Belize Land & Sea 2026
May 24 - June 7
Where rainforest meets reef, Belize becomes your living laboratory.
Explore the unique ecosystems of Belize, where tropical rainforests and coral reefs lie just miles apart. This program introduces students to the rich biodiversity of both land and sea environments, offering firsthand experiences with wildlife, plant life, and marine organisms. From observing howler monkeys and leaf-cutter ants in the forest to snorkeling among colorful reef fish and corals, students explore the connections between ecological systems and human communities. Along the way, they’ll also learn about traditional Mayan knowledge and the ongoing relationship between culture and the natural world.
Tropical Biology
Experience the biological richness of Belize from the tropical rainforest at Blue Creek to the coral reefs of South Water Caye. This course combines hands-on fieldwork with guided exploration of two distinct ecosystems, giving students the chance to study species interactions, ecological relationships, and conservation issues in context. While based at a remote jungle field station, students will observe wildlife, explore forest trails, and learn how local communities use and manage natural resources. The program then moves to a marine field station, where daily snorkeling excursions reveal the diversity of reef fish, corals, and other invertebrates. With a focus on field observation, species identification, and ecological analysis, the course offers a deeper understanding of how rainforest and reef systems function, and how they are connected.
Instructor:
Dr. Meredith Eckstein