Step 1
Step 3
Step 2
You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
Step 2
Step 3
Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
Step 4
Want to volunteer with invasive species control in Belize? Our Travel Roots Invasive Species Management Program is the perfect opportunity to dive into hands-on marine conservation and help restore balance to the reef ecosystem by targeting one of its greatest threats—the lionfish.
Based on a stunning private island along the Belize Barrier Reef, this program empowers volunteers to become part of the solution. Invasive lionfish are a major danger to native fish populations, coral health, and reef biodiversity. With no natural predators in the Caribbean, their population has exploded—causing major ecological imbalance.
Be part of the frontline reef defense.
As a volunteer, you’ll learn how to safely and ethically remove lionfish using spearfishing techniques under professional guidance. Your dives will be purposeful, impactful, and deeply rewarding—every lionfish removed directly benefits the reef.Master new skills through conservation dives and training.
You’ll take part in daily dives focused on:
• Spearfishing invasive lionfish
• Marine biodiversity and fish identification
• Coral health monitoring and reef restoration
• Data recording and conservation mapping
• Educational workshops on reef ecology and marine systemsBeginner or expert, everyone can contribute.
Whether you’re new to diving or already certified, there’s a place for you on this program. Not certified? You can complete your PADI Open Water on arrival, or advance your skills with further dive courses throughout your stay. The program is designed to be accessible to all and packed with opportunity for growth.Make every dive count.
Each day brings new discoveries—from learning how to handle a lionfish pole spear to contributing to long-term reef protection strategies. You’ll return from this experience not only as a better diver but as an active steward of our oceans.By volunteering on our Invasive Species Management Program in Belize, you will:
• Help restore reef ecosystems by safely removing invasive lionfish
• Gain practical experience in marine conservation and reef management
• Join targeted conservation dives on the Belize Barrier Reef
• Receive training in fish ID, spearfishing techniques, and marine ecology
• Contribute to biodiversity data collection and reef monitoring
• Live on a private island surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs
• Earn or advance your scuba diving certification in one of the world’s top dive locations
• Be part of a passionate, purpose-driven conservation communityWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Invasive Species Conservation Volunteer in Belize
Life on the island is centred around the reef—your days will be a mix of diving, learning, and living simply in one of the world’s most beautiful marine environments. Each day offers a blend of structure and flexibility, with meaningful conservation work and time to relax, explore, and connect.
6:30 AM – Island Wake-Up
Start your day with sunrise views over the Caribbean. Grab a light breakfast and prepare your gear for the day’s dives.7:30 AM – Dive Briefing & Gear Check
Meet with your dive team to review the day’s focus—whether it’s lionfish removal, biodiversity surveys, or reef health checks. You'll get hands-on with your equipment and safety training.8:00 AM – First Conservation Dive
Head out to the reef for a targeted dive. Depending on the day, you might:
– Spearfish invasive lionfish under professional guidance
– Record sightings and collect data
– Identify coral and fish species using reef survey methods10:30 AM – Second Dive & Dive Log Review
After a short break, head back out for another dive. You’ll log your findings, clean your gear, and debrief with the team when you return.12:30 PM – Lunch & Midday Break
Enjoy a relaxed communal lunch, then take a break—nap in a hammock, snorkel off the dock, or just soak up the sun.2:00 PM – Afternoon Projects or Learning Sessions
Afternoons may include:
– Marine conservation workshops or fish ID practice
– Beach clean-ups or lionfish dissection and data recording
– Optional third dive (weather and availability dependent)4:30 PM – Free Time
Relax, read, play games, or explore the island’s trails and coastline. The atmosphere is laid-back and community-focused.6:30 PM – Dinner & Sunset Chill Time
Gather for a shared dinner, followed by music, games, or simply watching the stars emerge over the sea.Evenings
With no Wi-Fi or outside distractions, evenings are all about real connection—sharing stories, reflecting on the day, and enjoying the rhythm of island life.Day Off
Each week includes a full day off to rest or enjoy the island at your own pace. For longer stays, volunteers can explore the mainland before or after their program.No two days are exactly alike, but each one will bring you closer to nature, your team, and your purpose beneath the waves.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
Lionfish may be beautiful, but they are devastating to the marine ecosystem. As a volunteer, your role in helping control this invasive species is both urgent and essential. Every lionfish you remove protects dozens of native fish and helps restore the delicate balance of the reef.
