Name: MarAlliance
Rating: 5

We apologize for any email you received about 1099-K. No action is required, and your account remains secure. We apologize for the confusion and appreciate your understanding.

Thanks, Julie. I am glad you had a wonderful trip and appreciate your feedback. This is super helpful, and we will share it with the AGI tour company to improve the transfers on future expeditions.

Fabulous trip! Just a few logistics that could be tightened up:

1. Explain that AGI will have our round-trip ferry tickets and will collect them back when they drop us at the hotel. Our tickets were not given to us until we asked as we were rushing to the ferry, and then no one asked to keep them, so I tossed them.
2. Better communication between ferry dropoff and pick-up in Isla Mujeres. There was no driver waiting for us when we got off the ferry because it was assumed we'd be on the 9:00 ferry instead of the 8:00.
3. Tell people to bring ~$100 per person for tips to the boatmen.
4. Packing list could be pared down. No need for 3 pairs of shorts or 5-6 T-shirts. Because MarAlliance gave us dry bags and a long-sleeved shirt, we didn't need to bring those either. We also didn't really need a nice outfit for dinners because IM is so casual.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico Expedition

United Arab Emirates Dirham

Afghan Afghani

Albanian Lek

Armenian Dram

Netherlands Antillean Gulden

Angolan Kwanza

Argentine Peso

Australian Dollar

Aruban Florin

Azerbaijani Manat

Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark

Barbadian Dollar

Bangladeshi Taka

Bulgarian Lev

Bahraini Dinar

Burundian Franc

Bermudian Dollar

Brunei Dollar

Bolivian Boliviano

Brazilian Real

Bahamian Dollar

Bhutanese Ngultrum

Botswana Pula

Belarusian Ruble

Belize Dollar

Canadian Dollar

Congolese Franc

Swiss Franc

Chilean Peso

Chinese Renminbi Yuan

Colombian Peso

Costa Rican Colón

Cuban Convertible Peso

Cuban Peso

Cape Verdean Escudo

Czech Koruna

Djiboutian Franc

Danish Krone

Dominican Peso

Algerian Dinar

Estonian Kroon

Egyptian Pound

Eritrean Nakfa

Ethiopian Birr

Euro

Fijian Dollar

Falkland Pound

British Pound

Georgian Lari

Ghanaian Cedi

Gibraltar Pound

Gambian Dalasi

Guinean Franc

Guatemalan Quetzal

Guyanese Dollar

Hong Kong Dollar

Honduran Lempira

Croatian Kuna

Haitian Gourde

Hungarian Forint

Indonesian Rupiah

Israeli New Sheqel

Indian Rupee

Iraqi Dinar

Iranian Rial

Icelandic Króna

Jamaican Dollar

Jordanian Dinar

Japanese Yen

Kenyan Shilling

Kyrgyzstani Som

Cambodian Riel

Comorian Franc

North Korean Won

South Korean Won

Kuwaiti Dinar

Cayman Islands Dollar

Kazakhstani Tenge

Lao Kip

Lebanese Pound

Sri Lankan Rupee

Liberian Dollar

Lesotho Loti

Lithuanian Litas

Latvian Lats

Libyan Dinar

Moroccan Dirham

Moldovan Leu

Malagasy Ariary

Macedonian Denar

Myanmar Kyat

Mongolian Tögrög

Macanese Pataca

Mauritanian Ouguiya

Maltese Lira

Mauritian Rupee

Maldivian Rufiyaa

Malawian Kwacha

<h2>Bull Shark Aggregation on the Costa Maya, Mexican Caribbean</h2>Embark on an unforgettable adventure by joining our research expedition in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where female bull sharks arrive each year to reproduce. Each year, pregnant bull sharks gather in the warm waters off Playa del Carmen before giving birth to their pups. Working alongside local experts, you’ll use cutting-edge monitoring technologies, photography, and videography to identify and study these formidable “jaguars of the sea.”Through photo identification and video documentation, your citizen science contributions will help improve understanding of bull shark residency, migration, and reproductive behaviors—supporting local and international conservation efforts. You’ll also have the opportunity to refine your biological monitoring and underwater photography skills in one of the Caribbean’s most stunning marine environments. Immerse yourself in the following scientific techniques:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Species ID: Identifying marine megafauna, such as sharks, rays, turtles, and piscivorous fishes, is a crucial aspect of assessing the biodiversity of marine ecosystems. This involves recognizing various species through specific physical characteristics and behaviors, and provides vital data for conservation efforts. Accurate species identification helps scientists monitor population trends, understand ecological roles, and evaluate the health of marine habitats. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Underwater Visual Surveys (UVCs): During our Bull Shark dives in Playa del Carmen, we will use photo and video to help identify species and individual Bull Sharks. We will also be involved in the collection and analysis of samples of Environmental DNA (eDNA). This data allows us to record Bull Sharks in the habitat, which slough skin and mucus unseen through general observation.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUVs): These ingenious underwater camera traps offer a glimpse into the world hidden beneath the waves. They are a crucial element in the assessment of shark abundance, diversity, and distribution, alongside other mesmerizing marine species attracted to the bait. You will have the opportunity to set up and retrieve the cameras for data review. </li></ul>Volunteer with purpose and join us on this unparalleled Expedition, where each moment promises discovery, adventure, and a profound connection with the mesmerizing world beneath the waves.

