Mexico – Under 18 Marine Conservation Expedition

Please note: This volunteer program is on hold. In the following links, you can check out our available Volunteer Expeditions for Teens:

1. Costa Rica: Rainforest, Wildlife & Volcanoes for Teenagers – A two-week teen program in Costa Rica that combines educational projects, cultural immersion, and recreational activities. It’s designed for teens aged 15-17 and focuses on adventure and conservation efforts in Costa Rica’s picturesque landscapes.
2. Bali: Sea Turtle Conservation for Teenagers – This program invites teens aged 15-17 to work with injured and rescued sea turtles in Bali. The focus is on rehabilitating these turtles and educating others about ensuring the survival of the species.
3. Thailand: Community and Environment Program for Teenagers – A two-week expedition in Thailand for international teens aged 15-17. It combines community construction projects and cultural adventures, fostering cultural exchange, personal growth, and contributions to local communities.
4. Kenya: Wildlife and Community Conservation for Teenagers – Tailored for teens aged 15-17, this program in Kenya engages participants in climate change initiatives, wildlife conservation efforts, and community initiatives, enhancing the sustainability of rural communities.
5. Bali: Community Development for Teenagers – A group program in Bali for teens aged 15-17, focusing on rebuilding and developing a community. Participants engage in construction activities to make a positive difference in the lives of community members.
6. Ecuador: Amazon Wildlife Center for Teenagers – An opportunity for teens aged 15-17 to work in one of the most important Amazon wildlife centers in Ecuador, providing hands-on care for various animals under professional supervision.

Join this unique teenage volunteer project in the sparkling Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico!

Program Highlights:

• Get PADI Open Water or PADI Advanced Open Water certified during your first few days
• Dive into, and live in, the beautiful Caribbean
• Contribute to marine research and conservation alongside professional conversationalists and dive experts
• Enjoy a supervised group excursion on the weekend to ancient ruins, a theme park or another popular tourist attraction
• Make friends with your fellow marine conservation volunteers

Program Schedule:

Arrival Day, Saturday: Arrive into Cancun International Airport (CUN). Volunteers will be picked up from the airport and taken to the project location of Puerto Morales. Participants will settle into their new home and receive a welcome presentation and project orientation.

Days 1-4, Sunday-Wednesday (Training Days): Volunteers will partake in various training sessions, including studying theory, taking a written exam and practicing dive skills in a pool before partaking in their first open water dives. (Those who are already PADI Open water certified will train for their PADI Advanced Open Water certification). Please note that these training sessions are dependent on weather conditions, and the training may take longer.

Days 5-6, Thursday-Friday: Upon successful completion of the dive certification, volunteers will begin their marine conservation work alongside professional conversationalists and dive experts.

Days 7-8, Saturday-Sunday: Arranged group excursion!

Days 9-13, Monday-Friday: Volunteers will continue their marine conservation work alongside professional conversationalists and dive experts.

Day 14, Saturday: Volunteers will be taken to Cancun International Airport for departure.

For parents: Because this project is specifically designed for teenage volunteers, there is a high level of supervision by well-trained staff and conservation experts.GoEco can recommended specific airlines and flights to group participants together. Recommended airlines will offer a chaperone service, airline-provided flight chaperones who will accompany volunteers on their flight from their city of departure to their program. This chaperone service must be arranged with the airline itself, and the cost varies by airline.

Dive Equipment Note: Fins, Inflatable Surface Marker Buoy with spool reel, wetsuit and mask with snorkel are not included in program cost.

Location of the Project: Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Project length: 2 weeks

Arrival Airport: Cancun International Airport (CUN)

Volunteer Work:  Marine observation, data collection

Age:  15-17

Number of Volunteers: This project requires a minimum of 8 participants, any less and the project will not take place.

Important Note: All applications for this program must be submitted at least 6 weeks in advance of the program start date.

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared rooms in a hostel

Food: Volunteers will prepare meals for the group on a rotating basis

Airport Transfers:  Airport transfers are provided on both arrival and departure days

Orientation: All necessary training and orientation is provided

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, weekend meals, fins, Inflatable Surface Marker Buoy with spool reel, wetsuit and mask with snorkel, personal expenses.