By participating in conservation dives, you’re not just learning how to spearfish—you’re actively defending one of the world’s most biodiverse marine habitats. These hands-on removals reduce pressure on local fish populations, protect coral health, and allow native ecosystems a chance to recover.
Your efforts also contribute to broader research and data collection, helping inform national and regional strategies to manage invasive species. Through species ID, data logging, and direct removal, you are shaping the future of reef conservation in the Caribbean.
And your impact doesn’t stop underwater. As you gain knowledge and confidence, you become an advocate—bringing awareness back home, inspiring others, and amplifying the call to protect our oceans.
This program is proof that individual action matters. Every dive counts. Every lionfish speared makes a difference. And your contribution will live on in the reefs you helped protect.
Your Caribbean Castaway Island Stay
Volunteers stay on a private, off-grid island located 25 miles off the coast of Belize—surrounded by turquoise waters, coral reefs, and nothing but sea breezes and starlit skies. While the accommodations are simple, the setting is truly five-star.
Sleeping Arrangements
You’ll be staying in clean, comfortable beachside cabanas that are best described as hostel-style in layout. The large main cabana houses individuals, couples, families, and groups, while additional single cabanas are scattered across the island for those seeking a bit more privacy.
What’s Included
•All bedding and mosquito-free rooms
•Fans provided in all rooms for additional comfort
•Shared bathroom and shower facilities
•Sweeping sea views from every room
•No Wi-Fi—perfect for a digital detox and deeper connection with nature
•No mosquitoes or sand flies due to the island’s location and natural breezeIsland Life
There’s no air-conditioning on the island, but thanks to strong, consistent trade winds, the breeze keeps the island naturally cool. While rooms may get warm at times, the sound of the sea and the open, airy layout provide a calming, peaceful sleep environment.
Meals & Community Living
All meals are provided and shared communally in the open-air dining area. The food is freshly prepared and hearty—perfect for fueling your dives and conservation work. Expect a variety of local and international dishes, often with vegetarian options available.
Volunteering here isn’t about luxury—it’s about living simply, intentionally, and in harmony with your environment. From waking to the sound of waves to falling asleep under a sky full of stars, your stay on the island will be one to remember.
History
Since 2006, this passionate marine conservation initiative has been safeguarding the fragile coral reef ecosystems of Belize. Operating from a small, private island in the heart of the Caribbean, the organisation empowers everyday people to become ocean advocates through hands-on conservation and underwater research.
What began as a grassroots effort to monitor reef health has evolved into one of the country’s most recognised marine conservation operations—leading efforts to remove invasive species, educate global volunteers, and gather crucial data to support the long-term protection of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Mission & Vision
The mission is to protect and preserve the reef ecosystem through active participation, education, and community engagement. By equipping volunteers with the tools and knowledge to get involved—whether it’s tracking whale shark sightings, spearing invasive lionfish, or identifying coral health—they turn passion into purpose beneath the surface.
Their vision is to create a ripple effect—where each person who joins the program carries the message of ocean conservation back to their home community. Together, the global volunteer network becomes an ocean of change, with each dive making a difference.