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

International Flights

Visa

Insurance

Besides the (2) alcoholic beverages with dinner mentioned above

Alcohol

Tips

Personal Items

Incidentals

Diving Equipment Rental

Nitrox Course

All accommodations at Coco Cabañas , Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Accommodations

Including two days of diving with bull sharks

3 Days of Diving

Breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners; non-alcoholic beverages and (2) alcoholic beverages during dinner

Meals

Round-trip ground transfers from Cancun Airport to Coco Cabañas in Playa del Carmen

Transfers

Tax-deductible donation to support bull shark research

Donation

Volunteer Field Kit

Interpretation and talks by Dr. Rachel Graham

Dr. Rachel Graham

Playa del Carmen, Mexico Expedition

Price is listed per person based on double occupancy. Please note that all deposits are non-refundable.

Expeditioner

<h2>A unique opportunity to boost tropical marine research in Belize</h2>Situated at the heart of Belize’s snorkeling and diving paradise and part of the world’s second-largest coral barrier reef, Ambergris Caye offers unparalleled opportunities for marine research and discovery.You’ll participate in monitoring one of the world’s oldest shark and ray aggregations within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Working alongside our researchers and local fisher partners, you’ll collect data both from the boat and in the water by snorkeling or diving to assess populations of turtles, rays, and reef sharks, including the threatened hammerhead and bull sharks. Your efforts will directly support conservation strategies that guide protected area and tourism management in Belize.Immerse yourself in the following scientific techniques:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Species ID: Identifying marine megafauna, including sharks, rays, turtles, and piscivorous fishes, is essential for assessing marine ecosystem biodiversity. This process involves recognizing species by specific physical characteristics and behaviors, providing critical data for conservation. Accurate species identification enables scientists to monitor population trends, understand ecological roles, and evaluate the health of marine habitats. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Underwater Visual Surveys (UVCs): Through rigorous training in species identification and size and distance estimation, you'll conduct standardized in-water visual transects, providing invaluable insights into the diversity and abundance of sharks, rays, turtles, and finfish. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUVs): Join us in the deployment and analysis of these ingenious underwater camera traps, offering a glimpse into the hidden world beneath the waves and aiding in the assessment of shark abundance, diversity, and distribution, alongside other mesmerizing marine species attracted to the bait. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Longline: Immerse yourself in shark and ray conservation by assisting with the capture, tagging, and release of these majestic creatures. From baiting and setting longlines to collecting biometric and environmental data, you’ll gain invaluable skills in handling techniques designed to ensure the safe and responsible management of shark and ray populations. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Turtle Tagging: Delve into sea turtle conservation as you learn the intricacies of safely capturing, tagging, and releasing these ancient mariners, contributing to our efforts to protect and preserve these remarkable creatures for future generations </li></ul>

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Flights

Accommodation and meals/drinks before arrival or after departure from Ambergris Caye.

Pre-Trip Costs

From our team of expert biologists and research staff

On-Site Training

Which covers all the resources needed for our monitoring activities, research methods and the salaries of local fishermen and boat captains.

Double rooms facing the sea at Canary Cove , on Ambergris Caye.

Transfer by boat or land from San Pedro Airport to Canary Cove . A member of the MarAlliance team will meet you at the airport and accompany you during the transfer to Canary Cove.

All meals (B, L & D + coffee, tea & water) starting with dinner on the day of arrival at Ambergris Caye and ending with breakfast on the day of departure.

Conservation Fee

Unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience and memories!

