Our volunteer programs are designed to get you actively involved in our ongoing marine conservation projects. Whether you are looking to work in marine ecology and conservation as part of your course work, or you simply want to spend your summer learning close to the ocean, we offer you a warm welcome.
As a Caribbean Reef Buddy volunteer, you'll become an integral part of our mission. Whether you're monitoring reefs, nurturing coral nurseries, or tracking the movements of sharks and apex predators, your hands-on involvement will shape the future of our oceans. Your watchful eyes and caring touch will help us understand and protect these vital ecosystems, ensuring their resilience for generations to come. Join us in creating a wave of positive change beneath the surface, leaving a lasting imprint on the underwater world we hold dear.
For a complete and engaging experience in our program, you'll find yourself immersed in underwater realms through scuba diving. If you're already an 'Advanced' level diver, you're all set to jump right in. If you're new to diving, worry not—we offer comprehensive diving training during a dedicated 'CRB Training Week.' Project-specific training will be provided at the start of each 'CRB Project Week,' ensuring you're well-prepared to make a meaningful impact. Our goal is to equip you with the skills you need to dive into the heart of marine conservation and exploration.
To embark on the Caribbean Reef Buddy volunteer journey, ensure you:
• Are aged 18 or above
• Have completed the RSTC Medical Statement (download available here) and consulted your physician for any concerns
• Possess a curiosity for Marine Ecology and a keen willingness to embrace the realm of marine life and research methodologies.
And guess what? We're Family Friendly too!
While our program warmly welcomes individuals aged 18 and above, we extend our support to families and groups with younger participants (minimum 12 years old). With tailored project details and theory sessions designed for the specific audience, we ensure an exhilarating and enlightening experience that the whole family can dive into.
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Dive into Adventure
Explore our projects and take a moment to immerse yourself in their details. Select the program weeks that resonate with your passion and curiosity. If you're seeking an extended journey and yearn to engage in diverse activities, including the possibility of pursuing your Divemaster qualification, don't hesitate to reach out. Send us a message or request a call, and we'll guide you through the array of options available. We're here to discuss your aspirations and provide guidance on the path that aligns perfectly with your ambitions.
Our dynamic program operates on an eight-week rolling schedule, allowing all participants to engage with every facet of our Carriacou-based project workstreams. During the first week, you'll receive comprehensive dive training, advancing you to the level of Advanced Adventure Diver.
In the fifth week, we'll equip you with vital skills in emergency first aid and rescue techniques. If you're already certified as an Advanced Adventure or Advanced Open Water diver, feel free to join us at any juncture throughout the program. Stay for as long as you can support, and together we'll make waves of positive change in the realm of marine conservation.
Our program resumes its voyage on May 6th, 2024, marked by our inaugural 'CRB Training Week.' As summer unfolds, we'll echo this diver training week every four weeks, creating a rhythm of learning and growth. Presented below is our seasonal schedule, though do note that it might experience alterations.
For those new to diving or possessing expertise below the Advanced level, timely arrival for the CRB Training Week is essential. Should questions arise regarding scheduling and arrival details, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to ensure your journey with us is seamless and remarkable.
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Week Starting | Primary Activity | Week Starting | Primary Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-May | Dive Training Week | 15-Jul | Predator Week |
| 13-May | Reef Monitoring | 22-Jul | Coral Regeneration |
| 20-May | Predator Week | 29-Jul | Training Week or Gardening |
| 27-May | Coral Regeneration | 05-Aug | Reef Monitoring |
| 03-Jun | Training Week or Gardening | 12-Aug | Predator Week |
| 10-Jun | Reef Monitoring | 19-Aug | Coral Regeneration |
| 17-Jun | Predator Week | 26-Aug | Training Week or Gardening |
| 24-Jun | Coral Regeneration | 02-Sep | Reef Monitoring |
| 01-Jul | Training Week or Gardening | 09-Sep | Predator Week |
| 08-Jul | Reef Monitoring | 16-Sep | Coral Regeneration |
Any questions? We're here to help! We can advise on travel arrangements, and give you information about the island and our projects. Let us know if you'd like to video chat and get a look at the place and facilities. We can also arrange for you to chat to one of our alumni volunteers, who will be happy to talk to you about their time here, giving you a better idea about what to expect and the things you look forward to.
