Residential Volunteering with ACES Wildlife Rescue
Here at ACES, we believe in community and coexistence with our amazing wildlife here in Belize and our mission is to change the world for the better one patient at a time. Volunteering brings people together. It creates space for growth, support, and shared purpose. Whether your skills, time, or simply showing up, you’re helping to shape a better future for the people & wildlife here on Ambergris Caye.
Belize offers an irresistible mix of coral atolls, mangrove lagoons, and rainforest — but these ecosystems are under threat here on Ambegris Caye to unsustainable development, overfishing, pollution, wildlife crime, invasive species, and climate stress. Volunteers helping at ACES help to rehabilitate local wildlife, gather ecological evidence and clean, protect and strengthen coastal communities all the while building on environmental literacy.
We provide on-site residential volunteering at our rescue and rehabilitation centre here on Ambergris Caye year-round. Volunteers help with a wide range of outputs including animal husbandry, citizen science surveys, camera trapping, construction, beach cleans, education outreach and public engagement.
The minimum volunteering duration is 7 days due to the training required for each placement. Volunteers work from 8am to 12 midday 6 days per week and have the afternoons off to explore the island or join afternoon work if they wish. The position is best suited to an individual or couple and the volunteer/s will stay in a basic but comfortable en-suite room complete with air con and a kitchen area to prepare meals (food not provided). The cost to volunteer is $50 USD per night from November to April and $40 USD per night from May to October. For candidates looking to complete independent study segments here for academic purposes please reach out to us prior to ensure we can accommodate and support your education goals.
Need to Know
Packing Essentials
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Passport, travel insurance, visas (if required)
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Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, old clothing for dirty tasks
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Bug spray, water bottle
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Power adapters (A/B/G), 110/220V, 60Hz
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First-aid & personal meds; quick-dry towel
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Sturdy footwear for trails, construction and animal work; lightweight rain layer
Do I Need a Visa to Volunteer in Belize?
Entry rules vary. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays; others require a visitor visa in advance. Stays beyond ~1 month typically require an in-country extension at Immigration offices (Belize City, Belmopan, or district offices). Always confirm the latest rules with your coordinator and the nearest Belizean embassy/consulate.
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Passport valid 3–6+ months beyond return; at least two blank pages
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Return/onward ticket and proof of funds
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Transit visa checks for connections
Who Can Volunteer at ACES in Belize?
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18+ years of age
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Basic English
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Reasonable level of physical fitness
What’s included and excluded?
Included:
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Accommodation
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All training
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Internet and utility bills
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Drinking water
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Airport pick up and drop off (San Pedro)
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Excluded:
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Airfare
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Food
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Travel insurance
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Visa cost if applicable
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To check availability on our residential volunteering program or if you have any questions simply email matt@acesbelize.org for more info, we hope to see you soon!
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