desde 966€

Sobresaliente 4.9rating (84)

Marine Life Conservation Assistant

location
1 - 8 semanas  ·  Edad 16 - 50+

rating  Sobresaliente 4.9  · 
  Verificado por Volunteer World
  Ratio de respuesta buena

Proyecto de la más alta calidad. Este proyecto ofrece la más alta calidad que establece estándares, muy por encima del promedio.

Puntos Relevantes

  • Get hands-on experience in marine conservation work and gain real world insight on what it is like to actually work in the field of marine conservation
  • Volunteer on a remote private Caribbean island, a real castaway island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef
  • Protect the reef ecosystem by directly participating in our ongoing marine conservation projects and learn all about coral reefs and marine life
  • Learn to dive or further your dive qualifications; everyone contributes regardless of your experience
  • Have an adventure, make new international friends, and give back to a cause you believe in while having lots of fun!

Especialmente adecuado para

Edad 16+
Solteros y solteras
Parejas
Grupos
50+

Sobre el programa

Gain real insight into marine conservation work and methodologies through hands-on conservation training and work experience. 🐠

Why Choose Us?

Reef Conservation International is a fantastic way to experience real world conservation efforts, while having great fun!  You will get hands-on experience for marine conservation work and gain real world insight on what it is like to actually work in the field of marine ...

Sobre el programa

Why Choose Us?

Reef Conservation International is a fantastic way to experience real world conservation efforts, while having great fun!  You will get hands-on experience for marine conservation work and gain real world insight on what it is like to actually work in the field of marine conservation.  You can even shadow our two Marine Biologists while with us and soak up as much from them as possible.  It would be a great learning experience for you and help inform you on your possible career choices.

The only real difference between our regular volunteers and our long term (internship) volunteers is the length of time you stay with us. Typically, we find our long-term volunteers/interns tend to be one of three types:  

  1. Gap year students interested in a marine biology career
  2. College students majoring in the field of marine biology taking off a semester or two to get hands-on experience to bolster their resume   
  3. Working professionals who are exploring other career options like marine biology or possibly working as a professional diver

What is Reef Conservation International?

Feel the thrill of swimming with a whale shark, the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish, and the satisfaction in helping protect coral reefs. Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) 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?

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

  • Invasive Lionfish:  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. 

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 lionfish and participating in our other conservation dives and making a difference!

Dive Certifications and Courses Offered on the Island

In order to participate in our program, one must be a certified scuba diver.  Not certified?  No worries, many of our volunteers come to the island to learn to dive.  Looking to further your dive credentials?  Many of our volunteers come to our island to further their diving certification status.  Regardless of your diving level, our island is a wonderful place to learn with calm, clear waters and little current.  Our volunteer trips are for both non-experienced and experienced divers - all levels of divers are welcomed.  

We have many dive courses available to help you develop your scuba skills and marine conservation knowledge while on the island volunteering with us.  Below is the price our program charges for each PADI certification course and approximately how long it will take you to complete the certification course on the island.  Approximate time to complete the course is based on your aptitude, understanding, and your ability to complete the PADI requirements for the course.

PADI Certification Courses Offered on the Island

  • Open Water Certification – $225 USD (3 days)*
  • Advanced Open Water Certification – $275 USD (3 days)*
  • Rescue Diver Certification – $325 USD (1 week)*
  • Divemaster Certification – $750 USD (4 week minimum stay)*

PADI Specialty Certification Courses Offered on the Island  (One must be open water certified before taking any PADI specialty courses below)

PADI Specialties with a Marine Conservation Focus

  • Coral Reef Conservation – $175 USD (1 day)
  • Fish Identification – $175 USD (2 days)
  • Invasive Lionfish – $175 USD (2 days)
  • Shark Conservation – $175 USD (2 days)
  • Underwater Naturalist – $175 USD (2 days)

PADI Specialties with a Diving Skills Focus

  • Deep Diver – $175 USD (3 days)*
  • Emergency First Response – $175 USD (1 day)*
  • Underwater Navigator – $175 USD (3 days)*
  • Underwater Photographer – $250 USD (2 days)*

*Please Note:  The PADI Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Divemaster, Deep Diver, Emergency First Response, Underwater Navigator, and Underwater Photographer courses require the PADI eLearning prior to arrival.  All other courses do NOT require the PADI eLearning prior to arrival.  You must be a fully certified open water diver before taking any PADI specialty courses.

