Volunteer Programs in Tulum, Mexico

Come explore Pez Maya, home to a conservation site aimed at protecting the local coastal marine species and their coral reef homes, while also studying their populations. Participants will assist researchers in conserving a portion of the Mesoamerican Reef, which faces increased problems due to development in the nearby cities of Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Volunteers will help with long term goals to ensure the area will remain protected. Through education of the community and gaining specific knowledge on the functioning and elements of the ecosystem, participants will be better able to understand the biodiversity. The project will be split into two portions. Participants will be trained for the first three weeks on diving in order to obtain PADI certification for open water, study local specimen, and learn techniques for data collection. After this, volunteers will begin to directly assist with monitoring and researching including cleaning beaches, collecting information on coral and fish, helping with tasks such as chores and equipment prep, and reaching out to local people through education.

GVI offers a program that starts with a 12-week marine conservation expedition, helping you to develop your understanding of marine conservation and to further or establish your scuba diving skills. You will learn how to live and work with a research team in a remote environment and attain base skills essential for your internship the following 12 weeks. During the next phase, you will undertake your PADI Divemaster course, take further advanced training courses, shadow GVI staff, and assist with the running of the expedition. At the end of the 12-week placement, qualifying interns will either be offered paid or unpaid work with GVI or with one of our local partners. GVI is a PADI-endorsed Dive Training Provider and winner of the DAN Member's choice Award for Dive Safety.