Escape to Tom Owens Caye, a remote tropical island off the coast of Belize, and live the adventure of marine conservation. Join ReefCI’s passionate team of scientists and divers as you help protect one of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. Spend your days scuba diving in turquoise waters, removing invasive lionfish, monitoring sea turtles, and exploring coral reefs teeming with life. At night, unwind under the stars with beach bonfires and island-style dinners. This is more than just a trip—it’s your chance to live sustainably, learn deeply, and connect with nature in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Please note that this specific experience is exclusively for certified divers. You must hold a valid Open Water certification (or higher) prior to arrival to participate in this program.
A partir de
Escape to Tom Owens Caye, a remote tropical island off the coast of Belize, and live the adventure of marine conservation. Join ReefCI’s passionate team of scientists and divers as you help protect one of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. Spend your days scuba diving in turquoise waters, removing invasive lionfish, monitoring sea turtles, and exploring coral reefs teeming with life. At night, unwind under the stars with beach bonfires and island-style dinners. This is more than just a trip—it’s your chance to live sustainably, learn deeply, and connect with nature in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Please note that this specific experience is exclusively for certified divers. You must hold a valid Open Water certification (or higher) prior to arrival to participate in this program.
Ver maisA partir de
Escape to Tom Owens Caye, a remote tropical island off the coast of Belize, and live the adventure of marine conservation. Join ReefCI’s passionate team of scientists and divers as you help protect one of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. Spend your days scuba diving in turquoise waters, removing invasive lionfish, monitoring sea turtles, and exploring coral reefs teeming with life. At night, unwind under the stars with beach bonfires and island-style dinners. This is more than just a trip—it’s your chance to live sustainably, learn deeply, and connect with nature in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Please note that this specific experience is exclusively for certified divers. You must hold a valid Open Water certification (or higher) prior to arrival to participate in this program.
Ver maisA partir de
Escape to Tom Owens Caye, a remote tropical island off the coast of Belize, and live the adventure of marine conservation. Join ReefCI’s passionate team of scientists and divers as you help protect one of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. Spend your days scuba diving in turquoise waters, removing invasive lionfish, monitoring sea turtles, and exploring coral reefs teeming with life. At night, unwind under the stars with beach bonfires and island-style dinners. This is more than just a trip—it’s your chance to live sustainably, learn deeply, and connect with nature in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Ver maisA partir de
The host will meet you and the group at Placencia, and you'll take the boat together to the project.
Kick off your island escape with a warm welcome! Meet your hosts, settle into your curated room, and dive into an exciting program intro. We’ll wrap up with a breathtaking overview of the island’s hidden gems.
Enjoy your first lunch with the team.
Dive into the world of the lionfish, learn the traditional craft of coconut spear sharpening, and gear up with a professional dive orientation.
Ditch the heavy gear and experience the ocean in its rawest form. Join Mandy for an exhilarating free dive.
After an epic day underwater, it’s time to kick back. Swap stories and share laughs with your new dive buddies as the sun sets. Whether you’re looking to find a quiet corner to unwind or bond over the day’s best sightings.
Group dinner to wrap up your first full day.
Wake up with a coffee and an island sunrise.
Dive into the abyss with Mandy and master the art of breath-holding in a safe, high-adrenaline environment.
Go beyond the dive and become a citizen scientist! Learn the expert techniques to clean lionfish safely and dive into their fascinating biology.
Fuel your body for the day ahead! Savor a delicious, hearty breakfast designed to recharge your energy after the morning's excitement.
Dive into the captivating history of the lionfish invasion, exploring how they arrived and their impact on the blue wild. It’s a powerful story of ecology and resilience that will change the way you see the ocean forever.
Embark on a vertical journey with Mandy to explore the hidden corners of the ocean on a single breath.
Join forces with your fellow divers to clean and prep the day’s catch.
After a morning of action, sit back and refuel with a delicious, well-earned lunch.
Dive deep into the fascinating history of how the lionfish arrived and why they’ve taken over.
Join Mandy for a free diving session focused on tranquility, inner peace, and the rhythmic silence of the underwater world.