Accommodation: At an additional US$350.00 (GBP290.00) per week, participants are provided shared accommodation at a local hotel in Hillsborough. The accommodation is comfortable, and close to all the local amenities. Laundry services are available onsite (extra cost), as is WiFi. You’ll be provided with a breakfast and evening meal each day (please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian/vegan etc.)
Training: Your diving course materials will be provided to you in advance of your arrival on Carriacou. Whilst you are here all of the training for the projects will be provided to you by our team, you’ll also have access to all the materials you’ll possibly need too. Full basic SCUBA diving equipment will be provided too, but for comfort you might want to bring your own mask, fins and booties.
Trips & Excursions: At least once a week, we like to arrange a non-project related trip or excursion as a way of breaking up the program and getting you to see more of the island and the Grenadines. These are all included too. Drinking water is provided on all trips, and a shared cool box is available if you want to bring your own drinks & snacks.
Airfares
Self-Catering Accommodation
Visas
Transfers to Carriacou
Medical insurance
Travel insurance
Dive insurance
Lunch meal
Dive Medical*
Excursions that are not part of our monitoring activities or training programs
(some volunteers wish to island-hop to explore more of the island chain).
*You will be required to complete an RSTC Medical Statement (download here) prior to commencing any scuba diving course. If a Yes appears to any question on your statement, please consult your doctor and get them to complete the reverse of the form before the start of your program with us.
Our Campus is located on Silver Beach, Carriacou, with the hotel literally right next door to the dive center. We co-locate with Deefer Diving during the program and utilize of their facilities for training, diving, and having fun. The Hotel, Rosa's Guesthouse, is right on the doorstep to Silver Beach, which is excellent for relaxing. The Self Catering apartments are located approximately 200m from the campus. Life on campus is much like a big family, with Beverly and Gary looking after you when at Rosa's. Those who have completed their survey and dive training, can look forward to short boat trips to the dive sites every morning 4 to 5 days a week, depending on weather conditions. On other days, participants conduct either marine debris surveys or environmental education sessions with the local community depending on the project needs at the time. Days start early with boat preparations, or training, and are rounded off with an evening debrief, followed by dinner and time to relax, take in the beautiful sunset, and share stories.
Communication: The island has full 4G telephone service via Flow or Digicel. There is also free WiFi service available all over the island. You’ll have no problem with remaining connected to loved ones at home.
Transportation: We’ll provide transportation from either the ferry terminal or the airport when you arrive and when you depart. Hillsborough is a small town, and you’ll be able to make your way on foot easily. The island has a great bus and taxi service for those days when you want to explore the island.
Weather: Carriacou is located 12.5 degrees north of the Equator, so it's tropical all year round. Air temperatures are typically in the low 30s centigrade (85-90F). Whilst the summer is our ‘rainy’ season, it rarely rains for prolonged periods and you can expect plenty of sunshine.
Laptop or tablet (WiFi is available)
Sunscreen - minimum SPF30, reef-safe (please avoid any sun screen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate). Click here for more information.
Sunglasses
Beach towel or sarong
Hat, bandana or baseball cap
Bathing suits, bikinis, swim shorts etc
Light, short-sleeved shirts or tank tops
Light, long sleeved top
Shorts & T-shirts
Sandals or flip flops
Water bottle
Watch with alarm (waterproof up to 100 m) or dive computer
Proof of dive qualifications and Dive logbook (if available)
Rash vest
Camera (waterproof to at least 30m or with an appropriate underwater housing for your camera)
Mosquito repellent
Rain jacket with hood
Hiking boots or walking shoes if you wish to hike in High North Park
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque quis quam in risus pulvinar ultrices eget non sem. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae proin accumsan odio.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque quis quam in risus pulvinar ultrices eget non sem. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae proin accumsan odio.
