Splendid SCUBA Diving!
July 15, 2026
Hello BLZ Families!
Day 5: We woke up to a beautiful sunrise and had a delicious breakfast with an ocean view! Everyone agreed that Chef Delia’s banana bread was some of the best they had ever had. Our LODs were in charge of the morning hype music, shoutout to Will and Mia for getting everyone in the best mindset and excited for our first full day on the island! After breakfast, we had a quick turnaround before Group One headed over to meet instructor Jodi and get their SCUBA certification rolling! Evans was the first in the water with no fear and a contagious excitement to dive that encouraged the others to follow right behind him. They practiced their skills in the confined water all morning and flew through everything. Jodi was so impressed with their focus! Right before they got out of the water for lunch, they received a surprise visit from Raynaldo, the huge eagle ray who likes to hang out in the shallow area near the dive center. Groups Two and Three spent the morning paddleboarding about two miles across the ocean to another nearby island! They were lucky enough to see a manatee on the way, and Ryan led the front of the group with courage and ease. We had a taste of home with the most wonderful pizza and pineapple for lunch to refuel for more adventure that afternoon. Group One continued practicing their confined water skills and finished the afternoon with a 20-foot dive, where they saw a school of tarpon, yellow rays, lionfish, and even more amazing wildlife! Group Two started their SCUBA training that afternoon with instructor Stacy and had no shortage of laughter in the process. Group Three had a chill afternoon playing Spikeball, card games, and volleyball before we had another great oceanside meal while the sun went down. Sunsets on Tobacco Caye are spectacular, and after watching the sunset as a group, we sat on the dock for Moonup. We are so lucky to be here with your incredible kids, and we were filled with so much gratitude after our first full day on the island!
Day 6: Today looked a little different from yesterday! Group One geared up for one final day of SCUBA (Let’s get them certified!), while Groups Two and Three got to enjoy some much-deserved island time. The morning started with a classic Belize surprise, a tropical rainstorm, but nobody seemed to mind. Instead of rushing around, we embraced the slow island life with a cozy porch session, which quickly became one of the highlights of the day. Caroline grabbed the guitar, and before long, everyone was singing along from the cabin porch while the rain poured down around us. It was one of those simple moments that somehow ends up being everyone’s favorite memory. Frank was loving every second of it while singing along, Jack was right in the middle requesting some bangers, and Kaya helped keep the energy high and steady as the whole group laughed and enjoyed the slower pace. Once the skies cleared, it was game on! Volleyball and Spikeball tournaments quickly took over the island before we all gathered for another delicious lunch cooked by our chef. The afternoon split the adventures once again. Group One headed back underwater to complete their final dives (Nugs to that!), and we’re excited to announce that they officially finished their Open Water certifications! Huge congratulations to our newest certified divers! Meanwhile, Groups Two and Three traded their gear for paddleboards and set off on an awesome 3.5-mile journey across the clear Caribbean before getting the VIP boat ride back to Tobacco Caye. Corinne was keeping everyone laughing while paddleboarding by cracking jokes and maybe falling in once or twice. To celebrate an incredible day, we cooled off with some well-earned virgin piña coladas before sitting down for another amazing, classic Moondance family-style dinner. As the sun went down, we wrapped up with Moonup, sharing stories and reflecting on another unforgettable day together. Of course, no night would have been complete without a few (or maybe a few dozen) rounds of Calabria. What started as “just one more game” somehow turned into hours of laughing, dancing, and making memories together. Days like today remind us that sometimes the best moments of the trip aren’t the biggest or craziest adventures, they’re the ones spent singing on a porch, cheering friends on, and simply enjoying our time together.