A bigger catch means more hands-on practice in the art of lionfish cleaning. Sharpen your techniques, refine your precision, and become an expert at preparing this invasive species.
Hit the pause button and soak up the tropical bliss! Whether you’re lounging under a tree or exploring the island’s hidden corners, this is your time to recharge.
Fuel up before heading out.
Gear up for an exclusive night dive as the reef’s nocturnal world awakens. For our advanced divers, this is a rare chance to witness the hunt under the stars and see the ocean in a whole new light.
Start your morning with pure island vibes and coffe.
Learn to move with the grace of marine life, guided by Mandy’s expert hand.
Head to the cleaning station to prep your fresh catch, refining your skills in safely handling and filleting lionfish.
Through this powerful presentation, explore the staggering impact of plastic pollution on our marine world.
Savor fresh flavors and local favorites while the ocean breeze sets the mood, it’s the perfect time to refue
Mandy leads you through a mindful free diving experience designed to reduce stress and increase your aquatic confidence.
Join the team for a rewarding beach clean-up to remove debris and protect the island's natural beauty.
After an active morning, it’s time to sit back and refuel with a hearty, delicious lunch designed to recharge your battery.
Dive into the fascinating world of sea turtles and learn why these graceful creatures are vital to the Caribbean's health.
Join Mandy to improve your technique, lung capacity, and safety protocols in open water.
Master the art of the perfect cut! Now is the time to refine your technique and handle your catch like a pro.
Unwind and embrace the best of island life! Whether you’re cooling off with a refreshing swim, lounging in the sun, or sharing stories with fellow adventurers, this is your time to connect and recharge.
Gather 'round for a spectacular meal, sharing the highlights of your dives and discoveries.
Start your day with a moment of pure serenity and coffe.
Grab your fins and join Mandy for a day of underwater sightseeing.
Take this time to sharpen your prep skills, focusing on the careful removal of spines and the art of the perfect fillet.
Savor every bite of a fresh tropical breakfast!
Dive deep into the biology of the ocean’s most beautiful invader!
Join Mandy for a guided free diving session.
Join the crew to process the day’s catch, sharing tips and techniques as you turn a successful hunt into high-quality fillets.
Recharge your spirit with a vibrant, flavorful lunch! Dive into a spread of fresh local ingredients and perfectly prepared dishes that celebrate the spirit of the island.
From the lush rainforests to the colorful streets, learn how this nation’s deep connection to the land and sea shapes its identity and its world-leading conservation efforts.
Join Mandy to explore the local waters in the most natural way possible.
Savor the stillness of your final morning in paradise!
Join Mandy for our final free diving session in these ocean waters.
Enjoy your final island feast! Gather with the group to savor tropical flavors one last time. It’s the perfect moment to celebrate new friendships and the real difference you made for the ocean. Say goodbye to paradise with a full heart and great memories!
Time to wrap things up! Settle your tabs, share your traveler info for the journey, and get your gear packed for the boat ride back.
Veja as atividades que farão sua viagem ser uma aventura épica.
Contribua com o projeto e cause impacto positivo enquanto desenvolve habilidades novas.
Learn about coral reefs and marine animals and discover how we can protect our reefs
Protect endangered sea turtles through nest preparation & monitoring
Explore vibrant coral reefs and spot tropical fish up close, even on your surface intervals
Conheça a cultura local e viva uma experiência de viagem autêntica com atividades inclusas em seu itinerário.
Join Mandy to free dive in the ocean waters!
Glide over crystal-clear Caribbean waters and enjoy stunning views of the reef and the horizon.
Weekly beach and island trash/plastic removal on islands of the Belize Barrier Reef
Paddle around the island solo or with a buddy. Peaceful, energizing, and completely free
Travelers will stay in shared, rustic beachfront cabanas or in a shared house on Tom Owens Island, a pristine sanctuary surrounded by the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Just steps from the shore, you’ll fall asleep to the soothing sound of gentle waves and wake up to stunning ocean views each morning. The cabanas are simple yet comfortable, featuring single beds with mosquito nets, fresh linens, and ocean breezes that keep the atmosphere cool.
