Reef Healers: Field Course, Belize


A once-in-a-lifetime immersion into coral restoration, ecology, and ocean stewardship. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

May 30th, 2026 - June 3rd, 2026

More trip dates coming soon!

Program Overview

  • 💻 Before You Travel


    8-hour online pre-trip course to prepare you for hands-on restoration and ecological fieldwork.

  • 🗓️ 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.

  • 🎓 Outcome:

    • Reef Healers Coral Restoration Certification
    • Life-long ocean stewardship and an understanding of inland-to-ocean connections

START YOUR CERTIFICATION BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

To ensure you get the most out of your experience, every participant completes our 8-hour Reef Healers Online Pre-Trip Course. This interactive training gives you the ecological foundation you’ll need on the reef and introduces the core idea that guides our mission:

Every community is connected to the ocean, even those far inland. What happens upstream flows directly downstream, shaping the health of coastal and coral ecosystems.

By the time you travel to Belize, you’ll already understand:

  • The story and significance of Lighthouse Reef
  • Coral ecology and reef systems
  • How inland activity affects the ocean
  • Restoration methods and ethics
  • Water quality, mangrove ecology, and fish symbiosis
  • Marine debris impacts and field safety

This online certification is required before the trip, ensuring you arrive confident, capable, and ready to contribute.

Online Course Modules

    • 0️⃣ Being a Reef Healer

      Learn what “Being a Reef Healer” means and apply its principles throughout the course.

    • 1️⃣ Coral Ecology & Reef Systems

      Understanding coral biology, reef structure, and the Mesoamerican barrier reef.

    • 2️⃣ Restoration Methods & Coral Fragment Handling

      Propagation, nursery care, out planting techniques, and field survey methods.

    • 3️⃣ Mangroves, Fish Systems & Water Quality

      How coastal ecosystems support reefs — including symbiosis, nutrient flow, and hydrology.

    • 4️⃣ Field Safety, Marine Debris, & Conservation Ethics

      Safe field practices, Leave-No-Trace principles, and restoration ethics.

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

    Learn | Restore | Explore

    Join Reef Healers and Lighthouse Reef Research Repository (Lr³) for a transformative coral restoration program in one of the Caribbean’s most pristine ecosystems.

    Through guided dives, restoration work, and ecosystem exploration, you’ll deepen your understanding of how coral reefs survive and thrive, along with how communities like yours can help protect them.

    What This Experience Is All About

    A Field Course That Transforms the Way You See the Ocean

    This experience starts before your feet ever touch the sand. Through our online pre-trip course, you’ll learn the core idea that guides Reef Healers: every community is connected to the ocean, and what happens inland inevitably flows downstream. By the time you travel to Belize, you’ll already understand the story of Lighthouse Reef, the science behind coral restoration, and why your participation matters.

    Once on the reef, that knowledge comes alive. You’ll work alongside Reef Healers and Lr³ marine scientists to practice coral propagation, outplanting, reef monitoring, and marine debris removal within one of the Caribbean’s most pristine protected ecosystems. With daily dives, guided ecology sessions, and hands-on restoration, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how coral reefs function and what it takes to protect them. You’ll leave not just certified, but changed, carrying a renewed sense of connection to the ocean and your role in safeguarding it.

    Experience Highlights

    • 🪸 Coral Restoration Certification — Learn and apply propagation and outplanting techniques.
    • 🌊 Hands-On Reef Science — Conduct reef health assessments and monitoring dives.
    • 🤿 Daily Diving & Snorkeling — Explore vibrant reef systems and coral nurseries.
    • 🌱 Kayaking & Marine Debris Removal — Experience mangrove ecosystems and conservation in action.
    • 🧠 Online Pre-Trip Course Included — Build foundational knowledge before traveling.
    • 🏝️ Stay in a Protected Marine Area — Live and learn on Lighthouse Reef Atoll.
    • 💙 Support Ongoing Restoration — A portion of your trip fee funds conservation work year-round.

    LEARN

    RESTORE

    EXPLORE

    Trip Itinerary

    • Pre-Trip Certification (Online)

      Before traveling, participants complete the 8-hour Reef Healers Online Pre-Visit Certification, preparing you for fieldwork through four modules:

      • Reef Ecology & Lighthouse Reef Overview
      • Coral Restoration Techniques & Assessment
      • Mangroves & Fish–Coral Symbiosis
      • Marine Debris, Field Safety & Ethics


    • Day 1 – Arrival & Journey to Lighthouse Reef

      • Airport pickup & boat transfer to Long Caye
      • Settle into the research station
      • Orientation & welcome dinner

    • Day 2 – Reef Ecology & Exploration

      • Morning dive/snorkel reef transects
      • Coral & fish ID sessions
      • Afternoon reef exploration

    • Day 3 – Coral Health & Tourism Impacts

      • Coral health assessments
      • Dive/snorkel at Half Moon Wall
      • Water-quality testing & monitoring

    • Day 4 – Action & Restoration Day

      • Hands-on coral propagation & outplanting
      • Mangrove kayak + debris removal
      • Reflection session at the Lr³ Pavilion

    • Day 5 – Reflection & Departure

      • Final Trash Trek & certification debrief
      • Boat transfer to Belize City
      • 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
    • Certification materials and documentation
    • Pre-Field Course Certification
    • Round-trip boat transport from Belize City

    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 trained guides and biologists throughout. Prior field experience isn’t required, just a love for the ocean and a willingness to learn.

    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 Restore Lighthouse Reef

    Reef Healers is developing the first-ever coral restoration site within this protected area. Your support helps fund site scouting, ranger support, coral banking, and restoration research.

    To make a donation, please include a note specifying that it is for the Reef Healers Coral Restoration Project.

    Learn About the Project
    Donate to Project

    Want a Custom Belize Experience?


    Not everyone wants a full coral restoration course, and we love that.

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

    Send us a message with what you have in mind.

    Book Your Custom Adventure Today