• Life Below Water

Marine Conservation Dive Master

location
3 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Moderate response rate

Highlights

  • The program will have you training (as Dive Master) and diving alongside the marine conservation volunteers as they participate on their projects.
  • Work as part of a dedicated dive team.
  • Build your confidence underwater and gain valuable dive skills.
  • Gain valuable marine life ID skills and a better knowledge of marine life interactions.
  • Experience life on a friendly small Caribbean Island.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Your story can combine your love of the ocean with a professionally recognized qualification, as Reef Buddy is able to offer an SSI Divemaster program with a difference.

Combine your love for the ocean with a professionally recognized qualification through Caribbean Reef Buddy’s unique SSI Divemaster program. Do you want to become a Divemaster and engage in marine conservation? Join our project and achieve both!

Our Divemaster program is a three-week intensive ...

About the program

Combine your love for the ocean with a professionally recognized qualification through Caribbean Reef Buddy’s unique SSI Divemaster program. Do you want to become a Divemaster and engage in marine conservation? Join our project and achieve both!

Our Divemaster program is a three-week intensive training course that can be integrated into your planned stay in Carriacou. You’ll train and dive alongside marine conservation volunteers as they participate in their projects, making it an excellent follow-up to your volunteer experience.

Since 2014, Caribbean Reef Buddy in Carriacou has been dedicated to marine conservation and education. Working closely with our partners, we have achieved remarkable results by raising awareness and changing behaviors to preserve our marine environment.

During this exciting program, you will delve into the intricacies of our marine world, contribute to conservation projects, and work towards your SSI Divemaster professional scuba rating. This rating is invaluable if you are considering a career in marine science or diving. Over eight weeks, you’ll collaborate with other volunteers, assisting them with their diving education as you advance your own skills.

Accommodation is provided at our partner guesthouse, including breakfast and dinner, along with as much sunshine as you can handle.

Typical day

What Will You Be Doing

A typical day for our volunteers starts with a quick briefing at the dive base, outlining the day’s plans. Usually, the day unfolds as follows:

08:30 - Getting Ready: Volunteers are responsible for their own scuba equipment throughout their time in the Caribbean Reef Buddy ...

Typical day

What Will You Be Doing

A typical day for our volunteers starts with a quick briefing at the dive base, outlining the day’s plans. Usually, the day unfolds as follows:

08:30 - Getting Ready: Volunteers are responsible for their own scuba equipment throughout their time in the Caribbean Reef Buddy program. Each volunteer will set up and load their own scuba gear onto the boat, including a spare tank for the second dive. Survey equipment will be organized by the program coordinator.

09:00 - Going Diving: On each dive, we will have different skills to accomplish, depending on the requirements for becoming a Divemaster scheduled for the day. We’ll head out for two dives, with the surface interval spent moving between dive sites and preparing for the next element.

12:30 - Back at Base: All equipment is offloaded from the boat, rinsed, and tidied away. Then we break for lunch, typically taking an hour to relax and grab some food.

14:00 - Afternoon Activities: Afternoons usually involve practicing more skills and theories with instructors.

Free-time activities

Things to Do Around Carriacou

Carriacou is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and calm turquoise water for those who like to relax in the sun and work on their tan. The word “Carriacou” is based on the Carib-Indian word meaning “Island of Reefs”, and as such, the island offers gorgeous ...

Free-time activities

Things to Do Around Carriacou

Carriacou is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and calm turquoise water for those who like to relax in the sun and work on their tan. The word “Carriacou” is based on the Carib-Indian word meaning “Island of Reefs”, and as such, the island offers gorgeous snorkeling in several easily-accessible locations.

Here are some of the things you may want to check out on and around the island (additional costs may apply):
• Guided tours of the island.
• Beaches like Anse La Roche, Paradise Beach, and Petite Carenage.
• Island trips and beach BBQs.
• Kite surfing on Union Island with our friends at the JT Pro Centre.
• Visit the legendary bar on Happy Island!
• A nature walk through mangroves and the nature park at High North.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

-Must have Rescue Dive Certification -Must at least have 40 logged dives

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:30 - 15:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Caribbean Reef Buddy