There is no Wi-Fi or cell signal on the island—this is a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and yourself. Shared composting toilets and rainwater showers provide an eco-friendly, sustainable setup, allowing you to live in harmony with the island's natural environment. This minimalist accommodation offers a unique opportunity to embrace the island's raw beauty while minimizing your environmental footprint. It’s an experience that invites you to immerse fully in the island's tranquility and simplicity.
All meals are freshly prepared on the island by a chef! Our local cooks prepare three hearty meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), blending Caribbean flavors with international favorites. Meals are served buffet-style and are designed to fuel your days of diving and conservation work.
🍳 Breakfasts may include scrambled eggs, pancakes, fresh tropical fruits (like pineapple, watermelon, or papaya), oatmeal, and toast with spreads.
🥗 Lunches are light and energizing, often featuring dishes like veggie stir-fry with rice, pasta salads, burritos, or fresh sandwiches with sides.
🍛 Dinners are more filling and usually include a protein (like chicken, fish, or beans), rice or potatoes, cooked vegetables, and a salad. You might enjoy local specialties such as coconut rice and stew chicken, or grilled fish with plantains.
🧁 Occasional desserts and snacks (like banana bread or cookies) appear too, especially after a long dive day!
🥦 Vegetarian and vegan options are available at every meal, and we’re happy to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly!
As the project is on an island, your host won’t be able to offer airport pickups or drop-offs, but getting to them is super easy!
Once you land at Placencia Airport (PLJ), you’re just a 10-minute taxi ride away from town, where all the recommended hotels and guesthouses are located. Taxis are usually waiting right outside the airport, but if you don’t see one, the front desk can call one for you—it’ll arrive in minutes.
The ride costs around $10 USD and takes you straight to your hotel. After booking your trip, you'll receive access to the Program Guide with your host’s personal recommendations for where to stay.
Your host recommends arriving in Placencia the day before the boat transfer to the island so everything runs smoothly. Exactly meeting times and boat departure info will be shared in the Program Guide after booking.
Located on the pristine Tom Owens Island in Belize, Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) is dedicated to protecting one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders: the Belize Barrier Reef. Since 2006, ReefCI has been at the forefront of marine conservation, engaging passionate volunteers in hands-on work that directly impacts the health of our oceans. From sea turtle conservation to invasive species management, ReefCI’s work is vital to the preservation of marine biodiversity and the longevity of the reef.
Through research, education, and practical conservation efforts, ReefCI aims to inspire and equip future environmental stewards. Volunteers at ReefCI not only help preserve this beautiful ecosystem but also gain invaluable experience in marine biology, scuba diving, and conservation practices.
Anthony is the heart and soul of ReefCI. A wildlife biologist and educator with nearly 20 years of experience in Belize, Anthony has dedicated his life to the protection of the Belize Barrier Reef and its incredible marine life. He is a passionate conservationist with a deep understanding of the region’s delicate ecosystem, and his expertise makes him an invaluable guide to all volunteers who join the project.
Placencia is a charming coastal village located in the southern part of Belize, known for its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and proximity to both the Belize Barrier Reef and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the country, Placencia offers visitors the perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural authenticity.
This vibrant village is home to a small but welcoming community, where local restaurants serve up delicious Belizean cuisine and the friendly residents make everyone feel like family. The streets are lined with colorful shops, art galleries, and places to relax, making it a great spot for those who want to unwind after a day of exploration.
ReefCI is on the frontlines of marine conservation, fighting to protect the Belize Barrier Reef—one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Through hands-on initiatives, we tackle critical environmental challenges such as overfishing, invasive species, plastic pollution, and coral bleaching.
Our private island research base is powered by passionate travelers who support our mission both in and out of the water.
In 2024 alone, we:
• Removed 6,477 invasive lionfish from protected waters
• Collected 14,200 pounds of plastic and trash from beaches and reefs
• Released over 1,000 baby sea turtles into the wild
• Logged 77,608 hours of data-driven conservation dives
• Delivered 354 educational presentations on marine ecology
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