Mexico Marine Research Conservation (Beginners)

  Mexico

• Yucatan Peninsula: 
Tulum

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: 02 Oct to 16 Oct 2009, 02 Oct to 06 Nov 2009, 02 Oct to 11 Dec 2009, 08 Jan to 12 Feb 2010, 08 Jan to 19 Mar 2010, 12 Feb to 19 Mar 2010, 02 Apr to 07 May 2010, 02 Apr to 11 Jun 2010, 07 May to 11 Jun 2010, 25 Jun to 30 Jul 2010, 25 Jun to 03 Sep 2010....

Description: Volunteer in Mexico for either 2, 5 or 10 weeks on this marine conservation expedition and help to protect the worlds second largest barrier reef the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. As you live in a remote tropical paradise you will learn to scuba dive from a beginner's level (earning PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water Diver certificates), help on community development initiatives and experience the beautiful world that exists beneath the waves!

Ever dreamt of scuba diving in one of the most pristine marine environments in the world, which is a haven of soft corals, turtles and rainbow-coloured tropical fish? Ever wanted to do this whilst helping marine conservation projects and community development initiatives that have been set up to protect such an area? By volunteering in Mexico on this Yomps marine conservation and community development programme, you have the chance to do just this! Volunteers will live in a stunning tropical paradise in a remote part of the Yucatan Peninsula a beautiful area of Southeast Mexico that is steeped in Mayan culture and history. Here volunteers will learn from a beginner's level the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) diving and researching qualifications that you need to scuba dive safely and conduct research dives on the surrounding coral reefs. When out of the water, volunteers will assist local community development projects, helping on adult and child marine education and awareness programmes, and visiting and teaching within local schools, establishments, on the research base and in the open marine environment. As this programme works with national and international partners, all the research you collect and the community help you provide will directly go directly towards the marine conservation of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches more than 450 miles, making it second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef in size. The reef is home to a mesmerising amount of marine life, including starfish, manta rays, loggerhead turtles, hammerhead shark and over 500 species of fish, amongst others. For either five or ten weeks, volunteers will live in a remote research base and perform research dives on this amazing barrier reef. Volunteers will learn to scuba dive from a beginner's level (obtaining PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced Open Water diving qualifications) and be trained specifically for research purposes (earning the PADI Coral Reef Researcher qualification). When you are not diving, you can immerse yourself in all the beauty of this stunning tropical paradise, living by the sea and benefiting from everything that comes along with it...like having your own beach! Additionally, you will have the opportunity to increase your personal knowledge of the tropical marine environment, its importance and threats that it faces, and then help to increase both local and global knowledge and awareness. So whether you are looking for a career in conservation or just want to go on an adventure in a spectacular part of the world, being a volunteer in Mexico is a fantastic and worthwhile way to spend part of a gap year, sabbatical or adventure holiday.

Highlights:
What's Included
* Pre-departure support
* Airport pick-up and transfer to base
* Food and accommodation
* National park fees and permits
* PADI Open Water and Advanced Level Diving courses
* PADI Coral Reef Researcher speciality
* Heavily discounted further dive training options up to PADI Divemaster
* All training materials, technical dive equipment and science equipment
* First aid training course and qualification (Emergency First Response)
* Comprehensive training necessary for research techniques
* 24-hour in-country support
* A 24-hour emergency phone line in the UK
* A free Careers Abroad fieldwork placement and job vacancy service (successful placements depend upon their aptitude and attitude)
* Discounted access to Smugmug services, which is a secure way of storing your photos while you are travelling.

Qualifications: No previous experience of marine research or foreign language skills are required to join this expedition, as volunteers will receive a comprehensive training programme designed to give them all the necessary skills they need. However, all volunteers must be able to pass a medical examination to prove they are physically fit to dive. All volunteers will be tested on arrival at the base, which consists of an unaided 200m surface swim, followed by a 10 minute float, or a 300m swim with a snorkel, mask and fins, followed by a ten minute float, both in the open sea environment. Volunteers must also be 18 years of age or older and speak English. Additionally everyone must be able to work as part of a team and have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation. Participants must also be enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humor and be respectful of the host country's environment and cultures.

Cost in US$: 1,990

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Up to 20

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Year Founded: 2006