BELIZE

Prices & Registration

Registration Pricing

4-10Group Size

$ 899

Per Participant

11-20Group Size

$ 849

Per Participant

21+Group Size

$ 799

Per Participant

More Info at a Glance

Pricing Information:

  • All 2024 dates available for registration except for closed dates.
  • Trip Prices reflect a 6-day, 5-night mission trip/person
  • What’s included?
Upgrades available:
  • Additional Days: $139/person/day
  • Guest House Lodging: $40/person/day
  • On-Location Transportation (new for 2023): $29/person/day
  • Recreation

Please contact us for your customized trip estimate.

Register Now

CLOSED DATES: June 2-7 & July 3-5, 2024

Why Belize & What's Included?

Why Belize?

You’ll make a difference. Belize is a country with great spiritual and physical needs with 43% of the population living below the poverty line.

English is the official language, making it easier to build quality relationships and have effective ministry.

Belize is a safe, democratic nation.

It’s beautiful! Experience God’s creation in rainforests, Mayan ruins, and by snorkeling the Western Hemisphere’s longest barrier reef.

 Long Term Partnership Opportunities

Customizable Trip with 12+ Ministry Options

 Experienced and Professional Local Staff will guide your trip

 Partner with a Belizean Church

Pre-Trip Consultation

Promotional Materials

Promotional Videos

Leader & Participant Manuals (PDF)

Full Hour-by-Hour Trip Itinerary

Belize Church/Ministry Partner

Experienced Staff to Guide Your Trip

Cultural Orientation & Immersion

Well-Crafted Ministry Options

Worshiping with a Local Church

Service Project Materials

Lodging

Participant T-Shirt

Devotional Materials

Delicious Meals & Snacks

Purified Drinking Water

Evening Worship Meetings

Final Day Recreation

Long-Term Church Partnership Opportunity

Online Trip Portal to View and Update Trip Information

Belize Profile

Belize is an amazing country with amazing people. It is Thirst Missions pleasure and passion to try to make a difference throughout the country by bringing amazing groups from around North America to serve, encourage, and share Jesus Christ’s message and love. We pray that as you experience Belize for yourselves you’ll fall in love with the people, the land, and the beauty of this incredible Central American country for yourself.

Facts & Figures

Location: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Belize Facts

Area: Slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Largest City: Belize City, 70,000

Border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km

Coastline: 386 km

Climate: Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)

Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Caribbean Sea – 0 m. Highest point: Doyle’s Delight 1,160 m

Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Geography challenges: frequent, devastating hurricanes (August to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)

Geography note: Belize is the only country in Central America without a coastline on the Pacific Ocean

Belize Overview

  • Belize OverviewBelize has the lowest population density in Central America and one of the lowest in the world. But it has the highest growth rate in the western hemisphere.
  • Belize has wonderful rainforests, trees, fruit, and flowers.
  • Wildlife includes jaguars, howler monkeys, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, birds, toucans, storks, and sea life.
  • 20 Miles offshore, and near many of the cayes, lies the second longest barrier reef in the world and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Diving and snorkeling opportunities are plentiful out on the reef.
  • The average rainfall is 50 inches in the north to over 150 inches in southern Belize.
  • Rain falls almost every day, except during the dry season from February to May.
  • More than half the population resides in the seven largest towns. These include: Belize City, Belmopan, Orange Walk, Corozal, Dangriga, San Ignacio, and San Pedro.
  • Belize City is the center for the fishing industry, for shipping, lumber, coconuts, sugar, and lobsters.
  • Belize struggles to raise enough food to feed its population. It depends heavily upon imported food and goods.
  • Belize is the most expensive country to live in or visit in Central America.
  • Agricultural exports, mostly sugar, citrus fruits, and bananas, provide over half the nation’s foreign exchange.
  • Belize has increased their tourism in the cruise industry in the past 10 years. It is not uncommon to see a cruise ship or two docked a short boat ride from Belize City.
  • Belize is the most ethnically and culturally diverse nation in Central America.
  • Creoles, Mayan Indians, Garifunas, Mestizos, Mennonites, and Chinese dot the landscape.
  • Belize is predominantly a Christian society. Religious freedom is guaranteed. Roman Catholicism is accepted by almost half the country and Protestantism by about one quarter.
  • Mennonite Communities populate Belize and they live in their own sheltered communities. Jehovah’s Witness and LDS have gained a following in recent years.
  • Belize faces social problems due to the crumbling of family life and lack of male leadership in the homes and churches.
  • Belize’s population is very young, with over half the people less than 18 years old.
  • To support their families, many Belizeans have had to leave the country to find work. There are now more Belizeans living in the United States than in Belize. They call this “the great brain drain.”

