Puerto Morelos is on the Rivera Maya, on the Yucatan Peninsula.The Riviera Maya is spectacular, known as one of the best destinations for diving and snorkeling. On its shores lies an extensive coral reef, home to a vast variety of marine species such as tropical fish, stingrays, and even the fascinating whale sharks. There are also incredible natural pools formed by underground rivers along the Riviera Maya enabling you to explore caverns and swim in the crystal clear waters of these natural wonders. The town and seaport are focused around a small fishing village which, like all urban centres on the Yucatan, has seen rapid growth and is now a town with a port. Puerto Morelos is a place to experience the genuine Yucatan that enables you to immerse yourself in the authentic local culture.

While your experience on the expedition will be rewarding, days can be long and tiring which you should be prepared for.

Depending on weather conditions, we aim for everyone to get into the water every day to dive or snorkel, but this is also dependent on the needs of our partners as there are conservation measures in place which will not require you to dive 5 days a week. During your time in the water you will conduct underwater surveys after you complete your training. Besides diving, you should expect to be involved in additional projects and activities, including training sessions, lab work, marine debris surveys and removal, environmental education session or alternative income training, depending on local and project needs. You will also be required to complete base duties.

While your living conditions are basic, our base is located on a property a few hundred meters from the beach. When not working, you can take the opportunity to brush up on your knowledge of the reef and marine species, explore the nearby cities, cenotes, relax with your fellow volunteers or just take in the stunning sunsets that have to be seen to be believed.

You will be collecting data in the northern section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, working with our local partners with the aim to:

Form a comprehensive overview of the ecological health of the reef
Develop education and awareness programs within the local community

Overall, our monitoring program in Mexico aims to provide a long-term record of coral and fish species abundance over time to contribute to the long-term survival of the reef.

As part of this program you will also join the PADI Coral Reef Restoration Diver Specialty Course which is designed to educate divers about the various threats that are affecting our coral reefs worldwide and techniques to monitor and mitigate these negative impacts. This course will explore the methods currently used to protect, preserve and restore coral reefs. Divers will learn how to plan, organize and conduct coral reef surveys as well as develop the in-water skills (i.e. buoyancy control, monitoring techniques) that will allow them to perform research and restoration dives safely. The goals of the Coral Reef Restoration Diver training are to teach the diver about the various ways in which we can safely monitor and restore the reef as well as providing them with the understanding of why reef restoration projects are so important.

Over time and with the contributions of a small number of volunteers, our partners have been able to amass a large database on the condition, health and changes of this section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, as well as successfully produce a vast amount of coral fragments for reef reproduction.

- Visa and vaccination requirements according to destination
- Minimum age of 18
- PADI Open Water certificate if joining 2-6 week programs
- Police Clearance Certificate (not older than 6 months)
-Medical form
- Basic level of competency in English
- Spanish is useful to do community work but not essential
- Copy of return flight itinerary
- Acceptance subject to availability

Pick-up from Cancun Airport and/or transfer to base location from Puerto Morelos
Welcome meeting
Location orientation
Safe and basic accommodation (usually shared)
Meals while on project
Living and working in a protected reserve surveying deserted reefs under our research permit
PADI Open Water (for 8 and 12 week volunteers) and Advanced Open Water
The PADI Coral Reef Restoration Diver Specialty Course
Coral reef ecology
Community work workshop
Use of O2 equipment workshop
Real hands-on experience and learning about the challenges of marine conservation has in this region
All necessary project equipment and materials but not your own personal diving gear, the full list of requirements is included in the field manual for example, wetsuit, diving mask, fins etc.
All necessary project training by experienced long term staff
First aid & CPR training
24-hour in-country support
24-hour emergency phone
Access to alumni services and discounts

Temperature: Wetsuit use varies based on personal preference and how much individuals feel the cold. Jan - March the water is around 24-26 degrees Celsius - depending on how much they feel the cold either a 3mm or 5mm full length suit will suffice. April - June the water is around 27-28 degrees. July - Sep time is around 28-30 degrees and most people dive with just a rash vest and shorts though some people will wear a shorty or 3mm full suit. Nov-Dec is around 26-28 degrees a 3mm full length suit is preferred by most.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.