Mexico Marine Conservation Divemaster Internship

  Mexico

• Yucatan Peninsula: 
Playa del Carmen

Term: Throughout the year 
Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: 02 Apr to 02 Oct 2010, 02 Jul 2010 to 01 Jan 2011, 01 Oct 2010 to 02 Apr 2011, 07 Jan to 09 Jul 2011, 01 Apr to 01 Oct 2011, 01 Jul 2011 to 07 Jan 2012, 30 Sep 2011 to 31 Mar 2012...

Description: Spend six months in Mexico and volunteer towards marine conservation before gaining dive experience and skills whilst interning in a local dive centre. Put your scuba diving skills to use as you volunteer to protect the world's second largest barrier reef the stunning Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system. Gain valuable work experience and become a professionally qualified PADI Divemaster in stunning tropical surroundings!

Are you looking to volunteer towards a critical marine conservation research project in one of the world's most pristine and phenomenal diving areas? Do you want to further your scuba diving skills to become a qualified and experienced PADI Divemaster? Participants on this Yomps Marine Conservation project gain so much from this once in a lifetime experience!

Based on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the area is surrounded by crystal clear waters, sloping palm trees and tropical mangroves. The area is dotted in ancient Mayan ruins and historical significance. For the first ten weeks, participants will be based on a secluded beachfront marine research base where they'll learn to live and work as a valued member of a marine research team. Joining as qualified PADI Open Water divers, they'll progress through to the PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Rescue Diver during the initial stages. In the mornings, they'll step out of the accommodation directly onto the golden sands of the Caribbean ready for a day of scuba diving and marine conservation. Conducting research dives on a daily basis into the warm waters of the Caribbean sea, they'll get the opportunity to dive on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretching for over 450 miles and second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Participants will experience all that the surrounding marine depths have to offer including fantastic corals, various species of turtles, rays, barracuda, an array of colourful tropical fish and perhaps even a shark or two! They'll attain the skills necessary for the subsequent 12 week internship where they'll undertake the PADI Divemaster course and further advanced training courses. Here, they'll shadow divemaster staff and support in the dive centre's daily activities.

Volunteers are also involved in promoting marine conservation awareness and supporting local community development initiatives. We will visit schools to interact with the locals and immerse ourselves in Mexican culture. Working alongside national and international organisations and local universities, the contribution that volunteers make through their research and diving, we'll directly promote marine conservation of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and the surrounding mangroves, wetlands and jungle.

The Mexico Marine Research Conservation Divemaster is an excellent opportunity for those wanting to get into the dive or marine conservation industry. It's also an excellent option as part of a gap year, career break or adventurous overseas diving experience. It'll provide you with useful skills, PADI qualifications and the memories of a lifetime!

Qualifications: PADI Open Water

Cost in US$: 7795

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 20+

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Year Founded: 2006