Placencia, Belize
Protect the Belize barrier Reef & dive into Island Life on the Caribbean Sea
Escape to Tom Owens Caye, a remote tropical island off the coast of Belize, and live the adventure of marine conservation. Join ReefCI’s passionate team of scientists and divers as you help protect one of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. Spend your days scuba diving in turquoise waters, removing invasive lionfish, monitoring sea turtles, and exploring coral reefs teeming with life. At night, unwind under the stars with beach bonfires and island-style dinners. This is more than just a trip—it’s your chance to live sustainably, learn deeply, and connect with nature in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
- Anthony Saner
- Worldpackers host since Apr/2025
Available group trips
Apr 27, 2026 - May 01, 2026
Come to Belize with Cassandra
Travel to the Caribbean with zoologist and wildlife expedition leader Cassandra Ray (@casanimaladventures) for an ocean adventure unlike any other. In partnership with Zen 4 Blue, an organization dedicated to restoring marine ecosystems and supporting local communities, this program combines hands-on conservation with the chance to become a certified scuba diver. Participants will spend their days learning to dive in the turquoise waters of Belize, guided by professional instructors who ensure a safe and unforgettable certification process. Once certified, travelers will join Cassandra and the Zen 4 Blue team in vital conservation work—exploring coral reefs, assisting with marine monitoring, and gaining a firsthand look at how healthy oceans sustain life both above and below the surface. Zen 4 Blue’s initiatives don’t stop at the reef: their projects empower local communities through education, sustainable livelihoods, and ocean stewardship, creating ripple effects that last far beyond each trip. With Cassandra’s expertise in zoology and global fieldwork, participants will not only experience the thrill of diving but also walk away with a deeper understanding of how humans and the ocean are interconnected. This is more than a trip—it’s a journey to earn your scuba certification, contribute to marine conservation, and discover the breathtaking underwater world of Belize.
Starting from
US$ 1,568
US$ 1,468
Requirements
- Over 18 years old
- You need to have a valid Open Water License. To engage in snorkeling activities, swimming skills must be from intermediate to advanced.
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 – Dive 1 (Shore Dive)
Get in the water for a buoyancy and skills check.
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.
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Dive 2
Your first official lionfish dive.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Lionfish Fillet & Dissection
Learn to clean and study lionfish safely.
9:00 AM – 09:45 AM – Breakfast
Tasty breakfast to refuel.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Presentation
Learn the story behind the lionfish invasion.
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Dive 3
Back in the water for more lionfish hunting.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM – Fillet Lionfish
Help clean and prep your catch with the team.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch
Grab a well-earned island lunch.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Presentation
Learn more the story behind the lionfish invasion.
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Dive 4
Head out for your afternoon lionfish dive.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Clean Lionfish
More fish to clean means more practice for you.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Free Time
Take a break and enjoy the island.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Dinner
Fuel up before heading out.
Evening
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Night Dive
Get your gear ready and experience the reef after dark (Advanced divers only).
Day 3
Morning
6:30 AM – 7:00 AM – Morning Coffee
Start your day with island vibes.
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Dive 6
Morning lionfish hunt.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Fillet Lionfish
Clean your morning catch.
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast.
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM – Plastic Pollution Presentation
Understand the challenges our oceans are facing.
10:15 AM – 11:45 PM – Dive 7
Another dive to make a difference.
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.
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Turtle Talk
Learn about turtles and their impact in the region.
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Dive 8
Your last dive of the day.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Fillet Lionfish
Sharpen your filleting skills.
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.
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Dive 9
Morning lionfish removal.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Clean Lionfish
Practice your prep skills.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy your morning meal.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Lionfish Presentation
Learn even more about this species.
10:45 AM – 12:30 PM – Dive 10
Dive with turtles and hunt lionfish.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM – Fillet Lionfish
Clean and prep with the crew.
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.
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Dive 11
Final dive of the day.
Day 5
Morning
6:00 AM – 6:30 AM – Morning Coffee
Peaceful start to a full day.
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Dive 12
One last morning of lionfish removal.
9:00 AM – 09:45 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast on the island!
09:45 AM – 10:30 AM – Checkout & Departure Prep
Pay tabs, collect traveler info, and pack up for the boat ride back.
The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Over 18 years old
- You need to have a valid Open Water License. To engage in snorkeling activities, swimming skills must be from intermediate to advanced.
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
Sea Turtle Conservation
Protect endangered sea turtles through nest preparation & monitoring
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Glide over crystal-clear Caribbean waters and enjoy stunning views of the reef and the horizon.
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
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
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