CARIBBEAN QUEST

In a Nutshell

No, it’s not a cruise. It’s an adventure taking place both in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and also in the deep green jungle of Belize. As a participant on this project, you will be helping to preserve the flora and fauna of a private, tropical island, followed by a sojourn to a unique eco-lodge on the mainland that supports indigenous, Mayan communities.

 

Project I.D

This unique program, set on a private island off the southeast coast of Belize, is suitable for both experienced and novice divers alike. It’s tailored to suit all levels, whether you have a couple of dives under your belt or you have always wanted to learn how to scuba dive. This program has it all; enjoy the magical, underwater world of the Caribbean while assisting with important, marine preservation and research. See how you can do your part for the oceans.

Itinerary

Day 1, Sunday: Arrival to Belize City, air transfer to Placencia, pick up and overnight stay in the lovely upscale, eco-lodge.

Day 2, Monday: Boat transfer to the private island in the morning. Participants will settle in and have an orientation session before their first dive in the afternoon. Non-divers will begin their PADI certification course.

Days 3-4, Tuesday-Wednesday: volunteers’ initial dives (for divers) and dive course on the island (for non divers).
Participants will begin with a bountiful breakfast at 6:00 AM. The first dive will be at 7:30 AM , the second at 11:30 AM, and the third at 3:00 PM, with lunch served in between. Dinner will be served at around 7:00 PM and will be followed by sunset watching and free time.
By the end Wednesday, Non-divers, congratulations! You are now a PADI Open Water certified diver!

Day 5, Thursday: All participants participate in three conservation dives.

Day 6, Friday: Boat transfer back to mainland Belize. Relaxing day at the Cotton Tree Lodge, including lunch, welcome massage and free time for swimming or kayaking in the Moho River and more.

Day 7, Saturday: Breakfast at Cotton Tree Lodge, morning of volunteering on a Cacao Agriculture Project in Mafredi, San Antonio. Afternoon at Rio Blanco Waterfalls with a picnic lunch, followed by time at the falls for swimming, cliff diving, nature walks, etc. Dinner back at the Cotton Tree Lodge.

Day 8, Sunday: Breakfast at Cotton Tree Lodge, morning of volunteering with a local primary school in San Felipe, or working with children at a local childrean center. Lunch back at Cotton Tree Lodge. Afternoon cultural tour involving tortilla making in the home of a Mayan family in Santa Ana. Optional kayak trip back from Santa Ana to Cotton Tree Lodge. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 9, Monday: Breakfast at the lodge, morning of volunteering at a local chocolate maker in Punta Gorda with time in town to walk through the local markets. Picnic lunch and afternoon swim through Blue Creek cave. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 10, Tuesday: Transfer to luxourious lodge by the sea after breakfast, with lunch stop en route at a dairy farm that makes their own ice cream. Relaxed afternoon and evening free time.

Day 11, Wednesday: Breakfast and relaxed day at Jaguar Reef Lodge The.

Day 12, Thursday: Breakfast at Jaguar Reef Lodge, customized day tour and activities (e.g. horseback riding, jungle trail, jaguar preserve, tubing adventure, Mayflower Waterfall hiking, Sittee River fishing and much more!)

Day 13, Friday: Breakfast at Jaguar Reef Lodge. Transfer to Belize City for departure.

Fast Facts

  • Location of the Project: Placencia, private island and Belize mainland, (mulitiple locations).
  • Project length: 2 weeks.
  • Airport: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), flights to/from Placencia Airport (PLJ) are included.
  • Contributional Work: Marine & Jungle preservation: As a participant in this adventure you will be engaging in various marine preservation tasks. These range from survey dives to identification dives and possible whale shark photography. You will be participating in the eradication of the invasive lionfish species, the data collection of various native species and the assessment of the local coral reef as a whole. Back on the mainland, you will partake in projects to preserve the Belizian jungle ecosystem, as well as educational and humanitarian work with the local population.
  • Number of Volunteers: Up to 17 international volunteers. 

What’s Included

  • Accommodations: All accommodations are listed in the above itinerary.
  • Food: Days 1-9: three meals per day, Days 10-13: breakfast only.
  • Others: 12 dives per week (one dive on Friday), training for conservation work and participation in the conservation programs. Diving equipment (excluding wetsuits, booties, masks and snorkels), Open Water Certification Course if not certified ($100 USD admin. fee does apply)
    All project transportation (regional flights, boat, car) is included in program cost.
  • Orientation: Orientation and a brief tour of the island is included on Monday.
    Note: Non-divers are required to do an e-learning course at home before they arrive (around 2-6 hours).
  • Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s Not Included

International flights and airport transfers, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses, lunch and dinner meals on Days 10-12, some dive equipment (wetsuits, booties, masks, snorkels) and any additional PADI training course you would like to take, such as AOWD, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, etc.)
Non-Divers: Does not include the cost of dive manuals for PADI training, PADI eLearning course and onsite OWD course (approximately $300 USD).

Additional Issues to Important Note:
Non-divers are required to complete the PADI eLearning course before arrival (approx. 2-6 hours, fees apply).

Adventure Departure Dates

  • December 17th, 2018
  • January 21st, 2019
  • January 28th, 2019
  • March 4th, 2019
  • November 4th, 2019
  • December 2nd, 2019

Adventure Cost: $3,990 USD 

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