People

Belize People

Ethnic groups:
mestizo 52.9%, Creole 25.9%, Maya 11.3%, Garifuna 6.1%, East Indian 3.9%, Mennonite 3.6%, white 1.2%, Asian 1% Languages: English 62.9% (official), Spanish 56.6%, Creole 44.6%, Maya 10.5%, German 3.2%, Garifuna 2.9%

Religions:
Roman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5% (includes Pentecostal 8.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 4.7%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.6%, Methodist 2.9%, Nazarene 2.8%), Jehovah’s Witness 1.7%, other 10.5% (includes Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Morman, Muslim, Rastafarian)

Population:
347,369 (July 2015 est.) GDP – per capita (PPP): $8,200 (2014 est.)

Unemployment rate:
12.9% (2014 est.)

Population below poverty line:
41% (2013 est.)

Background

Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1854. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Guatemala and Belize plan to hold a simultaneous referendum to determine if this dispute will go before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, though they have not yet set a date. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include the country’s heavy foreign debt burden, and high unemployment.

Government

Belize Flag

Parliamentary Democracy

Capital: Belmopan

Time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind EST during Standard Time) 2 hours behind EST during the summer months

Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo

Independence Day: September 21, 1981 (from the UK)

Legal system: English common law

Suffrage: 18 years of age

Executive branch: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of government: Prime Minister: Dean Barrow (since 2008)

Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from the General Assembly elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch: Bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 seats; members appointed by the governor general – 6 on the advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; to serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives (31 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

Economy

Tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner in this small economy, followed by exports of marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and garments. The sizable trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden continue to be major concerns

GDP – per capita: $8,400 (2012 est.). Country comparison to the world: 125

Unemployment rate: 13.1% (2009). Country comparison to the world: 138

Population below poverty line: 43% (2010 est.)

Military

Military branches: Belize Defense

Force (BDF): Army, BDF Air Wing Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; law allows for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient; conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1

English Speaking

English Speaking

Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language.

The benefits of Belize being English speaking are many. Mostly though, being able to communicate with the people, build relationships, and quickly be immersed into Belizean culture is an incredible advantage to effective missions. English is the only language taught in schools and all the kids, youth and many adults are fluent in English.

Spanish, however, is prevalent and is being more widely used every year. It is not uncommon for groups to be placed in predominately Spanish speaking communities or churches. At the very least everyone on a trip to Belize will come across many people whose primary language is Spanish. A Spanish intro or refresher course would be a welcome addition to the planning process when visiting Belize.

Thirst Missions will have Spanish translators on every team in case translation is necessary.

Belize has Spanish speaking neighbors in Mexico to the north and northwest and Guatemala to the west and southwest. All schools teach class in English, but many people, especially those who live near the borders of Mexico and Guatemala, speak Spanish as their native language. Many Belizean adults are bilingual and as a result, many church services can often have a mix of English and Spanish incorporated into the service.

Kriol is widely spoken throughout Belize as well. About 75% of Belizeans speak this unwritten form of English in which words are chopped and shortened, and a meaning all of its own is derived. We encourage you to try to pick up a few Kriol phrases while you are in Belize.

The diversity of Belize’s languages and dialects, with English being the predominant language make Belize an amazing culture to experience.

