à partir de 966€

Esceptionnel 4.9rating (84)

Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

location
1 - 8 semaines  ·  Âge 16 - 50+

rating  Esceptionnel 4.9  · 
  Vérifié par Volunteer World
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Termine ta réservation dès que possible. Ce projet se remplit rapidement et est déjà réservé à certaines dates.


Clou

  • Dive into thrilling encounters with whale sharks, combat invasive lionfish, and contribute to marine conservation efforts
  • Volunteer on a remote private Caribbean island, located on the magnificent Belize Barrier Reef
  • Protect the reef ecosystem through hands-on participation in marine conservation projects, gaining insights into coral reefs and marine life
  • Enhance your diving skills or learn to dive while making a difference, regardless of your experience level
  • Embark on an exciting adventure, make international friends, and have a blast while supporting a cause you're passionate about

Particulièrement approprié pour

Âge 16+
Seul voyageur
Couples
Familles
Groupes
50+

À propos du programme

Feel the thrill of swimming with a whale shark, the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish, and the satisfaction in helping protect coral reefs. 🐋

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 ...

À propos du programme

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

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)



Journée typique

A typical week will include the following:

  • 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 programs
  • Island boat transfers to ...

Journée typique

A typical week will include the following:

  • 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 programs
  • Island boat transfers to and from island
  • All diving equipment (excluding wetsuit, fins, booties, dive mask)
  • Accommodations while on the island


Activités de loisirs

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 ...

Activités de loisirs

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!  


Conditions

Conditions

Âge minimum: 16 ans

Pour participer à ce programme tu dois avoir au moins 16 ans quand le programme commence.

Compétences linguistiques

Tu dois parler Anglais (niveau de base)

Documents Requis

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

Restrictions de Nationalité

Aucune restriction. De l'aide venant de tous les coins du monde est bienvenu.

Autres Compétences

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!

Engagement horaire

Nous avons besoin de ton aide pour lundi, mardi, mercredi, jeudi et vendredi

Services inclus

Services inclus

Services 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

Logement

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. 

Aliments & Boissons

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. 


NE SONT inclus dans le prix:

NE SONT inclus dans le prix:

Transfert de l'aéroport Placencia

Le transfert de l'aéroport n'est pas inclus dans les frais non plus.

Accès à Internet

Désolé, aucun accès sur le site du projet

Billets d'avion

L'aéroport le plus proche est Placencia (PLJ) à Placencia. Nous t'aidons à trouver des vols pas chers pour aller en Belize. TROUVER DES VOLS PAS CHERS

Assurance Voyage

Partir à l'étranger est une aventure et c'est toujours mieux d'être bien préparé. Que ce soit une maladie soudaine, une blessure ou du vol - une assurance voyage pour Belize te protège en cas de situation imprévue. OBTENIR UN DEVIS

Vaccins

Si tu envisages de faire du bénévolat en Belize, nous te conseillons de consulter un médecin avant le début de ton voyage. Renseigne-toi sur les vaccins nécessaires pour Belize. INFOS VACCINS

Informations sur l'arrivée

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. 

Disponibilité
janv. févr. mars avril mai juin juil. août sept. oct. nov. déc.

Frais de Programme

1 semaine (durée min.) 966€
2 semaines 1 893€
3 semaines 2 810€
4 semaines 3 726€
5 semaines 4 642€
6 semaines 5 558€
7 semaines 6 475€
8 semaines (durée max.) 6 796€
Prix moyen 908€/semaine

Frais de Programme

908€ par semaine 1 - 8 semaines Âge 16 - 50+

Méthodes de payement

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

PAS DE FRAIS DE CARTE DE CRÉDIT


Durée

1 - 8 semaines

Acompte

L'acompte sert à réserver ta place avec l'organisation. Les paiements sont effectués par Paypal, notre partenaire de confiance pour les solutions de paiements internationales. Si tu n'as pas Paypal, tu peux également utiliser ta carte de crédit.


Paiement final

Le paiement du montant restant doit être organisé avec ReefCI durant le processus de candidature. Très souvent ce paiement est effectué par virement bancaire ou en espèces.


Rencontrez votre hôte

ReefCI

Esceptionnel 4.9 rating (84 avis)

Non lucratif - fondée en 2006

Vérifié par Volunteer World

  Bon Taux de réponse

Hébergé par

Anthony

Langues parlées: Espagnol, Anglais

Sur le projet

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!

Rencontrez votre hôte

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 avis · rating4.9

Henk van der molen rating5

2024 at Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

During the week you will be hunting for lion fish on the beautiful corals of Belizian reef. The dives are diverse and beautiful one by one. The staff is lovely and professional either if you are an experienced diver or new to diving you will be guided very well. The island is isolated, no internet ...
Tom Parsons rating5

2023 at Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

Great experience. Great location. Great people. I went by myself and found that all 14 others during my two weeks also traveled alone, so, don't let that hold you back! Everyone was made welcome and part of the team. There were new divers during both my weeks there just getting their open water ...
Madeline Svoren rating5

2023 at Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

My cousin and I love to travel and dive so this trip was perfect for us. We only did one week on the island but in that week we did so much diving and got to kill lion fish and of course we used every part of the lion fish we could so the killing is not wasteful. Reef CI is also big on educating ...
Oscar Bronckaerts rating5

2023 at Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

during February 2023 i stayed with reefci on the island, my first day there i was a bit unsure as what to make of it as there was no service and everyone were all strangers to me, however by the time i went to sleep i had already made multiple friends of all ages (me being 17) up to 67 and an other ...
Sulz Elia rating5

2023 at Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

Best Cook ever! Nice Diving experience! Wondeful staff! Great to meet people from all around the world! You will have a wonderful time in belize with great staff , perfect food and a very good location at all. Between the dives you can go snorkeling , chill , sleep , play cards , volleyball ...
Autumn Bahtishi rating5

2023 at Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

I have NO REGRETS!! It’s been over a year and I’m STILL thinking about this trip!! We swam with gigantic sea turtles, played with the sharks daily, and ate the most amazing food! The island was absolute paradise!! The staff was friendly and hilarious. I went solo and felt very safe. I happened ...

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