As one of the leading NGOs/non-profit marine conservation organizations in Belize, ReefCI has been protecting our coral reefs and oceans since 2006. They empower everyday global citizens to take an active role in directly protecting and conserving ocean ecosystems through their hands-on marine conservation projects. Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.
Feel the thrill scuba diving the world’s second largest reef system, 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 reef ecosystems by directly participating in their ongoing marine conservation projects! Located on a small, private, picture-perfect Caribbean island on the Belize Barrier Reef. The diving is incredible and the conservation work they do is extremely meaningful.
Volunteer, scuba dive & help conserve the 2nd largest reef system in the world.
Work and help protect the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark.
Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.
You will develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.
Learn how to handle invasive species & biodiversity identification.
A perfect destination to take a PADI course & learn to dive.
Experience day off adventures and embrace the local culture, sights & attractions.
Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) is dedicated to protecting our coral reefs and oceans by empowering everyday global citizens to take an active role in hands-on marine conservation projects. The organization's mission is to unite individual efforts into a collective force that directly contributes to the preservation and conservation of ocean ecosystems.
Through participation in various marine conservation projects, educational programs, and awareness initiatives, ReefCI provides individuals with the opportunity to make a tangible impact on reef health and marine biodiversity. Their goal is to facilitate a deeper understanding of oceanic challenges such as the invasive lionfish threat, ocean acidification, climate change, and to inspire actions that support sustainable oceanic environments.
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!!
ReefCI gives you the opportunity to learn about reef ecosystems and help conserve and protect the reef by directly helping with their marine conservation projects all while having a fun holiday/vacation!
People coming on this type of volunteer experience have a shared passion for diving and ocean conservation, which makes for great group dynamics. They give you the unique opportunity to learn about and help conserve the coral reef and ocean while having a fun volunteer experience.
ReefCI trips are for beginners and experienced scuba divers and those wishing to become certified divers.
Reef Conservation International empowers you to take an active role in directly protecting and conserving our oceans that we love via their marine conservation projects and environmental education and awareness program. You will learn about the invasive lionfish species that is destroying our native coral reefs and participate in their dives to spearfish and remove this incredibly destructive species.
You will also learn all about coral reefs, tropical fish, sharks, manatees, dolphins and many other species from tiny invertebrates to the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark. You will participate in their marine conservation identification dives to discover the wonders of the marine world. They also cover many more topics from ocean acidification, climate change, to global warming and you will discover things you can do to combat these issues. Join in and make a difference!
Each week/day will differ but you will be helping and participating in the following areas:
Invasive Species Removal
Whale Shark Monitoring
Beach Clean Ups
Your Own Projects
Marine Conservation Education
Biodiversity Identification Dives
Fundraising
So Much More
About the program
What is Reef Conservation International?
What will I be doing?
Reef Conservation International empowers you to take an active role in directly protecting and conserving our oceans that we love via our marine conservation projects and environmental education and awareness program. You will learn about the invasive lionfish that is destroying our native coral reefs and participate in our conservation dives to spearfish and remove this incredibly destructive invasive species. You will also learn all about coral reefs, tropical fish, sharks, manatees, dolphins and many other species from tiny invertebrates to the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark.
You will participate in our marine conservation identification dives to discover the wonders of the marine world. We also cover many more topics from ocean acidification to climate change and you will discover things you can do to combat these issues. Join us and make a difference!
Each week/day will differ but you will be helping and participating in the following areas:
Invasive Lion fish: 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.
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. 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 lion fish and participating in our other conservation dives and making a difference!
Dive Certifications and 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.
Accommodations are basic but clean and comfortable and can best be described as hostel-like. If you are expecting or wishing a 5-star resort then our island is not for you. The location of the island however is 5 stars as every room has incredible views of the Caribbean Sea! Imagine waking up to the sound of lapping waves and a spectacular Belizean sunrise! The large main cabana building houses couples, families, groups, and singles.
They also have individual single cabanas that surround the island. Bathroom and shower facilities are shared by all. There is no air conditioning on the island as the strong trade winds provide a continuous cooling breeze on the island. However, rooms can occasionally become stuffy so all rooms have fans if needed.
There are no mosquitoes or sand-flies on the island! They are blessed due to the location 25 miles from the mainland, the strong trade winds, and the absence of fresh water and suitable breeding habitat on the island. Reef CI island is the perfect Caribbean castaway island!
Volunteer From Only = €932 per week
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 = €214 (3 days)
Advanced Open Water Certification = €261 (3 days)
Rescue Diver Certification = €308 (1 week)
Divemaster Certification = €710 (4 week minimum stay)
PADI Specialty Certification Courses Offered on the Island
(One must be open water certified before taking any PADI specialty courses below)
PADI Specialties with a Marine Conservation Fo1cus
Coral Reef Conservation = €166 (1 day)
Fish Identification = €166 (2 days)
Invasive Lionfish = €166 (2 days)
Shark Conservation = €166 (2 days)
Underwater Naturalist = €166 (2 days)
PADI Specialties with a Diving Skills Focus
Deep Diver = €166 (3 days)
Emergency First Response = €166 (1 day)
Underwater Navigator = €166 (3 days)
Underwater Photographer = €236 (2 days)
*Please Note: The PADI Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Divemaster, Deep Diver, Emergency First Response, 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.
In order to be certified on the island, you will need to complete the PADI eLearning portion of your course (Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Divemaster, Deep Diver, Emergency First Response, Underwater Navigator, or Underwater Photographer) prior to your arrival to our island. With PADI’s online eLearning, you will complete the classroom/theory portion of your course online before your arrival. PADI charges from $125 to $225 USD (cost varies depending on course) for the eLearning and the cost is paid to PADI via their website.
A link to register for PADI’s online eLearning will be sent to you upon registration and you must complete the eLearning before your arrival. This link will affiliate you with ReefCI and lets us know you are registered and taking the course with us. After completing the eLearning, you must print out your eRecord (or snap a picture of it on your phone) and bring it with you to the island for our instructors. Once on the island, you will complete the required in-water training portion of the course with ReefCI. The cost paid to ReefCI for the in-water portion of your course depends on which course you are taking with us. (see our prices above)
Additional Info
Where is ReefCI’s island located?
ReefCI is located on a beautiful picture-perfect private island that is part of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve Park, located in southern Belize. The island is a coral island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef 25 miles from the mainland off the coast of Placencia, Belize. The island is about 1 acre with lots of hammock space shaded by coconut trees. It really is a perfect Caribbean paradise surrounded by turquoise coral seas with dive sites 5-10 minutes away!