Discover Belize - Natural History Museum of Utah
Go Learn


a sandy beach lined with palm trees and cabanas.

Discover Belize
— Sold Out!



February 13-22, 2027
Double Occupancy: $6200 per person
Single Occupancy: $6600 per person
Airfare is not included.

Add Yourself to Waiting List

This trip is full.


Stay Informed

Sign up for Go Learn announcements here

Join our List!


Have a question?

We'll get back to you as soon as possible!

I have a Question

Journey from mountain to sea with Go Learn and NHMU through the breathtaking land of Belize!

Travel Dates: February 13-22, 2027

Go Learn has partnered with the Natural History Museum of Utah once again for an unforgettable travel experience to Belize, focused on nature, wildlife, and discovery. Led by Jason Cryan, Executive Director of NHMU, this immersive “mountain to sea” journey explores Belize’s diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

Spot colorful tropical birds in the lush jungle, explore ancient Maya caves and archaeological sites, and snorkel among vibrant marine life in crystal clear Caribbean waters. Along the way, travelers experience a sense of immersion and wonder, surrounded by breathtaking environments that feel vivid and alive.


A creek flowing into a dark cave, featuring the University of Utah Logo and hand signs
Barton Creek Cave

Tour Highlights Include:

  • Canoe through Barton Creek Cave, a remarkable wet cave in Belize known for its cathedral-like formations and ancient Maya history.
  • Cross the Mopan River by hand cranked ferry to visit Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most significant Maya archaeological sites.
  • Enjoy a private conservation-focused tour of the Belize Zoo, widely known as the Best Little Zoo in the World.
  • Experience bioluminescence at Anderson’s Lagoon, a natural phenomenon known locally as burning wata.
  • Explore Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar preserve, and hike through rainforest trails to a hidden waterfall.
  • Learn traditional chocolate-making with the Saqui Brothers at Che’ll Chocolates, from cacao harvesting to finished products.
  • Snorkel Belize’s barrier reef and discover tropical fish and coral ecosystems, followed by a guided evening excursion to observe nocturnal marine life.
  • Visit Carrie Bow Cay, part of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and learn about marine research and conservation efforts in Belize.
  • Gain insight through daily nature walks, lectures, and discussions led by NHMU Executive Director Jason Cryan and Belizean naturalist Nathan Forbes.

Daily Itinerary

Meals are indicated as follows: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Welcome to Belize, where your immersive Belize travel experience begins. Meet your expert trip leaders, Jason Cryan and Kiley Morgan from the Natural History Museum of Utah, along with Belizean guide Nathan Forbes, and your fellow travelers at the airport. From there, enjoy a late afternoon transfer to Mystic River Resort, a peaceful jungle lodge in western Belize. The scenic 2- to 2.5-hour drive offers your first look at Belize’s lush landscapes and rich natural beauty.

Upon arrival, settle in before gathering for a welcome cocktail and a fresh, locally inspired dinner. Those ready to begin their Belize adventure can join an optional evening nature walk to discover the region’s nocturnal wildlife and biodiversity before turning in for the night.

Hotel: Mystic River Resort  opens a new window

Meals: D

Activity Level: Low

a group of people crossing a jungle boardwalk
Jungle walk at Mystic River Resort

Start the day with a guided morning bird walk through the Belize jungle, where you may spot toucans, hummingbirds, and kiskadees. After breakfast, travel to Barton Creek Cave in the mountainous Cayo District, one of the most unique cave experiences in Belize. Explore this cathedral-like cave by canoe as you glide past live mineral formations and learn how the ancient Maya once used this sacred site. This peaceful and awe-inspiring Belize adventure offers a deeper connection to the region’s natural beauty and cultural history.

In the afternoon, visit the Belize Botanic Garden, a 45-acre space dedicated to native and exotic plants along the Macal River. A guided walk introduces you to Belize’s rich plant biodiversity and traditional medicinal uses. Back at Mystic River Resort, enjoy a refreshing drink and a short talk on Belize’s diverse cultures, followed by a locally inspired dinner. An optional evening nature walk is available for those who want to continue exploring Belize's wildlife.

Hotel: Mystic River Resort  opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Low

A trio of tourists canoeing away from a dark cave opening
Canoeing at Barton Creek Cave

After a morning bird walk and breakfast, set out to explore Xunantunich, one of the most impressive Maya archaeological sites in Belize. Reaching the site is part of the adventure, with a hand-cranked cable ferry crossing the narrow Mopan River. On a guided tour, discover towering temples, learn about ancient Maya civilization, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding Belize landscape. There is also a brief opportunity to browse locally made Maya arts and crafts.

Return to Mystic River Resort for a relaxed afternoon at your leisure. Enjoy the pool, unwind in a hammock, or explore the resort’s jungle nature trails. This balance of cultural exploration and downtime offers a deeper connection to Belize’s history and natural beauty.

