About the project

During the week you will live on Franks Caye which is a private island in the Sapodilla Cayes reef system - one of a number of marine reserves off the coast of Belize. Volunteers do daily conservation dives and reef check dives which contribute to an ongoing conservation project headed by the Belizean government. If you are there during the months of June to December you may also have the chance to work on the turtle conservation project.

All the work you will do directly contributes to the protection of the environment and to the wider scientific understanding of the reef systems.

A typical week

The main focus of the placement is to join in with the conservation projects through survey dives and coral reef check dives. By doing these you will help to develop an understanding of the complex ecosystem of the area in order to maximize conservation efforts and maintain the long term general health of the coral reef. You can do fun prebreakfast and night dives most days. Many divers also get the chance to swim with whale sharks during their time on Franks Caye.

You will find yourself becoming part of the local community in Punta Gorda at the weekends when you return to the mainland. For example our dive centre sponsors a local football team and guests often watch the matches.

The Diving

Diving here is structured, but relaxed, and not regimented. There are no other dive boats in the area. There are opportunities to do a mix of fun dives, fantastic wall dives, reef check survey dives and commercial species dives. The surveys involve collecting data on coral, fish & invertebrates, which is submitted internationally to Reef Check headquarters for inclusion in global coral reef status reports, and locally to the Belizean Department of Fisheries. The current primary objective is for the Belizean Government to enforce preservation zones in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.

Your survey dives will give you a fascinating insight into the reef system and develop your knowledge of the environment, identifying fish, coral and invertebrates. You can help in a variety of ways depending on how long you want to stay for and your diving ability. Even if you have never dived before, you can learn on the project and get PADI qualifications in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Or you can assist with the surveys as a non-diver or snorkeller.

It is safe non challenging diving with visibility ranges from 15-40 metres and no strong currents. There are rarely other divers in the area and often new dive sites are discovered. The early morning and night recreational dives are a great way to begin or end your day. Along with the usual Caribbean reef life such as Spotted Eagle Rays, Groupers, Moray Eels, Hawksbill and Loggerhead Turtles and Dolphins you may be lucky enough to see giant Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.

The reef itself is very beautiful, covered with a wide range of soft and hard corals as well as numerous lovely songs and the giant barrel sponge. The night dives are fantastic with a huge amount of life. You can see lots of shrimps, octopus and free swimming moray eels, lobsters out of their holes, squid and crabs. During the full moon cycle you will get to the fantastic light show from the String of Pearls.

PADI Dive Courses
While on the island you can do your PADI Open Water, Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver, a variety of speciality dives, EFR first aid and you can also do your Divemaster course.

• Open Water is included for free in the first week for those that do not have it
• Advanced Diver 2 to 3 days £100
• Rescue Diver 4 days £200
• Emergency First Aid 1 day £50
• Divemaster £500

The above prices do not include manuals and PADI fees.

Accommodation and lifestyle

During the week, you will stay on a five acre private Caribbean island, which has a large living area, restaurant and bar. It also has a volleyball court, kayaks and a beautiful sandy beach. The island has several wooden cabanas for divers to stay in, each with their own bathroom veranda and hammock! The staff and divers are the only people on the island, so if you've ever wanted to experience your own private Caribbean island this is it!! At the weekend, you will leave the island and return to the mainland town of Punta Gorda, a chance for you to have some Internet catch up time and eat out. It is also a great chance to sample laid back Belizean village life or stay in a jungle lodge.

What else is there to do?

At the weekends you will stay in an apartment in Punta Gorda. There is a huge variety of things to do including exploring south Belize, visiting caves and waterfalls and staying in jungle lodges. Travelling the rivers by boat or canoe you can often spot howler monkeys swinging in the trees as well as a huge variety of bird life including the Montezuma bird, toucans and parrots.

If you wish you can spend your weekends at the Cotton Tree Lodge where you stay in amazing cabanas by the Moho River in the heart of the jungle. Or you can stay at the charming Hickatee Cottages in a jungle setting just outside Punta Gorda.

Alternatively you can explore further a field and travel to Livingstone, Guatemala and visit the gorgeous Rio Dulce where you can stay in beautiful jungle lodges. You can also visit neighbouring Mexico or Honduras.

What's included

• A comprehensive information booklet
• Travel advice and assistance
• Collection from Punta Gorda airstrip
• Boat transfers to and from Frank's Caye
• All dives
• All dive equipment (excl wetsuit, mask, booties, dive computer)
• PADI Open Water if you do not already have it
• Free scuba review if you have a dive qualification but haven't dived recently
• All meals
• Week time accommodation on Frank's Caye and weekend accommodation in Punta Gorda

What's not included

Flights (£450-£800), travel insurance, visa (free).

You won't need other expenses for living but if you want to have a bit of fun at weekends and do some trips allow £20-£30 for weekends and £50 per trip.

The benefit and requirements

By volunteering at the centre you will make a major contribution to the understanding of the reef ecosystem in the Sapodilla Cayes. Your time and efforts will also help to put pressure in the Belizean Government to protect the area. Our dive conservation centre is not for profit and the majority of the programme costs directly benefit the local community. The contribution also provides a critical source of funding for our future research and conservation work.

No previous experience is required, you just need to be willing and enthusiastic and have a strong interest in diving and conservation. You will need to be physically fit, able to tolerate high temperatures, work well within a team and be adaptable to living and working in a group. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

To participate in the dive conservation and survey work you will need to be at least PADI Open Water so if you do not have it you will need to take the course when you arrive. We also recommend that you take your Advanced diver to be able to participate in the deeper pre-breakfast fun dives.

Next steps and how to book

Please contact us if you would like to discuss the placement, or go to the how to book section where you can apply online or download an application form.

Frank's Caye from the pier