from 3,745€

Brilliant 4.7rating (189)

Marine Conservation Expedition with PADI Training

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Work alongside National and international organizations to preserve the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the State of Quintana Roo
  • Be part of the conservation and work done inside the largest National Marine Biosphere Reserve in the Caribbean
  • Improve your diving and research skills
  • Mingle and raise awareness to tourists, local people and local fishermen
  • Contribute to raise awareness to local children (Community program)

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Gain PADI certifications while diving in the spectacular waters of Mexico to collect valuable data on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Travel to Mexico and work alongside local authorities on the preservation of the Mexico Carribeans Marine Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest ecosystems globally. The project goals are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 14, Life Below Water. 

Interns will be PADI ...

About the program

Travel to Mexico and work alongside local authorities on the preservation of the Mexico Carribeans Marine Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest ecosystems globally. The project goals are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 14, Life Below Water. 

Interns will be PADI dive trained in order to effectively complete necessary data collection on the coral reef without causing any damage. Upon completion of this internship, you will receive your PADI Open Water (8wks+), PADI Advanced Open Water and the unique speciality PADI Coral Reef Researcher.

Participate in surveys that work to establish the overall health of the reef; maintain a coral nursery which involves growing coral fragments to replant them onto the local reef, assist with beach clean ups to minimise marine plastic pollution and immerse with the local community by conducting environmental education workshops. 

This program includes an optional Marine conservation online courses which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States.


Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Survey 
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Survey 
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time
You could expect to dive/snorkel 1 to 2 ...

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Survey 
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Survey 
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time
You could expect to dive/snorkel 1 to 2 times a day. 

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are ...

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended: 
  • Mayan Ruins
  • Eco Adventure Parks
  • Diving & Snorkeling
  • Cenotes
  • Whale spotting 
  • Hiking & rock climbing
The possibilities are endless! 

We also now include cultural/local experiences. These experiences will take place once every 4 weeks. 

These activities may include: 

  • Learn to cook traditional Yucatán food
  • Visit a Mayan ruin
  • Take a beach yoga class
  • Dive through the cenotes
  • Stand-up paddleboard at sunrise
  • Climb rock formations in the jungle
  • Learn the unique geography of the Yucatán Peninsula
  • Explore the ancient city of Coba


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 (fluently)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

PADI Medical form and Medical Form

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

All participants joining for 4 weeks must be PADI Open Water certified before joining the program and should be able to walk 200m over uneven ground carrying their dive equipment. Training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self paced training materials.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
  • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • Community work workshop
  • Coral reef ecology
  • First Aid & CPR training
  • Live and work in a protected reserve surveying deserted reefs under GVI’s research permit
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Speciality
  • PADI Open Water (for 8 and 12 week volunteers) and Advanced Open Water
  • Real hands on experience and learn about the challenges marine conservation has in this region
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Transfer to base location
  • Use of O2 equipment workshop
  • Welcome meeting

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer, DSMB and reel, slate, etc.
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Police or background check
  • Some equipment is not included
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Cancun International Airport

Airport pick up is provided from Cancun International Airport within a specific time period. 

Accommodation

Puerto Morelos is the oldest port city in the Mexican Caribbean, our base is located on the beachfront about 5km from the town centre. 

Accomodation facilities are shared dormitories and can be considered basic.

Food & Beverages

Breakfast is prepared by participants and while lunch and dinner is prepared by a local cook. Most dietary requirements can be catered for. 

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cancun International Airport (CUN) in Cancun. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mexico. 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 Mexico provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

2023

  • 19 Aug 2023
  • 02 Sep 2023
  • 16 Sep 2023
  • 30 Sep 2023
  • 14 Oct 2023
  • 28 Oct 2023
  • 11 Nov 2023
  • 25 Nov 2023
  • 09 Dec 2023
2024
  • 06 Jan 2024
  • 20 Jan 2024
  • 03 Feb 2024
  • 17 Feb 2024
  • 02 Mar 2024
  • 16 Mar 2024
  • 30 Mar 2024
  • 13 Apr 2024
  • 27 Apr 2024
  • 11 May 2024
  • 25 May 2024
  • 08 Jun 2024
  • 22 Jun 2024
  • 06 Jul 2024
  • 20 Jul 2024
  • 03 Aug 2024
  • 17 Aug 2024
  • 31 Aug 2024
  • 14 Sep 2024
  • 28 Sep 2024
  • 12 Oct 2024
  • 26 Oct 2024
  • 09 Nov 2024
  • 23 Nov 2024
  • 07 Dec 2024
  • 21 Dec 2024

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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 3,745€
3 weeks 4,195€
4 weeks 4,645€
5 weeks 5,145€
6 weeks 5,695€
7 weeks 6,145€
8 weeks 6,595€
9 weeks 7,095€
10 weeks 7,645€
11 weeks 8,145€
12 weeks (max. stay) 8,695€
Average fees 1,298€/week

Program fees

1,298€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 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 GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

GVI

Brilliant 4.7 rating (189 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

189 reviews · rating4.7

Amazing experience volunteering in Marine Conservation in Mexico with like minded people. As a mature volunteer I was concerned I would not fit in. Everyone made me so welcome. The science coordinator was an inspiration and I felt privileged being taught by ...
As an older volunteer (50!) I was concerned that I wouldn't fit in so well with all the younger volunteers in their 20s. However we have all quickly become good friends and are always keen to help each other out. We all have a shared interest in diving and conservation which helps. The staff on ...
Jessica Siegenthaler rating2.2

2021 at Marine Conservation Expedition with PADI Training

Overall I participated 2 weeks in this program, which is to less btw! You don't get to have the real volunteering possibilities and it's basically an expensive dive vacation without that many dives. The good parts from the program: - The Staff in Mexico was super friendly and knowledgable about ...
Amazing base with amazing people and a life-changing experience I spent 6 weeks at base as a short-term marine conservation intern. It was truly inspiring how the staff helped us with everything and made us feel as part of this great family. We learnt very useful things about marine ecosystems in ...
At the beginning of this year, I embarked with GVI on the Marine Conservation short-term internship in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. I was lucky to find out about our project on a university page, as I was required to complete an internship for academic credits. Life on base was exceptional; I liked to ...
This was an amazing experience with GVI. I have used other companies too but I have found GVI to be more like a family. I learnt a lot about the children I taught and the community projects were so inspiring. Embracing different cultures was rewarding and I even learnt some Spanish. It real is a ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Mexico > Puerto Morelos

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