• Life Below Water

Marine Conservation Internship with PADI Training

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Earn your PADI Advanced Open Water qualification
  • Gain experience in a range of marine conservation initiatives, including coral reef surveying and restoration.
  • Preserve the unique ecosystem of the ocean
  • Contribute to UN SDG #14, Life Below Water.
  • Immerse yourself in Mexican culture, learning the language and sampling authentic Mexican cuisine.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Kickstart your career in marine conservation on this internship. Gain PADI certifications while diving in the spectacular waters of Mexico to collect valuable data.

Travel to Mexico and work alongside local authorities on the preservation of the Mexico Caribbean's 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 Caribbean's 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 specialty 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 minimize marine plastic pollution and immerse with the local community by conducting environmental education workshops. Interns are required to complete weekly assignments and host leadership days. While on program, interns are supported by a dedicated mentor.

You will be motivated to generate new solutions and propose new elements to improve contribution to conservation of coral reefs in Mexico.

This internship includes three online courses which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States:

  • Marine Conservation
  • Leadership Training
  • Career Development 

After successful completion of this internship, you will be offered two career coaching sessions as well as gain access to a job portal. 


Get in touch for more information!

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 Dive

12pm: Lunch

1pm - 4pm: Second Dive/Snorkel/Data inpur

6pm: Dinner 

9pm: Bed Time

As an intern you will also have ...

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 Dive

12pm: Lunch

1pm - 4pm: Second Dive/Snorkel/Data inpur

6pm: Dinner 

9pm: Bed Time

As an intern you will also have weekly sessions with your mentor.

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 (intermediate level)

Education Requirements

at School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Medical Form, Passport Copy and PADI 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
  • Certification and summary of training and experience received
  • Community work workshop
  • Confidential professional reference
  • Coral reef ecology
  • Final evaluation
  • Introduction to teaching techniques
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • Real hands on experience and learn about the challenges of marine conservation has in this region
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Teamwork and leadership experience
  • Transfer to base location
  • Use of O2 equipment workshop
  • Weekly evaluation with your mentor
  • 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

2024
  • 23 Nov 2024
  • 07 Dec 2024
  • 21 Dec 2024
2025
  • 04 Jan 2025
  • 18 Jan 2025
  • 01 Feb 2025
  • 15 Feb 2025
  • 01 Mar 2025
  • 15 Mar 2025
  • 29 Mar 2025
  • 12 Apr 2025
  • 26 Apr 2025
  • 10 May 2025
  • 24 May 2025
  • 07 Jun 2025
  • 21 Jun 2025
  • 05 Jul 2025
  • 19 Jul 2025
  • 02 Aug 2025
  • 16 Aug 2025
  • 30 Aug 2025
  • 13 Sep 2025
  • 27 Sep 2025
  • 11 Oct 2025
  • 25 Oct 2025
  • 08 Nov 2025
  • 22 Nov 2025
  • 06 Dec 2025
  • 20 Dec 2025
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 5,895€
6 weeks 7,295€
8 weeks 8,295€
10 weeks 9,645€
12 weeks (max. stay) 10,795€
Average fees 1,186€/week

Program fees

1,186€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

4 - 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

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high 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.

221 reviews · rating4.8

I had the opportunity to do the virtual marine conservation internship with GVI, it was super good for my work experience and academic training as I learned a lot from the courses and I was able to explore my skills in data analysis which I had not explored so far, I highly recommend this internship ...
Pam Parkes rating5

2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
Olivia Babbage rating5

2024 at Teach English to locals

3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
Tashanna Reid rating5

2024 at Marine Ecosystem Internship

I did the U18s Tenerife volunteering which was such a great experience and I will definitely do it again! It was lovely meeting new people and making friends and the staff are very welcoming and fun. It had the perfect mix of relaxing and having fun while also doing the work required and exploring ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Mexico > Puerto Morelos

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Mexico
Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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