Lighthouse Reef Research Repository (Lr³ “L-R-Cubed”)Citizen Science Initiative (CSI) Frequently Asked Questions

The CSI is a hands-on research and education experience hosted by Lr³ on Long Caye. It engages guests in real-time scientific activities, contributing to conservation while exploring the reef and island ecosystems.

CSI is open to donors, visiting scientists, students, and special guests who want to engage in fieldwork, species monitoring, and reef conservation alongside our researchers.

No. CSI is designed for all levels. You’ll be briefed, trained, and supported by our team. Curiosity, respect for nature, and a willingness to learn are more important than prior experience.

Some activities involve hiking, snorkeling, or boating, but all levels of fitness can be accommodated with advance notice.

Yes. Daily activities usually include snorkeling or diving alongside fieldwork. You’ll experience the reef with purpose.

Our driver Mason will meet you at Philip Goldson Airport after immigration and customs. He’ll take you to the marina where you board the boat named “Overwatch.”

You may stay in the nearby Yellow Condo at Old Belize Marina (2nd or 3rd floor) if weather delays the boat departure. It’s comfortable and close to amenities.

Departure is strictly at 2:00 PM. The round trip boat fee is $300 USD per person, collected after your flight booking.

The ride passes the second largest barrier reef and Turneffe Atoll, a protected area rich in wildlife and mangroves. The captain can speed up, slow down or pause for comfort or adjustments during the trip.

Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and wear sandals or water shoes to protect your feet upon island arrival.

You’ll land on a small beach with a temporary dock. You may be briefly greeted by bugs. Staff will assist with your luggage and guide you to rinse off salt water before settling in.

Rinse off salt water as needed using limited rainwater supplies. Freshwater showers at night help keep you and your bedding dry.

Lr³ is a nonprofit research station, and all accommodations are designed to support our mission of marine conservation, education, and field-based science. Our main facility Is privately funded with six private rooms is scheduled to open January 2026. We currently offer two main accommodations:

The Water Deck: A Queen suite and prototype for our future guest quarters.

Wendy’s Lab: A quiet research lab with bunk beds and a pull-out couch.

Water is collected from rain. Guests bucket water from storage tanks and may heat water on the stove. Water is conserved and greywater is reused.

We use dry composting toilets. Follow posted instructions for proper use.

Yes. Great Wifi and we are solar-powered with battery backup. Wi-Fi is prioritized for research when necessary.

Warm and humid year-round (around 80°F, 80% humidity). Boat travel halts in winds over 20 mph.

Jan–Feb: Cool, dry, excellent visibility
The trade winds ease and skies remain clear, offering the most stable conditions for diving and underwater photography. Though the water is a bit cooler and may call for a wetsuit, the unmatched clarity—often over 100 feet—reveals Lighthouse Reef’s intricate coral walls in stunning detail.

Mar–Apr: Calm, turtle mating
With glassy seas and virtually no surface chop, it’s the best time for long-distance boating and uninterrupted snorkeling. Humidity starts to build and calm evenings can invite no-see-ums, but the chance to witness sea turtles begin their mating rituals in shallow waters makes it worthwhile.

May–Jun: Hot, turtle nesting
Tropical sun dominates the skies and the warm water pulses with marine life, setting the stage for nesting turtles to return under cover of darkness. While midday heat can be intense and demanding, early mornings and evenings are rich with activity both above and below the waterline.

Jul–Aug: Coral spawning
Nights turn balmy and still, perfect for witnessing the annual coral spawning—one of the reef’s most awe-inspiring events. Rain can creep in during the evenings and humidity is high, but the calm seas and vibrant ecological displays more than make up for it.

Sep–Oct: Storms, turtle hatching
Though tropical storms are more frequent and weather can shift quickly, this is also when turtle hatchlings emerge and make their dash for the sea under the stars. Crowds thin out and skies become dramatic, rewarding those who brave the elements with unmatched solitude and raw natural wonder.

Nov–Dec: Breezy, chance of whales/dolphins
Trade winds return, cooling the air and stirring nutrients that attract whales, dolphins, and migrating pelagics along the reef’s edge. While stronger breezes can kick up waves and limit water access on some days, the overall comfort and wildlife potential mark a spectacular transition into the dry season.

Headlamp and earplugs for sleeping

Thin long pants and long-sleeved shirts (4 oz or less)

Swimsuit

Trail running shoes and sandals with ankle straps

Wide-brim hat, buff or headband for face and neck protection

Waterproof dry bag for valuables

Snorkel, mask, and fins (bring your own if possible)

Reef-safe sunscreen (we provide some if needed)

Natrapel insect repellent (permethrin-treated clothing recommended)

Avoid sunscreen or insect repellents containing harmful chemicals like DEET. Leave dress heels and valuable jewelry at home to avoid loss or damage.

Mosquitoes and sand flies are most active at dawn and dusk (“bug hours”). Use insect repellent and cover exposed skin. Small scorpions, sharks (generally shy), and crocodiles (present near water edges at night) also inhabit the area—stay alert and follow all safety guidelines.

Never feed or touch wildlife. This disrupts natural behavior and can attract predators. All food and trash must be secured and removed daily to protect the ecosystem and guest safety.

The sun is very strong; unprotected exposure for as little as one hour can cause serious burns. Protective clothing and reef-safe sunscreen are essential.

Yes, catch-and-release fly fishing for bonefish, tarpon, permit, and snook is available. Guided trips are led by our expert guide Elvis, for a small fee. Deep Sea fishing and spearfishing for food is also allowed per local law with guided supervision only.

All transportation costs listed are paid directly to the independent service providers and are not collected by or paid to Lr³. Lighthouse Reef Research Repository does not profit from these services and provides this information solely to assist participants in coordinating their travel logistics.

Airport to marina (one way): $60

Group boat transfer to Long Caye (round trip): $300

Private boat charter: $800

Helicopter transfer: $2,000 or $3,000 with extension to see the Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye and MV Transfer Cargo Ship wreck before arriving to Long Caye.

Lodging and activity costs listed above are paid directly to local service providers and are not collected by or paid to Lr³. Lighthouse Reef Research Repository does not receive compensation for these services and shares this information solely to support participants in coordinating their experience on Long Caye.

There is no cost to Lr³ Donors for lodging

Offsite lodging (2 guests per room): $185 per person per night

Guided snorkeling: $60

Guided dive: $75–$125

Half-day fishing (max 4 guests): $550

Full-day fishing (max 4 guests): $800

Gear rentals: $10–$55 depending on item

Yes. Meals are included in your stay at no additional cost to donors. They are prepared communally using fresh, local ingredients. While Lighthouse Reef Research Repository does not operate or charge for meal services, we coordinate shared meals as part of life on the island. There is no set menu—each meal is spontaneous, shared, and shaped by what’s available and who’s around the table. The food is nourishing, often surprising, and always reflective of the rhythms of island life.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Guests may offer tips in cash directly or through the trip leader for group distribution. Tips are not tax-deductible and are separate from donations to the 501(c)(3).