Come and discover the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and go on an expedition with the team of scientists in the second largest barrier reef in the world in Mexico! This participatory science project will allow you to participate in the rescue and rehabilitation of corals, the study of fish and to develop your knowledge of the marine world.
While the experience of a deep-sea expedition is exciting, the days can be long and you need to be prepared. Depending on the needs of the team, volunteers dive about once a day. Other assignments will be split between training sessions, cleaning up marine debris, and teaching environmental education to local communities. During your free time, you will be able to relax on the beach located a few hundred meters from the accommodation, visit the surrounding towns, etc.
Our program in Mexico helps preserve the different species of coral and fish for the survival of the coral reef. In this objective, we collect data on the health conditions and the changes that have taken place on the section of the barrier studied.
Optional: PADI divemaster training and PADI course. If you are interested, please let us know.
Dates 2025 :
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 3745 € |
A supplement of €200 applies to participants aged under 18. For more information, meet on the youth area.
Volunteers are staying in shared rooms. The accommodation has a shared kitchen, work space and living space, but expect very basic facilities. Bottled water is available for cooking and drinking, and all volunteers share chores (cleaning, cooking…). Curfew is 11pm every day.
Meals
Volunteers prepare breakfast as a group from our choice of cereals, pancakes, eggs and porridge. On work days, lunch and dinner are prepared by a local cook, and on weekends, participants prepare their own meals. The diet is very simple, mostly vegetarian, with meat available about once a week. Lunch is beans, vegetables and pasta, and a typical evening meal may include lentils, pasta, beans, rice and vegetables. Local restaurants are also an option at your expense during the weekend. Restaurants and supermarkets are within easy walking distance from the base.
Communication
You will have limited access to long-distance communication during the program, so make sure your friends and family know how often they can expect to hear from you. Cell phone reception is available on base, but it can sometimes be poor. It is possible to purchase a Mexican SIM card and phone credit at the airport that can be used with your unlocked cell phone. Internet connection is available at the base, but you can also purchase a handheld WIFI device.
PADI Open Waters Training
– 4 weeks: Padi Open Water required (Padi advanced included).
– from 8 weeks Padi Open Water and advanced included.
– 18 years
– Intermediate to fluent level of English
– Vaccinations: Diphtheria, Typhus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Polio. Ask your doctor for advice on rabies vaccine and anti-malarial treatments.
To register, you will be asked to fill out
– The registration form to be filled in and sent to info@freepackers.com
– A passport copy.
– To join this 4-week program, you must have the PADI Open Waters certification. From 8 weeks, it is possible to follow the training in a local diving center (for beginners).
