Travel to one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the second-largest reef system in the world. Here, you’ll join our base at the top location for diving in Belize, the island of Ambergris Caye. We’ll help you earn your PADI Open Water before you join our coral reef and other marine conservation volunteer initiatives.
Our Belize base is located on the country’s largest island, Ambergris Caye. This island is known for its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System – home to countless dive sites and spots to snorkel. The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System – the largest reef system in the northern hemisphere and the second largest in the world. Our accommodation is located on the beach.
Your typical day may involve training, diving and research. You can also expect to carry out diving gear maintenance or organisational work, such as refilling dive tanks and conducting safety tests. Your days are rounded off with evening debriefs, followed by dinner and time to relax. In between your project work, you’ll have time to lounge on the beach, taking in Caribbean sunrises and sunsets, and swapping stories with staff members and your fellow participants.
Our base is located on the beach and close to the town of San Pedro, which has restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and many smaller shops. Accommodation is provided and consists of...
Ambergris Caye is only 40 kilometres long, and ranges from 1.6 kilometres wide to a few hundred metres in the centre. The majority of the island is covered in mangrove forests, ...
You will have access to long-distance communications, but keep in mind that time for external communication is limited during the week due to project work. You can bring a netwo...
The food in Ambergris Caye is a fusion of traditional Belizean dishes (such as rice, beans, stewed chicken) and Mexican food, including burritos and tortillas. While staying on ...
Belize has a hot, subtropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 20°C – 32°C (68°F – 90°F). Daytime temperatures and humidity remain consistently high. The dry ...
For over 20 years, GVI has prioritised the health and safety of our staff, participants, partners and local community members. In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, GVI has created the GVI health and hygiene team to put in place new standards of cleanliness, norms and behaviours that meet or exceed international recommendations to ensure the ongoing safety of GVI’s participants, staff and communities around the world. Internationally recommended practices, such as advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the governments Australia, UK and US, continue to be monitored and the standards are likely to change if and when international advice changes.
The work GVI is contributing to across the globe remains important and the following measures allow our participants to continue to join GVI’s programs and continue impacting positively on their world and the communities we work with. The following changes to our existing protocols have been made by the GVI health and hygiene team to strengthen our health and hygiene protocols and ensure that international standard safeguards are in place to protect our participants, staff and host communities.
If you’d like to find out what the experience of joining a GVI project is really like, simply contact us and we’ll put you in touch with one of our many Alumni.
We’ll try to match you to an Alum based on your location, nationality, age, stage of academic career, gender, and program interests. This allows you to gain insights into the experience that is most relevant to you.
Depending on your location you might be able to speak to an Alum over the phone or online, or meet up with them face-to-face at a coffee shop nearby. We also run a series of small events around the world where you can speak to GVI Alumni, Ambassadors and staff members.
We want you to make the most of the chance to live in – and contribute towards – the most diverse and unique wildernesses and communities on earth. Introducing GVI Experiences – immersive adventure, cultural and wellness activities exclusive to GVI that have been specially designed in collaboration with our local partners to support and stimulate sustainable economic development.
Enhance your impact. Expand your adventure. Explore your world.
When it comes to support, we ensure that each participant is provided with unparalleled, 360 degree support, from your initial contact with the GVI Family, all the way through your program, and even after, as you become part of the GVI Alumni Team.
As part of this promise, we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. In most locations, we also set up a Whatsapp group to help with managing airport arrivals. We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you, easily identifiable in a GVI t-shirt or holding a GVI sign and wearing a friendly smile. This means there will be someone there to greet you as you land, and from there you will be transported to your GVI base to start your adventure and meet the rest of your team.
All of our programs have short-, mid- and long-term objectives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This enables us to report on our collaborative impact across the world in a streamlined manner, measuring which UN SDGs we are making a substantial contribution to. Furthermore, this will help our local partners and communities measure and visualise their contribution to the UN SDGs.
Prior to your arrival on base, you will be educated about the UN SDGs. Then once you arrive on base, you’ll learn about the specific goals we have in this particular location, our various objectives, and also clarification of how your personal, shorter-term involvement contributes to these.
Our aim is to educate you on local and global issues, so that you continue to be an active global citizen after your program, helping to fulfil our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.
