Marine Conservation and Diving Expedition in Mexico and Central America

  Belize

Rural Areas

  Guatemala

Rural Areas

  Honduras

Roatan

  Mexico

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Expeditions depart throughout the year, visit our website for upcoming start dates.

Description: This roving marine conservation expedition is ideal for anyone with previous diving experience. Scuba dive in a variety of spectacular locations while you contribute to the protection of vital coral reefs. Once you've mastered the monitoring techniques and performed some research dives in Mexico, you will begin your travels to Guatemala, Honduras and Belize where you will dive in the warm Caribbean waters. At each stop you will collect data and contribute to research on the increasingly threatened Meso-American Barrier Reef. Along the way you will have the opportunity to go on a range of adventure side-trips, including visiting Mayan ruins, exploring caves and even toasting marshmallows on the lava of an active volcano!

How this program makes a difference

All the countries involved in this expedition have coral reefs which form a vital part of their coastal ecosystem. The reefs provide food and a source of income to many diverse peoples and indigenous groups, but due to population increases and the rapid growth of tourism, these coastal areas and habitats are in danger of being degraded to a point of no return. The research dives and data obtained are used to raise awareness of the plight of the reefs and influence use and policy decisions.

Highlights:
* Visit Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize
* Do 8 to 10 dives per week
* See sharks, turtles, manatees and more
* Receive training in coral and/or fish identification
* Learn marine and reef specific monitoring techniques
* Walk up a live volcano
* Visit local villages and soak up the culture
* Learn some basic Spanish

Qualifications: PADI Distinctive Coral Reef Monitoring Specialty: GVI provides an exceptional standard of training in many internationally recognized qualifications including this distinctive PADI dive certification.

Cost in US$: $6500 for 8 weeks

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical volunteer. All GVI volunteers are open minded and have an adventurous spirit.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 2008 marks a decade of commitment from GVI to all volunteers and partners. Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998