Reef Healers: Lighthouse Reef Experience, Belize



A 5 day / 4 night reef adventure for divers and snorkelers who want to experience one of the Caribbean’s most special reefs and support the science that will guide its future.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

May 30th, 2026 - June 3rd, 2026

More trip dates coming soon!

Program Overview

  • 💻 Before You Travel


    You’ll receive simple pre-trip resources so you feel prepared, excited, and ready for time on a remote reef. No grades, no exams, just what you need to pack well and get the most out of the experience.

  • 🗓️ Duration:

    • 5 Days / 4 Nights
    • 3–6 dives or snorkels depending on certification level.

  • 📍 Location:

    • Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize
    • Hosted at Lr³’s off-grid eco-research station on Long Caye.

  • 🪸 Impact :

    • Your trip supports baseline reef research at Lighthouse Reef
    • This work will inform future management decisions and coral restoration efforts

An Experience That Changes How You See the Ocean

This trip is designed for ocean lovers first. Over 5 days and 4 nights on Lighthouse Reef Atoll, you will dive or snorkel vibrant coral reefs, spend unhurried time on a remote Caribbean atoll, and learn about the challenges and resilience of this place in a relaxed, accessible way.

Mornings start with coffee and casual reef briefings, where we share what makes Lighthouse Reef so special and what we’re seeing on the water that day. During the week, we’ll also do Trash Treks around the island and shoreline to clean up marine debris and talk about how inland pollution and ocean currents meet here.

Every trip directly supports ongoing baseline reef studies led by Reef Healers & Lighthouse Reef Research Repository (LR³). These surveys help scientists and managers understand reef health today so they can make informed decisions about protection and future coral restoration. If you’re curious, you’ll have the chance to join in on simple, optional monitoring activities or informal science chats. If you’d rather just enjoy the reef and learn through experience, that’s welcome too. You don’t need to be a scientist or a student to be part of this work—just someone who cares about the ocean and is ready for an adventure.

Make a difference in one of the Caribbean’s last pristine marine ecosystems.

What This Experience Is All About

🪸 Lighthouse Reef Adventures

Dive or snorkel some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful reef systems and walls.


🌊 Science in Action (Optional)

Learn how baseline reef surveys work and, if you choose, join simple observations or data collection alongside LR³ staff.


🤿 For Divers and Snorkelers

Experiences tailored to your comfort level in the water.


🌱 Mangroves, Sandbars, and Stargazing

Explore mangrove channels, relax on remote sandbars, and end your evenings under big Caribbean skies.


💙 Support Real Reef Research

A significant portion of your trip cost goes directly to LR³ to fund baseline reef studies and future coral restoration planning.


🏝️ Remote Reef Station Stay

Live on a protected atoll at LR³’s eco-research station on Long Caye.

EXPLORE

Trip Itinerary

  • Pre-Trip Certification (Online)

    Before you travel, you will receive a short set of resources to help you feel ready for life on a remote reef. This includes:

    • An overview of Lighthouse Reef and why it matters
    • What to expect at the research station
    • Packing tips and travel logistics
    • A simple intro to the baseline reef studies your trip supports

  • Day 1 – Arrival & Journey to Lighthouse Reef

    • Airport pickup in Belize City
    • Boat transfer to Long Caye on Lighthouse Reef Atoll
    • Settle into the research station and eco-cabins
    • Orientation, welcome dinner, and first sunset on the reef

  • Day 2 – Reef Ecology & Exploration

    • Morning dive or snorkel on nearby reef sites
    • Informal coral and fish ID in the water and on the dock
    • Afternoon reef exploration and free time

  • Day 3 – Coral Health & Tourism Impacts

    • Dive or snorkel on sites included in LR³’s baseline surveys
    • Learn how scientists keep track of reef health over time
    • Conversations about tourism, climate, and what resilience looks like here

  • Day 4 – Action & Restoration Day

    • Optional participation in reef observations or simple survey activities
    • Mangrove paddle or kayak with time for marine debris clean up
    • Unhurried time to swim, read, or relax
    • Evening reflection at the LR³ pavilion

  • Day 5 – Reflection & Departure

    • Morning walk or short Trash Trek around the island
    • Closing reflection on what you are taking home from Lighthouse Reef
    • Boat transfer back to Belize City and airport departures

Package Details

The full program cost is $2,300. Much of which is made as a tax-deductible donation to Lr³ (Exact amount listed on the ticket) to support coral research, reef protection, and field operations on Lighthouse Reef.

Book Now

Includes:

  • Lodging and meals on Lighthouse Reef
  • Daily instruction and adventures
  • Round-trip boat transport from Belize City
  • Support for ongoing baseline reef studies at Lighthouse Reef


Not Included:

  • Gear rental and dive tanks (Divers Only)
  • Dive Certification (If needed)
  • Flights to/from Belize City
  • Dive/travel insurance and personal gear (mask, fins, wetsuit recommended)
  • Optional Blue Hole dive

FAQ

Do I need to be scuba certified?

Yes, for diving activities. Snorkel-only participants are welcome. For those needing certification, we coordinate training with our dive instructor partner, Elvis Solis, in Belize

Is this trip suitable for beginners?

Yes! You’ll be supported by our teams no matter what experience level you have with exploring the ocean.

What are the accommodations like?

You’ll stay at Wendy’s Lab and the Lr³ Pavilion, part of the Lighthouse Reef Research Repository. Comfortable, eco-friendly field lodgings powered by solar and rainwater collection. Expect simplicity, community living, and incredible views.

What should I bring?

Lightweight, sun-protective clothing, snorkel/dive gear, reef-safe sunscreen, Natrapel bug spray, headlamp, dry bag, and a reusable water bottle.

Avoid DEET products and reef-harming sunscreens — we’ll provide eco-safe alternatives.

Not Traveling? You Can Still Help Support Lighthouse Reef


Reef Healers is working with LR³ to develop the baseline science and on-the-ground support needed for the first dedicated coral restoration site within this protected area. Your support helps fund site scouting, ranger support, coral banking preparation, and restoration research.

Learn About the Project

Donate to our coral restoration project!

Want a Custom Belize Experience?

Not everyone wants a structured group trip, and we love that.

If you are planning a family vacation, a photography adventure, a school expedition, or a reef exploration getaway, we can help you build a custom Lighthouse Reef itinerary with our partners at Lighthouse Reef Research Repository.

Tell us what you have in mind, and we will help shape a trip that lets you experience this reef while still supporting the science that protects it.

Book Your Custom Adventure Today