- Belize
- Caye Caulker
About Program
Spend two weeks exploring the rich landscapes and marine life of this beautiful tropical nation. Earn your SCUBA certification or advance your current skills while diving in the Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage Site, home to sea turtles, manatees, peaceful nurse sharks, and energetic dolphins. Spend your days helping marine researchers as they work to protect the reef from lionfish, conduct reef health checks, and monitor local wildlife populations. Spend your free time snorkeling through the clear tropical waters around our private Belize island, or relax in a hammock under the cool shade of palm trees. Enjoy delicious home-cooked meals, then sit alongside your new friends to watch the sunset over the tranquil Caribbean sea. On the mainland, visit the Mayan city of Xunantunich, filled with ancient temples and palaces, assist local biologists with crocodile conservation projects, and experience a night tour through an amazing bioluminescent lagoon!
Video and Photos
Diversity & Inclusion
BIPOC Support
ARCC is committed to increasing accessibility for our programs and supporting socioeconomic diversity within our community. ARCC’s Voyagers Scholarship provides up to five scholarship opportunities per semester to students who identify within the BIPOC community. These scholarships can range anywhere from $5,000-$8,000, and also includes gear lending and mentorship support throughout the gap year experience. The Voyagers Scholarship can also be combined with ARCC Financial Aid. If you are interested in applying, please reach out to gap@arccprograms.com.
LGBTQIA+ Support
Neurodivergent Support
During our interview process, we have open communication with students and families about the support ARCC instructors are able to provide students while on program. For students needing some additional support, we ask them to complete a “Plan of Action” with their at home support system. These plans may include additional information about communication/support preferences, coping strategies, and/or specific requirements to encourage the student to engage with the program effectively. Once on the program, our instructors will periodically check in individually with each student, help the student stay accountable to their Plan of Action, and provide general support to all participants.
Accessibility Support
Whenever possible (determined by specific location and program - ie. infrastructure, access to specific health care facilities, dietary options available, etc), we have successfully assisted students with anaphylactic allergies, chronic medical conditions, and other accommodations on programs. We recommend that you reach out with specific concerns to your Gap Director to find the right fit for you.
Impact
Sustainability
Ethical Impact
Program Highlights
- Snorkel and Dive Amongst Sea Turtles, Nurse Sharks, Eagle Rays and Other Wildlife at Laughing Bird National Park
- Earn Your PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water SCUBA Certification on a Private Caribbean Island
- Help Protect the Largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere by Removing Invasive Lionfish
- Assist Local Wildlife Biologists Working to Conserve and Protect Endangered American Crocodiles
- Visit Mayan Ruins and Learn the History of This Unique Centro-American Culture