Belize Volunteer Program | Most Affordable & Trusted

Belize is a beautiful and friendly place whose unique barrier reef has been invaded by the destructive lion fish. ReefCI works to preserve the reef by educating volunteers on Lionfishers eradication and preservation of coral, conch and lobster.

The program educated me about local fish, types of reef coral and the part they play . My diving knowledge was tested and improved by the competent dive masters and guides. I learned about the physiology of the lion fish, it’s poisonous spines, their location and how to find the stomach and determine what the fish consumed. I learned how to fillet the lion fish so the kitchen staff could include it in our meals.

The food was freshly prepared and plentiful, nutritious and well presented.

The atmosphere on the isolated island of Tom Owens is calming and magical. Safe environment, friendly staff, comfortable, simple accommodations and a worthwhile project make this project memorable in EVERY way!

This was a great program for our family to participate in! We were looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the world, learn and have fun. This was it! Reef CI and IVHQ made the details easy to navigate and understand with great communications before, during and after our trip. Online training before the trip was meaningful. The conservation portion of the trip was great, diving was excellent and the instructors were safe, knowledgeable and cared about the environment and the program. From the first day, we were given classes on exactly what we would be doing and why it was important. Instead of just diving to look at the environment, we felt like we were helping the environment and making a difference. We wished we had stayed for another week!

What an experience! This was my first time doing a diving trip and was unsure about it but when I met with the group, I felt very welcome and part of someone interesting.
We stayed in this small island and it was very comfortable. The staff was very welcoming and helpful. They taught us many things such as how to use the spearfishing and how to measure the corals under water. They would first explain and demonstrate on land what we would be doing under water.
On the first day at the island we were educated about the impact of the plastic and other issues in our oceans and it made it very real. Everyone should have this experience so they could bring home more wisdom to share with friends and loved ones and help change the course of our oceans.

Having the Opportunity to volunteer with Reef CI was a great privilege for me for so many reasons. It helped grow me as a young man, gave me appreciation for a new culture and also for God's creation. The staff were friendly and great help in me achieving my open water certification and then also achieving my advanced open water certification.

Futhermore, it was great to have the opportunity to do marine conservation through hunting for lionfish, as well as performing population counts for lobsters and conch. Another great aspect of Reef CI is it opened me up to meeting a ton of new people from all over the world! Not only did I become a certified scuba diver and perform marine conservation, but I also made a ton of new friends.

Thank you Reef CI for the positive experience!

This was an incredible experience, living off-the-grid for a little while on a warm, tropical paradise. Hammocks, a tightrope for walking, some books, a volleyball court, and cards are available for the volunteers. It was even possible to project a movie some nights. The staff was so personable and knowledgeable. The work was super fun, though I felt that the staff would have been able to make more of an environmental impact on their own (they are way more skilled in taking measurements and spearing), however the program helps with awareness. New people come and go each week. Just know, it is not resort living, be prepared for cold showers and finicky Wi-Fi, you are there to work! The food was delicious (you even eat lionfish) and the staff holds a barbecue every Thursday night. Thank you!!

Volunteering and diving through IVHQ was a once in a lifetime experience. I worked with an amazing and professional staff, made friends from all across the world, and had an amazing time diving in Belize's southern barrier reef. The best part of the trip was bonding with friends on a small remote island, something I never thought I'd be able to do. Although I stayed 2 weeks I confidently feel I helped with the conservation of the reef. I highly recommend this trip!

My son and I were on Tom Owens Caye with Reef CI last week. The program was outstanding! The dive instructors and support staff were wonderful. The locations we dove were interesting and diverse. Willy, Pete, Felix and Matt were knowledgeable, and committed to both safety and fun. The cooks prepared great food, and it was plentiful! The housekeeper truly cared about the guests comfort, ensuring rooms were kept clean daily. We would return in the future, definitely.

My journey to Belize was an amazing experience. I was unsure what to expect. The arrival to the island was excitng, a beautiful secluded island with small cabanas. The laid back vibe of the staff was a refreshing change to my usual fast paced life.
The days consisted of diving, eating and napping mostly, with some education and recreational island activites.
The food was delicious, the staff were wonderful in catering for any dietary needs.
The dive masters were excellent, and accommodating of all skill levels.
My only regret is not staying for longer!