Escape to Tom Owens Caye, a remote tropical island off the coast of Belize, and earn your scuba diving certification in one of the world’s most breathtaking marine environments. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your skills, ReefCI’s team of expert instructors will guide you through the process while immersing you in daily dives across vibrant coral reefs. Many of our volunteers come to ReefCI to learn to dive. Our island is the perfect place to start—calm, clear waters and little current make it ideal for beginners. We love introducing new divers to the underwater world—it’s like visiting another planet without leaving Earth! To get certified, you must complete the PADI eLearning portion of your Open Water course before arriving. PADI is the world’s leading scuba training organization. Their online eLearning covers all the theory, and costs $246 USD, paid directly to PADI via their website. Once on the island, you’ll complete the in-water portion of your certification over 3 days, guided by our instructors. ReefCI charges $295 USD for this hands-on training. Learn to dive while swimming alongside sea turtles, exploring turquoise waters, and contributing to reef conservation efforts like lionfish removal and coral monitoring. After your dives, unwind with island-style meals, beach bonfires, and stunning sunsets. It’s more than a license—it’s your gateway to adventure, sustainability, and the magic of life underwater.
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Join Tay & Cass for an unforgettable adventure in Belize, where you’ll stay on a private conservation island and experience life along the Belize Barrier Reef! Get scuba certified, dive into crystal-clear Caribbean waters, take part in hands-on marine conservation, and make incredible memories with a group of new friends.
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US$ 2.029
Join Isabella Logan for five days of ocean adventure, island living, and marine conservation on Tom Owens Caye in Belize!Designed for travelers who aren’t yet scuba certified, this trip gives you the opportunity to work toward your PADI Open Water certification with ReefCI’s experienced instructors. Build your confidence underwater, explore colorful coral reefs, and learn about the marine life that calls the Belize Barrier Reef home.Once certified, put your new skills into practice on conservation dives and discover how divers can help protect ocean ecosystems. Beyond diving, enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, beach cleanups, and time to relax with Isabella and your fellow travelers.With shared island accommodations, three meals a day, and Caribbean sunsets, this is your chance to disconnect, make new friends, and experience the ocean from a whole new perspective.Please note: PADI eLearning must be completed before arrival. Mandatory eLearning and practical certification fees are additional to the trip pric
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Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
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The host will meet you and the group at Placencia, and you'll take the boat together to the project.
Welcome talk, room assignments, program intro, and island overview.
Enjoy your first lunch with the team.
Intro to lionfish, coconut spear training, and dive orientation.
Get introduced to the scuba gear you'll be using all week! Learn how everything works, get comfortable setting it up, and then head out for your very first dive just off the shore—your underwater adventure begins!
Unwind or hang out with your new dive buddies.
Group dinner to wrap up your first full day.
Wake up with a coffee and an island sunrise.
Tasty breakfast to refuel.
Practice key scuba skills in calm, shallow waters right off the island. These sessions help you build confidence and prepare for deeper dives later in the week.
Take a break and enjoy the island.
Grab a well-earned island lunch.
Fuel up before heading out.
Start your day with island vibes.
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast.
Take the plunge into open water! Today you’ll complete your certification dives and put all your skills into practice. By the end of the day, you’ll be a certified PADI Open Water Diver, ready to explore the ocean anywhere in the world!
Help keep the island pristine.
Refuel with a hearty lunch.
Relax, swim, or chat with new friends.
Wrap up the day with a good meal and enjoy the rest of the night.
Peaceful start to a full day.
Enjoy your morning meal.
Now that you're certified, join a conservation-focused dive! Help protect marine life and learn how divers can make a difference in preserving our ocean ecosystems.
Learn about this beautiful country and its culture.
Delicious lunch to recharge.
Wrap up the day with a good meal and enjoy the rest of the night.
Peaceful start to a full day.
Enjoy your final breakfast on the island!
Wrap up the week with another meaningful conservation dive. Put your new skills to good use while giving back to the ocean—an unforgettable way to end your diving journey!
Pay tabs, collect traveler info, and pack up 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
Help protect marine life and learn how divers support ocean conservation.
Get your PADI dive license while exploring coral reefs & protecting marine life in Belize.
Conheça a cultura local e viva uma experiência de viagem autêntica com atividades inclusas em seu itinerário.
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
Explore vibrant coral reefs and spot tropical fish up close, even on your surface intervals
Glide over crystal-clear Caribbean waters and enjoy stunning views of the reef and the horizon.
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!
Arrive at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City and follow the host-approved route to Placencia to take the direct boat transfer to the island project site. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!
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 volunteers who support our mission both in and out of the water.
In 2024 alone, with the help of volunteers, 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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