DIVE GEAR REQUIREMENTS, RECOMMENDATIONS & FAQs

Dive Gear Requirements & Recommendations

You must bring your own wetsuit, dive mask, fins, and booties. It is very important that you bring these items or you will not be able to dive! There are no reliable places in Placencia, Belize to buy or rent these items; therefore, it’s important you have them prior to your trip departure.

We do not provide dive computers since almost all of our volunteering dives and conservation efforts are at depths less than 18m/60ft. However, a dive computer is mandatory for any diver that wants to dive deeper than 18m/60ft or for those taking the PADI Advanced Open Water certification course with us.

We provide the rest of your dive gear – BCD’s, tanks, regulators, and weights for a $45 USD per week dive gear rental fee. No rental fee if you bring your own scuba regulator & BCD! Anyone wishing to participate in our optional night dives MUST bring their own dive light/torch. Please note that in order to participate in night dives one must be a certified Advanced Open Water diver.

Below are ReefCI’s recommendations when it comes to wetsuits, dive masks, fins, and booties.

Wetsuit Recommendation

The surface water temperature is consistently around 80F/26C, but much cooler at depth so a 3mm wetsuit (long or short) is just about right for most people. However, it just depends on how much you feel the cold; some dive with just a rash guard or swimsuit while others always dive with a wetsuit. I highly recommend bringing a 3mm wetsuit regardless of the time of year; being cold while diving is no fun at all. It is reassuring to know you have one in case you need it. Moreover, a good wetsuit is a good investment as there is nothing better than getting one that is custom fit to your exact height and weight.

Dive Mask vs Snorkel Mask Recommendation

There is a difference between scuba masks and snorkel masks. Masks made for scuba diving are made from much higher quality materials and subjected to more scrutinizing tests because they must keep out water at much greater depths. The deeper you go, the more pressure there is pushing water into the mask. With a snorkeling mask, pressure is greatly reduced, and if there is a problem you are never far from the surface. Because scuba masks are made with better quality materials, they are more expensive. Scuba diving masks typically cost between $30 to $120. Snorkeling masks can run anywhere from $10 to $40. Comfort when diving is very important and a good mask is probably first on the list to achieving comfort in the water. You won’t regret getting a good diving mask 🙂 Here is a link to a good dive mask on Amazon.

Dive Fins Recommendation

Make sure you buy fins that are for diving and not snorkeling. Dive fins are longer than snorkel fins and if you buy snorkeling fins you won’t be able to keep up with your dive group. Below are the 2 main types of dive fins with my recommendations.

1. Full Foot/Barefoot Style
(No booties required with this style)

Key Characteristics of Full-Foot Fins

Easy to wear and remove
Can be worn barefoot without booties
Proper fit is more critical
Doesn’t offer thermal protection
Amazon link to a good pair of full foot/barefoot fins

2. Open-Heeled Foot Style with Straps
(Booties required with this style)

Key Characteristics of Open-Heeled Fins

Adjustable straps for a more custom fit
Worn over booties or diving socks
Ideal for scuba diving
Slightly bulkier and more expensive
Amazon link to a good pair of open-heeled fins.

Booties Recommendation

Booties are needed to protect against blisters but ONLY if your dive fins are the open heel type with straps. If you have full foot/barefoot style fins then you do not need booties. Bootie thickness does not really matter – certainly nothing too thick since you will be diving in warm water – anything 3mm or less is great for booties. Here is an Amazon link to a cheap pair of booties.

Frequently Asked Diving Questions

Required Dive Gear?

You must bring your own wetsuit, dive mask, fins, and booties. It is very important that you bring these items or you will not be able to dive! There are no reliable places in Placencia, Belize to buy or rent these items; therefore, it’s important you have them prior to your trip departure. We do not provide dive computers since almost all of our volunteering dives and conservation efforts are at depths less than 18m/60ft. However, a dive computer is mandatory for any diver that wants to dive deeper than 18m/60ft or for those taking the PADI Advanced Open Water certification course with us.

We provide the rest of your dive gear – BCD’s, tanks, regulators, and weights for a $45 USD per week dive gear rental fee. No rental fee if you bring your own scuba regulator & BCD! Anyone wishing to participate in our optional night dives MUST bring their own dive light/torch. Please note that in order to participate in night dives one must be a certified Advanced Open Water diver.

Check-Out Dive/Dive Refresher?

No worries if it has been a while since your last dive. Feel free to share any concerns you have with the team upon arrival and they will give you a refresher on basic skills on land before your dive if requested. Most of our volunteers are excited about getting in the water but are a little nervous having not dived for a while. Our dive team is here to help and our first dive is a shore dive from the island which will help regain your confidence.

Time for Conservation Dives if I get a PADI Certification?

All PADI specialty courses, as well as the PADI advanced and rescue that we offer on the island do not take away from the conservation dives we do. We manage to work them during and between the conservation dives.

However, please note that if you are taking the PADI open water or PADI divemaster courses that these are more intensive and do cut into some of the conservation diving.

Number of Dives Per Week?