Day 7: Rain or shine, we were confident today was going to be a good one! We woke up with the sun shining brightly through our windows and had breakfast at 7:30. All the kids were buzzing with excitement and got ready for another day of adventures on the water. Group Two geared up for their dives, knowing they were just a couple of dives away from becoming Open Water certified divers. Meanwhile, Group Three continued working through their confined water skills, and Group One grabbed their snorkel gear to explore the nearby reefs. The morning was full of excitement until the Belize weather decided to keep things interesting. A big thunderstorm rolled in around lunchtime, so everyone gathered under cover, enjoyed a wholesome lunch together, and embraced some unexpected downtime while we waited for the skies to clear. It didn’t take long before laughter filled the island again. Mac helped get an intense volleyball game going, while Georgia and Max kept everyone entertained during group games like Rummikub, and made sure the music was blasting as we made the most of the break in the weather. Once the storm passed, it was full speed ahead with the adventures! Group Two headed out to complete their final two open water dives (YEAHH!!), and after surfacing, they officially joined Group One as newly certified Open Water divers! Huge congratulations to everyone for all of their hard work over the past few days. With the two groups’ certifications complete, we celebrated the best way we know how, with another trip to get chips and dip and virgin piña coladas. After returning to Tobacco Caye, we enjoyed another delicious dinner before gathering under the stars in the sand for Moonup. As another thunderstorm rolled across the island in the distance, we reflected on the day’s accomplishments, shared so many laughs, and couldn’t help but feel grateful for another unforgettable day on Tobacco Caye.
Day 8: Our last full day on the island was bittersweet, as our time here truly flew by. You better Belize we made the most of it and soaked up all that paradise had to offer! It was a full day of diving for Groups Two and Three as they worked toward completing their SCUBA certifications and becoming Open Water divers! Today was by far the best weather we have had, with not a cloud in sight and the sun shining down on us. Groups One and Two had a more relaxed morning, which we soaked up by swimming in the crystal clear blue water with two of the new local friends we made. They are the cutest nine-year-old girls who are visiting their grandmother, who works as a chef on the island. We played our favorite dance games, Calabria and Shake and Pop, two Moondance favorites that have quickly become fan favorites. Emmy was the first to include the two local girls and was frequently a winner during the dancing games. She has the most contagious energy and joy, and it especially shone this morning. After soaking up all the sunshine and time with each other, Group One returned from their SCUBA dive and told us all about the amazing things they had seen! We had another amazing lunch together, and shortly after, Group Three wrapped up their certifications. It was a joy to watch each of these kids grow as they faced their nerves about diving. We ended the day with another awesome Moonup led by Henry, who has the best attitude and came up with such awesome questions that the group loved. He has continued to impress us with his maturity and genuine kindness toward everyone he meets.
Day 9: On our last morning, we woke up early for a sunrise swim, and then Group Two went on an early morning dive before breakfast! It was the most ideal way to end our island time, and then we hopped on a boat to head to the rainforest!! We made a surprise ice cream stop at one of our favorite shops, Chill N Ice, and shortly after, we were greeted by the amazing staff at Bocawina! We let everyone get settled into their rooms and then had another amazing meal with a special Belizean fruit punch welcome drink! After lunch, we hit the ground running with a beautiful waterfall hike. We are so proud of this group and cannot wait to continue watching them grow and shine over the next four days. Thank you again for sharing your remarkable kids with us!
Talk soon,
Caroline and Frank
Student Shoutouts
Mac Heinemann- Hi everyone, guess who’s scuba certified!!!! I’ve been having such an amazing time we just got to the jungle after being on the island for a couple days. We are about to go zip lining. I just wanted to say thank you for sending me to Moondance it has been such a fun and amazing experience. Love y’all!!!
Ryan Dretler – Hi fam!! I’m having sooo much fun we left the island yesterday and now we’re in the jungle! We’re going zip lining today which I’m so excited for! Scuba diving was definitely the coolest thing I’ve ever done and I’m so excited to tell you about everything! I miss y’all so much and thank you so much for sending me on this trip to experience all of these amazing things! I love yall!
Corinne Macchio – Hi!! I’m having such a good time and we just left the island yesterday to head to the middle of the jungle. I’m officially scuba certified!! I would so go scuba dive with Bridget sometime. We are going zip lining today!! I miss everyone so much and can’t wait to see you guys! I’m so excited to exchange stories with Gavin and Bridget! I’ve made the best of friends here and am so sad to leave them and Belize. Thank you so much for sending me on Moondance and encouraging me to go! Love you guys.
