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.
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
The host will meet you and the group at Placencia, and you'll take the boat together to the project.
Welcome talk, room assignments, program intro, and island overview.
Enjoy your first lunch with the team.
Intro to lionfish, coconut spear training, and dive orientation.
Get in the water for a buoyancy and skills check.
Unwind or hang out with your new dive buddies.
Group dinner to wrap up your first full day.
Wake up with a coffee and an island sunrise.
Your first official lionfish dive.
Learn to clean and study lionfish safely.
Tasty breakfast to refuel.
Learn the story behind the lionfish invasion.
Back in the water for more lionfish hunting.
Help clean and prep your catch with the team.
Grab a well-earned island lunch.
Learn more the story behind the lionfish invasion.
Head out for your afternoon lionfish dive.
More fish to clean means more practice for you.
Take a break and enjoy the island.
Fuel up before heading out.
Get your gear ready and experience the reef after dark (Advanced divers only).
Start your day with island vibes.
Morning lionfish hunt.
Clean your morning catch.
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast.
Understand the challenges our oceans are facing.
Another dive to make a difference.
Help keep the island pristine.
Refuel with a hearty lunch.
Learn about turtles and their impact in the region.
Your last dive of the day.
Sharpen your filleting skills.
Relax, swim, or chat with new friends.
Wrap up the day with a good meal and enjoy the rest of the night.
Peaceful start to a full day.
Morning lionfish removal.
Practice your prep skills.
Enjoy your morning meal.
Learn even more about this species.
Dive with turtles and hunt lionfish.
Clean and prep with the crew.
Delicious lunch to recharge.
Learn about this beautiful country and its culture.
Final dive of the day.
Peaceful start to a full day.
One last morning of lionfish removal.
Enjoy your final breakfast on the island!
Pay tabs, collect traveler info, and pack up for the boat ride back.
Découvrez les activités qui transformeront votre voyage en une aventure épique.
Contribuez à votre projet et créez un impact positif tout en développant de nouvelles compétences.
Learn about coral reefs and marine animals and discover how we can protect our reefs
Protect endangered sea turtles through nest preparation & monitoring
Découvrez la culture locale et vivez une expérience de voyage authentique avec des activités incluses dans votre itinéraire.
Glide over crystal-clear Caribbean waters and enjoy stunning views of the reef and the horizon.
Weekly beach and island trash/plastic removal on islands of the Belize Barrier Reef
Paddle around the island solo or with a buddy. Peaceful, energizing, and completely free
Explore vibrant coral reefs and spot tropical fish up close, even on your surface intervals
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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