What's Included
  • Accommodation: Participants are provided shared accommodation at a local guest house in Hillsborough. The accommodation is comfortable, and close to all the local amenities. Fast WiFi is available. At additional costs, laundry services are available on-site, as is A/C and single room occupancy. You’ll be provided with breakfast and a hearty evening meal each day (please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian/vegan, allergies, etc.
  • Training: Your diving training course materials will be provided to you in advance of your arrival on Carriacou via the SSI training app. Whilst you are here all of the training for the projects will be provided to you by our team. You’ll also have access to all the materials you’ll possibly need. Full basic SCUBA diving equipment will be provided too, but for comfort, you might want to bring your own mask, fins, and booties.
  • Trips & Excursions: At least once a week, we like to arrange a non-project-related trip or excursion as a way of breaking up the program and getting you to see more of the island. These are all included too. Drinking water is provided on all trips, and a shared cool box is available if you want to bring your own drinks & snacks.
  • Pick-up from Lauriston Airport in Carriacou or the Carriacou Ferry Port (Osprey Lines/MV Dolly C/Tyrrel Bay Express). Please advise when you will be arriving in Carriacou, and we will come to pick you up. We will also drop you off again when you are ready to return.
What's Not Included

  • Airfares
  • Self-Catering Accommodation
  • Visas
  • Transfers to Carriacou
  • Medical insurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • Dive Insurance
  • Lunch Meal
  • Dive Medical*

Excursions that are not part of our monitoring activities or training programs (some volunteers wish to island-hop to explore more of the island chain).

We typically will head out to a local restaurant on a Saturday evening, which is at our own cost. This is a great way to experience some more of the island.

*You will be required to complete an RSTC Medical Statement prior to commencing any scuba diving course. If a "Yes" appears to any question on your statement, please consult your doctor and get them to complete the reverse of the form before the start of your program with us.

Accommodation

Rosa's Guest House
  • Your Reef Buddy volunteer package includes half-board guest house accommodation based on 2-3 people sharing a room. The accommodation, Rosa's Guest House, is right on the doorstep of Silver Beach, which is excellent for relaxing. Fast WiFi is available. At additional costs, laundry services are available on-site, as is A/C and single room occupancy.
  • Gary & Beverly, the owners/managers of Rosa's, will be looking after you to ensure your stay is as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
  • Rooms & apartments are available on a shared basis, with typically 2-3 people sharing a room. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, en-suite bathrooms, and fans to keep you cool. All have balcony access where you can enjoy the breeze on an evening.

Food & Beverages

Breakfast & Evening Meal

  • You will be provided with breakfast every morning, usually comprising cereals, toast, eggs, bacon, fresh juices, tea, and coffee. Dinner every evening (except on Saturday evenings when we typically head out to a local restaurant, which the volunteers will need to pay for their own meals) will also be provided. For those volunteers with special dietary requirements, please ensure you include this as part of your application.
Lunch is not included in your meal package, but is cheaply available from a number of eateries.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Maurice Bishop International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) in St. George's. We assist you to find cheap flights to Grenada. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Grenada provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Grenada you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Grenada. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

START DATES

The Dive Master Program will start on the 5th week of the Marine Conservation period. So, for anyone who wants to join the Dive Master program for 2025, should arrive at least a day before the following program start dates:

02-Jun

30-Jun

28-Jul

25-Aug

 

TRAVELING TO CARRIACOU

From St. George's, Grenada, you can either fly via SVG Air or take the inter-island ferry to Carriacou

1. Flying via SVG Air (US$69.00 one-way)

Grenada to Carriacou Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun - 9:20 am & 4:30 pm

Carriacou to Grenada Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri Sat, Sun - 8:35 am & 4:00 pm

2. Inter-Island Ferry

a. Osprey Lines (US$30.00 one-way)

Grenada to Carriacou 

   Mon, Wed, Fri - 9:00 am & 5:00 pm

   Tue, Thu, Sat - 9:00 am

Carriacou to Grenada 

   Mon, Wed, Fri - 6:00 am & 5:00 pm

   Tue, Thu, Sat - 5:00pm

b. MV Dolly C (US$19.00 one-way)

Grenada to Carriacou Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00 pm

Carriacou to Grenada Mon, Wed, Fri 4:00 am

c. Tyrrel Bay Express (US$23.00 one-way)

Grenada to Carriacou Tues, Thu, Sat 4:00 pm

Carriacou to Grenada Tues, Thu, Sat 5:00 am

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

3 weeks (min. stay) 2,610€
4 weeks 3,479€
5 weeks 4,349€
6 weeks 5,219€
7 weeks 6,089€
8 weeks 6,959€
9 weeks 7,829€
10 weeks 8,699€
11 weeks 9,569€
12 weeks (max. stay) 10,438€
Average fees 870€/week

Program fees

870€ per week 3 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

3 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Caribbean Reef Buddy during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Caribbean Reef Buddy

Outstanding 4.9 rating (9 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2013

Verified by Volunteer World

  Moderate response rate

Coordinated by

Gary

Spoken languages: Spanish, English, German

About the project

Caribbean Reef Buddy is a non-profit organization (NGO) dedicated to marine conservation, based on the island of Carriacou, Grenada.