Emmy Stewart- Hey!! I have had so much fun here! We left the island yesterday and scuba diving was so much fun!! It was so cool and I will never forgot it! Today we are in the jungle and are going to go zip lining! I have made so many new friends and I don’t wanna leave! I miss everyone and can’t wait to tell yall everything!! Thank you so much for sending me on Moondance it has been amazing! Love y’all and see you soon!!!
Georgia – I am having so much fun we left the island yesterday and I got scuba certified! We are zip lining today! Thank you so much for sending me to Moondance! Love you see you soon
Kaya- Hey mom and dad, I am having a lot of fun we have done kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving on the island. We are in the jungle right now and about to go zip-lining. Thank you for sending me to Moondance and I will see you soon.
Mia- Hey mom and dad! I’m having such a fun time in Belize, scuba diving was so cool and one of the best experiences of my life. I’m so thankful to have this opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the rainforest and the ocean, and to make so many new friends along the way. We are about to go zip lining in the Bocawina rainforest right now, so I’ll see you in just a few days! Love you guys!
Frank- Hey mom and dad I’m having so much fun!! The scuba diving was so cool and we saw so many animals. I have met lots and lots of new friends and I have gotten close with a lot of the people. Thank you so much for sending me to Moondance I am having the best time!!
Max Collie- I am having an amazing time at Moondance. We left the island yesterday and are now in the rainforest. I got Scuba certified and you already know I exchanged contacts with my instructor so we can go back! We are about to go zip lining for two hours and then repel a waterfall which we hike up. I have so much great GoPro footage cannot wait to see y’all again! Love you both so much.
Henry Meadows- Hi guys. I am having so much fun. I am enjoying Moondance so much. Scuba diving was awesome. Thank y’all so much for the opportunity to come out here. Me and Evans have been playing a lot of spike ball. The beach was super awesome. Can’t wait to see your guys!
Jack Sweeney- Hi guys I’m having the best time. I love my counselors and my group! Scuba diving was so cool! I got to go down to 60 feet. The beach was awesome and the water was crystal clear. I miss you guys and can’t wait to see you!
Evans White- Hi guys I am having a blast. We just got back from an island we went 60 feet scuba diving and played lots of spike ball. We just finished zip lining and it was awesome. Yesterday we went to a water fall. We are going repelling down a water fall tomorrow. I am having the best time ever love you both so much.
Will Lyon- Hey guys, my first Moondance experience is going amazing so far and I learned how to scuba dive and learned a lot of things. I think I found how I wanna spend my summer. Thank you guys for giving me the opportunity to be here
Shout Outs!
July 10, 2026
Evans- hi mom hi dad hi Otis. The trip has been really fun. We have gone cave tubing, horseback riding, and the Mayan ruins. We have also stayed in beds which has been very comfortable.
Kaya- hey mom and dad, the trip so far has been really fun. We have done horseback riding, tubing, cave tubing, and also the Mayan ruins and my favorite was cave tubing. On our first stay we slept in huts which was really fun. I also got a cool shirt from one of the local stores.
Jack Sweeny- Mom, Dad, Brooks, and Palmer I’m having a great time here! I’ve met so many new, nice people and we are all having a blast. My favorite part of the trip so far was getting to ride a horse! Love yall so much!
Henry meadows- Hi mom and dad. Even though I have an ear infection I am still having a blast. We just did cave tubing and horse back riding. Next we are going to an island, I’m super excited.
Frank Deming- what’s up mom and dad!!It’s been really fun and I’m having a great time. I’ve made lots and lots of new friends and fun people and my leaders are great. Tell my friends I said what’s up. See you soon!!
Max Collie – Hey mom and dad! I am having so much fun at Moondance. Belize is so much fun and really cool. We just left San Ignacio and are headed to our island we have like a 1 hour boat ride there I am so excited. Can’t wait to see you!
Georgia Murray- hi mom and dad I am having so much fun everyone is so nice the leaders are great love you see you soon!
Emmy Stewart- Hey mom and dad!! I am having so much fun here! I have made so many new friends!! It is amazing here and sooo cool and pretty!! Tell my friends I miss them to! Today we are going to the island to scuba dive and I’m so exited! I love and miss yall so much!!!