*Belize Profile information taken from www.cia.gov

Lodging Options

Floor Stay
Bring your own air mattress and bedding. No A/C

Complimentary

Guesthouse/Hotel Stay
$40/person/day, YES bed, YES bedding, YES A/C

Upgrade Available

Ministry Options

ministry optionService Projects
Clean-up, repair work, and painting in homes and churches

constructionConstruction Projects*
Skilled construction repairing/rebuilding homes

churchChurch Ministry
Attend and participate in your partner church

homeHome Visits*
Visit homes of families in need, providing supplies/blessing bags

heartMercy Ministry*
Homeless, senior citizens, hospitals, children’s homes, etc.

outreachOutreach Ministry
Outreach events, cookouts, evangelism, prayer walking, etc.

sportsSports Ministry
Sports camps or pick-up games of soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc.

ministryAdult Ministry
Bible studies, parenting classes, lay-leader training, sewing, etc.

youthYouth Ministry
Attend, participate in, or lead youth events or bible study

childrenChildren’s Ministry
Attend, participate in, or lead children’s events, Sunday school, or VBS

schoolSchool Ministry
Attend or participate in classroom activities, tutor, chapel services, etc.

medicalMedical/Dental Ministry*
Establish clinics for checkups, diagnoses, and treatment of patients

questionOther*

 

*Choosing this option may incur an additional cost

Recreation

Mainland

Mayan Ruins of Lamanai
Take a guided tour through the ruins of a well-designed and impressively built ancient city. The experience will definitely give you an appreciation for the Mayan culture in Belize!

Complementary

Mayan Ruins of Xunantunich
Take a guided tour through the ruins of a well-designed and impressively built ancient city. The experience will definitely give you an appreciation for the Mayan culture in Belize!

Complementary

Orchid Bay Day Trip
$35/person
Spend the day at the beach and or under the palm trees. Swim, canoe, or paddle board in the calm waters of the Caribbean or in the resort’s pool.

Upgrade Available

Bacab Eco Park
$50/person
The largest swimming pool in Belize, complete with water slide, palm trees, lounge chairs, large palapa huts, changing rooms, and a great restaurant.

Upgrade Available

Boat Eco Tour to Lamanai
$65/person
While stopping to view flora and fauna, this trip provides a smooth, fun, recreational way to visit the Mayan Ruins of Lamanai. This boat tour will bring you down a jungle river with many wildlife viewing opportunities, including the potential to see monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, and more.

Upgrade Available

Cave Tubing
$80/person
Hike for about 30 minutes through the Belizean rainforest, then tube down the refreshing Caves Branch River making your way through spectacular cave systems

Upgrade Available

Ziplining
$80/person
Fly through the rainforest canopy on seven runs ranging from 200 to 600 feet between treetop platforms

Upgrade Available

Orchid Bay Overnight Stay
$85/person
Stay overnight for one night at Orchid Bay Resort, situated on the Bay of Corozal. Swim, canoe, or paddleboard in the calm waters of the Caribbean or in the resort’s pool.

Upgrade Available

Cave Tubing & Ziplining
$125/person
Combined Adventure Cave tubing and ziplining are located near each other in Caves Branch National Park

Upgrade Available

Caye Caulker

Watch Video

Round Trip Water Tax, One night’s hotel stay on Caye Caulker with AC, Buffet Meal included:

$100/person for Guest House Teams

$129/person for Floor Stay Teams

Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour*
$65/person
Snorkel along the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere as you enjoy a three-hour outing in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve

Upgrade Available

*Most Popular

Sunset Cruise Boat Tour
$55/person
This tour consists of a two-hour boat excursion around the beautiful island of Caye Caulker, including the famous split, starting about an hour before sunset

Upgrade Available

Night Snorkeling
$75/person
See the marine life that only comes out after dark like octopus, sea turtles, lobster, and squid. The tour leaves at nightfall and returns around 9:00 p.m.

Upgrade Available

Hol Chan Snorkeling
$90/person
Snorkel along the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere with this 4-5 hour snorkeling tour at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off Ambergris Caye

Upgrade Available

Reef Fishing (1-4 people)
$280/boat
Enjoy a professionally guided fishing trip for three to four hours just inside or just outside of the Western Hemisphere’s longest barrier reef.

Upgrade Available

Mainland

Mainland Belize Recreation

Recreation BelizeComplimentary:

Mayan Ruins of Lamanai, Altun Ha, or Xunantunich
Included in your trip price is a tour of the Mayan ruins. We will visit the Mayan ruins closest to your ministry location. The Mayan ruins of Belize include a number of well-known and historical Maya archaeological sites. Your guided tour through the ruins will take you through well-designed and impressively built ancient cities and give you the opportunity to climb the high temple. The experience will definitely give you an appreciation for the Mayan culture in Belize!
Half-day tour. Bus transportation, lunch, national park entrance, and guided tour included.

