Costa Rica & Belize
- What language do they speak in Belize?
- What is the weather like in Belize?
- What do we eat on this trip?
- How do we get from Costa Rica to Belize?
- What kind of sailboats do we sail on?
- Do I need to be SCUBA certified in order to come on this adventure?
- I’m already SCUBA certified, will I be stuck redoing classes that I have already taken?
- What is the surfing like in Costa Rica?
- Where will we stay on this trip?
- What kind of wildlife will we see in Costa Rica?
- What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
- Will we have a chance to speak with the locals and practice our Spanish?
- What is the best part of this trip?
What language do they speak in Belize?
As Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth, English is the primary language spoken. You will hear some locals speaking in various dialects, but local kids are educated in English and English is widely spoken.
What is the weather like in Belize?
While in Belize, we spend most of our time offshore, either on sailboats or on a tropical island. The temperature ranges from about 75 to 85 degrees. The nice part of being offshore is that the tropical breeze, which is almost continuous, keeps us nice and cool during the day.
What do we eat on this trip?
On this trip we will eat everything from freshly caught fish and lobster to fish tacos to barbequed chicken. We will also have plenty of chances to eat “Gallo Pinto” (rice and beans), which is the national dish of Costa Rica.
How do we get from Costa Rica to Belize?
We will fly by commercial airliner from San Jose, Costa Rica to Belize. The flight takes about 90 minutes.
What kind of sailboats do we sail on?
While sailing in Belize, we will use 2 catamarans for the sailing section. Catamarans are the preferred boat for sailing in Belize as they have lots of room for our groups and, due to their design, are able to travel over coral reefs and through shallow waters where we are able to snorkel and catch fish.
Do I need to be SCUBA certified in order to come on this adventure?
Absolutely not. You and your group mates will go through a 4 day PADI SCUBA certification course. After completing this course, you will be able to dive anywhere in the world.
I’m already SCUBA certified, will I be stuck redoing classes that I have already taken?
No. Students who are already PADI Open Water certified will take the PADI Advanced Open Water Course, advancing and improving on their diving skills.
What is the surfing like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a world famous surf destination. We surf in an area that has long, white sand beaches, and long forgiving waves. This type of setup is perfect for both beginning and expert surfers.
Where will we stay on this trip?
We will stay in a combination of small hotels, beach bungalows, sailboats and in a river-side camp.
What kind of wildlife will we see in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica there is an enormous diversity of animals. While we are hiking in the rainforest we will see monkeys playing in the canopy, scarlet macaws squawking as we hike by, and iguanas scurrying up a branch. Many groups see sloths and tapirs. On the coast we may see schools of tropical fish, giant turtles, and dolphins playing. Costa Rica is known for its abundant wildlife and wild lands. On this trip we will experience the very best of it.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, the weather is a lot like Florida in the summer time. During the day it can be hot, sunny and humid. Late afternoons often bring showers, which will cool us off. You will often go to bed with only a simple cover as it is warm enough to sleep without your sleeping bag. When we ascend into the cloud forest the temperature becomes a little cooler (like in the 50’s at night) and you will want to crawl into your sleeping bag to stay snug.
Will we have chances to speak to the locals and practice our Spanish?
Yes. Whether we are in a town or in the backcountry there is ample exposure to practice your Spanish. In San Jose and Savegre, we visit some local shops and get a chance to speak the language. In the backcountry, our local guides are native Costa Ricans and are happy to help you practice your Spanish. In addition, your ARCC leaders will speak Spanish.
What is the best part of this trip?
Many students cite the chance to meet local people as the best part of the trip. Others say the overwhelming natural beauty! Students love hiking along the beach in Corcovado National Park, riding a zip line through the rainforest, playing in waterfalls and seeing an abundance of wildlife. However, it is the lifelong friendships you make on an ARCC trip that ultimately can be the best part of any ARCC adventure.