About theWhale Shark Conservation & Diving program
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?
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.
Program Benefits
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 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)*
Free-time activities
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
- Water Sports
- Swimming
- Sports
Requirements
- Minimum Age: 16 years: In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.
- Language Skills: You need to speak English (basic level)
- Required Documents: Our digital/online scuba diving waivers will be sent to you upon registration.
- Nationality Restrictions: No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
- Time Commitment: Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
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.
Discover more from sustainable future platform
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Post Comment