Placencia, Belize
Learn to dive & help protect the Belize Barrier Reef on a Caribbean island escape for Non-Cetified Divers Only
Escape to Tom Owens Caye, a remote tropical island off the coast of Belize, and earn your scuba diving certification in one of the world’s most breathtaking marine environments. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your skills, ReefCI’s team of expert instructors will guide you through the process while immersing you in daily dives across vibrant coral reefs. Many of our volunteers come to ReefCI to learn to dive. Our island is the perfect place to start—calm, clear waters and little current make it ideal for beginners. We love introducing new divers to the underwater world—it’s like visiting another planet without leaving Earth! To get certified, you must complete the PADI eLearning portion of your Open Water course before arriving. PADI is the world’s leading scuba training organization. Their online eLearning covers all the theory, and costs $246 USD, paid directly to PADI via their website. Once on the island, you’ll complete the in-water portion of your certification over 3 days, guided by our instructors. ReefCI charges $295 USD for this hands-on training. Learn to dive while swimming alongside sea turtles, exploring turquoise waters, and contributing to reef conservation efforts like lionfish removal and coral monitoring. After your dives, unwind with island-style meals, beach bonfires, and stunning sunsets. It’s more than a license—it’s your gateway to adventure, sustainability, and the magic of life underwater.
- Anthony Saner
- Worldpackers host since Apr/2025
Available group trips
Dec 01, 2027 - Dec 05, 2027
Coming soonMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Starting from
US$ 1,042
Requirements
- Intermediate English
- Digital Theory Completion
- To engage in snorkeling activities, swimming skills must be from intermediate to advanced.
- Digital Theory Completion
- Over 18 years old
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Arrival
The host will meet you and the group at Placencia, and you'll take the boat together to the project.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Orientation
Welcome talk, room assignments, program intro, and island overview.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch
Enjoy your first lunch with the team.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Presentation
Intro to lionfish, coconut spear training, and dive orientation.
3:00 PM – 05:00 PM – Equipment 101 & First Shore Dive
Get introduced to the scuba gear you'll be using all week! Learn how everything works, get comfortable setting it up, and then head out for your very first dive just off the shore—your underwater adventure begins!
Evening
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Free Time
Unwind or hang out with your new dive buddies.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Dinner
Group dinner to wrap up your first full day.
Day 2
Morning
6:30 AM – 7:00 AM – Morning Coffee
Wake up with a coffee and an island sunrise.
9:00 AM – 09:45 AM – Breakfast
Tasty breakfast to refuel.
10:00 AM - Confined Training Dives
Practice key scuba skills in calm, shallow waters right off the island. These sessions help you build confidence and prepare for deeper dives later in the week.
Afternoon
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch
Grab a well-earned island lunch.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Free Time
Take a break and enjoy the island.
Evening
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Dinner
Fuel up before heading out.
Day 3
Morning
6:30 AM – 7:00 AM – Morning Coffee
Start your day with island vibes.
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast.
10:00 AM - Open Water Training Dives
Take the plunge into open water! Today you’ll complete your certification dives and put all your skills into practice. By the end of the day, you’ll be a certified PADI Open Water Diver, ready to explore the ocean anywhere in the world!
11:45 PM – 1:00 PM – Beach Clean-Up
Help keep the island pristine.
Afternoon
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch
Refuel with a hearty lunch.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Free Time
Relax, swim, or chat with new friends.
Evening
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Dinner
Wrap up the day with a good meal and enjoy the rest of the night.
Day 4
Morning
6:00 AM – 6:30 AM – Morning Coffee
Peaceful start to a full day.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy your morning meal.
10:30 AM - Conservation Dive as a Certified Diver
Now that you're certified, join a conservation-focused dive! Help protect marine life and learn how divers can make a difference in preserving our ocean ecosystems.
Afternoon
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch
Delicious lunch to recharge.
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Learn about Belize
Learn about this beautiful country and its culture.
Evening
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Dinner
Wrap up the day with a good meal and enjoy the rest of the night.
Day 5
Morning
6:00 AM – 6:30 AM – Morning Coffee
Peaceful start to a full day.
9:00 AM – 09:45 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast on the island!
10:00 AM - Conservation Dive as a Certified Diver
Wrap up the week with another meaningful conservation dive. Put your new skills to good use while giving back to the ocean—an unforgettable way to end your diving journey!
