Belize Study Abroad

What documents will I need to enter Belize?

 

A current passport is necessary. A birth certificate will not do. US citizens do not need a Visa for Belize - All Others should check with their Belize Consulate Office. Guatemala requires a tourist card from everyone. They may be obtained at the Guatemalan Consulate offices or purchased in Belize at the border. Non-US citizens be sure that your papers are in order for re-entry into the US if returning there. Re-Entry fee from Guatemala to Belize by air is $25.00 US per person. You may be asked by Belizean Customs the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay and your address while in Belize. Tell them you are there to study Biology for the total length of your stay with IZE (International Zoological Expeditions) and you will be staying at the IZE sites in Belize. If you are not a US citizen you should check with the Belize Consulate about a visa. You can call them at 800-624-0686 or the Belize Embassy in Washington, DC at 1-202-332-9636.

 

Are vaccinations required?

 

Vaccinations - No vaccinations are required for entrance into Belize or Guatemala. We urge you to consult your physician for his or her advice in this respect. In particular you should ask about the advisability of anti-malarial medication, gamma globulin and typhoid and Hepatitis A and B shots and updating your tetanus shot. Throughout the course of the expedition, you will have several orientation meetings discussing health and safety precautions. If you have any physical or medical limitations you must advise IZE before beginning your expedition.

 

Can I drink the water?

 

Yes, the water at IZE sites is Purified Water. It is VERY SAFE!! For other water usage on South Water Caye, the water is rainwater collected from the roof. It is stored in a large cement vat beneath the field station and periodically pumped into a 500-gallon overhead vat. It’s fed from there to the sinks and showers. Toilets are flushed with well water. Water at Blue Creek is pumped from the river and should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth. PLEASE DO NOT WASTE WATER. Very little rain falls between February and June. Never let water run excessively. When you take a shower, get wet, shut the water off, soap down, and then rinse. This will help us, in our efforts, to conserve this very precious resource.

 

Should I be concerned about insects?

 

No. Not very often, but once in a while, biting insects may come around, especially if the wind stops at South Water Caye or it has been overly wet at South Water Caye or Blue Creek A little insect repellent will do the trick. Long gauze or light nylon pants will also be helpful for wearing at all sites at nighttime if the bugs are bothersome. Windows are screened at South Water Caye Dorms and Cabanas.

 

Are US dollars accepted?

 

US dollars are accepted almost everywhere we visit. The conversion rate is BZD 2 = 1 USD. Visa & MasterCard are accepted at most sites and are accepted for purchases and to pay for any diving on South Water Caye. NOTE: Always have a good supply of small bills so that you can use for tipping the Mayan porters carrying your bags at Blue Creek, if you so choose. US Coins are not accepted in the country of Belize.

 

Is internet service available?

 

On South Water Caye, complimentary wireless internet service is available in the main dining room!

At Blue Creek, internet service is not available. 

 

Special dietary requests?

 

Please let us know. We try our best to accommodate all dietary requests.

 

Tips and Gratuities?

 

 

IZE does not have a set tipping policy nor do we have a built in service charge as many resorts in Belize do; however we do know our employees are exemplary and that most guests would like to express their gratitude in a monetary fashion, but struggle with the best way to do this. So, some suggestions that may be helpful:

 

• Save all tipping for the end of your stay.

• As a rule of thumb, what we suggest for group bookings is a gratuity of $5 US per person (in the group) per day to be split equally between all staff.

• For cottage guests where more individual service is received, 10% is considered a standard tip for good service throughout the country of Belize.

• While it is totally acceptable for guests to tip guides or other staff members directly, many people are not comfortable doing so or are concerned that they are missing out on valuable but hidden staff members who have contributed to their stay but they may not have interacted with on an individual basis. Distributing tips through the manager will ensure that the person who rakes the yard, carries your bags or pumps the water for you to bathe will not be forgotten.

• That said, if you wish to single out an exceptional guide or cook, or anyone else who has provided something extra special to your comfort or level of enjoyment, please feel free to do so, though this also is probably best done at the end of your stay.

• Cash tips are preferred, though gifts of clothing or other items not always available or affordable within Belize are also very much appreciated.

