Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Reef Conservation International

Marine Conservation in Placencia, Belize

Book Diving & Marine Conservation Trip

Feel the thrill scuba diving the world’s second largest reef system, the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish, and the satisfaction in helping protect coral reefs. Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) trips are a unique opportunity to protect reef ecosystems by directly participating in our ongoing marine conservation projects! We are located on a small, private, picture-perfect Caribbean island on the Belize Barrier Reef. The diving is incredible and the conservation work we do is meaningful.  Join us!

Welcome to ReefCI

ReefCI offers a unique one-of-a-kind marine conservation diving experience; an all-inclusive diving and marine conservation trip on a small private island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea situated on the Belize Barrier Reef.

As one of the leading NGOs/non-profit marine conservation organizations in Belize, ReefCI has been protecting our coral reefs and oceans since 2006.  We empower everyday global citizens to take an active role in directly protecting and conserving ocean ecosystems through our hands-on marine conservation projects. Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.  Please join us in our mission!

Eco Vacation

It was a great experience. Not only did I have a great time, but I also learned alot about Reef ecology at the same time. In addition, knowing that I did a small part in minimizing the adverse effects of Lionfish on the reef with the added appeal being that they also taste good. What is not to like when you wake up to the sunrise as seen on the attached photo. Thanks to all for making my trip one to remember. Cheers, Allan

– Allan E, Google
Excellent experience

This was a great experience start to finish. While accommodations are rustic (just prepare) and pack for it. Diving was great. Staff and food was really good and boat captain Bert and dive master Sam were both very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. So many lion fish unfortunately but it was fun learning to spear them and help a little!

– Dawn C, Google
Do it! Life changing experience

My husband and I both agree that this is one of our favorite trips and we plan on doing it again! We got our OW certification a year before this trip, so we were a little nervous about the dives. But the team is fantastic and willing to help you feel comfortable. By the end of the first dive, I was ready to get back in the water. At the end of the week, I felt like a pro. THE FOOD IS INCREDIBLE! Bol was an amazing chef and the food was delicious. We learned how to dissect and fillet the catches. Nothing is wasted on that island. The presentations were fun and educational. I learned so much that week and had a blast. If you are on the fence, just do it! You will not regret it.

– Emily L, Google
Great diving and great food

I loved life on this little island. It was wonderful learning a new skill while meeting new people and eating the best food on a little piece of paradise. The instructors and crew were patient, kind and fun. Willie, ‘Worm’, Luis, Sam and Abby were great, professional and knowledgeable. Alex and Gladys spoiled us rotten with delicious food. It was such an amazing experience that I can’t wait to go back next year. My favorite thing to see was the bioluminescence from the dock at night, also the eagle stingrays! So majestic.

– Ana S, Google
Happiness on Tom Owens Cate

My experience with ReefCI was a once in a lifetime trip. The staff is extremely friendly and highly educated, the volunteers are amazing, the food delicious, and the dives beautiful. I can't speak anything but highly of ReefCI and Belize. 3 weeks went by too quickly! But I plan on coming back next summer... and the summer after that. Everyone should experience the pure beauty and happiness of Tom Owens Caye and ReefCI.

– Abby W, Google
Best PADI instructor ever!!!

I went to reef ci only intending to receive an open water certification, but because of how comfortable and exciting my instructor (Matilda Ellison) made it I went on to get a couple more certifications. Matilda was thorough and comforting. She kept me at ease the entire time and her love for her job was very apparent. I highly recommend others go to her for PADI instruction!!

– Janniva V, Google
Giving back to Belize!

My daughter and I were fortunate to be able to participate in this amazing adventure not only to see incredible sea life, but to also help give back to preserve our ocean habitats. We dove 3 times a day and saw beautiful coral, a variety of fish species, eels, sharks, dolphins, rays, etc. We also got to spearfish lion fish, a very invasive species that is decimating the native fish life and impacting the coral reef. The staff was knowledgeable, passionate about what they do, helpful, and very friendly. The treated us like special guests. The food was amazing, cooked by a local gentleman that takes pride in what he cooks. This trip exceeded our expectations!

– Monica K, Google