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Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
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Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
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Want to volunteer with whale shark conservation in Belize? Our Travel Roots Whale Shark Conservation Program is the perfect opportunity to join a passionate team of marine defenders working to protect the world’s largest fish and the reef ecosystem they depend on.
Based on a small private island along the Belize Barrier Reef, this program offers the unique chance to participate in vital marine research and reef protection activities—all while enjoying incredible scuba diving in one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet.
Dive into citizen science and marine conservation.
You’ll join expert-led identification dives, record data on whale shark sightings (when present), and learn about broader reef ecology through biodiversity surveys and conservation workshops. While sightings of whale sharks are never guaranteed, your efforts help build a vital understanding of their migration, behaviour, and protection needs.Help restore reef health and biodiversity.
Beyond whale shark monitoring, you’ll also support other core conservation efforts:
• Invasive lionfish removal dives
• Reef biodiversity identification dives (fish, invertebrates, coral, and more)
• Coral reef health surveys
• Beach and island clean-ups
• Educational workshops and species ID trainingBecome a certified diver—or advance your credentials.
If you’re not already scuba certified, you can complete your Open Water course upon arrival. Already a diver? Many participants choose to pursue Advanced or Rescue Diver certifications while on the island, guided by experienced instructors in calm, clear waters.Work, learn, and live with purpose.
Each day offers something new—diving with sea turtles, identifying parrotfish, or helping to remove marine debris from local islands. When you’re not in the water, you’ll take part in engaging education sessions and connect with fellow volunteers who share your love for the ocean.Whether you're new to marine biology or already a skilled diver, this is your chance to contribute to vital ocean conservation in one of the most stunning settings imaginable.
By volunteering on our Whale Shark Conservation Program in Belize, you will:
• Support the protection of whale sharks through data collection and marine monitoring
• Assist in invasive lionfish removal to help restore reef balance
• Join expert-led species identification dives on the Belize Barrier Reef
• Learn about marine ecosystems, ocean health, and conservation strategies
• Earn or advance your scuba diving certification in crystal-clear Caribbean waters
• Participate in island clean-ups to reduce plastic waste and protect marine life
• Live on a private island with a community of ocean-loving volunteers
• Experience unforgettable dives with sea turtles, rays, and colourful reef fishWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Whale Shark Conservation Volunteer in Belize
Living and volunteering on a remote Caribbean island means your days are shaped by the rhythm of the sea. Every morning starts with sunshine and salty air, and each day brings new opportunities to explore, learn, and contribute to the health of the reef.
Here’s a look at what a typical volunteer day might involve:
6:30 AM – Wake Up to the Sound of Waves
Start your day with a peaceful island sunrise. Enjoy a light breakfast and get ready for an exciting morning underwater.7:30 AM – Morning Dive Briefing & Preparation
Join your team for a daily briefing covering the dive objectives, safety protocols, and the focus for your conservation work—such as biodiversity ID, lionfish removal, or whale shark monitoring (when in season).8:00 AM – First Dive of the Day
Gear up and head out to the reef for your first dive. Activities could include:
•Marine species identification
•Invasive lionfish spearfishing
•Reef health assessments
•Whale shark data collection (when sightings occur)10:30 AM – Surface Interval & Second Dive
After a short rest back on the boat or island, you’ll head out for a second dive to continue your conservation tasks and gain more experience exploring the reef ecosystem.12:30 PM – Lunch & Midday Break
Return to the island for a well-deserved lunch and some time to relax. Take a nap in a hammock, snorkel off the beach, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze.2:00 PM – Afternoon Activities & Education
Afternoons might involve:
•Beach or island clean-ups
•Marine ecology workshops
•Species ID practice
•Fundraising project brainstorming
•Relaxation or optional third dive (weather-dependent)4:30 PM – Free Time
After project work wraps up, it’s time to enjoy the island. Swim, snorkel, read, play volleyball, or relax and connect with fellow volunteers.6:30 PM – Dinner & Sunset Socials
Gather for a communal meal and share stories from the day. As the sun sets over the Caribbean, the group often joins together for games, music, and conservation talks under the stars.Evenings
Evenings are informal and relaxed—perfect for bonding, reflection, or simply enjoying the natural beauty around you.Days Off
You’ll have one full day off each week to rest, snorkel, or explore the island. For longer-stay volunteers, trips to the mainland or cultural excursions can also be arranged.Every day is an adventure—underwater and on land. Whether you're diving with turtles or learning about coral bleaching, you’ll be immersed in a community and a cause that truly matters.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
When you join this program, you become an active guardian of the reef—contributing directly to the protection of marine life in one of the most precious ecosystems on Earth. Your efforts go beyond surface-level tourism; they support real, measurable conservation goals.
By participating in biodiversity identification dives and whale shark monitoring (when sightings occur), you help collect critical data that informs marine research and policy. These sightings—though never guaranteed—play an important role in mapping migration patterns and understanding how to better protect these gentle giants.
You’ll also assist in tackling one of the reef’s greatest threats: the invasive lionfish. By learning how to safely remove them from the ecosystem, you’ll help native species thrive again. And through island clean-ups and educational outreach, you’re actively reducing plastic pollution and raising awareness about the importance of healthy oceans.
But your impact doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. The knowledge you gain and the stories you share ripple outward—spreading environmental awareness to your community back home, and inspiring others to care for our planet.
Whether you stay for a week or a month, your contribution is vital. You’re not just diving. You’re documenting, removing, educating, and protecting. You’re helping ensure future generations will still be able to marvel at coral reefs, swim alongside sea turtles, and dream of seeing a whale shark in the wild.
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 Courses 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 the Ocean & Yourself
Volunteering on this program is more than just an adventure—it’s a step into global conservation. Whether you're learning to dive for the first time, earning your next PADI certification, or contributing to real marine research, your time here directly supports reef restoration, species protection, and ocean education.
You’ll return with practical marine knowledge, unforgettable memories, and the confidence that you’ve made a real difference beneath the surface. This is an investment in your passion, your planet, and your personal growth.
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.
Free time Activities
& Tours
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.
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