The Belize Barrier Reef, spanning 190 miles, is the second largest reef in the world.  As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to seven protected areas, and is an important habitat for many threatened and endangered marine species. These include the manatee, numerous sea turtle species, spotted eagle rays, the American crocodile, and a variety of sharks, including the gentle whale shark.

On a small, private island off the coast of Placencia, a team of ocean-loving biologists and diving fanatics established a marine conservation NGO that has been protecting the Belize Barrier Reef since 2006.  The project has two main objectives, conservation through education and conservation through action, and as a volunteer on this project, you’ll be heavily involved in both. Through a series of educational presentations followed by biodiversity identification dives, you’ll learn the ins and outs of coral reef ecosystems, from the creatures that visit and live within, to the health of the reefs themselves and how to protect this fragile ecosystem.

You’ll also learn about invasive species from their introductions, the threats they pose, and what happens to unbalanced ecosystems, to the chain reaction they cause. Specifically, you’ll learn about the destructive and invasive lionfish that have become a significant threat to reefs throughout the Caribbean. You will learn how to spearfish and safely extract lionfish, and record data on the removed numbers. 

Ready to make a real difference by protecting and preserving the Belize Barrier Reef and the chance to live true island life in paradise?  Join us now! 

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.