Overview
Marine Biology Survey Techniques Course in Mexico - THIS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

This GVI program provides a unique qualification that will allow you to study whilst living and researching the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea in Mexico. You can gain this course on a 5 or 10 week expedition through which you will learn the techniques behind supervising biological surveys. The course is a level 3 Advanced BTEC Certificate, an internationally recognized qualification that should leave you confident to plan and manage safe and efficient survey teams in the field. Units include: Survey Techniques, Managing Risk, Target Species Identification, Expedition Logistics and Community Relations. College credit may be available for those attending this course. Consult GVI’s college credit page for helpful tips and advice.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Our experienced field staff have specifically designed this qualification to give you the chance to get an in depth knowledge of what its like to run a conservation and research expedition on the ground.

Andy Woods-Ballard - Ex Mexico Director for GVI, now running International Operations

Highlights

Gain a BTEC qualification that could open up doors of opportunity and immerse yourself in a truly remote tropical paradise, one of the world’s only remaining truly pristine environments, living in a beautiful part of a different country, with the opportunity to experience a new culture, food and way of life; learning about the Mesoamerican coral reef and how to identify the wildlife it supports; participating in monitoring dives that explore different sites along the coast; seeing mega-fauna such as dolphins, sharks and manatees; snorkelling in cenotes or waterways; searching the beach at night for turtles laying eggs; joining in with community programs; teaching English and raising the environmental awareness of the local community; and joining fun-dives including a PADI photography speciality course.

Location

The expedition base is situated 35 kilometres north of the tranquil Mayan village of Mahahual, just 8 kilometres south of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Mayan for “where the sky is born”). Located 5 hours south of Cancun and just north of Belize on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, the area lies on the spectacular Caribbean coast and is surrounded by coral reef, pristine wetlands and further inland, dense jungle. The base's location combines the beauty of the Caribbean with the opportunity to take part in environmental education activities and English language programs at the village of Mahahual.

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Field Conditions

The base is a former hotel and is being developed as an example of environmental sustainability. Volunteers are accommodated in shared cabanas with bunkbeds, or camping facilities for those who prefer, with freshwater showers a few times a week, views of the ocean, a basic kitchen, a main socialising area and a beautiful stretch of beach to enjoy. The volunteers will assist in developing the expedition base as an Ecological Research and Awareness Centre.

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What's Included

All food and accommodation, airport transfers, BTEC in Biological Survey Techniquesm, PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI photography specialty course, fun dives, adventure/cultural activities, PADI Coral Reef Researcher speciality, Introduction to TEFL training and certification, heavily discounted further dive training options up to PADI Divemaster, all training materials, technical dive equipment and science equipment, Emergency First Aid course, 24 hour in-country support and a 24 hour emergency phone line.

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