Our work on the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize focuses on conserving the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS), a recognised World Heritage Site. The reef is home to an abundance of coral species and many other endangered marine species, such as the green sea turtle and West Indian manatee.
The reef, like many others around the world, faces many conservation challenges. As a result of the climate crisis, rising ocean temperatures cause corals to become damaged in a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. Another challenge the reef shares with other marine habitats around the world is plastic pollution. Invasive species, such as lionfish, and pollution from coastal development, also pose a threat. While tourism is an excellent contributor to the reef’s conservation, it needs to be managed effectively to ensure no harm is caused. Mangroves are also a key factor in protecting the reef. Among other challenges, they are under threat from unsustainable coastal development practices.
Fortunately, Belize is a leader in effective conservation practices and has implemented several innovative policies and initiatives over the years, including banning bottom trawling, a form of harmful commercial fishing, as well as offshore oil prospecting and drilling. Our work in Belize involves supporting the country’s governmental and local initiatives.
Our team carries out scientific surveys of the fish, coral and invertebrate species found at dive sites along the BBRRS. We then deliver this data to local organisations aiming at making a positive impact on the conservation management of BBRRS and its surrounding reefs.
The main UN Sustainable Development Goal that we contribute towards is Goal 14: Life Below Water.
GVI Ambergris Caye Long-term Objectives:
1. Provide reports on coral abundance and health at specific BBRRS locations to relevant conservation management organisations.
2. Provide reports on fish abundance and health of species at specific BBRRS locations to relevant conservation management organisations.
3. Provide reports on invertebrate abundance and health at specific BBRRS locations to relevant conservation management organisations.
Program Manager
Meet Frank, our program manager in Ambergris Caye, Belize. He was born and raised in Germany and decided to move to Belize in order to explore the country and follow his interes ...
Program Officer
Meet Farrah our Program Officer at the GVI base on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Farrah grew up with a keen interest in marine conservation which lead her to major in marine biology a ...
A GVI program is an investment in your career. No matter which you choose, you will be working toward improving your employability by mastering new social skills, gaining further technical expertise and earning qualifications in many cases. Most of our staff are, in fact, GVI Alumni, and we have helped many of our Alumni discover, move toward, and earn their own personal dream jobs. Each program includes introductory workshops, ongoing presentations, as well as on-the-ground professional support provided by our very own trained staff members. In addition, our training programs are critical for helping us to ensure the long-term impact of our sustainable development projects around the world.
Learn about COVID-19 pre-departure guidelines, base expectations, personal and area hygiene practices and what we are doing to keep you safe.
Learn about the importance of child and vulnerable adult protection best practices and how to apply them while on project.
Introduction to the history and evolution of sustainable development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and how these related to your project work.
Learn about our country locations and further opportunities available to you during or after your program.
An introduction to different survey techniques and best practice guidelines for surveys; introduction to different types of data and how to record information via a datasheet.
Learn about biodiversity and how biodiversity is measured, and classifying different species and how to identify species that indicate the health of the habitat.
Learn about issues with plastic and measures that can be taken to help reduce plastic consumption.
Learn about what a coral reef is, its importance, how it is formed, how this ecosystem works.
Earning a professional diving qualification, such as those offered by The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), is a necessary step for many aspiring marine biologists. All GVI marine conservation programs include training by certified dive instructors that allows participants to qualify for a range of PADI certifications including PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Divemaster, Instructor, Rescue Diver and Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Learn more about what is contributing to the decline in the health of the world’s ocean and marine species and what can be done to prevent it. You’ll gain a greater understanding of the field of marine conservation, explore how to protect marine ecosystems and discover how you can contribute towards conservation-related initiatives. After successfully completing the course, which you have the option of doing prior to your in-country program, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Richmond.
This online course, valued at £295, is included in all volunteering programs. Full course details can be found here.
Joining a GVI program not only allows you to collaborate with communities or work toward preserving unique ecosystems – but it also offers plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area or travel further to see what other parts of the region have to offer over weekends.
Field staff are a great source of advice and have helped us put together the following information on local travel options. You can choose to travel before or after your experience with GVI (subject to immigration restrictions), solidifying the lifetime friendships you’ve established on the program. Please note that the below options are not included in the program fee, and would be up to you to arrange at your own expense.
Without travelling very far, you’ll find a variety of exciting activities to enjoy. Sample some of the local fare with a food tour, or visi...
