Operation Wallacea - Honduras

I completed my dissertation research project with the Cusuco National Park team, and had an absolute blast- my focus was herpetofauna but witnessing the amazing flora and fauna of Cusuco really made the trip truly special, I hope to return!!

Spent 6 weeks in mexico's marine site collecting data for my undergraduate thesis. This is a trip i will never forget as i met the most amazing and likeminded people that i continue to stay in contact till this day. Staff were so friendly and easy to get along with while still staying professional and the skills i learnt during my time with them have helped me progress my career in many different ways.

Facing the prospect of a career in biology was quite daunting to me at the beginning of last academic year as I had no clue where to start or how to get experience. But then I came across Operation Wallacea and it is a great option for anyone looking to delve into biology but not quite sure where to start. There are a wide range to choose from and I chose Honduras terrestrial and marine as it most appealed to me. Having never really travelled properly before too, I was nervous but excited to get stuck straight in and that’s what happened. Forced to meet likeminded people at the hotel on the first night and then thrown straight into a jungle expedition the next day meant that I got to know some amazing people and got to experience the wonderful biodiversity that Cusuco National Park had to offer. The range of experience I gained from the cloud forest was second to none and gave me such good insight into where I might like to go next. This include transact walks, engaging with locals and guides, lectures, photography and other activities. Once I got to Utila for the marine aspect of the trip, it was no different. Whilst sleeping in an actual bedroom with working lavatories and being cooked for was a drastic change from sleeping in hammocks and cooking for ourselves, the biology was still ever present. Gaining my PADI qualification whilst diving every day and immersing myself in Caribbean marine life is an experience I will never forget. This is not to discredit the in depth reef ecology course, PhD project and island life that we got to experience as well. If I have to summarise my trip in limited words I simply couldn’t as it was the best trip I have, personally, ever been on and I wouldn’t hesitate to go again. Operation Wallacea opened my eyes to a lifestyle catered towards my passion for biology and an appreciation of the natural beauty the world contains. Thank you Opwall!