Volunteer in Cuba with IOI: Marine & Coastal Habitat Restoration

My wife and I stayed in Cocodrilo with Nene for two weeks in March 2020. The program was well run and Nene was a great host. The chef, Marie, was a fantastic cook/personality. We felt very welcome throughout our stay and ate very well! Mornings were spent helping Nene perform various conservation activities - lots of snorkelling. Most beaches were accessed by bicycle so we ended up pretty fit by the end of the program. We also spent a few days collecting seeds in the forrest and planted them on the beach. Afternoons we spent relaxing and interacting with the local community. It was amazing to spend time living as a local and helping the community where we could.

Going to Cocodrilo was a once in a lifetime adventure! We had a fun and relaxing time while doing projects that were helpful to the people and the environment. Nene worked hard to make us feel at home, and to explain everything about the habitat and the village. He is very knowledgeable and took time to be sure our questions were answered. We learned a lot about the culture and history of the area, and the snorkeling was terrific. We were glad we brought full wetsuits, as the water temperature in Feb. is chilly. We also brought plenty of very strong mosquito repellent, which is essential. I'm very glad we were able to meet the wonderful people in the program, and have this experience!

I spent 2.5 weeks in Cocodrilo in Jan 2020. The program and Nenes projects are fantastic and I'm happy I could support it.
There isn't much to buy or do in the village, a great getaway to live and relax away from all the commerce.

The work itself was fun and not too hard. Nene is a really good guy who knows so much. His wife is also great and introduced me to local people which helped me to get to know the village better.
The area around Cocodrilo is just stunning. If it weren't for the mosquitoes...

Cocodrilo is a tranquil paradise in an unassuming village, practically untouched by time or outsiders. It was my first extended snorkeling trip, and Renaldo was most patient and informative, providing tips and guided instruction for ease. I cannot begin to describe what magical vistas awaited underwater. Each day we explored a different section of unique reef, seeing abundant marine life. The format of the project provides a perfect balance of work in the sea/on the beach and time to engage with the community and explore the area. And the food! 3 awesome Cuban meals a day--so much delicious tropical fruit. I have done a number of international volunteer/immersion trips. This ranks at the top. I appreciate that this NGO is small, run by few, but truly impactful for the ecosystem we all share!

I really enjoyed my stay in Cocodrilo!
Diving was excelent and until now, one of the best places I've been to for diving. Because Cocodrilo is a small village there is nothing to do for entertainment, but I had a great insight into the life of local Cubans, when I met Yemmys family and some young people from the village.
The food was just perfect and always fresh prepared.
Overall I just could recommend the volunteering program because there is so much to learn in the sea but also with talking to the locals and learning about the life there.
Sometimes when you're alone, life could be lonely but Yemmy and Nene were so kind and like a replacement for my family. They offered me a perfect stay with all their heart and I really had a good time with them.

This was one of the best experiences I've ever had, and I've traveled to over 20 countries. Besides the helpful work on coral reef restoration, the beautiful and remote location of this work made it worthwhile. Our small group was taken into this community where we learned all about Cuba, its people, and its customs. For a short 10-day stay, it was one of the most immersive trips I've ever been on. I would say 10 days is the minimum! Stay longer if you can!

We spent each day scuba diving in the reef, led by an expert master diver who educated us on the reef and the work that they're doing. While sometimes we didn't feel as effective doing the hands-on reef work, I think it's more important as an educational tool for travelers to bring with them.

Not only was this some of the most beautiful diving, the food they cooked was incredible! Freshly caught seafood every day, the freshest juice, and served three times a day. It felt like a resort more than volunteer service.

We want to come back, to spend more time in Cocodrilo, to visit our far-away Cuban family, and to work more with a brilliant and fledgling program.

I had such an incredible, life changing experience on my trip with IOI to Cocodrilo. Pre-Trip communication was clear and my pre-trip questions were quickly responded to. I felt extremely prepared and well informed for my trip.
During my trip I felt well taken care of and supported by the IOI Cuba staff. More specifically, my time spent in Cocodrilo was a perfect mix of beautiful, safe, and exciting. The volunteer opportunities were very accurately advertised and the diving and snorkeling were breathtaking. I gave the social scene a 10 because I loved interacting with locals, heading to the "circulo" to listen to music and talk with locals.
The house in Cocodrilo (Villa Arrecife) is very comfortable, the community is nice, safe, and engaging. The food was really amazing - delicious, filling, and healthy!
It felt so empowering to be a part of this program and to be able to help. There is so much to do and so much to see in this small town! I was in Cocodrilo for 3 weeks and could have stayed longer. I cannot wait to be involved in another program with this organization!

If you are looking for a really meaningful opportunity to gain experience with on-the-ground community-based conservation in Cuba, I highly recommend going to Cocodrilo with IOI! I had the opportunity to be involved in and learn firsthand about the innovative marine conservation/education programs being led by local community members in conjunction with IOI. Cocodrilo is an incredibly unique place with a really special potential to serve as a model for eco-tourism benefitting both the community and the environment. Not only was it wonderful to get to know such a great town, but also once you see what's underwater you will be mesmerized. A truly beautiful place.