Additional Options:

If your group has been to the Mayan Ruins before or would just like to spend your half-day of recreation experiencing another cultural option, here are some opportunities to consider.
Orchid Bay Day Trip
Situated on the Bay of Corozal in far Northern Belize is Orchid Bay Resort.  For teams who have experienced the Mayan Ruins previously or are looking for a relaxing recreation day closer to their ministry site in the north, this is a great option.  Spend the day at the beach and or under the palm trees.  Swim, canoe, or paddle board in the calm waters of the Caribbean or in the resort’s pool.  Enjoy a restaurant provided meal as you relax and take in the surf, sun, and sand during a half-day recreation. $35 – Lunch provided by Orchid Bay, and use of the pool, beach and beach area, paddle boards and canoes.

Orchid Bay Overnight
At the conclusion of your trip, instead of a trip to Caye Caulker, stay overnight for one night at Orchid Bay Resort, situated on the Bay of Corozal in far Northern Belize. Spend the day at the beach and or under the palm trees.  Swim, canoe, or paddleboard in the calm waters of the Caribbean or in the resort’s pool.  Enjoy three restaurant meals as you relax and take in the surf, sun, and sand during your final full day in Belize. In the evening, enjoy your closing meeting and celebration with worship and sharing on the resort grounds, before spending the night at the Resort. $85 – (One night lodging with A/C, 3 meals provided by Orchid Bay and use of the pool, beach and beach area, paddle boards and canoes.

Boat Eco Tour to Lamanai
If Lamanai is your Mayan ruins destination, we recommend taking an eco tour to the ruins instead of the included bus tour. This boat tour will bring you down a jungle river with many wildlife viewing opportunities, including the potential to see monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, and more. While stopping to view flora and fauna, this trip provides a smooth, fun, recreational way to visit Lamanai. Half-day tour.
Transportation, lunch, national park entrance, guided tour included. Minimum eight people, $65/person.

Cave Tubing
A bus trip to Caves Branch National Park, just east of Belmopan, will bring you to the jungle and an amazing cave system. Guided by experienced Belizean tour guides, you will hike for about 30 minutes through the Belizean rainforest, then tube down the refreshing Caves Branch River making your way through spectacular cave systems.
tubingHalf-day tour. Transportation, national park fees, life vest, tube, head lamp, tour guide, barbeque chicken lunch. Minimum eight people, $80/person.

Zip Lining
The zip line adventure begins with a ten-minute hike through the Belizean rainforest. You’ll be fitted into a harness and enjoy flying through the rainforest canopy on seven runs ranging from 200 to 600 feet between treetop platforms. There will be a guide on each platform to assist you with landing and taking off.
Half-day tour. Transportation, national park fees, tour guide, helmet, harness, gloves, and barbeque chicken lunch. Minimum eight people, $80/person.

Recreation in BelizeCave Tubing and Zip Lining
Combined Adventure Cave tubing and zip lining are located near each other in Caves Branch National Park. See details above.
Half-day tour. $125/person.

Bacab Eco Park
Bacab Eco Park welcomes you to a lush jungle playground. The park proudly boasts over 200 species of tropical flowering plants, towering hardwood trees, palms, and different species of ferns as well as a great population of wildlife. The largest swimming pool in Belize, complete with water slide, palm trees, lounge chairs, large palapa huts, changing rooms, and a great restaurant, are a refreshing highlight for all.
Half-day tour. Park entrance fee, swimming pool entrance, transportation, chicken or hamburger basket lunch provided. $50/person. 

Registration for recreation and any other trip upgrades can be done during registration or after registration up to two months before your trip through your trip portal, that is assigned after registering.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small, sandy, man-made island (“caye” – pronounced “key”) about 5 miles in length, 1 mile wide, and a 45 minute water taxi ride from Belize City. There’s a small local population and the island caters to backpackers and travelers who love the water, quaint islands, local food, and small hotels in a relaxed setting. The theme on Caye Caulker is “Go Slow”, which is the perfect setting for those hoping to relax at the end of a busy mission trip. You’ll be staying at a small hotel with air conditioning, be able to get a refreshing shower, and have time to relax and enjoy another side of Belize, the cayes. Take advantage of extra activities on Caye Caulker listed below, explore the tiny island on your own, or just relax in the shade. This is one of the more unique places on earth, highly recommended by Thirst staff, Thirst participants, and Belizeans alike.

