Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) gives you the opportunity to learn about reef ecosystems and help conserve and protect the reef by directly helping us with our marine conservation projects all while having a fun holiday/vacation!
People coming on this type of volunteer experience have a shared passion for diving and ocean conservation, which makes for great group dynamics. We give you the unique opportunity to learn about and help conserve the coral reef and ocean while having a fun volunteer experience. ReefCI trips are for beginners and experienced scuba divers and those wishing to become certified divers. Everyone contributes regardless of their background or experience. You will be spearing the invasive lionfish and participating in our other conservation dives and making a difference!
Marine Conservation Projects and Education Program
Each week/day will differ, but you will be helping and participating in the following areas:
Invasive Species Control: You can save coral reef ecosystems by spearfishing the invasive lionfish! Lionfish are an invasive species that threaten native reef fishes and corals. It’s fun and a win for the environment! Watch this short YouTube video to experience Invasive Species Removal with ReefCI.
Sea Turtle Conservation: Protect endangered sea turtles through nest preparation & monitoring, hatchling rescue & release, habitat restoration, data collection, and education. Baby sea turtles are sooo cute! Watch this short YouTube video to experience Sea Turtle Conservation with ReefCI. Sea turtle conservation activities are only available April thru November.
Marine Conservation Education: Learn about coral reefs and marine animals and discover how we can protect our reefs and animals that call the ocean home through our educational presentations. Presentations are very informative and for the nerd in all of us 😊
Biodiversity Identification Dives: Participate in our identification dives (reef fish, sea turtles, sharks, invertebrates, coral) to increase your knowledge and understanding of reef ecosystems. Be more than just a scuba diver, embrace the awesomeness of mother nature’s diversity and get to know ocean creatures!
Whale Shark Diving: Dive or snorkel with the largest fish in the ocean! Watch this short YouTube video, Whale Sharking with ReefCI to see it in action. Please note, we do not guarantee whale shark sightings but if you are lucky enough to dive with one – it is magical!!
Beach Clean-ups: Weekly beach and island trash/plastic removal on islands of the Belize Barrier Reef. Feel good by doing good!
Depending on the season and length of stay you might not take part in all of these activities above, but it is a good bet that you will experience most of them. Check out our video library to see all our videos to get an overall feel of what you can expect!
Our island is located on the second largest reef system in the world – the Belize Barrier Reef. Our reef is home to vibrant corals and countless species of colorful reef fish. Dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, spotted eagle rays, barracudas, and groupers are very common too. Several times a year we will spot giant manta rays as well as whale sharks – the largest fish in the world! Whale sharks and manta rays are rare, but if you are lucky enough to dive with one – it is magical!!
Marine Conservation Projects and Education Schedule and Weekly Itinerary
All new arrivals to the island will complete week 1 schedule while on the island. Those who are with us as rollovers (volunteers with us multiple weeks in a row) will be on our cycle two, three, and four schedules. Please click on the links below to see each detailed weekly schedule that includes dives, conservation presentation topics, and meals.
- Marine Conservation Education Program
- Week 1 Schedule/Itinerary
- Cycle 2 Schedule/Itinerary
- Cycle 3 Schedule/Itinerary
- Cycle 4 Schedule/Itinerary
About ReefCI: A Registered NGO/Non-Profit
ReefCI has been developing and working on a wide variety of marine conservation projects to protect the Belize Barrier Reef and ocean ecosystems since 2006. ReefCI is a registered non-profit in the USA as well as a registered NGO in Belize. Our USA non-profit IRS tax identification (EIN number) is 81-3337647 and our Belize NGO certificate registration number is 01-2019. ReefCI has fought to protect the ocean and improve coral reef ecosystems; however, ReefCI cannot do it alone, we need your help! Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.
How We Are Funded
Our work is funded through environmentally minded eco-volunteers, like yourself, who come to our unique island in Belize to assist in our marine conservation projects and protect the underwater world we love. Without your help and funding, ReefCI would not be possible. Our volunteers truly are the change they wish to see in the world. Join us and make a difference!
Environmental and Social Goals
ReefCI has been and will continue to be focused on our hands-on conservation projects that protect the millions of species that rely on healthy functioning marine ecosystems. ReefCI firmly believes that hands-on education and activism is a key component in maintaining a sustainable future for humankind. To that end, ReefCI provides the experiential learning through our volunteer-based conservation projects, which will enable global citizens to impact decisions about conservation and world issues. We encourage everyone to become a part of our community of people who care about the future of our planet’s oceans.