In order to be certified on the island, you will need to complete the PADI eLearning portion of your course (Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Divemaster, Deep Diver, Emergency First Response, Underwater Navigator, or Underwater Photographer) prior to your arrival to our island.  With PADI’s online eLearning, you will complete the classroom/theory portion of your course online before your arrival.  PADI charges from $125 to $225 USD (cost varies depending on course) for the eLearning and the cost is paid to PADI via their website.  A link to register for PADI’s online eLearning will be sent to you upon registration and you must complete the eLearning before your arrival.  This link will affiliate you with ReefCI and lets us know you are registered and taking the course with us. After completing the eLearning, you must print out your eRecord (or snap a picture of it on your phone) and bring it with you to the island for our instructors.  Once on the island, you will complete the required in-water training portion of the course with ReefCI.  The cost paid to ReefCI for the in-water portion of your course depends on which course you are taking with us.  (see our prices above)



Día típico

One can volunteer anywhere from 1 week to 12 weeks with us on the island.  Below is a typical 4 week schedule of what to expect. 

Week 1:  Primary Focus:  Diving Skills and PADI Certifications

  • Introduction and orientation
  • PADI dive course certifications
  • Marine conservation methodologies ...

Día típico

One can volunteer anywhere from 1 week to 12 weeks with us on the island.  Below is a typical 4 week schedule of what to expect. 

Week 1:  Primary Focus:  Diving Skills and PADI Certifications

  • Introduction and orientation
  • PADI dive course certifications
  • Marine conservation methodologies and techniques
  • Fun dives!
  • For those already certified, we begin with our conservation programs immediately 

Week 2:   Primary Focus:  Invasive Species

  • Invasive species overview and threats
  • Lionfish spearfishing dives
  • Lionfish dissection, analysis of stomach contents, preparation and cooking
  • Lionfish spearing derby
  • Beach clean up

Week 3:   Primary Focus: Reef Ecosystems and Marine Identification

  • Coral identification, fish identification, invertebrates identification, coral bleaching and disease identification
  • Comprehensive study and analysis of data
  • Survey dives
  • Fun dives!

Week 4:   Primary Focus: Marine Conservation Surveys

  • Coral monitoring
  • Commercial fish species, lobster, and queen conch surveys
  • Whale Shark surveys if spotted
  • PADI Specialty Course certifications
  • Beach clean up

Potential Additional Activities:

PADI certification courses and specialty courses 

*The above itinerary and activities are subject to availability and weather conditions.


Actividades de tiempo libre

Our volunteers can choose how much they wish to get involved.  Some people want to do as much conservation diving and learning as possible, while others wish to combine the conservation dives with relaxation and fun dives.  All dives are voluntary so you can choose to relax in our hammocks with ...

Actividades de tiempo libre

Our volunteers can choose how much they wish to get involved.  Some people want to do as much conservation diving and learning as possible, while others wish to combine the conservation dives with relaxation and fun dives.  All dives are voluntary so you can choose to relax in our hammocks with a good book, fish from the island, or do a bit of sea kayaking/stand up paddle boarding or immerse yourself in conservation volunteering. The choice is yours!  

We have lots to offer on the island when not diving!

  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  • Kayaking
  • Snorkeling
  • Fishing from the island
  • Conservation help (dissections, data collection)
  • Volleyball
  • Badminton
  • Great food
  • Further your dive course training with us!
  • Lots of hammock time!!
Depending how long your stay with us is, the weekends back on the mainland are yours to explore. Besides the incredible diving and conservation experience you will have with us Monday-Friday on our island, Belize has so much to explore on the mainland where you will be on the weekend! From ancient ruins, jungles and nature expeditions, spelunking, repelling, ziplining, cave and river tubing, to cultural tours; there is something for everyone.  You are guaranteed a trip of a lifetime in Belize!  


Requisitos

Requisitos

Edad mínima: 16 años

Para participar en el programa es necesario tener al menos 16 años en la fecha de inicio del programa.

Conocimientos lingüísticos

Tienes que hablar (nivel básico) Inglés

Documentos necesarios

Our digital/online scuba diving waivers will be sent to you upon registration.

Restricciones de nacionalidad

Sin restricciones. Las manos amigas de todo el mundo son bienvenidas.

Otras habilidades

Volunteering with ReefCI is a great way to get an insider’s view about the issues facing marine ecosystems and do your part to help the cause. Anyone can volunteer. Everyone can make a difference regardless of skill and ability. No experience is necessary, just a desire to be the change you wish to see in the world!

Tiempo dedicado

Necesitaremos tu ayuda los Lunes, Martes, Miércoles, Jueves y Viernes

Servicios incluidos

Servicios incluidos

Servicios de ReefCI

What Is Included?

