Program Photos
Reef Conservation in Belize
Location: Belize: Punta Gorda
Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months (includes high school academic semester abroad)
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Placements are available throughout the year, with start dates every weekend
Personal Overseas Development (PoD)
Formal House 60 St George's Place Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3PN England
Call Us
Phone: 01242 250 901
Description
This placement offers the chance to join a diving conservation program on a secluded Caribbean Island located in the south of Belize.
During the week you will live on Tom Owens Caye which is beautiful 1 acre coral island in the Sapodilla Cayes reef system - a marine reserve in the Caribbean just off the coast of Belize. Volunteers do daily conservation dives and reef check dives which contribute to an ongoing conservation project headed by the Belizean government.
All the work you will do directly contributes to the protection of the environment and to the wider scientific understanding of the reef systems.
This project allows you to make a real difference to conservation whilst living on your own beautiful tropical island.
A typical week:
The main focus of the placement is to join in with the conservation projects through survey dives and coral reef check dives. By doing these you will help to develop an understanding of the complex ecosystem of the area in order to maximize conservation efforts and maintain the long term general health of the coral reef. You can do fun pre-breakfast and night dives most days. Many divers also get the chance to swim with whale sharks during their time on Tom Owens Caye.
You will find yourself becoming part of the local community in Punta Gorda at the weekends when you return to the mainland. For example our dive centre sponsors a local football team and guests often watch the matches.
Highlights
* Receive your PADI Open Water certification
* Live on a private island in the Caribbean
* Enjoy a variety of research, recreational and night dives
* Be part of wider research into reef conservation
By volunteering at the centre you will make a major contribution to the understanding of the reef ecosystem in the Sapodilla Cayes. Your time and efforts will also help to put pressure in the Belizean Government to protect the area.
Our dive conservation centre is not for profit and the majority of the programme costs directly benefit the local community. The contribution also provides a critical source of funding for future research and conservation work.
Qualifications
No previous experience is required, you just need to be willing and enthusiastic and have a strong interest in diving and conservation.
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
1 week: GBP 795, 2 weeks: GBP 1295, extra weeks: GBP 500
Cost Include Description:
* A comprehensive information booklet and pre-departure support
* Travel advice and assistance
* Being met on arrival at Punta Gorda airstrip
* Boat transfers to and from Tom Owens Caye
* All dives
* Dive equipment (excl wetsuit, mask, booties, dive computer)
* PADI Open Water (if you do not already have it)
* Free scuba review if you have a dive qualification but haven't dived recently
* Weekday accommodation on Tom Owens Caye
* All meals on the island
* Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- Conservation
- Environment
- Marine Conservation
- Water
- Research
- Volunteering
- Wildlife Surveying
Age Range
18+This Program is open to
Worldwide, American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African Participant.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Apartment/Flat
- Dormitory
Participants Travel to Belize
Independently or in Groups
Application Process Involves
- Other
- Written Application
Post Services Include
- Exit Debriefing Abroad
Personal Overseas Development (PoD)'s Mission Statement
PoD is a leading non-profit organization arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world. Established in 2001, our aim is to support ongoing projects with our partners in Belize, Cambodia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam by providing passionate and committed volunteers. We work with long term projects that we know personally and where there is genuine benefit to local communities. A placement with PoD will not only develop volunteer's skills and confidence, get them out of their comfort zone and exploring incredible parts of the world but also the ability make a genuine difference. We currently offer gap year, career break, working holiday, volunteer projects and school expeditions from 1 week to 6 months with year round departures. We offer a personal and professional service drawing on years of experience from staff in the UK and overseas. Volunteers are needed to help work with disadvantaged children, communities, animals and conservation projects including: caring for elephants and wild animals; joining an Amazon jungle conservation project; scuba diving and marine conservation; community building projects; volunteering at orphanages and care homes; teaching English and running summer English camps. PoD believes in providing challenging, safe and fun experiences for individuals and groups to enjoy. We are passionate about giving volunteers of all ages the opportunity to use their energy, enthusiasm and personality where it counts.
Year Founded
2001
