Placencia, Belice
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 $295 USD for this hands-on training. Learn to dive while swimming alongside sea turtles, exploring turquoise waters, and contributing to reef conservation efforts like lionfish removal and coral monitoring. After your dives, unwind with island-style meals, beach bonfires, and stunning sunsets. It’s more than a license—it’s your gateway to adventure, sustainability, and the magic of life underwater.
- Anthony Saner
- Anfitrión de Worldpackers desde Apr/2025
Viajes grupales disponibles
01 de Dic de 2027 - 05 de Dic de 2027
PróximamenteMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Desde
US$ 1.042
Requisitos
- Inglés Intermedio
- Digital Theory Completion
- To engage in snorkeling activities, swimming skills must be from intermediate to advanced.
- Digital Theory Completion
- Más de 18 años
Itinerario
Día 1
Mañana
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.
Tarde
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!
Noche
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.
Día 2
Mañana
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.
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.
Tarde
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.
Noche
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Dinner
Fuel up after a day of diving.
Día 3
Mañana
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.
Tarde
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.
Noche
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Dinner
Wrap up the day with a good meal and enjoy the rest of the night.
Día 4
Mañana
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.
Tarde
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.
Noche
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Dinner
Wrap up the day with a good meal and enjoy the rest of the night.
Día 5
Mañana
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.
Qué incluye
Lo que no está incluido
Requisitos
- Inglés Intermedio
- Digital Theory Completion
- Mayores de 18 años
Actividades
Consulte las actividades que harán que tu viaje sea una aventura épica.
Actividades de aprendizaje
Contribuya al proyecto y tenga un impacto positivo mientras desarrolla nuevas habilidades.
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.
Actividades de inmersión
Conoce la cultura local y vive una auténtica experiencia de viaje con las actividades incluidas en tu itinerario.
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
Alojamiento
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 hay máquina de lavandería, pero hay un espacio de lavandería gratuito
Comidas
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!
Instrucciones de llegada
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.
Sobre el proyecto
- Anfitrión 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.
Sobre el destino
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.
Impacto y Propósito
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
Este anfitrión contribuye a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible
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