11:30 AM – Checkout & Departure Prep
Pay tabs, collect traveler info, and pack up for the boat ride back.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Intermediate English
- Digital Theory Completion
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Marine Conservation Education
Learn about coral reefs and marine animals and discover how we can protect our reefs
Conservation dives
Help protect marine life and learn how divers support ocean conservation.
Get certified in paradise
Get your PADI dive license while exploring coral reefs & protecting marine life in Belize.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Beach Clean-ups
Weekly beach and island trash/plastic removal on islands of the Belize Barrier Reef
Kayaking
Paddle around the island solo or with a buddy. Peaceful, energizing, and completely free
Snorkeling
Explore vibrant coral reefs and spot tropical fish up close, even on your surface intervals
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Glide over crystal-clear Caribbean waters and enjoy stunning views of the reef and the horizon.
Videos
Accommodation options
Cabins & Shared House
Travelers will stay in shared, rustic beachfront cabanas or in a shared house on Tom Owens Island, a pristine sanctuary surrounded by the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Just steps from the shore, you’ll fall asleep to the soothing sound of gentle waves and wake up to stunning ocean views each morning. The cabanas are simple yet comfortable, featuring single beds with mosquito nets, fresh linens, and ocean breezes that keep the atmosphere cool.
There is no Wi-Fi or cell signal on the island—this is a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and yourself. Shared composting toilets and rainwater showers provide an eco-friendly, sustainable setup, allowing you to live in harmony with the island's natural environment. This minimalist accommodation offers a unique opportunity to embrace the island's raw beauty while minimizing your environmental footprint. It’s an experience that invites you to immerse fully in the island's tranquility and simplicity.
- No laundry machine, but there's a free laundry space
Meals
All meals are freshly prepared on the island by a chef! Our local cooks prepare three hearty meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), blending Caribbean flavors with international favorites. Meals are served buffet-style and are designed to fuel your days of diving and conservation work.
🍳 Breakfasts may include scrambled eggs, pancakes, fresh tropical fruits (like pineapple, watermelon, or papaya), oatmeal, and toast with spreads.
🥗 Lunches are light and energizing, often featuring dishes like veggie stir-fry with rice, pasta salads, burritos, or fresh sandwiches with sides.
🍛 Dinners are more filling and usually include a protein (like chicken, fish, or beans), rice or potatoes, cooked vegetables, and a salad. You might enjoy local specialties such as coconut rice and stew chicken, or grilled fish with plantains.
🧁 Occasional desserts and snacks (like banana bread or cookies) appear too, especially after a long dive day!
🥦 Vegetarian and vegan options are available at every meal, and we’re happy to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly!
Arrival orientation
As the project is on an island, your host won’t be able to offer airport pickups or drop-offs, but getting to them is super easy!
Once you land at Placencia Airport (PLJ), you’re just a 10-minute taxi ride away from town, where all the recommended hotels and guesthouses are located. Taxis are usually waiting right outside the airport, but if you don’t see one, the front desk can call one for you—it’ll arrive in minutes.
The ride costs around $10 USD and takes you straight to your hotel. After booking your trip, you'll receive access to the Program Guide with your host’s personal recommendations for where to stay.
Your host recommends arriving in Placencia the day before the boat transfer to the island so everything runs smoothly. Exact meeting times and boat departure info will be shared in the Program Guide after booking.
About the project
- Hosted by Anthony Saner
Located on the pristine Tom Owens Island in Belize, Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) is dedicated to protecting one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders: the Belize Barrier Reef. Since 2006, ReefCI has been at the forefront of marine conservation, engaging passionate volunteers in hands-on work that directly impacts the health of our oceans. From sea turtle conservation to invasive species management, ReefCI’s work is vital to the preservation of marine biodiversity and the longevity of the reef.
Through research, education, and practical conservation efforts, ReefCI aims to inspire and equip future environmental stewards. Volunteers at ReefCI not only help preserve this beautiful ecosystem but also gain invaluable experience in marine biology, scuba diving, and conservation practices.
Anthony is the heart and soul of ReefCI. A wildlife biologist and educator with nearly 20 years of experience in Belize, Anthony has dedicated his life to the protection of the Belize Barrier Reef and its incredible marine life. He is a passionate conservationist with a deep understanding of the region’s delicate ecosystem, and his expertise makes him an invaluable guide to all volunteers who join the project.