Hotel: Mystic River Resort  opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Moderate

Tachog Lhakhang's iron chain bridge
GoLearn at Xuantunich in 2025.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Mystic River Resort and travel east to the Belize Zoo, often called the “Best Little Zoo in the World.” During a guided visit, enjoy close-up encounters with Belize wildlife, including native mammals, birds, and reptiles. All animals at the Belize Zoo are rescues that cannot return to the wild, offering a meaningful look at conservation efforts in this Central American destination.

After lunch, continue south to Hopkins, a coastal Garifuna village, and settle into Jaguar Reef Resort, a relaxed beachfront retreat along the Caribbean Sea. Spend the afternoon unwinding by the ocean before gathering for a cocktail and a short scientific presentation, followed by dinner at the Paddle House.

Hotel: Jaguar Reef Resort opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Low

Black monkey vocalizing while crossing a branch
Yucatan black howler monkey at the Belize Zoo

After breakfast, travel to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first preserve dedicated to jaguar conservation in Belize. This protected rainforest is home to jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, and hundreds of bird species, making it one of the top wildlife destinations in Belize. Set out on a guided hike along a jungle trail to a secluded waterfall, about 45 minutes each way, where you can take in the natural beauty of this remarkable Belize nature reserve.

Return to Jaguar Reef Resort for lunch and a free afternoon to relax or enjoy optional activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding along the Caribbean coast. In the evening, head to Hopkins for dinner at Ella’s Cool Spot, where you’ll experience Garifuna culture through a live drumming performance, an important tradition that reflects the community’s history and connection to their ancestors.

Hotel: Jaguar Reef Resort opens a new window

Meals: B, D

Activity Level: Moderate

a large black spotted jungle cat lounging among branches
Jaguar lounging at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy breakfast with ocean views at Jaguar Reef before traveling to the nearby village of Maya Center for an immersive Belize cultural experience. Visit a local cacao farm and learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar at Che’il Chocolate. During a hands-on demonstration, you’ll create and taste your own chocolate while gaining insight into Maya traditions and the importance of cacao in Belize.

After time to browse local crafts, return to Hopkins for lunch and free time to explore the village or relax back at the resort. In the evening, head out for dinner before experiencing the bioluminescence, locally known as “burning wata” of Anderson’s Lagoon, where the water glows with natural light, a memorable highlight of Belize’s coastal ecosystem.

Hotel: Jaguar Reef Resort opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Moderate

a man giving a lecture to a group of tourists in an open grass pavilion with cacao pods layed out for demonstration.
Chocolate making demonstration at Che'il Chocolate

After breakfast at Jaguar Reef, travel to Dangriga with a stop at the Gulisi Garifuna Museum for insight into Garifuna culture, history, and traditions in Belize. Continue to Pelican Beach Resort on the mainland for lunch along the Caribbean coast before boarding a boat to South Water Caye, a secluded island on the Belize Barrier Reef and your home for the next phase of this Belize island adventure.

After settling into your beachfront accommodations, gather on the island’s south shore for a swim in the warm Caribbean Sea and an introduction to snorkeling. You’ll have time to kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax before dinner, surrounded by the natural beauty of one of Belize’s most stunning coastal environments.

Hotel: Pelican Beach Resort opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Low

an idealic beach with clear, tourquoise waters, palm trees, and blue skies.
South Water Caye

Ease into island life on South Water Caye, part of the Belize Barrier Reef. After breakfast, head out by boat for a guided snorkeling excursion across vibrant coral reefs, where you’ll encounter tropical fish and diverse marine life in clear Caribbean waters. Return for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to swim, kayak, or relax along the beach. In the evening, gather for a short science talk and dinner, followed by an optional night snorkeling experience to observe Belize’s nocturnal marine life.

Hotel: Pelican Beach Resort opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Low to Moderate (swimming)

Vibrant coral under the water.
Coral at the Belize Barrier Reef

After breakfast, travel by boat to Carrie Bow Caye, a Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute field station focused on marine science in Belize. Learn how researchers study coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems along the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the most important marine environments in the Caribbean. After a brief tour, continue on for another guided snorkeling experience in these clear, biodiverse waters.

Return to South Water Caye for lunch and enjoy your final afternoon of relaxed island time. Swim, snorkel, or unwind on the beach as you take in the beauty of this Belize island escape.

Hotel: Pelican Beach Resort opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Low

A group of tourists posing in front of a turqoise building labeled: Smithsonian Institution; Carribean Coral Reef Exosystems Program; Carrie Bow Cay Marine Field Station; Founded 1972; Rebuilt 1999.
GoLearn at the Carrie Bow Cay Research Field Station, 2026

After an early breakfast, say goodbye to South Water Caye and return by boat to the mainland at Pelican Beach Resort in Dangriga. From there, take a short walk to Dangriga Airport for your domestic Tropic Air flight to Belize City, connecting you to your international departure.