Some of the most impressive Mayan architecture can be found in Belize. This includes the Sky Palace at Caracol – the largest known Maya ruin in Belize and the tallest man-made s...
There are many waterfalls you can visit during your stay in Belize. The most famous is the Thousand Foot Falls waterfall in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. At a height o...
The country is covered in protected natural areas of various descriptions. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a key location for jaguar preservation, and the Bladen Natur...
Not only a top diving destination, Belize is also a top caving destination. The Chiquibul Cave System is the largest and longest cave system in central America, and there are pl...
There are over 400 islands, or cayes, that form part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. Go island- hopping and visit Caye Caulker, Silk Caye or Half Moon Caye, which all...
Diving and snorkelling are, of course, not the only things to do in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are among ...
Belize has some of the best dive spots in the world, with the Great Blue Hole possibly being the most famous. This giant underwater sinkhole can be found in the Lighthouse Reef ...
Join us at our base in Peru where you can work on high-impact sustainable development projects in the Amazonian cloud forest. Afterwards, you can visit Incan sites such as Machu...
If you’re looking to experience Central American wildlife, why not travel to Costa Rica? We have a base set up in the Tortuguero National Park that is located along the Caribbea...
If you’re interested in seeing more of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, you can travel to Mexico. Here we have another marine conservation base situated along the Yucatán P...
Engaging intimately with a new context teaches global awareness, adaptability and critical thinking – skills highly valued in the modern marketplace. Local and cultural immersion is encouraged on all our programs around the world, and will also be one of the most enjoyable aspects of your experience. Luckily, there are many different activities that you can get involved in during your free time, or before and after your program.
On our community programs, the focus is on cultural topics, while on marine or wildlife programs the emphasis is more on the environmental element. Use your evenings and weekends to explore topics like local cuisine and religion, or how sustainable development challenges are affecting local contexts.
Although Belize is perhaps best known for its marine life, like many Central American locations, it also has a great abundance and diversity of wildlife. Perhaps the most iconic...
Many people travel to Belize to experience its underwater life. The country governs the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s part of the secon...
Belizean cuisine is a combination of all the different cultural influences in Belize, such as Mayan, Creole, and Garifuna. You will often come across “fry jacks”(puffy deep frie...
Belizean music and crafts reflect its history, with Mayan, as well as African and European influences. One of the popular styles of music is known as “punta”. It shares commonal...
Belize is renowned for its festivals, and our location on the island of Ambergris Caye is of the best in Belize to experience these celebrations first-hand. In February, Carniva...
Belize is the only Central American country that has English as it’s official language. Spanish is the second-most widely spoken language, with Belizean Creole a close third. It...
We won’t sugarcoat it — traveling abroad is usually a complex process that carries an element of risk. But this is exactly why we’re passionate about providing extensive support throughout the process as well as the highest safety standards during the in-country phase. We believe that volunteering abroad should not only be impactful, but an enjoyable experience that carries as little risk as possible. This is exactly how we’ve been able to maintain our reputation as the most highly respected volunteering organisations in the sector over the past two decades.
Upon arrival at the airport, participants will be greeted by a GVI staff member. All GVI staff are our own and all our programs around the world are run by our staff. All GVI field staff are background checked, Emergency First Response and safety trained. The minimum staff to participant ratio on GVI’s programs is one to six, although on several bases we have a ratio of one to three. When finishing the experience, participants will provide feedback on all aspects of their program.
Once a participant books, they will be assigned a personal support coordinator who will oversee their pre-departure journey. The support coordinator helps to bridge the gap between program enrolment and arrival at one of our field bases. Your personal support coordinator will ensure that you are provided with all the necessary information required to apply for visas, background checks, and any other documentation.
It takes courage to book a GVI program, get on a flight, and head off to somewhere new. Volunteering offers a level of cultural immersion that typical backpacking or holidays ju...
As the saying goes: ‘Expect the best, plan for the worst’. Cliched or not, we take it to heart. This tenet is at the core of how GVI operates when it comes to promoting the heal...
The weather isn’t just a topic for polite small-talk here at GVI. We have emergency action plans in place for all scenarios. So when the weather, or other natural forces, takes ...
Once GVI has matched a participant to a program that suits their passions and goals, our team aims to set the right expectations for them. In the event that false expectations a...
