Mountain Ridge To Coral Reef

Belize

This journey is an immersion into the vast ecological wealth of Belize’s three biomes, where environmental leaders have long been marrying biodiversity protection with social impact, to experience the ambitious conservation projects contributing to Belize’s outstanding biodiversity

21ST FEBRUARY –
1ST MARCH 2025

$12,545 PER PERSON
EXPERIENCE

TRACK JAGUARS ON FOOT
SLEEP IN THE HEART OF THE JUNGLE
DIVE & SNORKEL A SHIPWRECK
SEEK SCARLET MACAWS ALONGSIDE PARK RANGERS
DISCOVER THE BELIZE BARRIER REEF
EXPLORE ANCIENT RUINS & CAVE SYSTEMS

INCLUDED

GAME DRIVES IN GALLON FOREST ESTATE
TOUR OF SAN IGNACIO
SCARLET MACAW BOAT RIDE
CHIQUIBUL FOREST CAVE EXPLORATION
CARACOL MAYAN RUIN DISCOVERY
FULL BOARD ACCOMMODATION THROUGHOUT
TRANSFERS & CHARTERED FLIGHTS
DEDICATED HOSTING & expert guiding

DETAILS

21ST FEBRUARY – 1ST MARCH 2025
8 NIGHTS
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
$12,545 PER PERSON BASED ON TWO PEOPLE SHARING
INCLUDES 20% DONATION TO YOUR HOSTING NGOS

Experience the impact of a nationwide commitment to environmental stewardship

A journey across Belize’s three biomes, from the dense jungle of Belize Maya Forest to tropical savannah and deep coral reefs, to discover Belize’s spectacular biodiversity and a national character intent on the preservation of nature

WHAT TO EXPECT

Discover a national character of environmental stewardship as you explore Belize’s three biomes, from the native pine forest and sweeping savannah to the pristine barrier reef. Staying in luxurious eco-lodges, join jaguar specialists on monitoring treks; park rangers in search of the critically endangered Scarlet Macaw; and the marine biologists responsible for the preservation of the Turneffe Atoll. Through encounters with local storytellers – from eco-entrepreneurs to sustainable fishermen – learn how Belize is shining a light on development alongside biodiversity protection.
All-inclusive. Excludes international flights.

CONSERVATION IMPACT

As a nation of just over 400,000 citizens with 36% of its land and 28% of its water already protected, Belize is a remarkable example of what can be achieved with a united, nationwide intent for environmental stewardship. Renowned for its spectacular biodiversity and with outstanding terrestrial and marine ecosystems to be explored, there are 103 protected areas forming Belize’s national protected areas system (NPAS). Spanning from forest and nature reserves to national parks, marine and private reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and more, Belize’s unmatched ethos to preserve its wild spaces has seen its protected areas landscape continue to expand in harmony with Non-Governmental Organisations, Community Based Organisations and the Government of Belize since it passed the Protected Areas Conservation (PACT) act in 1996. This journey will explore important threads of nature conservation across Belize’s three biomes, showcasing the nation’s holistic intent to protect and restore.

YOUR HOSTS

MEET YOUR HOSTS & GUIDE:
Elma Kay, Marcella Kelly, Delonie Forman & Roni Martinez

Elma Kay

Elma Kay is the Managing Director of Belize Maya Forest Trust, the non-governmental organisation entrusted with the stewardship and management of Belize’s second largest private protected area.
 
Alongside this role, her passion for combining biodiversity protection with community participation and sustainable financing has led her to be the Chairwoman of Belize Network of NGOs, Maya Forest Corridor Trust, and Belize’s Scientific Authority for the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
 
Elma will be your journey host at Chan Chich Lodge.

Marcella Kelly

Marcella is one of the world’s leading jaguar biologists and Professor at Virginia Tech University. Her research focuses primarily on carnivore population ecology, management, and conservation where she uses evolving techniques, such as camera trapping, combined with advances in population modelling to estimate population sizes and densities for hard-to-track carnivores. Her work in Belize Maya Forest is invaluable for monitoring the behaviour and population of the elusive jaguar.

Marcella will be your journey host at Blancaneaux lodge. 

Delonie Forman

Delonie Forman is Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association’s (TASA) Tourism Director and is responsible for improving TASA’s financial sustainability, to garner insights into the effective management of this breathtaking ecosystem and the marine life it protects.
 
Learning from her perspective on the vitality of Marine Protected Areas, Delonie will help spotlight the importance of high-value, low-impact tourism to the region and emphasise the power of meaningfully connecting the Atoll’s guests with the habitat they enjoy visiting.
 
Delonie will be your host on Turneffe Atoll. 

Roni Martinez

Belizean Roni Martinez is one of Belize’s top nature guides. With a childhood passion for wildlife, he developed his career as a Natural History guide and later a Conservation Officer at Blancaneaux Lodge.

Roni has worked with many researchers and conservation NGOs in Belize who share the same vision for a healthy, wild Belize. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Belize Bird Conservancy, while working on research programmes for Belize Audubon Society.

Through his work with TENT, Roni seeks to strengthen the connection between Belize’s tourism sector and the conservation/wildlife NGO world. His work with other conservation organisations has been crucial in maintaining a proactive effort in conserving biodiversity in Belize.

