Reef Conservation on a Caribbean Island

location
1 - 8 uker  ·  Alder 16 - 50+

rating  Utestående 4.9  · 
  Verifisert av Volunteer World
  God Svarprosent

Frivilligprosjekt med høyeste kvalitet. Dette prosjektet tilbyr høyeste kvalitet som setter standarder - langt over gjennomsnittet.

Høydepunkter

  • Help restore damaged reef ecosystems
  • Volunteer on a picture-perfect castaway Caribbean island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef
  • Feel the rush of spearing the invasive lionfish and the satisfaction in helping remove this invasive species destroying the reefs of the Caribbean

Høydepunkter

  • Help restore damaged reef ecosystems
  • Volunteer on a picture-perfect castaway Caribbean island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef
  • Feel the rush of spearing the invasive lionfish and the satisfaction in helping remove this invasive species destroying the reefs of the Caribbean
  • Protect endangered marine species
  • Learn to scuba dive or further your dive qualifications; everyone contributes regardless of your experience


  • Spesielt egnet for

    Alder 16+
    Singler
    Par
    Familier
    Grupper
    50+

    Om programmet

    Hands-on ocean conservation on a picture perfect Caribbean island located on the Belize Barrier Reef in the Sapodilla Marine Reserve Park in Belize.

    The Belize Barrier Reef, spanning 190 miles, is the second largest reef in the world.  As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to seven protected areas, and is an important habitat for many threatened and endangered marine species. These include the manatee, numerous sea turtle ...

    Om programmet

    The Belize Barrier Reef, spanning 190 miles, is the second largest reef in the world.  As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to seven protected areas, and is an important habitat for many threatened and endangered marine species. These include the manatee, numerous sea turtle species, spotted eagle rays, the American crocodile, and a variety of sharks, including the gentle whale shark.

    On a small, private island off the coast of Placencia, a team of ocean-loving biologists and diving fanatics established a marine conservation NGO that has been protecting the Belize Barrier Reef since 2006.  The project has two main objectives, conservation through education and conservation through action, and as a volunteer on this project, you’ll be heavily involved in both. Through a series of educational presentations followed by biodiversity identification dives, you’ll learn the ins and outs of coral reef ecosystems, from the creatures that visit and live within, to the health of the reefs themselves and how to protect this fragile ecosystem.

    You’ll also learn about invasive species from their introductions, the threats they pose, and what happens to unbalanced ecosystems, to the chain reaction they cause. Specifically, you’ll learn about the destructive and invasive lionfish that have become a significant threat to reefs throughout the Caribbean. You will learn how to spearfish and safely extract lionfish, and record data on the removed numbers. 

    Ready to make a real difference by protecting and preserving the Belize Barrier Reef and the chance to live true island life in paradise?  Join us now! 

    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)



    Typisk dag

    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 ...

    Typisk dag

    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!

    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


    Fritidsaktiviteter

    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 ...

    Fritidsaktiviteter

    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!  

    Krav

    Krav

    Minimumsalder: 16 år

    For å bli med i programmet må du være minst 16 år gammel på programmets startdato.

    Språkferdigheter

    Du må snakke Engelsk (grunnleggende nivå)

    Påkrevde dokumenter

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

    Nasjonalitetsbegrensninger

    Ingen restriksjoner. Hjelpende hender fra hele verden er velkomne.

    Andre ferdigheter

    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!

    Tidsforpliktelse

    Din hjelpende hånd vil bli påkrevd Mandag, Tirsdag, Onsdag, Torsdag og Fredag

    Hva inngår

    Hva inngår

    Tjenester fra 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)
    • Sapodilla Caye Marine Park Fees
    • Optional alcohol and soda/pop while on the island 
    • Optional PADI certification courses you would like to take while on the island

    Overnatting

    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. 

    Mat og drikke

    ReefCI is 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. 


    Hva er IKKE inkludert?

    Hva er IKKE inkludert?

    Henting fra flyplassen på Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport

    Henting fra flyplassen er heller ikke inkludert i programavgiftene.

    Internettilgang

    Beklager, ingen tilgang på prosjektsiden

    Flybilletter

    Den nærmeste flyplassen er Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) i Belize City. Vi hjelper deg med å finne billige flyreiser til Belize. FINN BILLIGE FLYREISER

    Reiseforsikring

    Å reise til utlandet er et eventyr, og det er alltid best å være forberedt. Plutselig sykdom eller skade, avbestilling eller tyveri – en reiseforsikring for Belize gir trygghet og er et pluss å ha. FÅ ET TILBUD

    Vaksiner

    Hvis du har tenkt å jobbe frivillig i Belize bør du søke medisinsk råd før du starter din sosiale reise. Sjekk de nødvendige vaksinasjonene dine for Belize. VAKSINESJEKKER

    Detaljer ved ankomst

    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. 

    Tilgjengelighet
    Jan. Febr. Mars Apr. Mai Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Okt. Nov. Des.

    Programgebyrer

    1 uke (min. opphold) 995€
    2 uker 1,951€
    3 uker 2,895€
    4 uker 3,840€
    5 uker 4,783€
    6 uker 5,728€
    7 uker 6,672€
    8 uker (max. opphold) 7,003€
    Gjennomsnittlig gebyr 935€/uke

    Programgebyrer

    935€ per uke 1 - 8 uker Alder 16 - 50+

    Betalingsmetoder

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    INGEN KREDITTKORTGEBYRER


    Varighet

    1 - 8 uker

    Depositum

    Depositumet er rett og slett for å reservere frivillig plassering. Betalinger håndteres av PayPal, vår pålitelige globale betalingsleverandør. Hvis du ikke har en PayPal-konto, kan du også betale med kredittkort.


    Endelig Betaling

    Din sluttbetaling vil bli avtalt med ReefCI under søknadsprosessen. Vanlige løsninger er enten via bankoverføring eller kontant betaling på prosjektstedet.


    Møt din vert

    ReefCI

    Utestående 4.9 rating (84 gjennomganger)

    Non-profit - grunnlagt i 2006

    Verifisert av Volunteer World

      God Svarprosent

    Arrangert av

    Anthony

    Snakkede språk: Engelsk, Spansk

    Om prosjektet

    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!

    Møt din vert

    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 gjennomganger · rating4.9

    Back for my third trip with ReefCI! It was great to get back to Tom Owens Caye to help remove the invasive lionfish from the reef and conduct a beach cleanup on a nearby island. This ia an amazing experience that you won’t want to miss and will keep you coming back. Not only does it help the ...
    I can't recommend ReefCI enough. I was there for 2 weeks and am definitely going back. Everything about the island, from the diving to the food and staff, is amazing. I was on my own but felt at home and comfortable within hours of getting to the private island. With 3 dives a day we saw so much of ...
    I volunteered with ReefCI for the better part of the week to help with reef conservation efforts (mainly lionfish spearing) and get my advanced open water certification. We stayed on a beautiful, remote island about 15 miles off the shore where we did our dives. ReefCI was great throughout the ...
    I loved life on this little island. It was wonderful learning a new skill while meeting new people and eating the best food on a little piece of paradise. The instructors and crew were patient, kind and fun. Willie, ‘Worm’, Luis, Sam and Abby were great, professional and knowledgeable. Alex and ...
    Staying at ReefCI was one of the best things I've ever done. I had originally only planned for 1 week but I fell in love with diving and the island and couldn't resist staying for a second week! All of the staff are great guys and I hope I keep in touch with them all, a special mention goes to Dude ...
    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 ...

    Plassering

    Amerika > Sentral-Amerika > Belize > Placencia

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