Eco-Tours
AVAILABLE ECO TOURS
We invite you to visit BFREE for a one-of-a-kind experience deep in the rainforest of Belize. We offer eco-tour packages designed to accommodate individuals to large groups as well as families or professionals. Eco-Tours are offered in the dryer period of the year from December – June. A minimum stay of two nights is required for all eco-tours. There are a total of three private cabins at BFREE. Two of the private cabins sleep up to three individuals, one of the cabins sleeps up to four individuals. Large groups can be accommodated with accommodation in the bunkhouse. Contact us today for availability and costs.
Cacao at Origin
Join Jacob Marlin, BFREE Executive Director to experience firsthand how forest friendly, 100% pure, wild criollo cacao is conserving tropical rainforest and wildlife. This incredible experience shows first-hand what could be the original chocolate tree, 100% pure “Criollo” parentage, grown and revered by the ancient Mayan Civilizations, and one of the few pure wild cacaos known to exist on the planet. In 2016, the beans from these trees discovered at BFREE were given the designation of “heirloom fine flavor” by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP). Learn about the fine-flavor cacao industry as well as cacao production in Belize. Experience the various stages of chocolate making from the farm to finished chocolate bar. The perfect vacation for any chocolate lover!
Birding
Have you ever seen a Scarlet Macaw? A Montezuma’s Oropendola? A Blue Crowned Mot Mot? Spend a day birding in various habitats at one of the most acclaimed birding sites in Belize. With over 350 species of migrant and resident birds, the BFREE Biological Field Station and Privately Protected Areais a great place to see rare tropical species. Situated in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, BFREE is teeming with exotic plants and wildlife. Over 80 species of migratory birds, and hundreds of resident species can be found here. Start the day off above the forest canopy at our 112-foot observation tower, if you’re lucky you might even spot a Harpy Eagle by the mid-afternoon! BFREE is the only privately owned location to see Harpy eagles in the wild north of Panama!
Rainforest Immersion
Spend a day on a guided hike deep into the rainforests of the BFREE Privately Protected Area. Situated in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, BFREE lies at the gateway to the Bladen Nature Reserve, one of the last truly wild and unspoiled rainforests left on earth! Guided by a local expert, look for Howler and Spider Monkeys, elusive jungle cats like Jaguars and Margays, listen for some of the 350 species of birds that are present here, and perhaps even spot a Tapir or Harpy Eagle! Learn about the natural history of the area from your local guide and when you get too hot from all that walking – take a refreshing swim in the pristine crystal clear Bladen River!
Be Free in the Jungle
This tour is ideal for families or individuals looking for equal parts adventure and relaxation. Take part in the many various day-to-day activities at the Field Station from making tortillas, exploring the expansive trail system, learning about our hicatee conservation and research center or how chocolate is made from bean to bar. When you need a break from all the activity, grab a book and curl up in one of the many hammocks and enjoy the breeze and sounds of the jungle. Or cool off in the crystal clear waters of the Bladen River for an afternoon swim. If you are looking to unwind and relax while participating in a few guided activities this is the eco-tour for you!
Volunteer
VOLUNTEER AT BFREE
BFREE is now offering an extraordinary opportunity to learn how a biological research station runs while gaining extensive experience in field methods as a Volunteer Field Assistant! Opportunities are for all ages (18+) and last 2-3 weeks. Hundreds of interns and long-term volunteers have stayed at our tropical field station since its inception. These volunteers have benefited from the unique experience of living and working in the rainforest and have made tremendous contributions to our wildlands conservation programs, environmental research, and education efforts, as well as to the development of our sustainable facilities.
2020 Available Dates
Two Week: June 22nd – July 3, 2020
Three Week: June 22nd – July 10, 2020
The three week opportunity includes a full week of field work alongside visiting herpetologists. Receive training through hands-on field-methods with professional scientists.
Costs
These are volunteer positions, Field Assistants pay for their own international airfare and for travel costs from the airport to the BFREE Field Station. A small daily project fee covers lodging, meals, administration, trainings, and 4×4 transport from the Southern Highway to the BFREE Field Station. Many past students have received funding and/or credit from their host institution to participate. Payment is due 30 days in advance of arrival.
Two Week: $805
Three Week: $1190
Apply:
Deadline to apply for summer 2020 is April 6, 2020. Send a cover letter and resume to BFREE Program Manager, Tyler Sanville at tsanville@bfreebz.org today.
Requirements
All volunteers will be assigned a schedule to include assisting with general day to day needs around the field station including support within the cacao agroforestry program, the Hicatee Conservation & Research Center, helping with meal preparation and clean-up, assisting with trail maintenance, town runs, and administrative tasks. Duties may change as determined by current needs at the time of your assignment. Volunteers should be committed to BFREE’s mission and have a passion for environmental education and conservation. One should have a positive and flexible attitude, desire to learn and work hard, willingness to adapt to a changing work environment and be comfortable living in remote and rustic living conditions in a tropical environment. Selected applicants must complete a physician signed health form of good health.
Learning Objectives May Include:
– Gain experience with collecting data in the field
– Develop observation and record-keeping skills
– Engage in all aspects of turtle husbandry
– Engage problem-solving skills by working and living in a remote rainforest environment
– Create outreach materials to be used in affected communities
– Participate in the implementation of conservation strategies in tropical environments
– Learn techniques relevant to protected areas management
FAQs
US for BFREE
2602 NW 6th St
Suite D
Gainesville, FL 32609
BFREE FIELD STATION
PO Box 129
Punta Gorda
Belize, Central America
FIELD STATION LOCATION
Mile Marker 58
Southern Highway
Belize, Central America
FIELD STATION PHONE
011.501.671.1299
US for BFREE is a Florida nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.