Round Trip Water Tax, One night’s hotel stay on Caye Caulker with AC, Buffet Meal included for $100/GH participant and $129/Floor Stay participant upgrade.

All pricing for activities listed below is in addition to the $100 for the 1 night stay on Caye Caulker listed above.

*Most Popular* Snorkeling Tour

Caye Caulker Marine Reserve Tour

Snorkel along the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere as you enjoy a three-hour outing in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. This tour consists of three snorkeling areas: the Caye Caulker Coral Gardens, South Channel, and Shark-Ray Alley. Spectacular fish and marine life, along with the occasional school of colorful fish and other sea creatures, are often seen and enjoyed. This tour now includes a stop to see tarpon and seahorses in their natural habitat. This tour is a professionally guided snorkel trip with experienced and licensed boat captains. Tour price includes snorkel, mask, flippers, fruit, ice water, and park reserve fees.

Six people minimum, $65/person.

Caye Caulker

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Tour

Snorkel along the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere with this 4-5 hour snorkeling tour at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off Ambergris Caye. Each group will snorkel Hol Chan Coral Garden, Hol Chan Shark-Ray Alley, and Hol Chan Channel. Sea turtles are seen on most trips and snorkelers often spot schools of fish and other marine life. This tour now includes a stop to see tarpon and seahorses in their natural habitat. This is a professionally guided snorkel trip with experienced and licensed boat captains. Tour price includes snorkel, mask, flippers, fruit, ice water, and park reserve fees.

Six people minimum, $90/person.

Night Snorkeling

This amazing night snorkeling tour lasts three hours as you travel along Caye Caulker’s South Channel. See the marine life that only comes out after dark like octopus, sea turtles, lobster, and squid. The tour leaves at nightfall and returns around 9:00 p.m. This is a professionally guided snorkel trip with experienced and licensed boat captains. Tour price includes snorkel, mask, flippers, flashlight, fruit, ice water, and park reserve fees.

Six people minimum, $75/person.

Boat Tours

Sunset Cruise

This tour consists of a two-hour boat excursion around the beautiful island of Caye Caulker, including the famous split, starting about an hour before sunset. You will visit the mangrove areas of the island where you will get to view the American saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat. You will then get a rare view of the tarpon and sea horses in their natural environment. This trip concludes with the sun setting in the western sky over the beautiful Caribbean Sea. This trip is professionally led by a licensed and experienced boat captain. Fruit, soda, and ice water provided.

Caye Caulker

Six people minimum, $55/person.

Reef Fishing Trip

Enjoy a professionally guided fishing trip for three to four hours just inside or just outside of the Western Hemisphere’s longest barrier reef. Based on your interest and experience level, you may request a deep sea trip or a reef trip where the fishing is mostly done in calm water. If it’s your first time, you will be shown how to catch snapper, grouper, jack, or barracuda. This is a guided trip with all fishing equipment and bait provided. Fruit and ice water are also included.

Two to five people per boat, $280/boat.

 

Registration for recreation and any other trip upgrades can be done during registration or after registration up to two months before your trip through your trip portal, that’s assigned after registering.

SAFETY

Safety First

Safety - BelizeOn all Thirst Missions trips, safety is our first priority. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but over many years and thousands of participants traveling with Thirst Missions on trips, not one person has ever had a significant safety issue.

A few notes on safety:

• Belize is a Democracy and is safe and stable from a government perspective.

• Belizeans look up to and admire Americans. We have found that they naturally take care of people from North America and very much watch over our mission teams.

• Tourism, particularly on the cayes, is a part of their economy. So they take pride in the safety of foreigners.

• We travel in groups at all times, we sleep in the same building, and safety in numbers is a big safety factor.

Safety in Belize• We partner with local churches who watch out for our group. People from the church and community we partner with watch over us. They would be devastated if something happened to one of us. We are family and honored guests while we are there.