About the destination
Placencia is a charming coastal village located in the southern part of Belize, known for its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and proximity to both the Belize Barrier Reef and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the country, Placencia offers visitors the perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural authenticity.
This vibrant village is home to a small but welcoming community, where local restaurants serve up delicious Belizean cuisine and the friendly residents make everyone feel like family. The streets are lined with colorful shops, art galleries, and places to relax, making it a great spot for those who want to unwind after a day of exploration.
Impact & Purpose
ReefCI is on the frontlines of marine conservation, fighting to protect the Belize Barrier Reef—one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Through hands-on initiatives, we tackle critical environmental challenges such as overfishing, invasive species, plastic pollution, and coral bleaching.
Our private island research base is powered by passionate volunteers who support our mission both in and out of the water.
In 2024 alone, with the help of volunteers, we:
• Removed 6,477 invasive lionfish from protected waters
• Collected 14,200 pounds of plastic and trash from beaches and reefs
• Released over 1,000 baby sea turtles into the wild
• Logged 77,608 hours of data-driven conservation dives
• Delivered 354 educational presentations on marine ecology
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
More Group Trips you might like
How Group Trips works
Short, curated trips designed for travelers who want more than just a vacation.
Pick your Group Trip
Explore our curated collection of 1–2 week group adventures with purpose.
Book instantly. No applications.
Just choose your dates and lock in your spot by paying the Registration Fee. That’s it.
Get full support from our team
Your dedicated Trip Coordinator is with you every step of the way to help with all the preparation.
Confirm your trip
Pay your Program fee to confirm your trip and submit the required documents.
Have a truly epic experience
Be a part of a life-changing group trip. Make new friends, learn, and make an impact.
Why choose Worldpackers?
We're the safest community for travel and volunteering. Since 2014, we've connected over 117k travelers with thousands of hosts worldwide.
travelers worldwide
volunteer trips
social media community
on 112k reviews
FAQ
How do Worldpackers Group Trips work?
Worldpackers Group Trips offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects like eco-agriculture, wildlife conservation, and social activities, all while exploring new cultures. Upon successful sign-up, travelers secure their spot instantly — no waiting around for approvals to have their dream experience. To keep things smooth, they get a direct line to a Worldpackers Group Trips Coordinator and to the host, and a complete program guide, all set for travelers to immerse themselves in service projects while also having the best time for personal and cultural exploration with like-minded travelers.
What are the differences between Worldpackers Group Trips and Worldpackers Trips experiences?
Worldpackers Group Trips have some special benefits that are not offered in any other Worldpackers’ plans:
- Guaranteed Host Confirmation: by purchasing an Epic Trip experience, your attendance is immediately secured, without the need to wait for a confirmation message from the project - which can take longer than expected due to hosts’ busy routines.
- Exclusive Support: once you purchase an Epic Trip experience, you’ll be assigned to a specific WP Group Trips Coordinator, who will advise you throughout your pre-departure through multiple channels.
- Complete Program Guide: from detailed information on how to get to your destination to cultural norms and tips, you can check everything you need to know about your experience in one place.
- Preparation checklist: get a detailed pre-trip plan for a safe trip and avoid surprises.
What happens if I have to cancel or change my Epic Trip?
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips plans offer different cancelation & modification conditions, which are presented on the payment check-out page and on the Worldpackers Group Trips Terms and Conditions.
Do I get a certificate after conclusion?
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips experiences offer different benefits, which may include volunteer certificates. All benefits are stated on the openings’ pages, and you can check what type of certificates are available in each of them.
Does Worldpackers help with Visa, Vaccination, Travel insurance and/or any other documentation?
The traveler is solely responsible for any and all other requirements relating to travel logistics, including but not limited to tickets, passports, local transportation, travel insurance, and visas. Since every country has its own unique policies that vary according to the nationality of travelers and multiple other factors that may quickly change, Worldpackers does not offer any specific help regarding visas, documentation, vaccinations, or travel insurance. Please check all requirements with the consulate or embassy of the country you’d like to visit for trustworthy, updated information.
Can I travel with a friend or partner?
Each traveler must secure their spot in experiences through paying the amount advertised on the Epic Trip experience web page. The amount advertised is unique, and slots are limited: please check the maximum number of participants on the experience’s web page to make sure you’ll be able to travel together.