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Location
  • Grenada
    • Carriacou
Length
4 to 12 weeks
Project Types
Climate Change Service Learning Sports Youth Conservation Marine Conservation Sea Turtle Conservation Environmental Conservation Education Professional Development

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
17
Age Max
100
Timeframe
Short Term Summer Year Round
Housing
Apartment Guesthouse Hotel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
4020
Price Details
The program is broken down into a series of 'Training' and 'Project' weeks. During 'Training Week' RAs will participate in their SSI Scuba Training. During 'Project Weeks' RAs will participate in supporting ALL of our projects.

The pricing options are therefore:
- 4-week Training/Project program - US$4,020
- 8-week Training/Project program - US$7,520
- 12-week Training/Project program - US$11,020

If you're already scuba certified to SSI Advanced Adventure Diver (or equivalent) level you can skip 'Training Week' and come directly onto the projects. A discount of US$520 will be applied.

Additional dive training, including Rescue Diver and Diver Specialty courses will be available to RAs through SSI at cost price.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Equipment Some Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Some Meals SIM cards Transportation Travel Insurance Visa
Oct 24, 2024
Oct 03, 2024
Wish List
44 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

As a Research Assistant (RA) 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.

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Video and Photos

Play Video
Cultivating new corals in the Nursery plays in important part of our coral reef regeneration strategy
Learning about what is in the Caribbean Sea is vital to measuring progress. Volunteers undertake monitoring dives
Volunteer cleaning and preparing invasive lionfish.
close up of coral polyps.
volunteers have a fun pact day kayaking through the mangroves after discussing their importance
All work and no play? Not at Caribbean Reef Buddy where our marine conservation volunteers enjoy plenty of time to relax
The Gang after a very successful week volunteering in Carriacou with Caribbean Reef Buddy
Our marine conservation volunteers take their lionfish containment very seriously.
Helping to develop an understanding of the macro environment which exists in the Caribbean with volunteers from the Caribbean Reef Buddy volunteer program
volunteers cleaning mangrove paths to prevent the garbage running off into the ocean
Involving local community members in our marine conservation volunteer projects, this is Teleca
Teamwork works. Volunteer marine conservation divers preparing to dive in the Caribbean Sea
Celebrating Women's Dive Day during our marine conservation volunteer program

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Program Highlights

  • Earn Scuba Diving Certifications: Learn to SCUBA dive, or advance your diving qualifications.
  • Hands-On Experience: Assist in data collection and processing for various marine conservation projects.
  • Diving Opportunities: Dive in the beautiful waters of Carriacou while contributing to reef monitoring and restoration.
  • Lionfish Containment: Help manage the invasive lionfish population.
  • Coral Regeneration: Work on coral restoration projects to support reef health.

Program Impact

To date, we’ve raised local awareness about lionfish as a sustainable food source, helping control their population and providing a new protein source. We’ve also highlighted the importance of herbivorous fish like parrotfish and surgeonfish, leading to reduced fishing of these species and healthier reefs.

We’ve involved community members in developing a coral nursery, increasing their understanding of reef threats such as bleaching and disease. This engagement fosters stewardship and responsibility towards marine conservation.

Each project we undertake directly impacts the local community by providing accurate data that empowers better-informed decisions on coastal zone and fisheries management. This data-driven approach ensures effective, sustainable conservation efforts, leading to healthier marine environments and more resilient coastal communities.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 43 reviews
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  • 4 rating 0%
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  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.95
  • Value 4.95
  • Safety 4.95
  • Growth 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Good for Students, Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers
Showing 41 - 43 of 43 reviews
Default avatar
Rhea
27
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AMAZING EXPERIENCE

May 28, 2018

I cannot express how much I loved my time during the Caribbean Reef Buddy Program! I came into the program with no experience with being under water and in no time I was diving alongside the other volunteers without any trouble. Within my four weeks, I gained a number of certifications from PADI Advanced Open Water to Caribbean Lionfish Containment. The staff is extremely experienced in diving and their dedication towards marine conservation is amazing.
The island itself is quite literally paradise. From beautiful beaches to stunning dive sites, every moment feels like a picture from a postcard. The locals are extremely welcoming, making the island feel like home.
I could keep raving about this program but I'll keep it simple by saying that the only downside of my experience is that I was not able to stay longer. If you are looking for a program to begin diving, learn more about marine conservation or make amazing memories then this is the program for you!

