What is the weather like?
During July, Belize has daily high temperatures around 88°F, rarely falling below 85°F. Daily low temperatures are around 79°F, rarely falling below 75°F. The humidity is a fairly consistent 73 percent. July is also the wettest month of the year in Belize. Storms do occur and can last several days, but most rain occurs in predictable morning showers and frequent thunderstorms overnight.
Click HERE for a more detailed look at the weather.
What type of clothing do i need?
We recommend casual, comfortable and lightweight clothing items. Due to the high humidity and rain, heavy clothing can become damp and will not dry easily. While it may seem shorts and t-shirts are the easy answer, Belize does have a large, vibrant insect population. Long sleeves and pants will protect you from the weather, potential work site hazards, and the insect life. Please read the detailed packing list for more.
Click HERE to see examples of lightweight pants. Click HERE to see examples of lightweight shirts.
Where will i be staying?
Starfish Outreach will coordinate and arrange all of your hotel accommodations. Team members will stay at the Pelican Resort, a beautiful, local hotel with the ocean right outside your door, and only a 20 minute drive to the work site. Groups are arranged in triple and quadruple occupancy with people from your specific organization. Each room is equip with air conditioning and a private bathroom. Family accommodations can be made available if space allows.
What will my work day look like?
Work on the job site will begin at 8AM and conclude around 4PM. Each team member will be placed in a work group with specific tasks needing completion at the preschool, community center, church and in the local community. Your group will be assigned based on the skills and interests you have indicated on your registration forms. We aim to place all participants in the groups and areas they feel called to serve. However, restrictions and limitations may be unavoidable due to the needs of the service site, volunteer skills, and the overall safety of the team.
how is transportation arranged?
Starfish Outreach will arrange group transportation from the airport to the Pelican Resort, to the work site and back each day, and to team group activities. Please keep in mind, transportation is arranged around scheduled events. Being late to the arranged transport will cause delays for your team members and the progress at the work site. There is also the possibility that you miss out on a fun event!
Will my cell phone work?
This day and age, seemingly everyone has a cell phone. Please feel free to bring it with you. We highly recommend you check with your service provider before departure for details on coverage and fees. Larger electronics should be left at home, but there are secure areas for your valuables provided by the resort. Internet will be available at the resort but is not always reliable.
What types of meals can i expect?
Starfish Outreach will arrange your breakfast, lunch and dinner for each day. The people of Belize have a rich, cultural flavor with blends of spices from many ethnic backgrounds. Rice and beans is the national dish of Belize which will be found at most meals. They are usually paired with a protein of chicken, beef or pork along side potatoes and plantains. Belize also has some of the most flavorful fruit you will ever taste! If you have specific dietary restrictions, please indicate your needs on your registration forms.
Will i have down time?
After work has concluded each day, we encourage you to enjoy the resort, fellowship with other team members, and spend time in personal reflection. There will be additional group activities arranged in which you may choose to participate.
While Pelican is a trusted lodging site and a long time partner with Starfish Outreach, leaving the resort without approval from the Team Director of Starfish Outreach, even with a group, is not allowed. This is for your safety.
Do i need spending money?
All of your basic needs will be provided for while you are with us, but you may want to bring some additional spending money for snacks, souvenirs and unique finds. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere and will not need to be exchanged. The current exchange rate is approximately 2 to 1.
Did we miss something?
If you have made it to this portion of the FAQ’s page and still have questions, please feel free to contact your Team Coordinator or contact Starfish Outreach at starfishoutreach@gmail.com. We will try our best to answer any questions you may have.