Description

Following on from the success of ongoing conservation activities in Madagascar and Malaysia, Blue Ventures launched a new expedition to the village of Sarteneja in the northern reaches of the Belize Barrier Reef in March. This expedition will give you the opportunity to dive in some of the most spectacular and biodiverse waters in the northern hemisphere that play host to a whole range of Marine life from Hawksbill turtles to Manatees.

With a population of 1,800, Sarteneja is the largest traditional fishing village in Belize and Sartenejans are renowned nationwide for their boat building and sailing ability. From Sarteneja, volunteers travel to the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, at the northernmost point of the Belize Barrier Reef and the only point along it's 300km length where the reef passes within a few hundred feet of the shore, making it the ideal location for the site of our research camp.

The majority of Blue Ventures research projects are reliant on the input of overseas volunteers. We accept volunteers of all ages and nationalities and in return offer full dive training up to a minimum certification of PADI advanced open water along the opportunity to do it in the midst of one of the planets most pristine marine ecosystems .

The aim of this venture, like all Blue Ventures projects is to make a substantial, positive and long-term contribution to the development of Marine Conservation strategies on a local and national level. We work in close partnerships with numerous local and national authorities to ensure that the work carried out by Blue Ventures staff and volunteers helps to not just conserve the local environment, but to provide local communities with the tools to ensure that the biodiversity of the surrounding waters is preserved for future generations.

Highlights

* Diving in some of the most spectacular waters in the world.
* Collecting research data that will guide national fisheries and conservation policies.
* Working with communities to establish relevant environmental and tourism projects
* Learning to dive in warm, crystal clear waters with a cornucopia of coral and reef inhabitants surrounding you.
* Visiting a country with a rich and diverse history

Travel Types

• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Scuba

Qualifications

No formal qualifications are needed for this expedition. All dive training is provided on-site as well as all training needed to record and identify marine life in the waters surrounding Sarteneja and Bacalar Chico. The only prerequisites are a good standard of physical fitness, the ability to pass a swim test and a desire to work as part of team in a remote and challenging environment. Whether you have a background in Marine Science or not, anyone is welcome to join a Blue Ventures expedition.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From GBP 2,100 for 6 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Expedition accommodation for the duration of your stay
* Three meals per day, including tea and coffee at breakfast
* Science Training with our team of Field scientists and researchers
* SCUBA Diving and SCUBA certification to PADI Advanced Open Water (depending on existing certification level)
* SCUBA Diving equipment: BCD; Regulators; weight belt; weights and cylinder
* Daily SCUBA diving
* Comprehensive logistical support and pastoral care from our large team of permanent staff
* Health and safety provision from our Expedition Medic and SCUBA Diving Manager

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Development
• Environment
• Wildlife Surveying

Age Range

18-70

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

48 hours

Blue Ventures's Mission Statement

To give coastal communities the knowledge and skills they need to live sustainably.

Year Founded

2003