Off the coast of Belize, volunteers with a passion for marine conservation can remove invasive species of fish and clear out plastic waste to keep the country’s waters healthy. Once travelers arrive in the village of Placencia along Belize’s southern coast, they are taken to a small private island where they can partake in up to three conservation dives. For those who aren’t experienced divers, the program offers PADI Open Water training to become diver-certified. On weekends, travelers can head back to Placencia and from there explore the rest of Belize. In 2019, volunteers were able to remove 7,841 invasive lionfish, carry away 11,645 pounds of waste and hatch 454 baby turtles. This experience is organized by GoEco and costs $1,150 for one week. Volunteers can extend the program for up to eight weeks. The PADI Open Water course is an additional $150.
With a goal to inspire an excitement for volunteering around the world, GoEco makes it their mission to ensure that travelers get the opportunity to experience over 150 extraordinary communities around the globe. By acting as a gateway company, GoEco partners with diverse, local, and global organizations that specialize in volunteer travel experiences that create a captivating and inspiring trip for all participants. They hope that all travelers find meaning in their trips while leaving the host community with a passion for volunteerism and sharing their experiences. Starting at $X per person, this experience lasts over the course of X days. GoEco programs include a shared room in a volunteer house, 3 meals a day, and airport pickup and dropoff, and 24/7 GoEco travel guidance and emergency support.