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Caribbean Reef Conservation - Belize - Volunteer Reviews
Click here to go to the Belize Reef Conservation page
Pam - 2011
"I found the whole experience amazing and it far exceeded my expectations. I was quite apprehensive before I booked as I have never taken a trip by myself before. When I phoned PoD for information the staff were really helpful and reassuring. Booking was easy and the information I received was very detailed. I was particularly impressed with the recommendations given for the weekend accommodation and the fact that I was met at the airport when I arrived. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Polly, Chris and Laura who run the project were great fun and made sure we all had the best holiday. They were totally flexible and made sure we did as much conservation work we wanted or just do fun dives. The island was simply idyllic with lovely shady palm trees and simple but pretty cabanas right next to the sea. You went to sleep and woke up to the sounds of the waves and could lie in bed looking out at the ocean. Awesome! I was really surprised at the standard of food, and we had a delicious cooked meal after every dive. If anyone was thinking of going, I would definitely say don't hesitate - just do it!"
Please describe a typical day at the project
"I'd wake up at about 6am and lie in bed looking out at the sea, listening to the waves. I'd get up at 6.30ish for a cup of coffee, fresh fruit and biccies before going for the first dive at 7.30. Delicious cooked breakfast after the dive then chill before the next dive at 11.30am. After diving on one of the numerous beautiful reefs near the island, we'd return for a cooked lunch, then either look at photos from the dive, check identification books to name fish we'd seen, listen to Polly give presentation about the project work, or just lie in a hammock and read! Another amazing dive at 3.30pm, then shower once back on the island and dinner in the evening. It was tough!"
What was most rewarding?
"Diving with experts and having fantastic reefs all to ourselves. Polly, Laura and Chris taught us so much about marine life and conservation, but also made it really fun. They have a 100% safety rate and made sure that was maintained at all times."
What did you find most challenging?
"Nothing. It was the perfect mix of adventure, fun and relaxation."
What advice would you give others considering this placement?
"Do it! You meet such a range of like-minded people, and have so many opportunities for adventures and different experiences."
Why did you choose PoD?
"The website looked really professional and the staff were very helpful when I asked for information. I knew I would be in good hands and I would recommend them to my friends."
Will - 2011
“I had a great time - Polly was a great instructor and got me diving well in record time. The time on the island was a good balance of fun dives and helping out on projects like the conch surveys and Reef Check.”
Please describe a typical day at the project
“Coffee and fruit from 6 in the morning. First fun dive at 7.30am, usually a deeper dive on one of the wall dive sites. Back at around 9am for a delicious breakfast. Another dive at 11.30, often one of the projects like conch surveying, or lionfish hunting. Lunch, followed by the last dive of the day at 3.30pm. Relax for an hour or so before dinner - reading about the fish & coral we've seen, or studying some diving theory. Dinner at 7.30, followed by bed shortly after.”
What did you find most rewarding?
“Directing and producing a short film about lionfish for entry into PADI's 'Sea The Change' competition.”
Maurice - 2011
“All I can say about the Reef Conservation project and Belize is it was amazing! I had a wonderful time in a really beautiful environment. The people in Belize and the ones working for the Reef Conservation project are absolutely fantastic and I made a lot of new friends. Living on Tom Owens Caye was a great experience and it felt like a paradise island. Usually there are 11 dives a week which allows you to see lots and lots of underwater life. The food during the week is definetly high-class and the lobster or the cottage pie is one of the guests favourite :). During the weekend it is a good idea to book trips to for example; Guatemala or Placentia as already mentioned there is alot of underwater life going on, sometimes the dolphins come so close to the island that you are able to swim and play with them! I'm glad I chose this programme and recommend it to everyone who enjoys diving, protecting nature and a relaxed way of life!”
Please describe a typical day at the project
“The day starts with a 7.30 dive, afterwards a great breakfast and then some time to relax or learn for your PADI course. The next dive is at about 11.30 usually lion fish spearing or a conch survey. Then everyone gets together for lunch and some card playing or hanging out. Later at about 3.30 the last dive of the day starts and after that usually volleyball games are going on while dinner is being prepared.”
What did you find most rewarding?
“Being so close to marine wildlife (dolphins, rays, turtles, sharks) - Fishing - Living the island life.”
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
“Just do it!”
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
“New experiences, more confidence and getting to know new people.”
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
“PoD was the only company offering this project and they helped me a lot.”
