Wildlife Research Adventure F.A.Q.

Is Lamanai Field Research Center a for-profit company?
No. Lamanai Field Research Center (LFRC) is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable utilization of Belize’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of the Belizean people, through research in the Lamanai area and through national education and ecotourism opportunities. 100% of all donations received are spent toward conservation activities and all staff time is volunteered.

What is the Wildlife Research Adventure and why should I participate?
The Wildlife Research Adventure is a research expedition in Lamanai, northern Belize. The area has a wide variety of habitats, which promotes diverse wildlife species including the Morelet’s crocodile, Central American black howler monkey, jaguar, Baird’s tapir and nearly 400 species of birds, just to name a few. By participating in a Wildlife Research Adventure, you can assist in long-term research projects, gain research experience, learn how to collect detailed biological information from wild animals and make a meaningful contribution to conservation projects in Belize.

Who leads the Wildlife Research Adventure?
One Lamanai Field Research Center Naturalist and one University of Florida Field Researcher will lead each Research Adventure.

What are the accommodations like?
Participants will stay in double cabanas at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge, with meals included. (Single cabanas are also available with an applicable upcharge.) Each cabana has electricity via North American electrical outlets, purified running water, a private bathroom, high-output ceiling fans and daily housekeeping.

Will I have telephone and internet access?
Telephone calls can be made from the lodge’s lobby, and complimentary WiFi is available via your own laptop or the lodge’s.

What activities will I be doing?
Participants will be collecting and reviewing data for long-term research projects, as well as exploring the Mayan ruins, taking guided walks at night and dawn to spot all the creatures that inhabit the area, and canoeing through the savannah to get a real feel for the habitat. See the Wildlife Research Adventure’s itinerary for details.

How do we travel to each activity and how far is it?
All of the activities are just minutes away from your accommodations by foot, boat or car and we arrange all of the travel. No long trips are necessary.

How many people will be on each Wildlife Research Adventure and what are they like?
Each Wildlife Research Adventure will have eight participants, one LFRC Naturalist and one University of Florida Field Researcher. Total group size is ten people. Participants come from many different countries and are of all ages and backgrounds. They are often interested in wildlife and travel.

How fit do I need to be?
The physical requirements are not very demanding. Participants should be able to comfortably walk a mile.

Are there any age requirements?
No. All ages are welcome.

Do I need any special skills to participate?
No special skills are necessary. Each Wildlife Research Adventure will begin with an orientation to teach you everything you need to know.

Is the water safe to drink?
The water throughout the lodge is purified and you may request bottles of it at any time.

Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Vegetarian and other specialized diets can be accommodated with prior notice.

What type of food is typical in Belize?
Rice, beans, tortillas, tropical fruit and fresh vegetables are some of the common ingredients you will find in Belizean food. The lodge you will be staying at employs a rotating menu with varied breakfasts, two course lunches and three course dinners. The meals consistently receive excellent guest comment and are considered one of their many strong points.

What language is spoken in Belize?
English is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna, and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country as well. The Wildlife Research Adventure is conducted in English.

Will I have any recreational time?
While each day hosts a variety of activities, participants will still have time to explore and relax on their own. You can check the itinerary for a detailed schedule of the planned activities.

What does the cost include?
The cost includes accommodations, all scheduled meals and activities, taxes, active trip monitoring and 24/7 in-country support.

How do I sign up?
To sign up, or for if you have any questions, please contact us at info@lamanai.com or by phone at 011–501-678-9785 (as dialed from the United States).

How do I pay?
Payments are usually made through Paypal. Contact us at info@lamanai.org for other options.

What are the passport and visa requirements?
Participants must have a valid passport. Visas are not required for American and British citizens. Other visitors should check prior to traveling.

Do I need any special vaccinations in order to travel? What about health insurance?
Participants should be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations. No special vaccinations or health insurance are necessary.

Who arranges my travel?
You will arrange your travel to Belize International Airport, and we will take care of the rest. Transfers to the lodge and all activities are included, and we will take you back to the airport when you are scheduled to depart.

What do I need to bring?
Please see our “What to Bring” checklist.

Who should I contact if I have further questions?
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@lamanai.com or by phone at 011–501-678-9785 (as dialed from the United States).