This project is more than just a marine experience—it’s a movement of people who care deeply for our oceans and are ready to protect them, one reef at a time.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Duration Fee (EUR)
1 week €932
2 weeks €1,816
3 weeks €2,698
4 weeks €3,582
5 weeks €4,465
6 weeks €5,348
7 weeks €6,229
8 weeks €7,198
PADI Certification Courses Offered on the Island
• Open Water Certification - €214 (3 days)
• Advanced Open Water Certification - €261 (3 days)
• Rescue Diver Certification - €308 (1 week)
• Divemaster Certification - €710 (Min 4-weeks)PADI Specialty Certification Courses Offered on the Island
You Can See Our Full List of Specialty Dive Certification Couses HEREWhat’s Included
✅ Shared accommodation on a private Caribbean island
✅ Three fresh meals daily (Monday to Friday, light meals on weekends)
✅ All conservation training and educational workshops
✅ Daily scuba diving and marine conservation dives
✅ Full dive equipment use and boat transport to dive sites
✅ Whale shark monitoring and biodiversity ID dives
✅ Invasive species control and beach clean-up activities
✅ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful info
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Reef Protection & Personal Growth
This program is more than just diving—it’s about becoming part of the solution. Every euro you invest supports targeted lionfish removal, reef health monitoring, and the preservation of one of the world’s most fragile marine ecosystems.
You’ll return with new diving skills, a deeper understanding of ocean conservation, and the confidence of knowing that your actions directly contributed to the restoration of a reef in crisis.
Whether you're starting your journey in marine science or simply passionate about protecting the planet, this experience will leave a lasting impact—on the reef, and on you.
Where You’ll Be – A Private Island on the Belize Barrier Reef
Your new home will be a remote, palm-fringed island located 25 miles off the southern coast of Belize—right on the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and thriving coral reefs, this off-the-grid island is a paradise for ocean lovers and conservationists alike.
There are no roads, no shops, and no distractions—just the soothing sound of waves, the glow of the sunrise, and a vibrant marine world waiting just beneath the surface. The island is small and community-focused, offering the perfect base for diving, marine education, and simple, purposeful living.
Everything happens here—training, diving, conservation work, meals, and sunset socials. With no Wi-Fi and no light pollution, it's a place to fully disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, your fellow volunteers, and yourself.
Belize – The Jewel of Central America
Belize is a nation where the Caribbean Sea meets lush rainforest, where ancient Mayan ruins coexist with vibrant Creole, Garifuna, and Mestizo cultures. It’s one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich countries in the region—and a global leader in marine conservation.
The waters around Belize are world-famous for their biodiversity, attracting snorkelers and divers from around the globe. Here, you’ll find over 500 species of fish, massive coral formations, and larger marine species such as sea turtles, rays, and (occasionally) whale sharks.
The climate is warm and tropical year-round, with cooling sea breezes and the occasional short rain shower. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or new to international volunteering, Belize is a friendly, safe, and incredibly beautiful destination to explore.
When you're not diving or participating in marine conservation work, your free time on the island is a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and fully enjoy your Caribbean surroundings.
With one full day off each week and relaxed afternoons, there are plenty of ways to unwind, explore, and recharge.
Here’s what you can look forward to in your free time:
Island Living at Its Best
• Swim, snorkel, or free dive right off the beach
• Hammock naps under palm trees
• Beach volleyball or paddleboarding
• Sunset watching with a cup of tea or fresh coconut in hand
• Stargazing without light pollution—see the Milky Way like never before
On-Island Extras
• Marine ecology talks and ocean conservation discussions
• Photography walks and underwater photo opportunities
• Fish ID challenges and games with fellow volunteers
• Relax with a book, journal, or meditation on the dock
Weekend Exploration (for longer-stay volunteers)
For volunteers staying multiple weeks, additional time on the mainland before or after your program offers the chance to:
• Explore the rainforest or visit ancient Mayan ruins
• Take a boat tour through mangroves or spot manatees
• Visit local towns like Punta Gorda for cultural immersion
• Experience Belizean cuisine and handmade crafts
Whether you’re chasing fish with your GoPro, learning to spearfish lionfish, or laughing around the dinner table with new friends, your downtime will be as meaningful and memorable as your time in the water.
%20%20%C2%A9%20APE%20Malaysia%20Mark%20Louis%20Benedict%20_JPG.jpg)