Susan and Stuart - 2011
“This is the first time we have considered working with a conservation project. We were attracted to the Reef Conservation project by the promise of good diving on a barrier reef and by the comments of previous applicants about what they had learnt through their time on the project - we hoped that we would learn more about the ecology of reefs and improve our knowledge and recognition of fish, corals and other sea creatures. And that we did. We have come away from the project with vastly improved fish recognistion skills and understanding of coral reefs and some amazing diving memories. We have also tested our ability to work with a group of strangers and manage challenging living conditions. All this has been possible by the unique opportunity that the Reef Conservation project offered to work alongside a crew that really know the reef, looked out for our welfare and comfort and tailored the experiences offered to our interests.”
“We have come away from our time on the Island with some fantastic memories - we have swam with whale sharks and dolphins, we have dived some fantastic coral gardens and walls, explored new dive sites, experienced the string of pearls, honed our diving skills - all accomplished as members of a small group. What's more there were plenty of opportunities to talk about what we were seeing - both Polly and Stacey (recently appointed Marine Biologist) were always willing to share their considerable knowledge and one memory that will stay with us is the 90 minutes we spent with Stacey having a snorkelling tutorial around the Island's house reef where she pointed out what was there and helped us to recognise a huge range of life. The other members of the crew were equally great, Snake the boat captain always ensured we were safely in and out of the water, Charlie cooked some fantastic meals and provided good conversation and Wolfy ensured our diving kit was ready for each dive and washed and stowed and the end of each day. And we got to stay on a beautiful island at the edge of the barrier reef and to sleep to the noise of the ocean and wind through the palm trees - it does not get better than that.”
Please describe a typical day at the project
“Woken early in the morning by the sound of the sea. Coffee and fruit at 6am watching the island come to life, first dive at 7.30 followed by breakfast, second dive late morning followed by lunch and last dive at 3pm after presentation and discussions about the project and current research work. Late afternoon and evening spent talking about the day and looking things up or chilling out. Supper at 7pm and early to bed.”
What did you find most rewarding?
“Learning about the reef.”
What did you find most challenging?
“Managing basic living conditions.”
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
“We were really glad that we went for more than one week - there is so much on offer!”
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
“Because PoD provided the assurance we were looking for about the project which gave us confidence to apply and book.”
Emma - 2011
“Diving was a completely new experience for me, I’d never even snorkelled before, but after the two weeks on Tom Owens, it a part of me and I’ll definitely be adding to my dive log book – hopefully for many years to come. I’m buzzing about this experience because there isn’t one negative. Best decision ever made.
I came to learn to dive and to take part in as much conservation as I could during my time as a volunteer. And that I did. Polly takes her tuition seriously and you get a first rate qualification from her. I went from barely being able to carry out the first confined dive tasks on the first day – to gaining my Open Water at the end of the first week and my Advanced Open Water at the end of the second week. It was a massive learning curve. And I genuinely never felt rushed, or out of my depth (excuse the pun). Polly is also very patient and by the second week I was taking underwater photographs and joining in the underwater races, without my fins on. Learning was an amazing buzz and one that got better and better with each dive, as I became more proficient and was able to appreciate just what an amazing world was around me. As a first timer I don’t have a reference of comparison for the dive sites, but if near perfect visibility, stunning coral, an abundance of fish and sea life and the fact we never saw one other diver or even dive boat ever is enough to go on – I’d say I was pretty lucky to have this as my first experience.”
Please describe a typical day at the project
“A typical day when taking one of the PADI courses was tuition in the morning, followed by 2 to 3 dives over the course of the day. The dives are planned as a group in the morning, so everyone knows when to be ready and what kit to take. During the day there is time to kick back on one of the hammocks and read, especially good when you are taking the open water or rescue course as there is plenty of this to do! Three brilliant and filling meals a day in the social area of the main building. Research depends on the time of year, but may included Fish ID, Reef Check Coral Watch, Lobster surveys, Conch surveys and there was also plenty of time for fun dives after the research.”
What did you find most rewarding?
“It was so rewarding having a job to do whilst diving. It made me a better diver, as I was concentrating on the task in hand and not over thinking my buoyancy! It was also really special to dive in such a remote location - we never saw any other divers. It felt as if we were genuinely part of a secret world and not an invasion in it.”
What did you find most challenging?
“I have never dived before. So getting through the required tasks to pass my open waters was a real challenge. It was a big learning curve, but came out the other end with an even bigger smile on my face for it!”
Were there any aspects of the placement which you would like to see improved?
“Everything exceeded expectations for me.”