For more useful information refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Our Program starts again on Monday 6th May 2024 and moves forward on a rolling four-week basis. Each four week period starts with a “Training Week”, which is aimed at those volunteer that need to learn to scuba dive. Volunteers with an 'Advanced Open Water' certification or higher can join on this date and either participate in our first "Project Week" or have a scuba diving refresher. We then have three more “Project Weeks”, working on our marine conservation projects, before we reset and start again.
Program Start Dates for 2024 are therefore:
May 6th
June 3rd
July 1st
July 29th
August 26th
Volunteers can join for as long as they are able to, and participant in as many project weeks as you're able to.
For more useful information refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
New divers are required to complete a “Training Week” , which includes Open Water Diver and Advanced Adventure Diver training, and means you’ll be perfectly equipped to work with us on the coral reefs
The cost of Training Week is
, which includes all EVERYTHING you need to learn. The digital manuals, the scuba equipment, and an enormous amount of fun on the boat
Certified scuba divers who are qualified to Advanced Open Water Diver level or above, and have logged 15 or more dives, can join our Project Week at any point.
Please note that you must be here for your orientation on Monday morning to take part in the week's activities. The cost for each Program Week is US$875, which includes all required training, training materials, dive equipment rental and project support for the week.
All above costs include: All dive training, or fun diving in lieu of courses, equipment rental, course fees and manuals are also included as well as project t-shirts. Airfares, transfers to Carriacou, medical/travel insurance and personal expenses are not included. It is compulsory for all volunteers take out travel/medical (including dive) insurance prior to joining the project.
A deposit will be required at the point of booking, with the full balance of your program costs being paid at least 28 days prior to your arrival.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is provided at a local guest house/hotel called Rosa's and is provided on a shared basis (two to a room) with breakfast and evening meals provided. Each room is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and a full kitchen too, just in case you want to prepare food yourself. Laundry service, Air-conditioning, and single person occupancy are available at additional costs. Let us know if this is something you would prefer.
Sometimes, you’ll get a room to yourself, or you may get moved during stay as we balance rooms to ensure they’re single gender. Extra nights accommodation on Carriacou is available at US$50 per night- this does not include extra diving activities and must be booked in advance.
You will be able to extend your stay on the program (subject to availability) when you're here. Just ask any of the team for information if you're not ready to head home yet.
Limited off-site Self-Catering options are also available for those wishing to stay longer. Please inquire early for availability and cost information
The below courses are optional, additional training you can elect to take. Please let us know, as part of your application, if there are any additional training courses that interest you.
The Divemaster internship program combines dive professional development with our ongoing conservation projects and training courses.
Go to our Conservation Divemaster Internship page for more information.
This course is a great option for underwater photographers and marine biologists. As part of this course you will log a minimum of 300 mins of rebreather time in the water. This course will qualify you to dive on the KISS Spirit Rebreather down to a max. depth of 21m /70 ft with no decompression, up to 1.2 PO2.
Recreational sidemount is an easy, efficient way of diving with two tanks, giving yourself redundancy and more air to complete tasks, while at the same time improving your buoyancy control.
Many wrecks are foundations for artificial reefs, providing shelter to a host of marine life. Learn how to map, and safely explore & penetrate a wreck. This course can be taught as either sidemount or backmount (BCD).
Do you have a Depth Wish? Take your dives deeper, and learn how to safely explore beautiful deep dive sites down to depths of up to 40m/130ft.
There are so many things to see underwater - learn how to capture beautiful footage, tell a story and create videos using popular video editing software. You will get the most out of this course if you have your own underwater camera and laptop.
The Enriched Air Nitrox Diver course will teach you how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen, allowing you to extend your no decompression limits. This certification is included free in your SSI Divemaster course.
Our mission is to work with and in support of local communities to assist in the protection and preservation of a healthy, diverse and sustainable marine ecosystem.
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