Marine Conservation in Belize with PADI Certification

  • The Project

    Based on a tiny private island off the coast of Punta Gorda, this marine conservation project has worked in conjunction with the fisheries department for the past 7 years researching issues affecting the world’s second largest coral reef. Focusing currently on the invasion of alien lion fish to the Belizean waters, as well as monitoring Lobster populations, Conch migration, coral health, fish species and whale shark identification, volunteers have a great deal of work to do in the blue waters of the Caribbean.

  • Why the project needs you

    Lion fish, an Asian species with no natural predators in the Caribbean were thought to have been released in Florida in the late 90’s. Now with a population as dense as 1,000 per acre in some areas, they are decimating the Belizean reef. One lionfish in an area has been found to decrease the juvenile fish population by 80% in just 5 weeks! The main focus of the project is to reduce their population through spear fishing, encouraging locals to catch them for food and to teach moray eels to hunt them

    Project Location

    Punta Gorda is a charming beachside town – the most southern in Belize. With its wooden houses and waterfront promenade, it has a laid back and friendly population with a thriving Saturday market.

    The Sapodilla Cayes Marine reserve covers and area of about 125 sq km with fourteen sand and mangrove cayes. Waters are generally crystal clear with great visibility and the waters are home to nesting turtles, migrating whale sharks, manta rays and thousands of other fascinating fish and coral species

  • Project Facts

    •Duration: 2 weeks
    •Cost: £1375 2 weeks, £485 for each additional week thereafter
    •Requirements: 18+
    •Location – Saspodilla Cayes Marine National Park, Belize
    •Project activities: Diving, spear fishing, species identification, documenting shell measurements,
    •Working hours - generally 3 dives per day – weather dependent.
    •Projects availability - Arrivals every Sunday. Closed February 1-16 and October 1-16 for weather and maintenance.

  • What is included

    •Airport pick up and drop off from Punta Gorda Airport
    •Accommodation: In a private room on the island during the week and in a shared room on the mainland (in Punta Gorda) at weekends
    •Weekly Transfers to and from the island at weekends
    •Food: 3 meals per day Monday to Friday (meals not included at weekends)
    •All diving equipment (we recommend you bring your own mask)
    •PADI Open Water or Advanced course

  • What is not included

    •Flights (internal flights from Belize city to Punta Gorda can be arranged for $145 each way per person)
    •Insurance
    •Visas
    •PADI admin fee for certification - $50
    •PADI manual for the relevant course
    •Meals at weekends
    •Marine reserve island fees - $25 per week or $75 per month

Related Projects

Other Projects in Belize