What is Reef Conservation International?

Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) volunteer trips are a unique opportunity to protect the reef ecosystem by directly participating in our ongoing marine conservation projects! We are located on a small, private, picture-perfect Caribbean island on the Belize Barrier Reef.  The diving is incredible and the conservation work we do is meaningful! Join us and make a difference!!

What will I be doing?

Reef Conservation International empowers you to take an active role in directly protecting and conserving our oceans that we love via our marine conservation projects and environmental education and awareness program. You will learn about the invasive lionfish that is destroying our native coral reefs and participate in our conservation dives to spearfish and remove this incredibly destructive invasive species. You will also learn all about coral reefs, tropical fish, sharks, manatees, dolphins and many other species from tiny invertebrates to the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark. You will participate in our marine conservation identification dives to discover the wonders of the marine world. We also cover many more topics from ocean acidification to climate change and you will discover things you can do to combat these issues. Join us and make a difference! 

Each week/day will differ but you will be helping and participating in the following areas:

• Invasive Lion fish: Spearfish to remove this destructive invasive species that is destroying native coral reef ecosystems. 

• Marine Conservation Education: Learn about coral reefs and marine animals and discover how we can protect our oceans and reefs.  

• Whale Shark Monitoring (if spotted): Dive with the largest fish in the ocean and record sightings to improve conservation efforts.

• Biodiversity Identification Dives: Identification dives (fish, sea turtles, sharks, invertebrates, coral) to increase one’s knowledge and understanding of reef ecosystems.

• Beach Clean-ups:  Weekly beach and island trash/plastic removal on islands of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Depending on the season and length of stay you might not take part in all of these activities above but it is a good bet that you will experience most of them. 

Whale Shark Sightings Not Guaranteed

Please note that we don't guarantee whale shark sightings. Any program that guarantees a sighting is not being honest. Sightings are funny thing - you know it’s going to happen but trying to nail down specific dates is impossible. Some years we have multiple sightings, then other years we have none. But whale sharks or not - our program can guarantee that you will have an amazing experience with us on our little magical island!! The conservation work our NGO/non-profit does is meaningful and makes a real difference on the reef and our volunteers are a big part of it!

Is this trip for me?

We attract a vast cross section of demographics from diverse ages, backgrounds, and nationalities.  We have singles, students, working professionals, families, couples, and retirees that come to our island!  People coming on this type of volunteer experience all have a shared passion for diving and ocean conservation, which makes for great group dynamics. We give the general diver a unique opportunity to learn about and help conserve the marine environment while having a fun volunteer experience. Our trips are for both experienced and non-experienced divers and those wishing to become certified divers. Everyone contributes regardless of their background or experience. The research methodologies we teach are very simple and you will learn all you need to know in our training sessions prior to each dive.  You will be spearing the invasive lion fish and participating in our other conservation dives and making a difference!

Dive Certifications and Courses Offered on the Island