88 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Coral Watch Surveys
Paradise Beach
One of the dive sites
Default avatar
Steph
29
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best 30 Days of My Life

Oct 11, 2017

During the month of June 2016, I spent my time on the most incredible island, Carriacou, volunteering with Caribbean Reef Buddy. Having never dived before, I was petrified when we took to the clear and warm Caribbean ocean and I had my first breath underwater. However, with CRB, I was so secure and comfortable that my confidence with diving increased minute by minute. Gary and Katlynd (who trained us to become Advanced divers) were so amazing to work with, as they were patient, trustworthy and so enthusiastic, making every activity as enjoyable as the last. Throughout my time with CRB we had the opportunity to gain several certifications, from the Open Water Advanced PADI to the Lionfish Containment Diver. Each day presented itself with something new and exciting, as each dive was different and so unique. The sights I have seen and the experiences I have had are incomparable to anything I have ever done before, and I am so glad I was able to share that with so many great people. Matt, Katlynd, Gary, Alex, Josh and Andre were so welcoming and were like a family, who created a very special dynamic between the group, that I miss so much but will treasure forever. CRB is, without doubt, the best volunteering program out there and I would recommend it to everyone!
Genuinely, the only bad thing is that I couldn’t stay forever!

80 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Default avatar
Becky
31
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer 4 week program

Sep 25, 2017

I was looking for a volunteer program to do over the summer before my senior year of college and came across Caribbean Reef Buddy. Studying Wildlife Conservation and Management, I saw that The Caribbean Reef Buddy program focused on Marine conservation. I wanted to expand my horizons and applied to volunteer for the month of July. I always dreamed of one day becoming scuba diving certified and within the program you are able to be PADI certified and not just get your open water certification but Advanced open water as well! The conservation aspects were extremely beneficial and I learned so much! Learning about different corals, fish species, invasive lionfish, underwater photography, and being able to do dives every day was the greatest thing ever. The volunteers that I was with were all so friendly and I made so many new friends from all over the world. I still keep in touch with them as well as the staff of Caribbean Reef Buddy. I would happily volunteer for this program and experience again. Everyone was so nice, friendly, helpful, and knowledge. It’s a great experience and if you ever have the opportunity to do it,I would strongly recommend it!

Rebecca Alpuche

74 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Carriacou
Lionfish

Questions & Answers

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Yara Tibiriçá

Program
Research Assistant: Marine Conservation Volunteering in Carriacou, Grenada
Job Title
Head of Science & Conservation
Yara is a marine scientists with a broad range of interest in biodiversity and conservation. During the last 14 years she has been working on a wide range of marine projects from applied conservation to description of new species. In 2017 Yara was awarded a Science PhD from the University of Cadiz, focusing on biodiversity and integrative taxonomy of nudibranchs. Two species of sea slugs have been dedicated after her in recognization of her contributions to science. She completed her bachelor degree (BSc.) in Ecology in Brazil and a master in ecotourism at James Cook University in Australia. She has been working with scientific diving for the past 15 years and diving since 1995. She is a PADI dive instructor and IANTD technical and rebreather diver.
Yara SCUBA diving

What is your favorite travel memory?

I have been privileged to have travelled to many amazing places, particularly to assist in research projects, including the Coral Sea in the Great Barrier Reef, Vanuatu and the most remote Island of Brazil, the Archipelago of San Pedro and San Paulo . Nevertheless, the most memorable was to the Antarctic last year. I felt like I was on a different planet, well connected to nature. The collaboration between countries in the Antarctic is outstanding, the diving is different from anything I have seen before and everyone is extremely cautious of their own impact on that prestine environment, a lifetime experience.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Prior our arrival here I was working in the Indian Ocean, so this was a great opportunity to learn more about the Atlantic Ocean biodiversity, the threats the coral reefs are facing here and potential solutions for them. I really enjoy to be part of projects such as our coral reef restoration, because you can clearly see its positive impacts, helping to save a critically endangered species (Acropora palmata) is gratifying.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

There is a great number of return students, they all highlight they satisfaction with the program structure and learning opportunities. One of our past student is now working here, that is how much she loved the place. She says that the program as a whole was very attractive for her as she could combine lots of dive with learning new skills and contribute to the conservation of our reefs.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

It depends on my objective...
If I was just starting my career in science and conservation I would go for the volunteer program which will provide me with a broad experience in different fields and allow me to improve my diving skills;
If I was a lecturer, I would be definitely interested in the school program as it provides me with lots of option to tailor the program for my curriculum and would be a fantastic field trip for any biology course;
If I was in my last year of university or master degree looking for a topic for my thesis, I would go for the internship. This program allows you to collect the data for your thesis and provide you a co-superviser who will help you in the field and afterwards.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We are constantly looking for improvements and to ensure everyone is happy (staff, volunteers and interns) and goals are achieved. People are encouraged to find their own passion and space is given for us to put this passion into the work. When people are able to work with what they love, they do their best and great results are achieved.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Teamwork, dedication and passion. We are constantly looking for improvements and getting feedback from the past volunteers in order to improve our projects. We are also constant looking for learning more and staying updated in our field. Of course the beautiful turquoise blue ocean just in front of us also help!

Jon Wright
Jon Wright
Dive instructor/supervisor, skipper, equipment technician

About Caribbean Reef Buddy

Our Story in Carriacou is to work closely with the community and people like yourself to make a sustainable difference to marine conservation awareness and education. Caribbean Reef Buddy (CRB) do this through the delivery of environmental and conservation projects which are linked to global ecological and social themes. Our projects include...

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