• We have Belizeans on our staff who are with the group during the whole trip. They have knowledge and experience in Belizean safety precautions and know the country very well.

• Our staff members have Belizean cell phones on them, know where the nearest hospitals are, and have plans in place for unique circumstances.

• All members on the trip have our Belizean trip leaders cell phone number in the unlikely case they would be separated from the group.

• We travel by bus, with a professional bus driver. We also have a Thirst Mission vehicle with each group in case there is a need for quick transportation to the nearest doctor or hospital.

• We rarely travel at night, if there is a risky time of day, it would be after dark.

• We suggest a 5-1 student to adult ratio. Overseeing and supporting our participants is a priority.

Belize Safety• Training is provided in regard to what the group members should eat and drink, what things they should be aware of in the environment and culture, and how to conduct themselves on the trip.

• We take care in trying to provide safe meals, snacks, and plenty of water to all trip members.

• Prayer. We can’t underestimate the power of prayer on each trip and for each person. We ask that each participant on the trip find at least 5 prayer partners to cover them in prayer during the trip.

We have many years of experience in Belize. We know how to travel, what to look out for, and how to handle things.

That being said, we have never had an issue and certainly endeavor to take every safety precaution with every group. Belize is a very safe country to travel to, especially as a group member. We pray that the Lord will bless our preparations and the precautions we take as we attempt to minister to the people of Belize and members of our group.

Sample Itinerary

The sample itinerary will give you an idea of what to expect on your Belizean adventure. The trip itinerary will be customized for each week based on the church partner’s needs and ministry goals. Each week will be amazing!

 

Belize Sample Itinerary

Download a copy of our Sample Itinerary here.

FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expand

1. What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?

Our private trips can accommodate groups as small as 4 people and as large as 50+. Reduced pricing applies for groups larger than 10 people.

2. What are the mission trip prices?

Our trip details are available on our registration page.

3. Tell me more about church partnerships in Belize

Each group attending one of our mission trips is partnered with a local Belizean Church. We believe that the local church is God’s Biblical design and we want to encourage the local churches. We also partner with local churches so they can follow-up on ministry that has been started during your mission trip. We gather the information on the trip you desire.

4. Is Belize safe?

Yes! We have never had a safety incident with one of our team members.

Please see our Safety section for more information on the safety of our trips.

5. What denominations do you work with?

We work every year with a wide variety of denominations in the United States and partner groups up with churches whom they are comfortable working in Belize.

Please see our Statement of Faith for more details.

6. What is your average trip length?

Our trips are a minimum of six days/five nights, but you are able to add additional days to your trip for an added cost. Travel days are included in the total number of trip days.

7. What medication/shots are needed?

We ask that each person visit their own doctor or travel nurse to see what is needed to stay up to date. We have a list of recommended medications for those traveling to Belize in our trip handbook, but nothing is required by Thirst Missions. Generally Belize is a very safe and healthy country to visit.

8. What travel documents are required to enter Belize?

Each person needs a valid passport, but no entry visa is required for citizens of the USA or Canada. Anyone under 18 years of age needs to have a notarized permission form signed by both parents to leave the USA or Canada and be permitted into Belize.

9. Is airfare included in the trip cost?

No, but the cost/person/day is all inclusive from arrival in Belize until departure from Belize. Airfares vary too greatly to include in the trip cost. Each group is responsible for booking their own flights that arrive within a reasonable timeframe so as to be ready at our pickup times and on the exact trips dates registered for. We have a travel agent we work closely with if you’d like help booking your flights.

10. Can I make contact with loved ones back home while on my trip?

Only the group leader is typically allowed to call back home. The ministry and relationships built when putting our personal devices down is eye-opening. Our philosophy is no news is good news. We encourage each group leader to to post trip updates and send pictures back home on behalf of each group.

In addition we post pictures from every trip on our Facebook page at facebook.com/thirstmissions. In the case of emergencies we have open and direct lines of immediate communication on every trip.

11. I have special dietary needs, can these needs be met?

There is a section on the Individual Registration form each person fills out prior to the trip in which these needs can be listed. We read these over thoroughly and pass them along to our cooks. The food on our trips is plentiful and amazing!