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
“It was a real benefit having your own wetsuit and booties. Some people didn't come with these and ended up struggling with cold in the water, or fit and comfort. Even if you are going when the weather is hot, you definitely need warm clothing for the evenings - it is a tiny island, 40 miles off the coast - so open to the wind.”
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
“It changes you for the better. You experience cultures you otherwise wouldn't and you really appreciate what being a human being on this special planet is all about. Everyone should do it at least once - even if you aren't confident about travelling, with the support of a company as professional as POD, you will gain confidence and open up a whole other world of travel and experience for yourself.”
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
“I luckily came across POD from a google search and the company's professionalism showed straight away from the content and information on the website. I would definitely recommend POD. I had no problems at all and felt safe in their hands.”
Michael - 2011
“Polly and the boys run an absolutely amazing island that is as close to paradise as one could hope to be. The diving is relaxed, safe and spectacular, especially the string of pearls. The island is just the right size to feel totally isolated and I was in love with the place within a day. Suitable for any level of diver.”
Please describe a typical day at the project
“Getting up at 6, going for a morning dive, coming back for a huge cooked breakfast from the boys, lounging in the hammocks, lunch dive then lunch, more lounging, afternoon dive then back for lovely dinner and an evening on the roof gazing at the stars.”
What did you find most rewarding?
“The whole thing, the people, the diving, the isolation.”
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
“Just do it! And do the night dive!”
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
“Found it through a simple internet search looking for diving conservation and I would definitely recommend it to others, and indeed already have.”
Lauren - 2010
"When we first got there I was surprised how small the island was and that the rooms were made of dead coral but as I got to know everyone and get the drift of how everyday was going to be for that week I got use to it and everyone there. They had very good service and very good food. I loved it. I loved how we learned the types of fish we will see on the certain dive and the hand signals. It made diving into a treasure hunt it was awesome. The people were so nice and helpful if you needed anything they would be on it. Also if you didn't want to dive that day they had no problem with you staying behind when they went out even though I only did that once on the last day I was there all the dives were amazing. I would for sure come back and would recommend this volunteer trip to anyone who loves the outdoors and don't mind cold showers and camping on the beach."
Please describe a typical day at the project
"Wake up at 6:30 am get some tea or coffee that was placed out for us every morning change into my bathing suite and sit down for a big breakfast at 7:00. Then around about 8:30 we would get a briefing on what fish we will be seeing how to sign for them to your buddy and then we would board the boat around 9:00 9:30 then we would either take a break eat a snack and head to another dive site and another briefing or go back and eat lunch around 12:00 or 1:00 then head out again around 2:00. After our last dive we would come back wash our gear and take showers get into some warm clothes and chat till dinner. After dinner we went to bed and that was a typical day on Tom Owens Island."
What did you find most rewarding?
"Most rewarding was helping with the data. The actual count of the coral fish and invertebrates."
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
"Prepare for camping on the beach, lots of good food, and lots of friendly people.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
"Because you see and learn new and interesting things that you can’t experience in the States."
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
"My mom chose it and I would recommend it to others."
Ryan - 2010
“I had a great time doing conservation work on the reef. I never knew there was that type of volunteering work out there. It was really cool using my scuba diving experience to do something productive! A typical day would include waking up, eating breakfast, scuba dive at two dive sites, lunch and rest, scuba dive again, rest then dinner, and lastly going to bed. I think learning about the different types of species that live on coral reefs was most rewarding and useful. Now when I scuba dive I feel more involved and appreciate seeing things that I didn't before. The isolation of being on a small island with about 7 people was probably the most challenging thing. I chose PoD because it had versatile volunteering opportunities and I would definitely recommend it to others.”
Karen - 2010
Please describe a typical day at the project
"Early breakfast followed by spectacular dives. Staff very knowledgeable and helpful with dive equipment. Beautiful sights in the reef. Yummy meals with great company. Cool, rustic rooms on the beach. Clean and comfortable...but not for everyone. Free time to relax."
What did you find most rewarding?
"The local culture and hospitality was wonderful. The flexibility and quality of diving. Loved fishing...even in the rain. Learning about sea life."
What did you find most challenging?
"Nothing hardly worth mentioning. The weather was cool and cloudy and occasionally rough waters which prevented us from our night dive."
