Mexico Marine Research Conservation

  Mexico

• Yucatan Peninsula: 
Tulum

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: 16 May to 20 Jun 2008, 11 Jul to 15 Aug 2008, 11 Jul to 19 Sep 2008, 15 Aug to 19 Sep 2008, 03 Oct to 07 Nov 2008, 03 Oct to 12 Dec 2008, 07 Nov to 12 Dec 2008, 09 Jan to 13 Feb 2009, 09 Jan to 20 Mar 2009...

Description: Volunteer in Mexico on this marine conservation expedition and help to protect the world's second largest barrier reef - the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. As you live in a remote tropical paradise you will learn to scuba dive from a beginner's level (earning PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water Diver certificates), help on community development initiatives and experience the beautiful world that exists beneath the waves!

Ever dreamt of scuba diving in one of the most pristine marine environments in the world, which is a haven of soft corals, turtles and rainbow-coloured tropical fish? Ever wanted to do this whilst helping marine conservation projects and community development initiatives that have been set up to protect such an area? By volunteering in Mexico on this Yomps marine conservation and community development programme, you have the chance to do just this! Volunteers will live in a stunning tropical paradise in a remote part of the Yucatan Peninsula a beautiful area of Southeast Mexico that is steeped in Mayan culture and history. Here volunteers will learn from a beginner's level the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) diving and researching qualifications that you need to scuba dive safely and conduct research dives on the surrounding coral reefs. When out of the water, volunteers will assist local community development projects, helping on adult and child marine education and awareness programmes, and visiting and teaching within local schools, establishments, on the research base and in the open marine environment. As this programme works with national and international partners, all the research you collect and the community help you provide will directly go directly towards the marine conservation of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches more than 450 miles, making it second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef in size. The reef is home to a mesmerising amount of marine life, including starfish, manta rays, loggerhead turtles, hammerhead shark and over 500 species of fish, amongst others. For either five or ten weeks, volunteers will live in a remote research base and perform research dives on this amazing barrier reef. Volunteers will learn to scuba dive from a beginner's level (obtaining PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced Open Water diving qualifications) and be trained specifically for research purposes (earning the PADI Coral Reef Researcher qualification). When you are not diving, you can immerse yourself in all the beauty of this stunning tropical paradise, living by the sea and benefiting from everything that comes along with it...like having your own beach! Additionally, you will have the opportunity to increase your personal knowledge of the tropical marine environment, its importance and threats that it faces, and then help to increase both local and global knowledge and awareness. So whether you are looking for a career in conservation or just want to go on an adventure in a spectacular part of the world, being a volunteer in Mexico is a fantastic and worthwhile way to spend part of a gap year, sabbatical or adventure holiday.

Highlights: What's Included?

* Pre-departure support
* Airport pick-up and transfer to base
* Food and accommodation
* National park fees and permits
* PADI Open Water and Advanced Level Diving courses
* PADI Coral Reef Researcher speciality
* Heavily discounted further dive training options up to PADI Divemaster
* All training materials, technical dive equipment and science equipment
* First aid training course and qualification (Emergency First Response)
* Comprehensive training necessary for research techniques
* 24-hour in-country support
* A 24-hour emergency phone line in the UK
* A free Careers Abroad fieldwork placement and job vacancy service (successful placements depend upon their aptitude and attitude)
* Discounted access to Smugmug services, which is a secure way of storing your photos while you are travelling.

Cost in US$: GBP 1575 / $3150 (US) / EUR 2365

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Up to 20

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Year Founded: 2006