Ryan Dretler- Hi mom and dad and Cole!! Belize is so fun! We just left our first hotel which was nice and we’re heading to the island which I’m so excited for! So far we’ve seen Mayan sites, river tubed, cave tubed, and did horseback riding which was all so fun! I miss you guys so much! Tell all my friends I miss them! I love yall! Also mom thanks for telling me to pack two pairs of sunglasses because I already lost one 🙂
Mac Heinemann- Hi everyone!! I’ve been having so much fun we’ve been doing so many cool activities like cave tubing, horseback riding. I miss y’all so much but not too much, tell everyone I say hi!!!!! Love yall.
Will Lyon- Hey everybody specifically my family. So far, Belize is super fun and we have pursued many activities such as cave tubing, rock jumping, and horseback riding along with encountering wildlife along the way and learning new things everyday while having fun. I miss you guys but not enough to want to leave. Bye guys!
Mia Fox- hi guys!!! I miss everyone so much but I’m having a great time in Belize! Horse back riding, cave tubing, and seeing the Mayan ruins was so cool and fun. It’s so beautiful here and the rainforest and water it so pretty! I’m so excited for scuba diving and everything else, but can’t wait to see you!! Tell everyone hi for me!! Love you guys!
Corinne Macchio – Heyyy fam!! I’m having a blast in Belize with the best people! We have done so many fun activities and cave tubing was definitely my favorite. It’s so pretty here!! We start scuba today and head to the island!! Tell everyone I miss them and tell Ridley I miss him! I love you guys!!
Fun in the Sun!
July 10, 2026
These past four days have flown by in Belize!
We have had such an incredible first few days together, and we are so excited to share a little glimpse into all the adventures we’ve already had! We have had no shortage of fun while cave tubing, river tubing, horseback riding, and exploring the Mayan ruins. This group has the best energy and has truly kept us laughing since day one!
On our first day of exploring San Ignacio, Max and Ryan led the way as our first LODs (Leaders of the Day)! They led by example, showing curiosity and asking the best questions during our Mayan ruins tour. Mac brought all the enthusiasm to our next adventure, which was river tubing! She was the first to jump in the water and encouraged others to do the same with such excitement! On the way home from river tubing, we made a surprise ice cream stop, which may have just made Will and Jack’s days. These two have the most infectious joy and have been cracking some hilarious jokes! We ended our first full day with a sweet Moonup outside on one of our porches, which was the perfect way to set the tone for another awesome day.
The next day, we had an early wake-up so we could make the most of our cave tubing excursion! We were so proud of our group’s enthusiasm and positive attitudes despite the early morning. We hiked for about an hour to reach our cave tubing destination, and every single kid showed us just how adventurous they were by trying a termite along the way! Evans was the first to try one and proved how fearless he is, giving others the courage to try one too! During cave tubing, our guides let us get out of our tubes and go spelunking! We climbed through the caves, and Emmy and Frank were not afraid to get a little dirty. They embraced the mud with smiles on their faces and brought such fun energy to this part of the activity! We also had the opportunity to cliff jump within the caves, which was definitely a highlight of the day. Kaya’s adventurous spirit and courage shone through as he was one of the first to jump! After cave tubing, we made our way to Banana Bank for horseback riding! Georgia and Mia were the first to hop on their horses and showed us all their skills as we rode through the lush rainforest! After horseback riding, we headed back to the hotel, where we had even more fun swimming in the pool before enjoying some of the best fajitas ever!
The next day was another exciting one as we traveled to Dangriga and hopped on a boat to head to paradise! We received the most amazing welcome from the kind staff here and went for an afternoon snorkel led by our guide, Luis! Henry and Corinne’s enthusiasm to snorkel was contagious, and watching their reaction to the tarpon, nurse sharks, and lionfish brought us so much joy! We are so lucky to be staying on the most beautiful island for the next week, and can’t wait to watch these kids continue to grow as they earn their SCUBA certifications!
We are having such a blast with this amazing group and cannot wait for everything still to come over the next two weeks. Thank you all so much for sharing your amazing kids with us this summer. We feel so lucky to experience Belize alongside them and can’t wait to update you again soon!
With love from Belize,
Caroline and Frank
Safe Arrival!
July 7, 2026
Hello Belize Families!
We heard from our leaders that the group has landed safely! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure! Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
