Description

This placement offers the chance to join a diving conservation program on a secluded Caribbean Island located in the south of Belize.

* About the Project

During the week you will live on Hunting Caye which is a small island in the Sapodilla Cayes reef system - one of a number of marine reserves 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. If you are there during the months of June to December you may also have the chance to work on the turtle conservation project.

All the work you will do directly contributes to the protection of the environment and to the wider scientific understanding of the reef systems.

* 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 Hunting 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 center sponsors a local football team and guests often watch the matches.

Highlights

* The Diving

Diving here is structured, but relaxed, and not regimented. There are no other dive boats in the area. There are opportunities to do a mix of fun dives, fantastic wall dives, reef check survey dives and commercial species dives. The surveys involve collecting data on coral, fish & invertebrates, which is submitted internationally to Reef Check headquarters for inclusion in global coral reef status reports, and locally to the Belizean Department of Fisheries. The current primary objective is for the Belizean Government to enforce preservation zones in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.

Your survey dives will give you a fascinating insight into the reef system and develop your knowledge of the environment, identifying fish, coral and invertebrates. You can help in a variety of ways depending on how long you want to stay for and your diving ability. Even if you have never dived before, you can learn on the project and get PADI qualifications in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Or you can assist with the surveys as a non-diver or snorkeler.

It is safe non challenging diving with visibility ranges from 15-40 metres and no strong currents. There are rarely other divers in the area and often new dive sites are discovered. The early morning and night recreational dives are a great way to begin or end your day. Along with the usual Caribbean reef life such as Spotted Eagle Rays, Groupers, Moray Eels, Hawksbill and Loggerhead Turtles and Dolphins you may be lucky enough to see giant Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.

The reef itself is very beautiful, covered with a wide range of soft and hard corals as well as numerous lovely songs and the giant barrel sponge. The night dives are fantastic with a huge amount of life. You can see lots of shrimps, octopus and free swimming moray eels, lobsters out of their holes, squid and crabs. During the full moon cycle you will get to the fantastic light show from the String of Pearls.

* Lifestyle

During the week, you will stay on a small secluded Caribbean island, which has a large living area, a restaurant and bar as well as stunningly beautiful white sandy beaches. The island is an idyllic 5 acre coral caye, so if you've ever wanted to experience your own secluded Caribbean island this is it!! The accommodation is in a brand new building that was donated to the University of Belize for research and education purposes. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the building is run on solar power and all rooms have fans. The food is excellent with a mix of local and international dishes. We often eat fresh fish and seafood and vegetarians are catered for. At the weekend, you will leave the island and return to the mainland town of Punta Gorda, a chance for you to have some Internet catch up time and eat out. It is also a great chance to sample laid back Belizean village life or stay in a jungle lodge.

Qualifications

- No previous experience is required, you just need to be willing and enthusiastic and have a strong interest in diving and conservation.
- You will need to be physically fit, able to tolerate high temperatures, work well within a team and be adaptable to living and working in a group.
- Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

To participate in the dive conservation and survey work you will need to be at least PADI Open Water so if you do not have it you will need to take the course when you arrive. We also recommend that you take your Advanced diver to be able to participate in the deeper pre-breakfast fun dives.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1 week: GBP 695, 2 weeks: GBP 1250, extra weeks: GBP 500

Program Fees Include:

* A comprehensive information booklet
* Travel advice and assistance
* Collection from Punta Gorda airstrip
* Boat transfers to and from Hunting Caye
* All dives
* All 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
* All meals
* Week time accommodation on Hunting Caye and weekend accommodation in Punta Gorda

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• Environment
• Natural Resources
• Restoration
• Sea Turtle Protection
• Water

Age Range

18 years old and above

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of Normally 4-10

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

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