Travel home with lasting memories of your Belize adventure, from ancient Maya sites and rainforest wildlife to vibrant coastal culture and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Meals: B

A tree covered in road signs for well known cities pointing in different directions
Signs of the world

Tour Leader

a man in a jungle setting wih a large snake handing around his shoulders.
Jason Cryan
a blonde woman wearing a life jacket, sunglasses, and a colorful sun hat.
Kiley Morgan

Jason Cryan

Dr. Jason Cryan is The Sarah B. George Executive Director of the Natural History Museum of Utah, the largest natural history museum in America’s intermountain west. Part of the University of Utah, NHMU serves the entire State of Utah with world-class exhibitions, educational programs, and offsite outreach initiatives.

Jason’s academic background includes degrees earned at the University of Vermont (B.A., Zoology) and at North Carolina State University (M.S. and Ph.D., Entomology). An evolutionary biologist, Jason specializes in the biodiversity and evolution of remarkably charismatic insects (treehoppers and their relatives) that are entomologically famous for having bizarre shapes, bright colors, and interesting behaviors. Jason’s research has taken him around the globe on expeditions to study insect biodiversity in approximately 25 tropical countries.

Jason has been a museum-based scientist and administrator for more than two decades. He began his museum career as a researcher at the New York State Museum (Albany, NY), where he directed research in the NYSM’s DNA sequencing laboratory from 2001-2012. Jason then moved to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Raleigh, NC) where from 2012-2020 he held the dual roles of Deputy Museum Director and Director of Research & Collections. Jason joined NHMU in 2020 as its fourth executive director, and proudly works with the Museum’s leadership team to shape the vision for the museum’s future and the strategic priorities to help it get there. He represents NHMU in several national museum organizations and serves on the Boards of Directors for the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and the US National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM-US).

Jason has deep experience in leading groups to explore the Central American country of Belize. His first visit to Belize was in 1997 – a honeymoon trip with his new bride. He returned to Belize twice in subsequent years for his entomological field research. More recently, from 2013-2020, he led annual trips to Belize for groups of educators and museum members from North Carolina, helping participants discover the amazing biological and cultural diversity of this gem of a country.


Kiley Morgan

Kiley Morgan is an outdoor enthusiast and the Manager of Philanthropy and Major Gifts member at the Natural History Museum of Utah. For nearly 10 years, she has worked at the Museum to design unforgettable experiences that connect people with the wonders of the natural world. She has planned and led group trips to destinations throughout the Intermountain West, as well as personalized travel with Museum scientists to global destinations like Patagonia, Argentina, Death Valley, and more. Growing up in Park City, Utah, Kiley developed an early love for exploring nature, which has helped guide her career. She studied Spanish and Communication Studies at the University of San Diego before returning to the mountains and Salt Lake City.

Details and What to Expect

February 13-22, 2027

Group Size is limited to 20 participants

Double occupancy: $6,200 per person.

Single occupancy: $6,600 per person.

Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.

Read the Terms and Conditions for payment and cancellation details.

Terms & Conditions

Included

  • All hotel accommodations
  • All breakfasts and meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Flight from Dangriga to Belize City
  • All admissions to sites and museums
  • Local tour guide
  • Health/Medical Insurance
  • Welcome and Farewell dinner alcohol
  • Snorkeling included in itinerary
  • Gratuities for program inclusions
  • Airport transfers

Not included

  • Airfare to and from Belize City
  • Cancellation and lost luggage insurance
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Any costs outside of the itinerary

Like all Go Learn journeys, the adventure begins at home. We will meet about a month or so before the trip to discuss travel logistics and packing. This trip may appeal to travelers from all over the U.S. and we are happy to send you information you’ll need ahead of time if you cannot join us in person.

Our journey does not end with the day we leave Belize! A trip reunion a month or so after return is a wonderful capstone to an unforgettable and enriching edu-vacation, as we like to call our journeys!

February is a great time to escape the winter months and enjoy one of the driest months in Belize. We can expect warm sunny days with consistently pleasant temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees. You will want to bring a light jacket/sweater for the evening breezes but rarely does the evening temperature drop below 70 degrees. The ocean during this time is always good for a dip, as temps average a pleasant 80°F (26°C).

This is an Activity Level 3 trip. Learn More about our activity levels.

Activity Levels

In order to fully explore the sights on our itinerary, participants should be in reasonably good health and not subject to major mobility challenges. This trip will involve moderate walking/hiking, canoeing, snorkeling and swimming in tropical temperatures and humidity. We will be taking advantage of Belize’s beautiful diverse landscapes: deciduous dry tropical forest; rainforest and offshore barrier cayes. We will spend time on boats in the oceans, snorkeling and you will have plenty of opportunity to swim.

We consider this trip to be a Level 3 with the understanding that there is a considerable amount of hiking and activity.

Be sure to pack comfortable shoes! We will rely on the private shuttles, boats and one Tropic Air flight for of our transportation. Our full itinerary will leave you happily exhausted at the end of each day.

Panoramic of a small island
Carrie Bow Caye