Overview
Marine Conservation Expedition in Mexico

This GVI marine research project is based North of the village of Mahahual in Mexico, and is ideal for anyone who wants to scuba dive on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef whilst helping conservation initiatives to protect the fragile marine habitat. At this centre, open to open water divers or above only, expedition members can receive additional dive training on PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses whilst they learn about marine habitats by participating in comprehensive training programmes and a range of conservation initiatives. The expedition continues to support and assist the work of non-profit organisations and international NGO’s and universities.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Probably the best thing I have ever done. I absolutely loved it and have learnt and gained so much from the staff at Mahahual.

Lindsay Sullivan, 2006 expedition member

What Difference Does This Expedition Make?

In Punta Gruesa , GVI works alongside our local partners and very closely with the University of Quintana Roo, to develop policies to combat the largely unchecked and rapid coastal development of the area. GVI’s research and the results obtained from the data recorded are helping to shape policy in the management of this coastal area, including its fringing reefs and the vital mangrove and wetland areas that border it.

Highlights

Immerse yourself in a truly remote tropical paradise, one of the world’s only remaining truly pristine environments, living in a beautiful part of a different country, with the opportunity to experience a new culture, food and way of life; learning about the Mesoamerican coral reef and how to identify the wildlife it supports; participating in monitoring dives that explore different sites along the coast; seeing mega-fauna such as dolphins, sharks and manatees; snorkelling in cenotes or waterways; searching the beach at night for turtles laying eggs; joining in with community programmes; teaching English and raising the environmental awareness of the local community; and joining fun-dives including a PADI photography specialty course.

Skills And Qualifications Received

PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Specialty, PADI Underwater photography Specialty, Optional PADI courses (Rescue Diver, Dive Master), First Aid & CPR training, Coral reef ecology lectures, Theoretical and in-water fish, coral and invertebrate identification skills, Turtle ecology and monitoring protocol (seasonal), Intro to TEFL workshop, Use of O2 equipment workshop, Diving compressor training workshop with practical experience, Environmental Education, Interpersonal skills

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

The expedition base is situated 35 kilometres north of the tranquil Mayan village of Mahahual, just 8 kilometres south of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Mayan for “where the sky is born”). Located 5 hours south of Cancun and just north of Belize on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, the area lies on the spectacular Caribbean coast and is surrounded by coral reef, pristine wetlands and further inland, dense jungle. The base's location combines the beauty of the Caribbean with the opportunity to take part in environmental education activities and English language programmes at the village of Mahahual.

See Life on the expedition page for more information

Field Conditions

The base is a former hotel and is being developed as an example of environmental sustainability. Expedition members are accommodated in shared cabanas with bunkbeds, or camping facilities for those who prefer, with freshwater showers a few times a week, views of the ocean, a basic kitchen, a main socialising area and a beautiful stretch of beach to enjoy. The expedition members will assist in developing the expedition base as an Ecological Research and Awareness Centre.

See Life on the expedition page for more information

Internships

A ten-week internship is available for qualifying expedition members. See Internships for further information.

See Internships page for more information