  • 5 days/4 nights on private island in the Caribbean off the coast of Belize
  • 3 meals daily during dive week
  • 12-13 dives per week
  • At least one night dive a week
  • Training for conservation work and participation in our conservation projects
  • Island boat transfers to and from island
  • Accommodations while on the island

What is Not Included?

  • Flights to Placencia, Belize
  • Wetsuit, fins, booties, dive mask (must bring your own)
  • Dive gear rental fee (BCD and regulator): 30 USD per week 
  • Sapodilla Caye Marine Park Fees: 30 USD per week
  • Optional alcohol and soda/pop while on the island (2-5 USD per drink) 
  • Optional PADI certification courses you would like to take while on the island

Alojamiento

We are located on a beautiful, idyllic remote private island that is part of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve Park, located in southern Belize about an hour boat ride from the mainland. Our island, Tom Owens Caye, is a true ‘castaway’ coral caye island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef. The island is about 1½ acres and has a large living area, great views and lots of hammock space. All of our volunteers upon arrival tell us that the photos do not do the island justice! It really is a perfect Caribbean paradise. 

  • Accommodations are basic but clean and comfortable and can best be described as hostel-like.  If you are expecting or wishing a 5-star resort then our island is not for you.  
  • The location of our island however is 5 stars as every room has incredible views of the Caribbean Sea! Imagine waking up to the sound of lapping waves and a spectacular Belizean sunrise!  
  • Our large main cabana building houses couples, families, groups, and singles. We also have individual single cabanas that surround the island.  
  • Bathroom and shower facilities are shared by all.   
  • We do not have air conditioning on the island as the strong trade winds provide a continuous cooling breeze on the island. However, rooms can occasionally become stuffy so all rooms have fans if needed.  
  • Our island manager allocates rooms upon arrival on Monday morning based on the number of singles, couples, and groups for the week. Couples, groups, and families are always roomed together. 

A generator is kept in its own room to reduce noise pollution. It is run all night on the island allowing guests to charge their laptops, iPhones, iPods and cameras etc. and use a fan if the sea breeze is not enough. This generator is turned on in the evening so during the day electricity is limited. 

Comida y bebida

We Are Known For Our Great Food! 

We provide 3 meals a day plus an early morning snack and a mid-afternoon or late evening snack everyday while on the island.

Sample Island Menu: 

  • Early Morning:  Fresh fruit, tea, coffee and biscuits. 
  • Breakfast:  Fried jacks, sausages, scrambled eggs and refried beans or banana pancakes with ham and eggs.
  • Lunch:  Island chicken salad or chicken and veggie quesadilla’s or fresh fish burritos.
  • Dinner:  Lionfish fingers with cilantro, homemade garlic tartar sauce served with fresh salad and coconut rice or chicken curry with okra and yellow ginger rice or bbq whole fish with garlic mash and mixed veggies, or garlic lobster with cilantro mash and garlic zucchini.
  • Dessert:  Coconut tart or pineapple up-side-down cake or chocolate rum cake with a rum butter sauce.

Vegetarian, Vegan, Food Allergery?  All Dietary Needs Fully Catered For! 

All dietary requirements are catered for (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, no seafood, dairy, tree nuts etc).   No worries - we have vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten free eaters, diabetics, and nut allergy volunteers that come to the island every year.  Our chef is quite accustomed to meeting the needs of our volunteers. Don't worry, we will make sure your dietary needs are met : )  However, it is always a good idea to bring special food and snacks that you like. 

All meals and drinking water/juices are provided for you while you are at the island. There is an honesty book system on the island, which has a small selection of sodas, beers, and rum drinks available at an additional cost. 


¿Qué NO está incluido?

¿Qué NO está incluido?

Recogida en el aeropuerto Placencia

La recogida en el aeropuerto tampoco está incluida en el precio del programa.

Acceso a Internet

Lo sentimos, no hay acceso en el lugar del proyecto

Boletos de avión

El aeropuerto más cercano es Placencia (PLJ) en Placencia. Te ayudamos a encontrar vuelos baratos a Belice. ENCONTRAR VUELOS BARATOS

Seguro de viaje

Ir al extranjero es una aventura y siempre es mejor estar preparado. Enfermedad o lesión repentina, cancelación o robo: un seguro de viaje para Belice proporciona seguridad y es una ventaja tenerlo. OBTENER UN PRESUPUESTO

Vacunas

Si tiene intención de realizar un voluntariado en Belice, debe solicitar asesoramiento médico antes de iniciar su viaje social. Comprueba las vacunas que necesitas para Belice. COMPROBADOR DE VACUNAS

Detalles a la llegada

Our conservation dive trips are Monday thru Friday – we depart for our island at 9:30am on Monday from Placencia, Belize and return to the mainland (Placencia) on Friday anywhere from 10am-12pm depending on ocean navigability. Volunteers must schedule arrival and departure in and out of Placencia, Belize either on a Saturday or Sunday. 

