Marine Life Conservation Assistant

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?

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!

One can volunteer anywhere from 1 week to 12 weeks with us on the island.  Below is a typical 4 week schedule of what to expect. 

Week 1:  Primary Focus:  Diving Skills and PADI Certifications

• Introduction and orientation
• PADI dive course certifications
• Marine conservation methodologies and techniques
• Fun dives!
• For those already certified, we begin with our conservation programs immediately 

Week 2:   Primary Focus:  Invasive Species

• Invasive species overview and threats
• Lionfish spearfishing dives
• Lionfish dissection, analysis of stomach contents, preparation and cooking
• Lionfish spearing derby
• Beach clean up

Week 3:   Primary Focus: Reef Ecosystems and Marine Identification

• Coral identification, fish identification, invertebrates identification, coral bleaching and disease identification
• Comprehensive study and analysis of data
• Survey dives
• Fun dives!

Week 4:   Primary Focus: Marine Conservation Surveys

• Coral monitoring
• Commercial fish species, lobster, and queen conch surveys
• Whale Shark surveys if spotted
• PADI Specialty Course certifications
• Beach clean up

Potential Additional Activities:

PADI certification courses and specialty courses 

*The above itinerary and activities are subject to availability and weather conditions.

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!!