We do 12-13 dives each week with a combination of both boat and shore dives. The vast majority being boat dives if weather is suitable, shore dives if the weather is unsafe for boat dives. For new arrivals to the island, we do 1 dive on Monday (first dive is a check-out dive) while returning guests with us multiple weeks do 2 dives on Monday. We do 3 dives a day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. In addition, we do at least 1 night dive per week (advanced diver certification required to participate in our night dives). On Fridays, we do 1 morning dive and return to the mainland anywhere from 10am to 12 noon. We only take small groups and our instructors are great on helping individual divers and techniques. All dives are voluntary so if the schedule is too intense you can always chill with a good book in our hammocks and relax!

Minimum Age to Participate?

Kids Under 13 Prohibited. One must be at least 13 years old to come to our island, anyone under 13 is prohibited. Our volunteer trips are not kid friendly and are geared towards divers or those who want to be certified on the island. Our first and foremost mission is our marine conservation efforts and there is not much to do for young kids/ non-divers.

SEE WHAT OUR FORMER GUESTS
SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Neva Hendry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing diving and volunteering experience. I have been on two separate dive trips here, and I will be a client for life. Beautiful location, amazing staff, and tons of fantastic diving. They always go above and beyond to accommodate dietary restrictions, celebrations, and cook beautiful meals. The instructors and divemasters are extremely thorough and patient with students with different comfort levels in the water. This place is a haven for connecting with nature, getting as much diving as possible, meeting great people, and relaxing by the water.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patrick Corrigan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reef CI runs a very comprehensive PADI certification program - all the staff and instructors are very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to learn with. In addition to the great diving and instruction, we also had delicious meals, and full-on volleyball games every evening. Great place to learn how to scuba! Good diving, great instructors, delicious food!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve McGonagle 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The diving was amazing!  As always.  My 6th week on the island over past 5 years. One of the most amazing things about this magical island operation is the quality of the people who make it all happen. I find it fascinating that the chill vibe of the island is so unique and powerful.  Run by the kindest and most professional crew anywhere.  Friends for life. You're doing amazing things for the environment and for divers who want to volunteer. My favorite trip every year and all I do is travel, fish and dive. I thank you. Steve
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christine Ocean 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An Unforgettable Week of Conservation and Connection My week on Tom Owen’s Caye with ReefCI was nothing short of incredible. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for an adventure. Willie, Abby, Johnny, Mike, Bigs, Linda, Lou, and the entire crew were simply amazing. Their passion for marine conservation was infectious, and their dedication to educating us was truly inspiring. Throughout the week, we learned about the critical impact of lionfish on the reef ecosystem and the dangers posed by single-use plastics. The hands-on experience of helping with lionfish removal and contributing to reef conservation was as rewarding as it was eye-opening. The staff did an incredible job of breaking down complex environmental issues into actionable steps we could all take to make a difference. Beyond the conservation work, the hospitality was exceptional. The team worked tirelessly to take care of us, ensuring every detail of our stay was perfect. And the food—wow! Every meal was delicious, fresh, and made with care, providing the perfect fuel for our dives and activities. ReefCI isn’t just about volunteering; it’s about building connections—with the ocean, the incredible people on the island, and fellow volunteers who share a passion for making a difference. I left feeling empowered to share the impact with friends and family and more connected to the marine environment than ever before. If you’re looking for a meaningful adventure that combines conservation, education, and community, ReefCI is the place to be. I can’t recommend it enough and can’t wait for the chance to go back!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Greg & Nic Ruddenklau 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A tiny island but a very impactful experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kayla Rodriguez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The greatest hosts, the best food, and some of the best diving you'll get. We will be back ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   jay a 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a fantastic experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the diving , education and people while being disconnected from the world for a few days! I cannot wait to return!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chrissy McKeon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an amazing organization and experience! It is so rewarding to do something that you love while also feeling like you're making a difference. This was my first time spearing lionfish and I was surprised at how much fun I had and how easy it was (lionfish are slow, y'all!). The staff does such an impeccable job of weaving conservation into what is just hands-down a great time. When you're not diving, there's time to soak up the incredible feeling of being disconnected on a beautiful remote island smack in the middle of the Carribean. And if you haven't gotten enough of the open ocean, the snorkeling right off the dock is some I've ever done! My group was also lucky enough to have gone during turtle nesting season, and we got to help ensure nearly 50 hatchlings made it safely to the water... a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. A mama sea-turtle also made a few appearances on the island! I can't say enough good things about ReefCI. It's just a diver's and ocean-lover's paradise!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sai Gudlavalleti 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A fantastic experience! If you have any doubts, cast them aside. This is a very well-run organization with super chill people on the island. They are awesome and make this a great stay! The size of the island is perfect and you will not really want for anything. Totally disconnected (internet) and taking small steps to make the oceans a better place by saving the corals from invasive species. You meet I stayed for a week and was really hoping I could stay longer. Will definitely be coming back! Thank you to all the people on the island making this a superb place to spend a week (or more)!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alexander Rich 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was my 4th (I think) time at ReefCI. Every time I visit I enjoy plentiful and exciting diving, relaxing hammocks, friendly and knowledgable staff and instructors, chill social time, reading catch-up, and tasty food. I appreciate the team's accommodation of everyone's skill level, dietary restrictions, and desire-to-participate level. I hope to be back soon!

DIVE GEAR REQUIREMENTS, RECOMMENDATIONS & FAQs