JOURNEY GALLERY

A GLOBALLY UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
ON CONSERVATION IN ACTION

Frequently Asked Questions:
Journey to Belize

What is the climate like in Belize in February?

February is a wonderful time to visit Belize. Temperatures are warm and rainfall and humidity are low, providing the perfect conditions to explore the country’s rich natural environment. In the Maya Forest and the Turneffe Atoll temperatures tend to range from 24-28°C (75-82°F). Due to the higher elevation of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, temperatures are usually slightly cooler at around 18-24°C (64-75°F).

Can you organise an extension to this Hosted Journey?

Absolutely! We would be delighted to put together a bespoke itinerary for you should you wish to extend your stay in Belize or visit another country before or after this journey. Whether you would like to see more breathtaking marine life in the idyllic Ambergris Caye, or venture into neighbouring Mexico or Guatemala, simply get in touch with Lara ([email protected]) to start curating your bespoke itinerary.

What kind of activities will we be doing?

You will spend your days in Belize exploring the country’s magnificent biodiversity. Some days will feature morning bird or nature walks, while others will have boat rides up the Raspaculo River in search of Scarlet Macaws or exploring the Turneffe Atoll. You will have inspiring talks and guided excursions with local experts where you’ll learn about a range of topics from jaguar tracking to sustainable seaweed farming. As sunset beckons you will wind down with drinks and dinners with your fellow guests and a range of hosts and local experts.

Where will we be staying?

This journey incorporates a range of accommodations, including the authentic jungle lodge, Chan Chich, the luxury hideaway, Blancaneaux Lodge, the rustic Las Cuevas Research Station, and the tranquil Turneffe Island Resort. Most of the accommodations feature luxury amenities and it will be a comfortable journey throughout. 

What happens after I book?

Once you have booked your trip the journey begins! Prior to departure, our team will share your personalised itinerary via the Safari Portal App which will contain all of the information about your journey. We will share reading and watching recommendations and updates from the field, so that you can begin your learning journey from home. In the days prior to your trip, you will be connected with your hosts and fellow guests on a whatsapp group as the excitement builds! The JWP team will be on hand in the lead up to and during your journey to assist with any questions you may have.

What is the best international airport to arrive at and depart from?

International flights are not included and are to be booked separately. The best airport for you to arrive at and depart from is Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City.

Who looks after us during our journey?

You will be joined on this journey by a JWP host. They will be on hand to assist with any questions or requests prior to or during your journey.

Can this journey be organised for a private group?

This journey to Belize from 21st February - 1st March 2025 has been designed to bring together a small group of curious and like minded people who want to explore important threads of nature conservation across Belize’s three biomes, and learn about the nation’s holistic intent to protect and restore. However, if you are unable to join the journey in February or would like to organise a transformative impact experience in Belize (or elsewhere) with a private group, our Journey Planners would be delighted to organise this for you. Please reach out to the JWP team on [email protected] to begin creating your unique impact journey.

Journeys to champion the
wild and celebrate conservation

Where will your impact journey take you?

As a mission-led business our journeys are designed to be transformative, on the traveller and on the people and places you engage with.  When you book a journey with us you become part of our growing community of changemakers – the curious, the intrepid, those looking to engage with the natural world on a deeper level.  To learn, exchange and realise change.  

A journey starts with a discovery call with our expert team.  These journeys are personal  – they offer connection and insights into cultures, wildlife and landscapes in wild corners of the world – for an experience that has a positive impact, long after you return home.

At a Glance: Unknown
Belize

> 100

protected areas

70%

of its landscape left to nature

77

species listed as threatened by the IUCN live in the Belize reef system

OUR FOCUS - Belize's Three Biomes

Belize’s nine national parks cover 1 million acres, encompassing the nation’s diverse ecosystems and representing nearly a tenth of the nation’s land area, including some of the most biodiversity-rich forest in the world. The Belize Barrier Reef system, featuring three of four coral atolls in the Atlantic and the most extensive seagrass areas in the Caribbean, is home to 77 species listed as threatened by the IUCN, including a large population of West Indian Manatees. With 36% of its lands and 28% of its waters already protected, Belize safeguards special habitats, so globally rare they are known as ‘last-chance ecosystems’, for a multitude of rare, endangered, and endemic flora and fauna. As a relatively small nation, its united intent for environmental stewardship acts as a resounding conservation success story and a role model for climate and biodiversity action.

At a Glance: Fundación
Rewilding Argentina

1,850,000

…acres (or 750,000 hectares) of land protected.

264,000,000

…metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent sequestered.

370,658

…acres donated for new parkland creation.

OUR FOCUS - THE IBERÁ NATIONAL PARK:

This extraordinary wetland, the largest in Argentina, is home to 30% of the biodiversity in the country including endangered species such as the pampas and marsh deer, the maned wolf and grassland birds like the strange-tailed tyrant.

In 2005, what was to become one of the largest rewilding programs in the Americas was started, with the goal of restoring keystone species that had been extirpated from Iberá through hunting and habitat loss and were extinct in the region, the Province or, in some cases, the country. 

As the rewilding program developed, the cultural identity of Iberá began to recover alongside the ecosystems and natural processes, impacting a total population of 100,000 people who surround the park.

Today, Iberá stands as one of the world’s most successful ongoing conservation missions.