Caribbean Reef Buddy
Why choose Caribbean Reef Buddy?
Caribbean Reef Buddy (CRB) was founded in 2014 with the aim of supporting marine conservation in the Caribbean region. The organization was established by Matt Rideout in response to the government of Grenada's marine protection program, which had little community engagement and lacked the regional capability to monitor environmental changes or lead new projects. CRB has two main objectives. Fi...
Caribbean Reef Buddy (CRB) was founded in 2014 with the aim of supporting marine conservation in the Caribbean region. The organization was established by Matt Rideout in response to the government of Grenada's marine protection program, which had little community engagement and lacked the regional capability to monitor environmental changes or lead new projects. CRB has two main objectives. Firstly, it offers sustainable experiential training and development programs to both community and international volunteers, which meet the highest standards and are internationally recognized. Secondly, it engages in sustainable projects to support marine conservation initiatives in the region or globally. The organization achieves this by maintaining strong links with local communities, recognizi...
Caribbean Reef Buddy Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Incredible Experience
March 14, 2024by: Brandon Tucker - United StatesProgram: Marine Conservation Volunteering & Scuba Diving in CaribbeanMy experience with Caribbean Reef Buddy was nothing short of incredible. Everything about this program was incredible to me and I could not recommend it enough to those seeking to get involved with the underwater world. I applied to this program as a Freshman studying Marine Biology in college and was a bit anxious about spending three weeks in Grenada. However, this anxiety quickly faded as I got to know everyone involved with the program. Everyone involved is unbelievably welcoming, knowledgeable, and truly want you to enjoy your time working with them. Speaking of which, the work I did with CRB was truly rewarding and I felt as though I was truly helping to protect Carriacou's local reefs. In addition, I gained invaluable field experience in the realm of marine science which has and will continue to aid in future endeavors with work. I also went into this program as an open water diver and while partaking in this program received my advanced open water scuba certification as well as deep diver specialty certification. Gary is an incredible dive instructor, the best I have ever had, and puts safety as an utmost priority. He taught me invaluable skills in the water and I am a more confident diver than ever thanks to his guidance. For those wondering about the diving itself, the reefs in Carriacou are gorgeous and are full of photography opportunities for those interested in the field. I will say that much of the marine life there is on the smaller size so macro photographers should be excited. I got to see so many incredible creatures and experience so much during my time with CRB. I truly could not recommend it enough.

Caribbean Reef Buddy with Deefer Diving: Experience in Carriacou
March 14, 2024by: Megan Montgomery - CanadaProgram: Marine Conservation Volunteering & Scuba Diving in CaribbeanThe work I got to do with Caribbean Reef Buddy, volunteering on the coral reef, and helping to identify coral species was truly special. The diving instructors at Deefer Diving were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive throughout all of the training and they provided a lot of one-on-one instruction, even in a group setting. In my spare time, I also hiked on the island which was amazing and everyone I met was very welcoming. I really benefited from the experience and I'd recommend the program to people of any age with an interest in adventure.
Caribbean Reef Buddy!
March 14, 2024by: Ashley Robarts - CanadaProgram: Marine Conservation Volunteering & Scuba Diving in CaribbeanMy experience was great! Though at the beginning I was a bit hesitant to get in the water and do the training activities once I was doing them it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The staff here are really supportive and are willing to accommodate any needs people have. They are willing to work at your own pace while still pushing you to do your best. After all the training was complete I felt more comfortable diving and it made the experience more enjoyable. The dive sites are really cool as well. There are many different locations not too far away from the shop. I would recommend this dive shop to people, it was a great experience and I wish to come back.
Caribbean Reef Buddy Programs
Browse programs you might like
Based on the Caribbean island of Carriacou, you’ll take part in hands-on marine conservation projects that raise awareness of local marine specie...
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Gary Ward
Interviewed in 2020
Gary Ward fell in love with the marine environment back in the 1990s. Today, he is privileged to be in a position to pass on his passion and what he h...

Gary Ward
Interviewed in 2020
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I've seen many changes to our marine-scape over the past 30 years as a diver. In the past five years we've seen much more being written and filmed which has created an awareness in the public consciousness that if we want to preserve this environment we cannot rely on governments or corporations to do it for us. We have to do something, however small, ourselves.

Gary Ward
Interviewed in 2023
Gary Ward has been a professional SCUBA educator for the past 13 years. He has previously worked as a business transformation consultant. For the past...

Gary Ward
Interviewed in 2023
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I created Caribbean Reef Buddy with my partner as we wanted an opportunity to share what we love about this tiny corner of the world. The Caribbean Sea is under threat from a great many angles, and as the Blue Planet series highlighted, creating awareness is a very powerful tool. So in support of this initiative we're creating ongoing awareness, whilst doing our little bit to protect and develop the reef ecosystem here in Carriacou.