News | Archived news

3rd Quarter 2008

ReefCI Belize - New premises

The most exciting news for ReefCI is that we have been given the opportunity to operate at the University of Belize’s brand new building on Hunting Caye.  Hunting Caye is very close to Franks Caye in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, it is situated next to the Barrier Reef and we are diving the same dive sites (amazing wall and reef dives).  It is a great opportunity to be working closely with the University of Belize and the facilities are ideal for ReefCI.  The building has brand new bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living/dining area.  We are also lucky enough to have a wet and dry lab.  There is a chill out area where our guests can enjoy a cold beer or rum and coke overlooking the beautiful lagoon area of the Caribbean Sea.  The sunrises and sunsets are incredible and there is a wide array of wildlife including many species of birds, iguanas and hermit crabs.  And……..a turtle nesting area for Hawksbill turtles.  Hunting Caye boasts one of the best beaches in the area, it has a beautiful long sandy beach at the front and the back of the building overlooks another smaller beach which is perfect for sunbathing. 

During the past few months, as usual we have had a great set of guests many who have now become good friends with each other and the ReefCI staff.  Harry was with us for 3 months and wrote an amazing article that was published in the UK Sport Diver magazine, thanks Harry…..we all miss you!  Aylin our Marine Biologist spent 6 months with us and we are continuing our working relationship (and our good friendship) by including ReefCI and Hunting Caye in her Big Blue Dive Adventures trips which gives people the incredible opportunity to visit the Cenotes in Mexico, The Blue Hole in Belize, Tikal ruins in Guatemala and ReefCI in Belize.  Please visit: http://bigbluediveadventures.com/ for more information.  Jo came for one week and so far has stayed for 5 months.  She has now decided to dedicate her life to ReefCI and is moving here full time in October. 

Last month we witnessed both the hatchings and nesting of Hawksbill Turtles on the island.  Always an emotional and incredible experience!

I don’t know where to begin to thank our guests for their past, present and continuing support.  Maiko came here last September was back for the New year, back again for Easter and is coming back for Xmas with a group of others that she met at ReefCI.  Thanks to Costa, Linda, Sanjay, Anna and Karl, Jason and Sam, Jill, Jo, Richard and Rachel, Noranne, Paul (best Punta Dancer in PG!!!!), Matt, Dave and Alison and Chaim and all the other guests and staff who have helped us continue with our work and who make the ReefCI trips so special.  Melissa came back again and as usual stayed longer than originally booked….just book the whole summer next year Melissa!!!!

A statement from Jill sums it up…..’ Many, many thanks for a wonderful holiday with so many extraordinary experiences, it lived up to and well beyond what I hoped it would be. Mainly though it was the people that made it!!’