Booking and Payments
Researchers wishing to book a place at the Glovers Reef Research Station (GRRS) should direct enquiries of availability to the station manager at atilley@wcs.org. For student groups or parties over 6 persons we require a 50% deposit of estimated accommodation and transportation fees to confirm your booking, which will then be discounted from your final payment following departure. Discounts are available for student groups. For more information contact the station manager.
Following acceptance of a research proposal by the Station manager [read more…] we will then apply for a research permit on your behalf from the Belize Department of Fisheries (if applicable). The cost of this is BZ$500, which will be added to your final station bill. The balance of all fees and charges is payable at the conclusion of your visit. On site payments are preferred, or wired transfer of funds direct to our Bank in Belize City.
In the event of cancellation, a full deposit refund will be given up to 8 weeks prior to arrival date. If cancellation occurs less than 8 weeks prior to arrival date, half the deposit will be refunded. Cancellations of less than four weeks notice will forfeit the entire 50% deposit, to cover costs already incurred on your behalf or as recompense for lost revenue if alternative clients were turned away.
Station equipment is provided for use on the basis that guests will pay for the replacement of any damaged or lost item at local prices, plus 15%.
Arrival and Departure
A supply run and staff changeover occurs every two weeks on Friday (weather permitting). If there is space on this routine trip we can carry a number of guests and passengers at the most economical rate. Please contact the station manager well in advance if you wish to plan your trip to coincide with shift change days.
SAFETY: Your safety is our first priority on any boat trip. Whether you are crossing the blue; exploring the lagoon within the atoll; with our scheduled trip, or as a special charter, all trips are contingent on the weather. The final decision to postpone boat trips due to inclement weather falls on the captain and/or the manager. Please understand that any such decision, no matter how inconvenient, is based solely on your safety. You should contact the station 24-48 hours prior to travel to confirm weather conditions and timings.
TRANSPORT
Boat charters
Dangriga – GRRS (Approx 35miles: 1.25 hrs duration) $600
GRRS – Dangriga (Approx 35miles: 1.25 hrs duration) $600
Belize City – GRRS (Approx 70miles: 2.5-3hrs duration) $1100
GRRS – Belize City (Approx 70miles: 2.5-3hrs duration) $1100
Passage on shift change is $60 per person (dependant on availability). Please contact Station Manager ahead of time if you wish to coordinate your arrival or departure with a shift change.
Maximum capacity of the station is 18.*
$75 per night includes:
3 meals a day
All use of station laboratories and equipment
24hr electricity
Wireless internet access
Superb sea views!
*In the case of student groups slightly larger than this, tented accommodation can be organized upon direct arrangement with the station manager.
BOATS
All boat prices include a captain, and dive boats include a Dive Master. Fuel consumption is recorded and charged separately at $12 per gallon.
KOOLIE GIAL
38ft Bradley Skiff (2x 200hp 4 stroke)
Max 12 Divers, 24 Snorkellers Half day (<5 hrs)
Diving $350 Snorkelling $300 Full day (>5 hrs)
Diving $550 Snorkelling $500
SLIPPERY
25 ft Skiff (2x 60hp 4 stroke)
Max. 4 divers or 8 snorkellers Half day (<5 hrs)
Diving $130 Snorkelling $80 Full day (>5 hrs)
Diving $170 Snorkelling $120
FRENCHIE
25ft Skiff (1x 60hp 4 stroke)
Max. 4 divers or 8 snorkellers. Half day (<5 hrs)
Diving $130 Snorkelling $80 Full day (>5 hrs)
Diving $170 Snorkelling $120
GRRS can provide tanks and weights. Research divers must bring all necessary dive equipment with them. [See SCUBA Policy for more information on GRRS Dive standards and guidelines.
Tank rental $8
Tank fills $2
Dive Master Fee $50 per day
Limitations, Loss of Property
The Station is privately owned and the management reserves the right to refuse entry and service to anyone, and will not be responsible for accidents, injuries, or loss of guests’ property. Often guests are travelling with lots of gear and luggage from planes to cars to boats – please keep track of your belongings, you are responsible for anything you bring to the island, lose along the way, or leave at the station. Expensive or important belongings accidentally left at the station we will mail back to you at your expense (N.B. Often mailing small inexpensive objects left on the island is more costly than the item itself). Guests should carry their own property, health, travel and liability insurance. All damage or loss affecting Station equipment caused by guests must be replaced, repaired or paid for.