5 Ocean Conservation Volunteer Programs in the Caribbean
Introduction
The Caribbean’s turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs make it a true paradise for ocean enthusiasts. Yet, beneath this idyllic façade, marine ecosystems face serious challenges due to pollution, overfishing, and climate change. If you’re passionate about preserving these underwater treasures, and you’re looking to combine your love for travel with meaningful conservation efforts, volunteering for ocean conservation programs in the Caribbean might be your calling.
Below are five remarkable ocean conservation volunteer programs that are actively making a positive impact on the Caribbean’s marine ecosystems.
From protecting endangered sea turtles to restoring coral reefs, these initiatives provide an opportunity for you to contribute directly to the health and vitality of these precious oceans while experiencing the region’s unparalleled beauty.
Whether you’re an avid diver, a marine biology enthusiast, or simply someone who cares deeply about our oceans, these programs offer a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Trinidad: Land of the Leatherbacks
Destination: Trinidad
Hosted By: Oceanic Society
Cost: $3,200 per person
Duration: 9 nights
- Volunteer with sea turtles in Trinidad, home to the world’s densest population of nesting leatherback turtles, with roughly 20,000 nests laid annually.
- Help local researchers measure, tag, and monitor nesting leatherback sea turtles each night as a sea turtle volunteer.
- Visit beautiful Caroni Swamp, where you may see Scarlet Ibis, American Flamingoes, silky anteaters and more.
Description:
“Join us as a sea turtle volunteer on the beaches of Trinidad to see and study the amazing leatherback turtle at one of the world’s most important nesting sites. With roughly 20,000 nests laid per year, Trinidad hosts the world’s densest leatherback nesting colony, and we have timed this volunteer trip to coincide with the peak of their nesting season. Our local partner, the non-profit organization Nature Seekers, will host and train you to patrol the nesting beach nightly and help collect sea turtle nesting data as part of their long-term research.”
Grenada: Coral Reef Scuba Conservation
Destination: Carriacou, Grenada
Hosted By: Caribbean Reef Buddy
Cost: Starting at $500.00 per week for certified divers, $1,140.00 per week for new divers
Duration: Minimum 14 days
- Get PADI scuba certified during your stay, and complete training to take an active part in our ongoing marine & coral reef conservation projects.
- Certified divers who are qualified to Advanced Open Water Diver level or above, and have logged 15 or more dives, can join program activities at any point.
- At least once a week, we like to arrange a non-project related trip or excursion as a way of breaking up the program and getting you to see more of the island and the Grenadines.
Description:
“Travel to the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea to work on critical marine conservation projects around the beautiful island of the Carriacou. You will contribute towards various conservation-related surveys aimed at providing data to the local government on coral reef research, fish, and invertebrate surveys, assist with the development of an environmental education and awareness program, monitor sharks, assess diver impacts, as well as marine plastic pollution clean-ups and surveys.”
Puerto Rico: Coral Reef Snorkel Volunteer
Destination: Rincón, Puerto Rico
Hosted By: Oceanic Society
Cost: $3,375 per person
Duration: 8 days
- Learn reef monitoring techniques and fish ID from local biologists.
- Snorkel and explore the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and learn about its importance to the local community.
- Visit the offshore reefs of uninhabited Desecheo Island.
- Stay in the small surf town of Rincón and learn about the sea turtle conservation efforts at Tres Hermanos Beach.
Description:
“This immersive volunteer vacation will sharpen your reef fish ID skills and get you familiar with field techniques that scientists use to evaluate the health of coral reefs. Working with local biologists you will explore the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and support their efforts to monitor the health of the reserve.
There will be opportunities to learn about local sea turtle nesting populations, to help monitor coral reef restoration sites, and to compare the near shore marine reserve reefs with the offshore remote reefs of Desecheo Island. In between these activities you will meet local conservationists and biologists and have a chance to participate in a local cooking class, all while staying in the seaside surf town of Rincón.“
Dominican Republic: Diving & Marine Conservation
Destination: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Hosted By: Fundacion Aldeas de Paz
Cost: Starting at $2,214
Duration: Minimum 2 weeks
- Your diving training starts at zero and will lead you through the first level Open Water Diver with the PADI diving school as well as a specialty “Coral Reef Conservation” certification before you assist with marine conservation tasks. Divers with previous certification can get a discount.
- Assist actively with the monitoring of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses.
- Assist with the maintenance, protection and restoration of aquatic coral nurseries.
Description:
“With the Open Water Diver International Diploma and the “coral reef conservation” speciality training you will be able to dive up to 18m deep and assist with marine conservation at our underwater sites along the coast of Las Terrenas. Once you have acquired the necessary training and skills, from the second week of your internship, you will also participate in marine conservation activities linking yourself with projects related to the conservation of aquatic coral nurseries, scientific monitoring of mangroves, seagrass beds, and corals reefs, as well as awareness-raising in the community on the importance of the environment and the topic of waste.”
Belize: Ocean Wildlife Volunteer Program
Destination: Belize
Hosted By: Oceanic Society
Cost: $2,295 per person
Duration: 6 days
- Work with local scientists to collect data on sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees through boat-based surveys.
- Explore the protected reefs of Hol Chan Marine Reserve to learn how they promote healthy and abundant marine communities.
- Stay by the beach at the St. George’s Caye Research Station.
Description:
“Join us for an exciting volunteer week on St. George’s Caye, Belize, a secluded island located just a mile from the Belize Barrier Reef, a globally important marine habitat. The surrounding area supports healthy coral reefs, endangered manatees and sea turtles, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and is a nursery ground for queen conch. On this volunteer vacation, you will learn about and help study all of these iconic and ecologically important marine species. As a volunteer on this program, you’ll work with researchers from ECOMAR to collect data on coral reefs, sea turtles, queen conch, dolphins, and manatees along the reefs and seagrass beds of St. George’s Caye and in the many channels that make up the Drowned Cayes during daily excursions.“
The Ocean is Waiting For You
Volunteering for ocean conservation is more than an incredible adventure—it’s a way to actively contribute to the health of our planet’s most vital ecosystems, and make memories and lasting friends. Remember, the impact of your efforts extends beyond the time you spend volunteering; it inspires others to join the cause and promotes a culture of environmental stewardship. Ready to dive in and make a change? The ocean is waiting for you.