 

The main thing to remember is that tipping at IZE is not mandatory, but like everywhere it is very much appreciated. No staff member would ever think any less of those without the financial capacity to leave a gratuity nor treat them any differently. The IZE team strive to serve every guest to the very best of their ability in the hope that we will contribute to a positive experience for our guests and joyful, life long memories of Belize.

 

What is the weather like?

 

The weather is sometimes very hot and humid. Lightweight summer clothing should make up the majority of the clothing you take along. Loose fitting, cotton clothes are best. During the months December through March, cold fronts from Canada, called NORTES, may arrive unexpectedly and the temperatures can plummet all the way down to 65º. Daytime temperatures will range in the 90's the evenings will be in the 70's. Rain is always possible at any time. March starts the dry season with daytime temperatures in the upper 80’s to low 90’s and evening temperatures in the upper 60’s. The rainfall in March is usually less than one inch. The height of the dry season is the months of April and May. Daily temperatures exceeding 100º are not uncommon. The rainfall is usually less than one half inch. The months of June through October are the wettest with as much as 31 inches of rain falling in any one month at our rainforest field station in the Toledo District. The rain often comes in heavy downpours followed by bright sunshine daily. This is the time of year when the wildlife is most active. Rain gear and waterproof footwear should be part of your wardrobe. Please read the equipment checklist provided.

 

Belize is a diverse Caribbean country with areas of hot coastal beaches as well as wet, humid tropical rain and cloud forests. Be prepared for temperatures from 65 – 100° F (18 – 38° C) and everything in between.

 

Recommended CLOTHING FOR SOUTH WATER CAYE:

 

• Bathing Suit

• Shorts

• Underwear

• Hat

• Shirts

• Sleeping attire

• Long sleeve shirt – in Winter

• Long pants – in Winter

• Sandals/Flip flops

• Dive suit (if diving)

• Beach towel

• Sarong

 

Recommeded CLOTHING FOR BLUE CREEK:

 

• Shorts

• Underwear

• Hat 

• T-Shirts

• Sleeping attire 

• Long sleeve shirts

• Long pants – zip out legs are best

• Sandals/Flip flops

• Poncho/Light rain gear

• Socks

• Athletic shoes/sturdy hiking shoes

• Fleece/sweatshirt/windbreaker

• Bandanas

• Laundry bag

 

TOILETRIES

 

We recommend packing all toiletries in zip lock plastic bags. Visitors to South Water Caye and Blue Creek are reminded to please leave your curling irons, blow dryers, and electric razors at home.

 

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Hair brush

• Deodorant

• Small mirror

• Toothbrush/Floss

• Toothpaste

• Shampoo/Conditioner – preferably biodegradable

• Body wash – preferably biodegradable

• Feminine products

• Shaving gear

• Benadryl

• Ibuprofen – or other OTC pain medication

• Bug spray 

• Eye drops

• Ear drops for swimmers

• Anti-diarrhea medicine

• Tiger balm – for sore muscles and itchy bug bites
   

GEAR

 

It is very important to get good quality equipment and try it on first.

 

• Mask/fins/snorkel – rentals available in advance

• Waterproof flashlight/extra batteries

• Reusable water bottle

• Fishing gear

• Notebook/Journal

• Water bottle

• Lightweight binoculars

• Headlight/extra batteries – water-proof if going caving

• Camera/memory card/charger

• Underwater camera – disposable is fine

• Light snacks – like trail mix or energy bars

• Day pack

• Backpack

• Pocket knife – don’t try to take on the plane in your carry on!

• Mesh bag – for damp clothes

• Leather gloves – for hiking & caving

 

FOR STUDENTS TRAVELING WITH GROUP

 

The items listed below are not provided for large groups; please remind students to bring the items listed below.

 

• Beach towel

• Bath towel

• Bed linens – or a lightweight sleep sac

• Pillowcase

 

IMPORTANT BELIZE LAW:

All Children 16 years or younger traveling without a parent/legal guardian must have a notarized letter of permission from his or her parent/legal guardian. Please call or email with any questions or concerns regarding this new law before your travel date.