Weekend Accommodations

All volunteers will need to book a hotel or hostel in Placencia upon their arrival and departure on a Saturday or Sunday. Those staying multiple weeks will need weekend accommodations on the mainland Friday night thru Sunday night in between their weeks with us on the island.  So with ReefCI you get the best of both worlds. An amazing marine conservation volunteering experience Monday thru Friday on a private Caribbean island on the Belize Barrier Reef and the weekends on the mainland exploring all Belize has to offer.  From ancient ruins, jungles and nature expeditions, spelunking, repelling, ziplining, cave and river tubing, to cultural tours; there is something for everyone on the weekends.  You are guaranteed a trip of a lifetime in Belize! 

Flights to Placencia, Belize

All volunteers will fly into Belize’s only international airport - Belize International Airport (BZE) which is located in Belize City.  From there, you will make a connection flight to Placencia, Belize via a small hopper plane.  The short hopper flights typically provide around 9 daily flights on the weekends to and from Belize International Airport and Placencia.  There are two airline companies that operate hopper flights in Belize. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air –google them to search flight times and prices.  All volunteers must schedule arrival and departure on a Saturday or Sunday.   We will depart for the island on Monday from Placencia, Belize at 9:30am and return on Friday to Placencia anywhere from 10am-12pm. 

Disponibilidad
Enero Feb. Marzo Abr. Mayo Jun Jul Agosto Set. Oct. Nov. Dic.

Cuotas del programa

1 semana (estancia min.) 966€
2 semanas 1.893€
3 semanas 2.810€
4 semanas 3.726€
5 semanas 4.642€
6 semanas 5.558€
7 semanas 6.475€
8 semanas (estancia max.) 6.796€
Cuota promedio 908€/semana

Cuotas del programa

908€ cuotas semanales 1 - 8 semanas Edad 16 - 50+

Métodos de pago

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

SIN GASTOS DE TARJETA DE CRÉDITO


Duración

1 - 8 semanas

Depósito

El depósito es simplemente para reservar tu vacante de voluntario. Los pagos se gestionan a través de PayPal, nuestro proveedor global de confianza. Si no tienes una cuenta PayPal, también puedes pagar con tarjeta de crédito.


Pago final

El pago final se acordará con ReefCI durante el proceso de solicitud. Las soluciones habituales son la transferencia bancaria o el pago en efectivo en el lugar del proyecto.


Conoce a tu anfitrión(a)

ReefCI

Sobresaliente 4.9 rating (84 reseñas)

Sin fines de lucro - fundada en 2006

Verificado por Volunteer World

  Ratio de respuesta buena

Coordinado por

Anthony

Idiomas hablados: Español, Inglés

sobre la organización

ReefCI is a marine conservation nonprofit in Belize focused on protecting and preserving the oceans through hands-on conservation programs. Join us, save the reefs!

Conoce a tu anfitrión(a)

Feel the thrill of swimming with a whale shark, the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish, and the satisfaction in helping the marine environment. Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) trips are a unique opportunity to protect the reef ecosystem by directly participating in our ongoing marine conservation projects! Learn to dive or further your dive qualifications; everyone contributes regardless of their experience. World class diving, plentiful home cooked food, and fun friendly people await you.

ReefCI offers a unique one-of-a-kind marine conservation diving experience. We offer an all-inclusive Monday-Friday diving and marine conservation volunteer experience on a small private island surrounded by turquoise coral seas situated on the Belize Barrier Reef. It is a great place for those wanting to enjoy their holiday/vacation in a natural setting, while diving and making a difference through our hands-on marine conservation programs.

Who We Are

As one of the leading nonprofit marine conservation organizations of Belize, Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) has been developing and working on a wide variety of marine conservation projects and sharing our passion for marine conservation and diving with volunteers from around the world for over 12 years. ReefCI expeditions/trips are a unique opportunity to learn about the marine environment and to help protect and conserve this precious resource while having a fun holiday.