Renee - 2010
“The Belize reef conservation project was an amazing experience. From my arrival at Punta Gorda airport, I was welcomed by Polly, introduced to the other participants, made to feel at ease and excited to take on the days to come. Belize is breathtaking on its own, but when you include the exceptional diving sites and conservation, it feels like there is no other place I'd rather be. From dawn to dusk, I loved every minute of it. After my first day on the island, I was already planning my next return trip. Polly and her crew were exceptionally friendly, accommodating and professional. Polly's enthusiasm and work ethic to run a project which allows others to become involved and develop their knowledge and skills is inspiring. When we weren't on the island, Polly was superb at suggesting and arranging other Belizean experiences that were equally amazing in different ways. My stay at the Cotton Tree Lodge and jungle trek was one that I would strongly recommend. There is nothing that surpasses the positive feeling of knowing you are participating and contributing to a further good, let alone developing an expertise of knowledge and skills about real life issues. Thank you for a trip I will never forget. Definitely a must!
PoD had a very informative website and were very prompt in answering any other queries. They followed up on all of my concerns which made for the whole booking process and travel experience stress free.
If you can get your Open Water certification before your trip, it allows for that much more time to complete the "fun" dives, conservation dives, "deep" dives and/or work towards more advanced certification.
A typical day:
7am wake up and light breakfast followed by briefing of the first dive at 7:30.
45-50min dive at a pre-determined site followed by a beautiful breakfast that varied every morning.
A couple of hours to digest, relax on the island and/or learn more about diving and conservation skills before the next briefing for dive number 2 of the day.
After the second dive, another beautiful lunch served (fresh seafood, rice and beans, chicken, it would vary but was always a delight).
Rest, digest, time to yourself or hang up with the troops, go for a snorkel or swim around the island. Always good fun!
Briefing before the 3rd dive, location-depth-conservation (it varied according to diving and conservation skills), you would be grouped accordingly with other divers.
Upon return, time to clean up before another fabulous meal.
Evening to ourselves to socialise, relax and take in the amazing things we saw and experienced during the day.
Option to go fishing at 6am with Roland on certain mornings.
What a trip!!"
Becky - 2009
“I had an amazing time in Belize on the reef conservation placement. Polly was a brilliant instructor for my first diving experience. She really made sure I was comfortable with everything I did and also helped me a lot with making arrangements for trips at the weekends. She made me feel very at home on the island and in Punta Gorda and I'm very grateful for that.
The staff at PoD were extremely helpful throughout the whole process and would also be quick with answering any queries I had about the placement. They even gave me a call before I caught my flight to wish me good luck.
Hunting Caye is a beautiful island to be on for a week at a time and all the people living there are friendly and will always be up for a game of dominoes!
The whale sharks were an amazing experience, it was truly incredible and I was completely speechless throughout. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a month. The placement was brilliant, I could be as involved as I wanted and wasn’t pushed to do anything I didn’t.
I had a lot of support from Polly and Jo both on the island and off. I got a lot of help when organising trips to guatemala and day trips to Mayan ruins etc. I never felt like i didn’t have any support.
The staff at PoD are great and the placement itself was amazing for anyone who is into their diving or wants to learn on a fantastic uncrowded reef.
Great value for money as all diving equipment, food and accommodation was provided.”
Sheila – 2009
“The project in Belize was amazing, Polly was very nice and professional and I very much enjoyed every second I spent at the island and on the main land in Punta Gorda.
The diving was great, there were many dive sites where I saw many underwater animals and learned a great deal about the fish and the coral reef.
/Communication from PoD was/ Very good, I was contacted prior to leaving by POD on many occasions, informing me of every detail and were very thorough.
/The in-country support was/ Brilliant, Polly was very professional and supportive, as was all of her staff and friends...received a very friendly welcome and was made to feel welcome throughout the whole trip.
/Overall/ It was much better than I expected. I was concerned about many aspects when I left England, but found it to be an amazing experience, I learned a lot, made many friends and plan to return sometime in the future.
Really had an amazing time, loved it so much I chose to stay an extra three weeks. A few of the other guests said that they would have loved to stay longer, however had to return home to work. Some of these individuals are planning another trip there next year.
Company was very good, Polly took care of us, entertained us and taught us a great deal about the coral reef and the local fish as well as teaching diving very professionally. We observed sea turtles, Eagle-rays and a few sharks, it was all very safe and definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had.”
Amy - 2009
“If you are considering going out to Belize and spending time with /PoD/ stop considering and just GO! I had the best month of my life.
Your adventure starts with a beautiful flight from Belize city to Punta Gorda in a little aeroplane that flies low enough to really appreciate the amazing coast line and little towns along the way. Polly meets you from the airstrip and straight away makes you feel welcome and at home.
Punta Gorda itself is a warming place to spend time. There are colourful markets, a pretty central park area, loads of places to get cheap and yummy food and lots of bars for those who want a bit of Belizean night life.
