Caves, Coral & Community Service: Belize

Swim through ancient caves and coral reefs while supporting grassroots change in Belizean communities.

Discover Belize on an impact adventure that changes you and the world!

Dive into the vibrant heart of Belize on a journey that goes far beyond the typical travel experience. With somos.travel, you’ll connect, contribute, and grow.

This Impact Adventure to Belize is crafted to ignite personal transformation, spark global awareness, and empower students to become changemakers in their communities and beyond.

About the Journey

Embark on a transformative exploration of Belize, where lush rainforests, turquoise waters, and diverse cultures set the stage for meaningful connection and hands-on service. This is an invitation to travel with purpose.

You’ll collaborate with a local NGO on vital community-led projects, including:

  • Improving school infrastructure in rural villages
  • Planting native trees to support ecological restoration
  • Building friendships and cultural understanding through shared learning with local students and educators

No special skills are needed: only an open heart, a curious mind, and a willingness to engage fully.

Along the way, you’ll discover not only the beauty of Belize, but also the impact of your own potential when service, culture, and adventure come together.

The heart of this Impact Adventure is the partnership with TREES (Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society), a conservation nonprofit dedicated to protecting Belize’s biodiversity and supporting sustainable community development.

7 nights accommodations (hotels & eco-lodge)

8 Breakfasts (Days 1–8), 6 Lunches (Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), and 4 Dinners (Days 3, 4, 6, 7)

All group ground and water transportation: All group ground transfers within Belize, Boat transfer to/from Tobacco Caye (if chosen), Airport pickup and group drop-off

The team at somos.travel is world-class. Your group will have a lead Adventure Guide. Local expert guides for cultural, natural, and historical experiences.

  • Cave tubing tour
  • 2 full volunteer service days
  • TREES eco-tour and daily conservation programming
  • optional snorkeling day trip to Tobacco Caye
  • optional Blue Hole flight (extra cost)

Travel insurance is required for all trips. Policies start around $75.

World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

To save your spot on the trip a $500 Deposit is required.  Payment plans are available.

If payment is a challenge, some guests choose to fundraise for their trip which is super easy with our guest software WeTravel. We can help advise students on how to fundraise.

To pay for the materials for the project you will work on, we ask that each guest donates or fundraises $250.

Belize is a very safe country, full of amazing, kind, and hospitable people (just ask any of our guests or others who have traveled there). Safety is our #1 priority and we would never take anyone to places where they may be in danger. If you have any concerns, just ask and we are happy to answer questions!

This trip is designed for high school and college students and can be adapted for travelers of any age.

Absolutely. Belize is a wonderful destination for groups who want to combine service, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure.

somos.travel will get you everything you need to get prepared for the trip and help you prepare if you are accepted. See the “Trip Prep” tab at the top of the page for some more info about this.

I think I really tried my best to make a positive impact by being respectful to everyone and helping out with the school projects.

Lucy Miller Boise High School, 2025

I feel like I was able to connect with the people there and form a relationship despite language barriers and I had a lot of fun with them.

Gabbie Dingman Boise High School, 2025

Planted trees and improved the school environment through painting. We also spent quality time with the kids.

Ethan Sims Boise High School, 2025

I think that we really helped out in painting the school and cleaning up the area so that it would be more enjoyable for the kids.

Elena Bowen Boise High School, 2025

I think I made a positive impact by creating relationships and being a source of kindness and help during our work at the school.

Eli Richins Bishop Kelly High School, 2025

I feel I made a positive impact because I took the time to talk to the children and helped improve their learning spaces.

Alazne Campbell Bishop Kelly High School, 2025

Helped brighten up their school by painting & playing with the kids during break. It felt like we were bringing energy and care.

Nicole Klein Boise High School, 2025

We helped the kids by making their learning surroundings more engaging and colorful, and spent time learning from them too.

Tate Moran Boise High School, 2025

I felt accomplished painting the school and helping set up better conditions. I hope the improvements last for the students and teachers.

Cora Smith Boise High School, 2025

I think if I made any impact it was definitely through the time I spent talking with the kids and learning about their lives.

Bella Hayden Boise High School, 2025

I loved chatting with the locals and learning how to help them with painting and cleaning the school. It felt collaborative and meaningful.

