"I hope for your help to explore and protect the wild ocean in ways that will restore the health and, in so doing, secure hope for humankind. Health to the ocean means health for us."

As a volunteer with Caribbean Reef Buddy, you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean Sea and witness the urgent need to protect our coral reefs. Through scientific diving, you’ll learn why safeguarding the ocean is crucial for countless ecosystems. Your meaningful contributions will drive positive change. Most importantly, when your time with us ends, you’ll leave as an ambassador for marine conservation.

Our Volunteer Program operates from May through to September each year, and we would love to welcome you to our tropical island paradise during this time.

Our Courses

Our Courses

Research

Buddy

Research

Assistant

Research

Divemaster

Research Buddy(RBs) experience a unique opportunity to assist our Staff in the attainment and processing of all data collected from the projects we are engaging in. This two-to-four week course is intended as an introduction into marine conservation science.

As an Assistant of CRB, you’ll gain hands-on experience with innovative research techniques and immerse yourself in the knowledge and responsibilities needed to lead our research projects. This four-to-twelve week course is designed for those with a strong interest in marine conservation science.

Building on the foundation of a Research Assistant, this eight-to-twelve week course will help you attain your PADI or SSI Divemaster certification. You’ll gain advanced skills and knowledge, preparing you to lead and conduct marine research projects.

Research

Buddy

The Foundation

Research Buddies (RBs) experience a unique opportunity to assist our Staff in the attainment and processing of all data collected from the projects we are engaging in.

Research Buddies will not only learn practical, theoretical, problem-solving and analytical skills that will enhance their prospects as future conservationists, but will learn how to communicate science to local stakeholders through school education and community outreach programs.

SKILLS ACQUIRED
- SSI Open Water Scuba Certification
- SSI Advanced Adventure Diver Scuba Certification
- Intimate knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and processes
- Intimate knowledge on Caribbean coral, fish, benthic,
invertebrate and disease identification
- ~30-40 training and survey dives per month
- Experience working with Marine Scientists in a professional environment
- Communicate science through community outreach activities

2-4 Weeks

No Experience Necessary

Dive In With Confidence.

Scuba and travel insurance made for divers through DiveAssure.
Free coverage during entry-level training with Caribbean Reef Buddy.
Want full trip protection? Scan the QR code to get covered.

✅ Dive-specific insurance
✅ Gear, travel, and medical protection
✅ Supports our conservation work

Every policy helps fund our mission — and keeps you safe while exploring the deep.

Research

Assistant

As a Research Assistant with CRB, not only will you gain experience in the field working with innovative and fine-scale research techniques, but engross yourselves in the knowledge and responsibilities required to lead each component of our research project, under the guidance of our dive team. CRBs RAs are our leaders in the field, maintaining and developing our current research projects, processing and analyzing our data, whilst learning how to create new research questions and build a research project from the beginning to compliment your studies. With this knowledge, our RAs will also be key lecturers and mentors to our upcoming Research Buddies. CRB proudly creates professional and well-rounded Marine Scientists, who leave with the knowledge and confidence to develop independent research projects and work with Institutes around the world to develop and communicate our current understanding of coastal ecosystems.

In order for our RAs to take complete leadership and responsibility over each of our research projects, spaces are limited to 4 RAs at a time. Suitable applicants must attach their Curriculum Vitae (CV) with their application form, and be available for a Skype/WhatsApp interview.

SKILLS ACQUIRED
- Intimate knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and processes
- Intimate knowledge on Caribbean coral, fish, benthic,
invertebrate species, and disease identification
- Experience lecturing on coral reef ecology topics
- Data analysis of images & video
- Leadership experience within a Non-Profit NGO
- Experience working with Marine Scientists in a professional
environment
- Experience realizing, teaching, and cultivating innovative
research techniques
- Experience leading each component of our Research
Assistant course
- Data processing, statistical and analytical skills

4-12 Weeks

No Experience Necessary

Dive In With Confidence.

Scuba and travel insurance made for divers through DiveAssure.
Free coverage during entry-level training with Caribbean Reef Buddy.
Want full trip protection? Scan the QR code to get covered.

✅ Dive-specific insurance
✅ Gear, travel, and medical protection
✅ Supports our conservation work

Every policy helps fund our mission — and keeps you safe while exploring the deep.

Research

Divemaster

The Professonal

This comprehensive two to three month training program provides all the necessary practical and theoretical training to prepare you for a professional career in marine conservation science. CRB Divemaster Trainees will acquire and expand on the knowledge of a Research Assistant or Research Buddy by confidently leading underwater surveys, as brought by the knowledge and experience gained through the SSI Divemaster course. As a CRB Divemaster Trainee, not only will you be ready to function in a research capacity, you will also learn the responsibilities, etiquette, priorities, knowledge and career guidance required to work as a scuba diving professional. This is an immersive experience for motivated individuals that wish to change careers, or are serious about significantly boosting their employment prospects as a professional diver and marine conservation scientist.

SKILLS ACQUIRED
- SSI Stress & Rescue, Emergency First Response, &
Divemaster certification
- Intimate knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and processes
- Intimate knowledge on Caribbean coral, fish, benthic,
invertebrate species and disease identification
- Data analysis of images & video
- Leadership experience within a Non-Profit NGO
- Experience working with Marine Scientists in a professional
environment
- Experience realizing, teaching, and cultivating innovative
research techniques
- Experience leading underwater training and research dives
- Data processing, statistical and analytical skills
- Communicate science through community outreach activities
- Career guidance and job placement training

8-12 Weeks

No Experience Necessary

Scuba and travel insurance made for divers through DiveAssure.
Free coverage during entry-level training with Caribbean Reef Buddy.
Want full trip protection? Scan the QR code to get covered.

✅ Dive-specific insurance
✅ Gear, travel, and medical protection
✅ Supports our conservation work

Every policy helps fund our mission — and keeps you safe while exploring the deep.

Dive In With Confidence.

JOIN US IN 2026

Would you like to be part of our project family in 2026? Spaces for our volunteer program are available from May through to the end of September.

Fill in the information request form here, and one of our team will reach out to you with an information pack. Our contact details for more information are also below.