Meet your organization

WHO ARE WE?

Caribbean Reef Buddy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and understanding of our unique marine life. Throughout our work, our aim is to enhance conservation and scientific knowledge, while inspiring people and leading by example, encouraging environmental awareness and individual development.

WHERE ARE WE?

Caribbean Reef Buddy is based on the island of Carriacou, Grenada, West Indies. Carriacou is the second largest island of Grenada and the largest island in the spectacular paradise of the Grenadines Island chain measuring just 13 square miles. The tiny island has unspoiled reefs, an amazing variety of aquatic life, and over 30+ beautiful dive sites. Carriacou has some of the best dive spots in the world with clear waters, pristine coral reefs, amazing wrecks, and magical drifts. The island's charm lies in its laidback rejuvenating escape from the fast-paced world. It is a very safe island where you do not have to worry about crime or violence. Muggings are virtually unheard of and even petty thefts are very rare.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Our Story in Carriacou is to work closely with the community and people like yourself to make a sustainable difference in marine conservation awareness and education. Caribbean Reef Buddy (CRB) does this through the delivery of environmental and conservation projects that are linked to global ecological and social themes. Our projects include assessing marine species and coral health, repopulation of our reef systems, and supporting greater awareness within our local schools.

You too can write a chapter in our ongoing story of how our Reef Buddies took some time and made a huge difference on this tropical island paradise. Your story can not only include your first-hand experience of delivering our projects, but also of your hikes in the tropical forests, your walks along deserted beaches, and the bond you’ll make with new friends from all over the world. Join us in the Caribbean as we help you to start a new chapter in your story.


MISSION, OBJECTIVE & VISION

Our Mission is to work with and in support of local communities to assist in the protection and preservation of a healthy, diverse, and sustainable marine ecosystem.

Our Objective lies in maintaining strong ties and links to the local community, their interests, and concerns. The success and sustainability of any marine environmental study or conservation project are largely dependent on a comprehensive outreach program.

Our Vision is the continual identification of marine ecological and environmental initiatives within Grenada and Carriacou. Deliver local, national, and international outreach programs in conjunction with an all-inclusive training package to protect and preserve the marine and coral reef ecosystem.


THE ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS

We are looking for individuals interested in marine ecology and conservation to work on critical marine conservation projects around the beautiful island of the Carriacou.

You will contribute towards various conservation-related surveys aimed at providing data to the local government on coral reef research, fish, and invertebrate surveys, assist with the development of an environmental education and awareness program, monitor sharks, assess diver impacts, as well as marine plastic pollution clean-ups and surveys.

9 reviews · rating4.9

Billy Williams rating5

2023 at Marine Conservation Dive Master

The accommodations were the only downside to the whole trip. The staff was fantastic, and as a Dive-Master intern, I learned much more than if I had tried to do it locally. Gary was very hands-on in my training and made me fill like I could do it through the whole process. The staff made sure ...
I had the most amazing time in Carriacou and am hoping to return in the next few years. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, I loved that most of the volunteers stayed at the same hotel; on our first Sunday one of the group, who had already been there for 4 weeks, came and knocked on our door to ...
Bob Sporle rating5

2017 at Marine Conservation Dive Master

The Divemaster course that CRB offer is undeniably an extraordinary experience. From gaining multiple PADI qualifications to helping take care of the delicate ecosystem myself, it was a truly unique and rewarding experience. As well as being under the water, there are plenty of other activities ...
Todd Crouse rating5

2023 at Coral Reef Regeneration Assistant

There were so many things to see, swarms of fish, tons of coral varieties, sponges, eels, turtles and even a few nudibranchs. Oh and you forget you are supposed to be identifying various predators. Many staff members had hawk eyes to point out very well hidden or camouflaged shrimp, eels and the ...
John Mclaughlin rating5

2023 at Coral Reef Monitoring Supporter

This was a life-changing experience. The crew at CRB provided a mix of fun and education that was an amazing basis to learn and become certified as an advanced open-water diver. The fact that we were able to help with a research project only made the entire experience more enjoyable. I am ...
Racquel Artuz rating5

2023 at APEX Predator Monitorer

I had a great time during my 4 weeks of volunteering with Caribbean Reef Buddy. On my first week with the program, I did training week wherein I got my required diving qualification/certification. For the remaining 3 weeks, we did various of marine conservation activities (different project every ...

Location

Americas > Caribbean > Grenada > Carriacou

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Grenada
Contact Gary
  Moderate response rate
Spanish, English, German

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