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?

Reef Conservation International empowers you to take an active hands-on role in directly protecting and conserving our coral reefs and marine animals that we love via our marine conservation projects and environmental education and awareness program.  

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

• Invasive Species Control:  You can save coral reef ecosystems by spearfishing the invasive lionfish!  Lionfish are an invasive species that threaten native reef fishes and corals.  It’s fun and a win for the environment!   

• Sea Turtle Conservation:  Protect endangered sea turtles through nest preparation & monitoring, hatchling rescue & release, habitat restoration, data collection, and education. Baby sea turtles are sooo cute!  Sea turtle conservation activities are only available April thru November.

• Marine Conservation Education: Learn about coral reefs and marine animals and discover how we can protect our reefs and animals that call the ocean home through our educational presentations.   Presentations are very informative and for the nerd in all of us 😊

• Biodiversity Identification Dives:  Participate in our identification dives (reef fish, sea turtles, sharks, invertebrates, coral) to increase your knowledge and understanding of reef ecosystems.  Be more than just a scuba diver, embrace the awesomeness of mother nature’s diversity and get to know ocean creatures!

• Beach Clean-ups:  Weekly beach and island trash/plastic removal on islands of the Belize Barrier Reef.  Feel good by doing good!  

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!

What Will I See Under the Sea?

Our island is located on the second largest reef system in the world – the Belize Barrier Reef. Our reef is home to vibrant corals and countless species of colorful reef fish.  Dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, spotted eagle rays, barracudas, and groupers are very common too.  Several times a year we will spot giant manta rays as well as whale sharks – the largest fish in the world!  Whale sharks and manta rays are rare, but if you are lucky enough to dive with one - it is unforgettable!

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.