Caribbean Reef Conservation in Belize

The project is focused on conserving the environment and contributing to ongoing marine research in Belize. All levels of diver are welcome as everyone contributes to the project.

Volunteers are involved in marine conservation work whilst learning to dive, increasing diving skills or simply exploring the reef with the research team! With a small friendly team and the opportunity to live on your own tropical island, it really is a great way to experience and contribute towards the conservation of marine life in the Caribbean.

Each day will differ and you could be working in the following areas:
* Fish and Coral Identification Dives
* Lobster surveys
* Queen Conch surveys (giant sea snail)
* Reef health surveys - Coral Bleaching Data Collection
* Reef habitat surveys
* Lionfish population monitoring, spearing and research
* Whale Shark monitoring – part of Project AWARE * Whale Shark
* Monthly beach clean-ups

The team will give you training in survey techniques, methodologies and identification skills before each task. By the end of the trip, you will be able to identify some of the magnificent coral, fish and algae in the Caribbean. After the dive conservation task has been completed there is often time at the end of the dive for fun, recreational diving. Advanced Open Water divers can explore the reef on night dives, with the stunning bioluminescence water light show.

Common marine life you will encounter includes: barracuda, butterfly fish, parrot fish, angel fish, dolphins, mackerel, lionfish, grunt, surgeon fish, moray eels, hawksbill turtles, sting rays, nurse sharks. If you’re very lucky you may see whale sharks, black tip sharks, manta rays, leatherback turtles and hammer headed sharks.

It is a great location for beginners divers to gain their dive qualification as there is good visibility and no strong currents.

PADI Dive Courses - At the project you may also choose to complete the following PADI courses:
* Open Water
* Advanced Open Water
* Rescue Diver
* Dive Master
* Specialty Courses – Deep Diver, Fish identification, Coral Reef Conservation, Invasive Lionfish and Emergency First Response