Are you between 15 and 17 years old? This program welcomes a group of teenagers each year for an ecotourism experience in Latin America, exploring the turquoise waters of the Caribbean on an expedition with a team of researchers in the world’s second-largest coral reef in Mexico! This citizen science project will allow young participants to take part in coral rescue and rehabilitation, study fish populations, and develop their knowledge of the marine world.
To optimize the project, a PADI Open Water or Advanced diving certification course is included in the program from the very first days. The group will be guided by a certified instructor, and each participant will obtain their PADI certification before starting the underwater expeditions.
Although exploring the underwater world is an exciting experience, the days can be long, and participants should be prepared. Depending on the team’s needs, volunteers dive approximately once per day.
Other tasks will be divided between:
Our Latin America ecotourism program helps preserve various coral and fish species to ensure the survival of the coral reef. To achieve this goal, we collect data on the health conditions and changes occurring in the studied section of the reef.
Dates 2025 :
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 3545 € |
Volunteers are housed in shared rooms at the Puerto Morelos base. The accommodation includes a communal kitchen, a workspace, and a living area, but expect very basic facilities. Bottled water is available for cooking and drinking, and all volunteers share responsibilities such as cleaning and cooking. Curfew is set at 11 PM every day.
Meals
Volunteers participate in preparing breakfast as a group, with options including cereals, pancakes, eggs, and porridge. On workdays, lunch and dinner are prepared by a local cook, and on weekends, participants prepare their own meals.
The diet is very simple, primarily vegetarian, with meat available about once a week. Lunch consists of beans, vegetables, and pasta, while a typical dinner may include lentils, pasta, beans, rice, and vegetables. Local restaurants are also an option at your own expense during the weekend.
Restaurants and supermarkets are within 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. Mobile phone reception is available at the base but can sometimes be weak. You can purchase a Mexican SIM card and phone credit at the airport to use with an unlocked phone. Internet access is available at the base, but you may also buy a portable WiFi device.
This 2-week program is specifically designed for young people aged 15-17 looking for an introduction to a research project and an international immersion experience. Supervision, guidance, and activities are tailored to a group of young teenagers.
– Minimum age: 15 years old.
– Intermediate to fluent level of English required.
– Vaccinations: Diphtheria, Typhoid, Typhus, Hepatitis A, and Polio. Consult your doctor for advice on rabies vaccination and anti-malaria treatments.
To apply, you will need:
– The application form, to be completed and sent to info@freepackers.com
– A copy of your passport.