We do our very best to accommodate all diets and diet restrictions, but please realize we are in a different culture without all the options we have back home. Feel free to bring supplemental food options with you if this will ease the anxiety of not knowing if there will be food which fit your tastes or diet.

12. What is the difference between Hotel/Guest House and Floor stay options?

Hotel: 3-4 people/room, a/c, bathrooms in every room, close to ministry site.

Floor Stay: Sleep in a church, school or community center. No a/c. Stay in the community where you are serving, showers and running water restrooms usually available. Bring your own air mattress, pillow. This option is less expensive than the hotel option.

13. Can I upgrade my hotel to 2 people/room or private rooms?

Yes, as long as the hotel has space. There will be an additional charge for the extra rooms needed.

14. Is the $499 Registration Fee deducted from my final payment?

No, it’s used right away to offset a small portion of planning and preparing for your group’s trip. Please read through our generous payment policy and cancellation agreement.

15. How do I select the ministries we desire?

For Standard Mission Trips, your group leader will have access to a Trip Profile section on our website. From there, they can select ministry options, edit number of participants, access documents and forms needed for trip, and view payment schedule.

For Custom Mission Trips, each group leader will have a missions consultant from Thirst Missions assigned who will go through ministry opportunities in detail. All group leaders have scheduled conference calls to discuss the trip and are welcome to contact their trip consultants about any other questions that arise.

16. What about on-location transportation?

On-location transportation is not included in the price of the mission trip.  Feel free to book your own team’s vans, SUVs, or other transport.

If you’d like Thirst Mission to arrange transportation, we’d be glad to do so for $29/person/day.

17. Are ministry materials provided?

Ministry materials are up to the teams to provide. Examples would be curriculum for VBS, sports equipment for sports outreach, and so on. Belizean churches will have some resources that the group can use on a case-by-case basis. Most ministries require little in the way of materials. You can ask your missions consultant about suggestions for materials and ministry plans.

18. Are construction supplies included in the cost of the trip?

Funds will be set aside by Thirst Missions towards project materials. Your missions consultant will give you some project and cost options—if you want to stay within the funds set aside you can, or if you’d like to do a larger project you can donate extra. All the money for supplies will be used to purchase materials which will be onsite when the group arrives.

19. What additional costs are there?

The only things you will need money for on the trip are souvenirs, offerings in church, extra snacks or desserts, and travel money for meals at the airports in North America and Belize. That’s it. Feel free to bring a credit card if you feel you will want to purchase more expensive souvenirs. Most tourist and souvenir shops accept credit cards. Incidentally, you can use American dollars everywhere in Belize. There will be little need to exchange money on your mission trip.

20. How do we pay for Recreation?

Payment and reservations for recreation on Mainland Belize and Caye Caulker are made on the final invoice and not paid for or reserved in Belize.

21. What can you tell us about the food provided?

The cuisine is usually one of the highlights for our participants. We strive to provide a wide variety of options that will nourish and sustain all participants. We try to provide a good mix of Belizean food and American food to appease all participants. Breakfast is usually served at the place where you are staying.

Some examples of breakfast food include eggs, toast, fruit, fry jacks, johnny cakes, pancakes, coffee, tea, juice and water. Lunch is usually provided by local women at the ministry site. Chicken, rice, coleslaw, beans, and juice is one example of a typical meal you can expect. Fish, pork, hamburgers, and sandwiches are all other lunch staples which may be served to you while on the mission trip.

Supper could include such things as burritos, pizza, Chinese food, chicken, seafood, spaghetti, beef, and pork. Don’t worry-we won’t eat all these foods at one meal! All your food and water are provided as part of your trip. If you wish to bring a few non-perishable snacks for yourself in your suitcase you are welcome to do that. Just remember to put them in zip lock bags to keep any critters away and to keep things fresh.

22. Can I stay in Contact with people I meet once I return home?

Yes! You can use Facebook and Instagram or email, call, or text just like you do with your friends back home. Staying in touch with new friends in Belize is such a blessing and benefit to going and serving.

23. What are some Outreach Ministry Ideas?

Volleyball, Movie Nights, Hot Dog Roast, Worship Celebration, Puppet Ministry…to name a few. Whatever you come up with, let’s do it!

Check out our blog for more outreach ideas.

View past participant Reviews