Description

Spend 24 weeks in Mexico and volunteer towards marine conservation before gaining dive experience and skills whilst interning in a local dive centre. Put your scuba diving skills to use as you volunteer to protect the world's second largest barrier reef the stunning Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system. Gain valuable work experience and become a professionally qualified PADI Divemaster in stunning tropical surroundings.

Are you looking to volunteer towards a critical marine conservation research project in one of the world's most pristine and phenomenal diving areas? Do you want to further your scuba diving skills to become a qualified and experienced PADI Divemaster? Participants on this Marine Conservation project gain so much from this once in a lifetime experience.

Based on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the area is surrounded by crystal clear waters, sloping palm trees and tropical mangroves. The area is dotted in ancient Mayan ruins and historical significance. For the first ten weeks, participants will be based on a secluded beachfront marine research base where they'll learn to live and work as a valued member of a marine research team. Joining as qualified PADI Open Water divers, they'll progress through to the PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Rescue Diver during the initial stages. In the mornings, they'll step out of the accommodation directly onto the golden sands of the Caribbean ready for a day of scuba diving and marine conservation. Conducting research dives on a daily basis into the warm waters of the Caribbean sea, they'll get the opportunity to dive on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretching for over 450 miles and second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Participants will experience all that the surrounding marine depths have to offer including fantastic corals, various species of turtles, rays, barracuda, an array of colourful tropical fish and perhaps even a shark or two! They'll attain the skills necessary for the subsequent 12 week internship where they'll undertake the PADI Divemaster course and further advanced training courses. Here, they'll shadow divemaster staff and support in the dive centre's daily activities.

Volunteers are also involved in promoting marine conservation awareness and supporting local community development initiatives. We will visit schools to interact with the locals and immerse ourselves in Mexican culture. Working alongside national and international organisations and local universities, the contribution that volunteers make through their research and diving, we'll directly promote marine conservation of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and the surrounding mangroves, wetlands and jungle.

Highlights

The Mexico Marine Research Conservation Divemaster is an excellent opportunity for those wanting to get into the dive or marine conservation industry. It's also an excellent option as part of a gap year, career break or adventurous overseas diving experience. It'll provide you with useful skills, PADI qualifications and the memories of a lifetime!

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Scuba
• Snorkeling
• Volunteering
• Environmental Studies
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Off Road / 4X4 Driving

Qualifications

PADI Open Water

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

7,795

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- Pre-departure support
- Airport pick-up/ drop off transfers
- All food (during first 10 weeks) and accommodation (throughout)
- National park fees and permits
- PADI Advanced Open Water
- PADI Rescue Diver
- PADI Dive Master (excluding PADI professional fees)
- First aid and CPR training course and qualification (Emergency First Response)
- DAN O2 Delivery Course
- Biological Survey Techniques BTEC Advanced Certificate
- Introduction to TEFL workshop
- All training materials, technical dive equipment (whilst one marine research base) and science equipment
- Comprehensive training necessary for research techniques
- 24-hour in-country support
- A 24-hour emergency phone line in the UK
- Discounted access to Smugmug services - a secure way of storing your photos while you are travelling.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 20+

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 day

Yomps's Mission Statement

We work hard to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime through responsible adventures off the beaten track. You will learn new skills, meet new friends, experience cultural activities that are just not available to tourists and you will have the time of your life.

Year Founded

2006