Typically you have weekends free to explore many natural beauties and cultural aspects of the land. I went to Guatemala to see the Mayan ruins one weekend, this was made really easy as bus transport is regular and cheap! There’s also waterfalls, Jungle Lodges and near by towns that are defiantly worth a visit. Plus the Blue Hole in San Pedro is not far either!!
The diving is amazing and Polly is so enthusiastic about conservation. I did not realise how little I knew, but rest assured she is doing a grand job in sharing her knowledge and passion.
The weeks spent on Hunting Caye island are unbeatable. A real Caribbean dream. I did my Rescue Dive course and my friend did her open water with Polly and learnt so much. I cant think of a better place to learn or improve your diving skills. The dive sites are abundant with marine life and there are never any other divers there...diving heaven! Polly dedicates a lot of time and energy in teaching her guests about marine life identification and how life works and survives under the ocean. You will definitely come away as an informed and knowledgeable diver. Doing the surveys is also great. I felt empowered being involved in the work but never under pressure.
Fantastic dive training. Felt really safe and trusted Polly and her equipment. Her training on reef life and conservation was brilliant and so informative.
Great communication. Always someone to talk to and really felt valued. Thank you, you made things a lot easier for me than I had expected them to be."
Hannah - 2009
“I had an amazing time in Belize and would not hesitate to arrange another trip back (maybe a one-way trip!). The diving was second to none, Polly and the team were amazing and I gained so much from my training. An incredible experience.
Island accommodation was basic, but clean and private, and you could hear the sea from your bedroom which was lovely.
I loved the reef checks and other surveys we took part in; they were really interesting.
Would you recommend PoD to others? Yes because it is an amazing place with amazing people and amazing weather and amazing diving and amazing wildlife etc. so go!”
Sanjay – 2008
“Yes - things are going really well out here, and I'm having a fantastic time. Everyone has been extremely friendly and supportive, the diving is unbelievable, and i'll be very sorry to leave I'm sure! Polly is awesome, and has really looked after us.”
Isabel
“Thinking of going scuba diving in Belize? Want to avoid the annoying crowds of noisy tourists? This is the place for you. Rustic, undisturbed setting, lovely easy going people and by simply showing up you are making a positive contribution to a very good cause. Plus, they have plenty of beer & rum at Frank’s Caye to help fuel the evening game of cards or, if you prefer, a lazing afternoon of reading in the hammock. Here’s the typical day: 6.30am wake up, grab a coffee, grab your kit & dive. 8ish, big yummy breakfast of tortilla, eggs & beans prepared by jolly Molly, 11.30am, 2nd morning dive. 12.30pm – 2.30pm eat more, read, sleep in hammock then afternoon dive and then maybe a beer? So, as you can tell it’s a pretty high stress atmosphere!!! Thanks”
Nigel
“Marine conservation, most divers believe in it, few actively do anything to help. I’ve dived for many years and decided it was time to pay back. I even had to find a map to discover where PG and Belize is as it is off the beaten track of normal dive locations. These last 4 weeks have been wonderful. I have taken 100’s of photos, can tell a grunt from a snapper, can sex a lobster and just about identify soft coral! Which is a lot more than when I arrived! My thanks to Polly & Colin for taking a simple BSAC diver and opening his eyes to life underwater. Thanks also to Molly for the great food and Roland for his skill at driving the boat. I mustn’t forget John, a very good friend of Polly’s who has yet to beat me at pool…maybe next time….."
David
“Thank you for a wonderful time. I want to spend hours and hours on the reef observing all the life. I’ve been given a taste and the feeling of more is strong! I’ll be back. Colin & Polly thank you for the instruction, I felt so safe at all times and learnt so much in such a short time, you were great. April & Bryan, yoga every morning was a real treat, if relaxing in a hammock after a days diving wasn’t enough! Loved hearing about life underwater, the coral, the reef creatures and the fish. Keep up the great science work. I’m already trying to plan a return, thanks”
Jacquie
“Thanks for an excellent chilled out month, time has flown so fast! The diving was excellent, the science informative and I’ve even learnt to do head spins – thanks Colin!!! Molly’s food is excellent, Captain Roland really does make you feel like your are in a James Bond movie with his driving! Thanks again for a great trip”
Emma
“Here’s the highlights…..string of pearl on night dives, massive goliath grouper, morays, trying to paddle on a dug out dory at Cotton Tree lodge, ginormous iguanas in trees, crazy caves & lovely corals…..byeeeee & thanks, it’s been so much fun”
Click here to go to the Belize Reef Conservation page
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