and in the warm waters around Belize.
Tropical Marine Program
Dates: November 23-30, 2025
Open to: AIO students 15 years and up
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 food at meals as well as a big Thanksgiving feast on Thanksgiving day. Lunches are picnic style and served on the boat. There are opportunities to visit a local store for snacks as well. The tuition includes flights from Miami to Belize City and from Belize City to San Pedro, hotel rooms in Miami the night of Nov. 23 and Nov. 30 (if needed), room and board during the program, entrance fees to activities and transportation during the program. ADDITIONAL BELIZE TRIPS FOR STUDENTS LOOKING FOR A GAP YEAR TRIP TO BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
