Marine Scientist Training Costa Rica with Gapforce

Volunteering and interning at Greenforce Bahamas was one of the most fulfilling and exhilarating experiences of my life. Not only did I learn to scuba dive to the level of Rescue diver but I was able to make life long friendships with individuals from all around the world who shared the same passion as me. Along with scuba diving the third largest fringing reef in the world every day, I also learned over 100 fish and coral species and carried out fish and benthic surveys for the Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment. Living on Andros Island gives you the true island experience where one can completely immerse themselves in the Bahamian culture. The staff on site were very knowledgeable and eager about their jobs and duties and helping the volunteers accomplish what they came for. If you are looking for a program that is both educational and actively fun I highly recommend either the Marine Scientist Training or Marine Conservation Program.

This trip really has been one of the best experiences of my life! The last 3 months in paradise it has been truly amazing! The diving is so beautiful and learning so much more about the reefs and marine life in the oceans around Andros makes it so exciting and special, learning more about conservation and the protection of our reefs is inspirational and really does open your eyes! I've met some amazing people who I know will be friends for life! The staff are hard working and supportive and so easy to get along with really making you feel at home and putting in everything to make sure you get the best out of your time here on Andros! It really has been an incredible experience and one I will never forget! I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in this project it is an adventure of a life time and you will love every single minute of it!

Choosing to do this project is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I've been put in touch with like minded people who i know will be friends for life, I've dived 5 times a week for 3 months and seen some unforgettable things and I've learned so much about how I can contribute to the protection of vulnerable places like Andros. It really has been an eye opener. I had incredible support from the staff all throughout my dive training and marine biology lectures and I have thoroughly enjoyed applying that knowledge to such an important cause. Life on camp shows you how comfortably you can live without luxury and encourages you to be resourceful and think outside the box. I've loved every minute of this experience and am so glad to be continuing on as an intern. Andros is a very special place and Greenforce is an amazing project that I would recommend to anyone!

The Bahamas has always been on my bucket list, so when I found a project that was based there and had marine conservation, I jumped at it. I arrived on base with no experience in marine conservation research. We did a few dives to get comfortable with the reef then started our marine science training. We started with Coral, Fish and Substrate ID training. It was very interesting to learn about the different species of fish and corals, as well as how they worked together. Once we completed our theory on the ID part of the program, we moved back into the water where we started in water id tests. It was a lot of fun for all of us.
We passed our tests and moved on to learning how to complete reef surveys. The surveys are made up of three parts, Fish ID, Coral ID and Substrate ID. We all took turns doing different surveys, only once we had complete three surveys in each segment did we become qualified ReefCheck ECODivers. All the surveys we completed where submitted to the ReefCheck database, we had already started contributing, which was very rewarding.
One of my favourite parts of the program was the Lion fish education. Lion fish are an invasive species, we were taught about the measures that are been taking to cull them and I assisted with teaching the local community about the lion fish.
Working with the summer school program and then with the primary school was incredible fun, we taught the summer school kids to snorkel and basic conversation practices. When the school year started I worked with the Grade 1 class. Myself and two other volunteers taught the kids about conservation. We all loved this part of the program as the kids were so much fun to work with.
During all the training and diving we did squeeze in some fun, we spent time exploring the island where we had the opportunity to interact with the local people. The festivals are something that you must experience, the people are all so friendly and always willing to stop and have a chat.
Some of the best days on the program where spent at the many Blue holes on Andros. I was lucky enough to dive a few which was truly amazing. When we learnt about how they were formed and that all of them are connected, it really is amazing.
I would not change a thing about my trip. I loved every second and would go back in a heartbeat.
When thinking of the diving or the community work or the social side of it, it always brings a smile to my face. I have made friends that I will have for a very long time and I have learnt so much.

Truly one of the best things I have ever done!