Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Spend Spring Break in Belize
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Spend Spring Break in Belize

September 12, 2013 | 1166 views

Darlington families are invited to join Upper School science teacher Owen Kinney and Head of House Marcus Holmes on an eight-day spring break trip to Belize March 15-22.

"After five years of hosting student-parent trips to Costa Rica, I have decided to venture to Belize to take advantage of world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities," Kinney said. "The trip is family friendly with many different activity options for nature nuts and beach loungers alike." 

Blue Creek Rainforest Lodge
Nestled on the banks of Blue Creek, International Zoological Expedition’s 200-acre Rain Forest Preserve and wildlife sanctuary is a tropical paradise. The rustic rainforest lodge is a short 15-minute walk from Blue Creek village and is located in a true Caribbean rain forest, offering eco adventurers the ultimate Belize jungle experience. The lodge also provides easy access to the miraculous limestone cave system of Hokeb Ha and the famous Mayan ruins of Lubaantun.

Incomparable Biodiversity
Breathtaking discoveries are revealed as you paddle and snorkel in Blue Creek. Kayaks are provided for your enjoyment, and you can swim right from the lodge overlook in the creek’s clear waters. Bring your snorkel gear to discover tropical fish and other aquatic creatures. Bird and mammal species abound in the verdant forests surrounding the lodge, including the fantastic keel-billed toucan and the rare purple-crowned fairy. Hear the roar of howler monkeys resonate through the forest, while agouties and kinkajous forage in the understory.

 

South Water Caye

Located directly on the Belize barrier reef, South Water Caye is a private 12-acre Caribbean island paradise surrounded by diverse mangrove islands, tidal seagrassflats, and pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life. Called "one of the most beautiful and exclusive islands in Belize" by The Rough Guide to Belize, South WaterCaye offers the chance to experience an unspoiled tropical ecosystem. Private cottages, nestled in beautiful mangrove forests on the islands eastern shoreline, promise a comfortable and relaxing stay. The reefs surrounding the island are in shallow water (1-2 meters), perfect for snorkeling and paddling on a sea kayak. Optional SCUBA  Belize barrier reef or spend time swaying in a hammock under a palm tree, our private island paradise retreat will satisfy all your relaxation needs.


A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1996, the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization 
included South Water Caye in its World Heritage list of protected sites of "universal value to humanity." They cited the reef ecosystem’s remarkable biological diversity and beauty, calling it an area "of great scientific value" and noting its importance to threatened species such as the West Indian manatee and a variety of sea turtles. The government of Belize has also recognized its incredible biodiversity, designating South Water Caye as a National Marine Reserve.

Cost of this trip is $2,780 per person (for 12 participants), which includes round-trip airfare; transportation to and from Darlington; all private ground transportation and boat transfers; private cabana accommodations on South Water Caye; lodge accommodations at Blue Creek Rainforest Preserve; all meals except en route to and inside airports; four half-day guided snorkeling trips on South Water Caye; unlimited use of kayaks, paddle boards at both lodges. Scuba equipment rentals are not included.

"Our travel provider in Belize, International Zoological Expeditions, has provided trips to South Water Caye and Blue Creek to thousands of students and families for 40 years," Kinney said. "Many schools and universities use this trusted organization for study abroad opportunities."

Space is limited, so if you are interested in this trip, please email Mr. Kinney as soon as possible. A non-refundable $500 deposit is due by Oct. 1.