What We Do

ReefCI is on the front lines battling to preserve and protect the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef is Belize’s top tourist destination, popular for scuba diving, sport fishing, and snorkeling. It is home to a large diversity of plants and animals, and is one of the most diverse ecosystems of the world. Unfortunately, the Belize Barrier Reef is under threat from poor fisheries management, climate change, plastic pollution, and invasive species. ReefCI currently partners with nonprofits, NGO’s and the Belize Department of Fisheries, working under a research license, to combat these issues.

Where We Work 

ReefCI is located on a beautiful, idyllic remote private island that is part of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve Park, located in southern Belize. Our island, Tom Owens Caye, is a true ‘castaway’ coral caye island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef.  The island is about 1½ acres and has a large living area, great views and lots of hammock space. All of our volunteers upon arrival tell us that the photos do not do the island justice! It really is a perfect Caribbean paradise. 

Our History

Since 2004, ReefCI as one of Belize’s leading marine nonprofits, has sustained itself through a volunteer citizen-scientist program, enabling us to help protect the underwater world we love. ReefCI has relied on dedicated conservationists and environmentally conscience volunteers from around the world who have contributed their time and effort to protect the Belize Barrier Reef.  

Our Mission

ReefCI's mission is to protect our oceans through science, action, and advocacy.  We accomplish this through our ongoing conservation programs, education, and marine research. Through our volunteer citizen-scientist programs, we have empowered everyday global citizens to take an active role in directly protecting and conserving the marine environment, while raising needed funds to support vital research studies, educational programs, as well as important conservation programs, including our fight to stop the invasive lionfish.

Our Goals

ReefCI's goals are to be the people’s marine environmental organization for hands-on conservation efforts, advocacy, and environmental protection of the ocean and the millions of species that rely on healthy functioning marine ecosystems. We believe that it is essential to involve the public in our mission. We encourage everyone to become a part of our community of people who care about the future of our planet's oceans.

Who Are We Looking For?

The majority of people who volunteer with ReefCI are passionate about marine conservation, environmental issues, species protection, and coral reefs and want to give something back. Everyone contributes regardless of his or her background and experience.  Not a diver?  No problem, we certify new divers too!  You will be exploring a whole new world and helping to protect it as well.

Why Choose Us?

We are the best at what we do!  ReefCI is the preeminent and award winning marine environmental organization of Belize for hands-on conservation efforts, advocacy, and environmental protection of the ocean and the millions of species that rely on healthy functioning marine ecosystems.  Our ultimate goal is to preserve and manage the Belize Barrier Reef for generations to come by inspiring, educating, and encouraging change via our volunteer citizen-scientists. Our volunteers are the change they wish to see in the world and ReefCI makes that possible.


84 reseñas · rating4.9

Abby Hayhurst rating5

2023 at Marine Life Conservation Assistant

I visited REEFCI in Belize for a month in April/May 2023, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I didn’t think I could love the ocean more than I already did, but this experience made me feel so connected to the water and everything living in it. We dove numerous times a day, and ...
Physilia E. rating5

2023 at Marine Life Conservation Assistant

I had the best time with ReefCI! I went for one week and it didn’t feel long enough (but I prefer to leave trips when Im still wishing there was more time rather than when I’m over it and ready to go home). The food is delicious, and my group was constantly finishing all our food and getting ...
Allison Wan rating5

2023 at Marine Life Conservation Assistant

Spent only a week with ReefCI (regrettably as I wish I stayed longer!). It was a fun filled experience with awesome scuba diving and people. The staff were all amazing and made sure we were taken care of the entire time. I would highly recommend this program for anyone who loves diving and wants to ...
Angela M. Clinefelter rating5

2023 at Marine Life Conservation Assistant

My daughter is 16 years old and interested in studying Marine Biology. I booked this volunteer trip to expand her knowledge on Marine Conservation. I ended up going with her and we had an amazing experience. We speared lion fish and saw a tremendous amount of marine life. The staff was extremely ...
Ken Crawford rating5

2023 at Marine Life Conservation Assistant

My week with Reef Conservation International was an unparalleled experience. The blend of education, adventure, and altruism proved to be both fun and fulfilling. I formed invaluable friendships that will last a lifetime, all while making a tangible contribution to preserving our planet's coral ...
Maarten Bakker rating5

2023 at Marine Life Conservation Assistant

We spent four weeks on the ReefCI island, a little slice of paradise, and highly recommend it! The team is professional and great fun. (Unfortunately), there are lots of invasive lionfish to hunt, so you can make a real difference whilst still getting the chance to see all the other cool stuff the ...

Ubicación

América > Centroamérica > Belice > Placencia

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