Belize
Volunteer in Belize
With the ingredients that make up Belize, it's hard to believe that it's often forgotten from many destination bucket lists, especially as it's a land with a foothold in emerald jungles and the other in a sapphire sea containing the Belize Barrier Reef. The only thing separating these adventure zones is the pristine beaches that this part of the world is famed for. Volunteer in Belize and experience a stunning Central American country sizzling with Caribbean flavour, welcoming everyone to the party.
Come dive fanatics, culture vultures, music lovers, beach bums, and diehard daredevils because Belize has whatever you are looking for! Come for the largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere, the mystery of the Great Blue Hole, the exotic wildlife that prowls the jungles, the rich ethnic histories, and fascinating ancient cultures - and since Belize offers so much, why not give back? Your mission, should you accept, is to volunteer in Belize and join us on the Belize Marine Education and Conservation Project, where you'll help conserve the reefs and protect a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the severe threats facing our oceans.
Projects Do More
4 - 53 Nights from $1,369.00
Dive in paradise, help preserve the Belize Barrier Reef, and enjoy private island life!
View project
Wildlife
Belize’s Central American location, combined with its diverse range of habitats and climates, makes it home to an incredible variety of plants, wildlife, and marine life. With 60% of the country covered in forest, its jungles support a rich collection of land-dwelling animals, including jaguars, monkeys, macaws, tapirs, and kinkajous. Offshore, the marine biodiversity is just as remarkable. The Belize Barrier Reef provides a habitat for a stunning array of species, including West Indian manatees, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, and dolphins. Unfortunately, many of these creatures are classified as vulnerable or endangered due to threats such as climate change, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution. Protecting these species requires education and intervention, so conservation areas are increasingly being established across Belize. By volunteering in Belize, you could play a vital role in safeguarding its precious wildlife.
Culture
Volunteering in Belize reveals a diverse nation, and the country's open-minded ethos thrives on unique contributions from various ethnicities. Religiously, the majority of Belizeans are Roman Catholic. However, Belize is home to the largest Protestant population in Central America and also has pockets of other faiths, such as Hinduism, Islam, and the Baha'i. Even public primary schools hold nondenominational classes that introduce religions from all over the world. In terms of cuisine, the streets exude aromas from Caribbean-style BBQ, complemented by a seafood selection from the ocean on their doorstep, and just as the variety of ethnicities, Belize's cuisine reflects a fusion of Mexican, American, British, and Caribbean flavours, with a healthy dose of the renowned Belizean chilli sauce! Regarding traditions, the Creole people excel in storytelling, Garifuna in dances and songs, and the Mestizo observe "Dia de Los Finados", or All Souls Day, to honour their ancestors.
Popular Sights
The beauty of Belize is that there is something for everyone. Whether you are in it for the wildlife, historical sites or the Caribbean coast, there's plenty on offer to satisfy your needs and soul when you volunteer in Belize! The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world and home to the Great Blue Hole, is a magnet for diving enthusiasts. For nature lovers, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1986, is a haven for endangered jaguars and other native species. Serving as the world's sole jaguar preserve, it boasts scenic trails, exotic wildlife, and a hint of Maya culture with a concealed ceremonial site. And for those looking for an exhilarating blend of history and adventure, delve into the heart of the Belizean rainforest to explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, an archaeological marvel showcasing Maya artefacts and skeletal remains of the renowned Crystal Maiden, a potential sacrificial victim uncovered in 1989.
Destination Information
Visitors from the US, UK, Canada, and EU do not need a visa for stays under 30 days. However, if you plan to volunteer longer, you may need to apply for a Belize work permit or special volunteer visa.
Yes, volunteering in Belize is safe, but it's essential to take precautions. Stick to tourist-friendly areas, avoid walking alone at night, and be mindful of petty crime in cities.
Marine conservation volunteering in Belize involves working on projects that protect the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. While scuba diving in Belize, volunteers may help monitor marine species, remove invasive species, participate in night dives and more.
Many marine conservation programs require volunteers to have an Open Water or Advanced Open Water PADI certification. If you don't already have this qualification, you can learn to dive and gain an Open Water PADI certification on the Belize Marine Education and Conservation Project before joining the project activities!
