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 all while having a great vacation/holiday! !!

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:

• Whale Shark Diving:  Dive or snorkel with the largest fish in the ocean!  Please note, we do NOT guarantee whale shark sightings but if you are lucky enough to dive with one - it is magical!!  🐳

• 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

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. 

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!

PADI Dive Certification 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 – $295 USD (3 days)*
• Advanced Open Water Certification – $295 USD (3 days)*
• Rescue Diver Certification – $350 USD (1 week)*
• Divemaster Certification – $775 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)

PADI Specialties with a Marine Conservation Focus

• Coral Reef Conservation – $185 USD (1 day)
• Fish Identification – $185 USD (2 days)
• Invasive Lionfish – $185 USD (2 days)
• Shark Conservation – $185 USD (2 days)
• Underwater Naturalist – $185 USD (2 days)

PADI Specialties with a Diving Skills Focus

• Deep Diver – $185 USD (3 days)*
• Emergency First Response – $185 USD (1 day)*
• ReActivate Scuba Refresher Course – $125 USD (1 day)*
• Underwater Navigator – $185 USD (3 days)*
• Underwater Photographer – $250 USD (2 days)*

*Please Note:  The PADI Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Divemaster, Deep Diver, Emergency First Response, ReActivate Refresher, 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.