Marine Conservation Internship with PADI Training
Coordinator | Graeme
Coordinator | Graeme
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Earn your PADI Advanced Open Water qualification
Gain experience in a range of marine conservation initiatives, including coral reef surveying and restoration.
Preserve the unique ecosystem of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Contribute to UN SDG #14, Life Below Water.
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture, learning the language and sampling authentic Mexican cuisine.
Kickstart your career in marine conservation on this internship. Gain PADI certifications while diving in the spectacular waters of Mexico to collect valuable data.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Travel to Mexico and work alongside local authorities on the preservation of the Mexico Caribbean's Marine Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest ecosystems globally. The project goals are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 14, Life Below Water.
Interns will be PADI dive trained in order to effectively complete necessary data collection on the coral reef without causing any damage. Upon completion of this internship, you will receive your PADI Open Water (8wks+), PADI Advanced Open Water and the unique specialty PADI Coral Reef Researcher.
Participate in surveys that work to establish the overall health of the reef; maintain a coral nursery which involves growing coral fragments to replant them onto the local reef, assist with beach clean ups to minimize marine plastic pollution and immerse with the local community by conducting environmental education workshops.
Interns are required to complete weekly assignments and host leadership days. While on program, interns are supported by a dedicated mentor.
You will be motivated to generate new solutions and propose new elements to improve contribution to conservation of coral reefs in Mexico.
This internship includes three online courses which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States:
- Marine Conservation
- Leadership Training
- Career Development
After successful completion of this internship, you will be offered two career coaching sessions as well as gain access to a job portal.
Are you looking to pursue a career in conservation? Why not upgrade to a career internship.
The career upgrade offers you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by working with partner orginisations in multiple locations. This combination of having a virtual experience on top of on the ground experience are qualities that are highly sought after by employers.
Do you have an independent research topic to complete? Why not upgrade to a research internship.
Gain valuable experience and collect data for a dissertation or thesis. This program offers virtual check ins with a research supervisor who has extensive experience and credentials in this sector. As a research intern, your main focus will be collecting or analyzing data and writing a paper.
JOB GUARANTEE: for both the Career & Research internship, we offer a job guarantee for those who join for a minimum of 6 months with a 50% cash back guarantee (terms and conditions apply).
Get in touch for more information!
Typical day
Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners.
Estimated Schedule:
5 or 6am: Wake up call
6 - 10 am: First Dive
12pm: Lunch
1pm - 4pm: Second Dive/Snorkel/Data inpur
6pm: Dinner
9pm: Bed Time
As an intern you will also have weekly sessions with your mentor.
Free-time activities
By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities.
These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended:
- Mayan Ruins
- Eco Adventure Parks
- Diving & Snorkeling
- Cenotes
- Whale spotting
- Hiking & rock climbing
The possibilities are endless!
We also now include cultural/local experiences. These experiences will take place once every 4 weeks.
These activities may include:
- Learn to cook traditional Yucatán food
- Visit a Mayan ruin
- Take a beach yoga class
- Dive through the cenotes
- Stand-up paddleboard at sunrise
- Climb rock formations in the jungle
- Learn the unique geography of the Yucatán Peninsula
- Explore the ancient city of Coba
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
required
Medical Form, Passport Copy and PADI Medical Form
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
All participants joining for 4 weeks must be PADI Open Water certified before joining the program and should be able to walk 200m over uneven ground carrying their dive equipment. Training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self paced training materials.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 24-hour emergency phone
- 24-hour in-country support
- Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- Certification and summary of training and experience received
- Community work workshop
- Confidential professional reference
- Coral reef ecology
- Final evaluation
- Introduction to teaching techniques
- Location orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
- Real hands on experience and learn about the challenges of marine conservation has in this region
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- Teamwork and leadership experience
- Transfer to base location
- Use of O2 equipment workshop
- Weekly evaluation with your mentor
- Welcome meeting
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- Flights
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Medical and travel insurance
- Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer, DSMB and reel, slate, etc.
- Personal items and toiletries
- Police or background check
- Some equipment is not included
- Visa costs (where necessary)
Airport pick up is provided from Cancun International Airport within a specific time period.
Puerto Morelos is the oldest port city in the Mexican Caribbean, our base is located on the beachfront about 5km from the town centre.
Accomodation facilities are shared dormitories and can be considered basic.
Breakfast is prepared by participants and while lunch and dinner is prepared by a local cook. Most dietary requirements can be catered for.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Cancun International Airport (CUN) in Cancun. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mexico.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Mexico provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Mexico you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Mexico.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
2022
- 08 Jan 2022
- 22 Jan 2022
- 05 Feb 2022
- 19 Feb 2022
- 05 Mar 2022
- 19 Mar 2022
- 02 Apr 2022
- 16 Apr 2022
- 30 Apr 2022
- 14 May 2022
- 28 May 2022
- 11 Jun 2022
- 25 Jun 2022
- 09 Jul 2022
- 23 Jul 2022
- 06 Aug 2022
- 20 Aug 2022
- 03 Sep 2022
- 17 Sep 2022
- 01 Oct 2022
- 15 Oct 2022
- 29 Oct 2022
- 12 Nov 2022
- 26 Nov 2022
- 10 Dec 2022
- 24 Dec 2022
2023
- 07 Jan 2023
- 21 Jan 2023
- 04 Feb 2023
- 18 Feb 2023
- 04 Mar 2023
- 18 Mar 2023
- 01 Apr 2023
- 15 Apr 2023
- 29 Apr 2023
- 13 May 2023
- 27 May 2023
- 10 Jun 2023
- 24 Jun 2023
- 08 Jul 2023
- 22 Jul 2023
- 05 Aug 2023
- 19 Aug 2023
- 02 Sep 2023
- 16 Sep 2023
- 30 Sep 2023
- 14 Oct 2023
- 28 Oct 2023
- 11 Nov 2023
- 25 Nov 2023
- 9 Dec 2023
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
4 - 12 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
$5,757
5 weeks
$6,379
6 weeks
$7,057
7 weeks
$7,622
8 weeks
$8,187
9 weeks
$8,808
10 weeks
$9,486
11 weeks
$10,108
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$10,786
Average fees
$1,169
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
GVI
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
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All program fees are charged directly by GVI.
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Marine Conservation Internship with PADI Training
Kickstart your career in marine conservation on this internship. Gain PADI certifications while diving in the spectacular waters of Mexico to collect valuable data.
$1035/week
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