Tawny Lyons Boise High School, 2025
Day 1: Arrival in Belize City
● Arrive in Belize City
● Airport pickup and hotel check-in
● Orientation walk & welcome meeting
● Dinner: On your own
Day 2: Belize City ➝ San Ignacio – Cave Tubing Adventure
● 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Included)
● Depart Belize City for San Ignacio
● Stop en route for cave tubing through Belize’s lush rainforest
● Lunch: Included (picnic-style)
● Arrive in San Ignacio in the afternoon
● Optional visit to town square or market
● Dinner: On your own
Day 3: San Ignacio – Volunteer Project: Day 1
● 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Included)
● Full day of community service in a nearby village (e.g. school beautification, painting, or repairs)
● Lunch: Included (on-site)
● Evening group reflection & discussion
● Dinner: Included
Day 4: San Ignacio – Volunteer Project: Day 2
● 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Included)
● Continue volunteer service projects
● Increased engagement with local students or residents
● Lunch: Included
● Dinner: Included
Day 5: San Ignacio ➝ TREES – Eco Reserve Introduction
● 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Included)
● Morning scenic transfer to TREES (~3.5 hours)
● Welcome tour and orientation to TREES’ conservation efforts
● Optional guided forest walk or birdwatching
● Lunch: Included
● Dinner: On your own
Day 6: TREES – Environmental Conservation Day
● 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Included)
● Hands-on conservation activities, such as:
● Reforestation or trail work
● Wildlife monitoring / camera trap checks
● Educational sessions on biodiversity & sustainable tourism
● Lunch: Included
● Optional evening night walk or reflection circle
● Dinner: Included
Day 7: TREES – Optional Snorkeling at Tobacco Caye OR Conservation Day
● 7:00 AM – Early Breakfast (Included)
● Option A: Day trip to Tobacco Caye
● Boat transfer to the island (part of South Water Caye Marine Reserve)
● Guided snorkeling on Belize’s Barrier Reef
● Relaxation and marine life observation
● Lunch: Included (on island or picnic-style)
● Return to TREES mid-afternoon ● Option B: TREES-based Conservation Day ● Participate in deeper ecological work, such as:
● Wildlife identification workshop
● Biodiversity mapping or data logging
● Small-group forest survey hikes
● Lunch: Included
● Dinner: On your own
Day 8: TREES ➝ Belize City – Departure Day
● 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Included)
● Morning van transfer to Belize City (~2.5–3 hrs)
● Optional: ✈️ Scenic Flight Over the Great Blue Hole (available for mid-afternoon departures at additional cost)
● Coordinated group airport drop-offs
● Lunch & Dinner: On your own (based on departure schedule)

The heart of this Impact Adventure is the partnership with TREES (Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society), a conservation nonprofit dedicated to protecting Belize’s biodiversity and supporting sustainable community development.

Students will:

  • Contribute to ecological restoration by planting native trees and supporting reforestation initiatives
  • Participate in wildlife monitoring and biodiversity research through activities like camera trap checks and species identification
  • Assist with conservation-focused trail work and habitat preservation projects
  • Engage with local students and educators through cultural exchange and shared learning activities
  • Learn directly from TREES staff and local experts about the challenges and opportunities of conservation in Belize

Your presence, and your trip funding, directly supports long-term conservation and community-led initiatives. By working alongside TREES, students help restore ecosystems, strengthen environmental education, and build more sustainable futures for Belize’s people and wildlife.

No special skills are required. All service activities are designed to be accessible and engaging for students of different backgrounds. What matters most is an open mind, willingness to contribute, and enthusiasm to learn.

Students will collaborate with a local NGO on projects such as improving rural school infrastructure, planting native trees for reforestation, and engaging in cultural exchange with local students and educators. Project details may vary based on community needs at the time of travel.

Safety is our highest priority. Students are accompanied by professional Somos guides at all times, and all accommodations, transportation providers, and partner organizations are carefully vetted. Activities take place in safe, student-friendly environments, with group travel throughout.

Most meals are included, particularly breakfasts and group lunches during service and conservation days. Some dinners are intentionally left open to allow students to explore Belize’s local food culture. Vegetarian and other dietary needs will always be accommodated.

The trip is designed to be accessible for most students. Activities may include light construction or painting, walking tours, cave tubing, and conservation work such as tree planting or trail maintenance. Optional excursions like snorkeling or hiking can add more activity, but participation is always based on comfort and ability.

Our affiliate link: World Nomads

This page will help you with the essentials:

  • Passport
  • Flights
  • Traveler Insurance
  • Vaccinations
  • Fundraising
  • Payment Timeline
  • Traveler Forms and Onboarding
  • Volunteer Training
  • Packing & Final Preparation

 

Passports: Must be valid through your return date. Renew early if needed.

Flights: If you would like Somos to book your group’s flights, just let us know.

Travel Insurance: Required. This should cover lost baggage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and injury. We recommend World Nomads and you can get a quote here.

Vaccinations: Belize does not require specific vaccines for entry, but Hepatitis A & Typhoid are recommended. Check with a doctor or travel clinic in advance.

Fundraising: Somos can provide fundraising resources and coaching to make the trip more accessible and also to support and raise awareness for local impact partners we work with.

Payment Timeline:

  • Deposit: Due upon registration
    travel honors all deposits for life. If you can’t make your scheduled trip, your deposit is fully transferable to any future experience.

  • 50% Payment: Due 120 days before your trip starts

  • Final Payment (100%): Due 60 days before your trip starts

Traveler Forms & Onboarding

To ensure a safe and smooth journey, all travelers complete a short onboarding process that includes:

  • A Traveler Information Form to help us accommodate dietary needs, medical info, and emergency contacts
  • A brief Online Training Module to prepare for service, safety, and cultural awareness

If you’re organizing a group trip, such as a school, Rotary club, or corporate team, please reach out for custom onboarding and registration options tailored to your group.

Packing List: Will be shared closer to departure (includes recommended clothing, surf/beach gear, and service work supplies).

Pre-Trip Meet-up: Zoom or In-person orientation to meet the group and guides before departure.