Belize 2026
Caye Caulker & Belize City
May 8–13, 2026 · 6 days
A journey through marine conservation, shark research and Caribbean wildlife with Ocean First Institute and the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund.
HEAR ABOUT FUTURE EXPEDITIONSAt a glance
Caye Caulker & Belize City
May 8–13, 2026
14 travelers
COMPLETED
The experience
This completed expedition brought travelers into the field with OFI and the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund. Marine research, reef exploration and wildlife encounters connected the turquoise waters of Caye Caulker with Belize City and the country’s terrestrial wildlife.
Participants rotated through field research and snorkeling experiences, then gathered for group debriefs and presentations.
Conservation & science
Shark research
Participants joined OFI’s research activities, including shark tagging, measurements and fin-clip sampling.
Underwater observation
Baited remote underwater video (BRUV) research offered another way to observe marine life and learn about the ocean ecosystem.
Expedition leaders
Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza
CEO & Chief Scientist, Ocean First Institute. A shark biologist, Mikki brings marine science and conservation expertise to the expedition.
Katie Propp
Director of Conservation Strategy, Ocean First Institute. A penguin expert and conservation professional, Katie connects travelers with the wildlife and ecosystems they encounter.
Dave Johnson
Executive Director, Katie Adamson Conservation Fund. Dave spent more than 25 years as a Denver zookeeper before retiring in 2023. He founded the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund in 2014, supporting community conservation around the world, and is an author of children’s books.
Itinerary highlights
May 8 · Welcome to Belize
Arrival and travel to Caye Caulker to begin the expedition.
May 9–10 · Research & reef exploration
Shark research, underwater observation and snorkeling experiences.
May 11 · Caye Caulker
More time exploring the island and its marine environment.
May 12 · Belize City & wildlife
Travel to Belize City and experience Belize’s terrestrial wildlife, including a zoo visit.
May 13 · Departure
Conclude the six-day expedition.
Wildlife & places
The expedition’s marine wildlife highlights included nurse sharks, stingrays, green sea turtles, manatees, octopuses, pufferfish, seahorses and spiny lobsters.
Belize’s coastal and terrestrial wildlife added another dimension: osprey, frigatebirds, pelicans, toucans, crocodiles and green vine snakes. Zoo wildlife included tapirs, jaguars and ocelots.
The expedition stay
The six-day experience included four nights at Iguana Reef in Caye Caulker and one night at Golden Bay in Belize City, shark research, Hol Chan snorkeling, and welcome and farewell dinners.
Our conservation partner
Katie Adamson Conservation Fund
OFI partnered with the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund for this Belize expedition, bringing marine research and community conservation perspectives together.
From our travelers
Can I join a future expedition?
Belize 2026 is completed and is no longer open for booking. Follow OFI for future expedition announcements, or explore our sold-out Galápagos 2027 expedition.
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