Unforgettable Experience

Sun Protection, Stream2Sea Products, Mar Ball cap, T-shirt, Buff (Gaiter), Mask Strap, Dry Bag or Tote

Ambergris Caye, Belize Expedition

<h2>The world’s largest whale shark and manta aggregation in Mexico’s Caribbean</h2>Experience the world’s largest known aggregation of whale sharks and manta rays feeding in the clear, warm waters just 30–45 minutes from Isla Mujeres, off the northeastern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. This extraordinary encounter offers the chance to snorkel alongside the world’s largest fish and, if conditions allow, the world’s largest ray, while contributing to a global citizen science effort advancing our understanding of migratory routes, residency, and population sizes.Picture a swirling tapestry of open-mouthed, white-spotted whale sharks and graceful, jet-black manta rays moving through turquoise waters. You will be guided by Dr. Rachel Graham, Founder and Executive Director of MarAlliance, a globally recognized expert who has spent more than 20 years leading pioneering research on whale sharks and manta rays. She was the first person in the Western Hemisphere to complete a PhD on whale sharks and has published extensively on both species, while also helping to shape responsible tourism practices in countries including Mexico.Through her guidance, you will gain firsthand insight into the behavior, ecology, and conservation of these remarkable animals while actively supporting ongoing research.This snorkeling-only experience is suitable for adults and for children aged 14 and older when accompanied by an adult.

Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico

All accommodations at Privilege Aluxes Hotel, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

In search of whale sharks and manta rays, including snorkel gear

2 Days on the Water

Breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners, non-alcoholic drinks, (2) alcoholic beverages with dinner

Roundtrip ground and boat transfers from Cancun Airport to Isla Mujeres Hotel

Tax deductible donation to support whale shark and manta research

Mar Cap, T-shirt, Buff (Gaiter), Stream2Sea products, and either a Dry Bag or Tote Bag.

MarAlliance restores populations of tropical threatened marine wildlife. We co-create innovative tropical marine research, education and training that supports effective conservation and management of focal species and their critical habitats and builds new streams of income with coastal communities.

MarAlliance

<h2>A unique opportunity to advance tropical marine research in Belize</h2>Are you ready to dive into a true scientific adventure? Join us on a journey that will bring you face-to-face with the ocean's most incredible creatures, all while playing an integral role in cutting-edge marine conservation. As an Expeditioner, you won't just observe — you'll experience what it's like to be at the heart of marine research.Imagine exploring vibrant underwater ecosystems, surrounded by sharks, rays, turtles, and predatory fish — species that few are lucky enough to witness up close. With cutting-edge technology and guidance from our local team of experts, you'll be at the forefront of pioneering research, gathering vital data to protect the ocean's most magnificent creatures. This is your chance to be part of something truly extraordinary. Our long-term monitoring research has already revealed critical insights into the populations, behaviors, and habitats of these marine giants in the different regions where we work. By joining this Expedition, you'll be contributing to groundbreaking conservation efforts that directly influence policy, support local communities, and drive sustainable practices in one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments. Your participation will help ensure these species continue to thrive for generations to come. Join us on the Caribbean’s longest-running marine megafauna monitoring project. Travel by boat and snorkel across this pristine atoll to record, measure, and track sharks, rays, and turtles using advanced monitoring technologies. Your work will make essential contributions to the conservation of these species while also supporting sustainable economic alternatives for former shark and turtle fishers who now play key roles in marine stewardship.During the week, field work will be complemented by presentations by our research team, where we will share our data and findings with you.Immerse yourself in marine science and learn the following megafauna monitoring techniques:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Species Identification of Sharks, Rays, Turtles, and Piscivorous Fishes: Identifying marine megafauna by species is an important part of assessing biodiversity. Species ID will be used during in-water visual transects and in analyzing Baited Remote Underwater Video recordings.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">In-water Visual Transect: Transects are a non-invasive method for assessing the diversity and relative abundance of marine megafauna. Each transect involves four swimmers positioned in the water and spaced 15 meters apart. Transects are 1km in length, and throughout the transect, each swimmer is responsible for recording species, quantity, distance estimation, and size estimation for the sharks, rays, turtles, and piscivorous fish they see within their area. You will learn species identification and size estimation techniques to accurately record data. Following field work, you can help to transcribe data to provide indices of species diversity, abundance, demographics, and size frequencies according to the different habitats sampled.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUVs): BRUVs are structures made out of PVC pipe or metal that contain a GoPro camera and an extended arm with a bait cage. BRUVs are deployed at various sites around the Bay Islands for at least 60 minutes at a time in order to record species that are attracted to the bait. These videos are later analyzed to record the species and relative number of individuals and assess diversity and relative abundance.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Longline Capture and Tagging of Sharks and Rays: Scientific longlining is another method to assess shark and ray diversity and abundance, especially over long periods of time. This technique involves setting a line of 50 baited hooks in order to capture individuals and collect more specific measurements, tag the animal with a marker that will identify them in future captures or sightings, and collect a tissue sample for DNA and contaminant analysis. You will assist with baiting and setting the longline, collecting environmental data, and learning proper handling techniques for safely tagging and releasing sharks and rays.</li></ul>

Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize

Accommodations and meals/beverages prior to arrival at Half Moon Caye and after departure from Half Moon Caye

Which provides all the resources necessary for our monitoring and research methods and local fisher and boat captain salaries

Double occupancy glamping “Yurt” style tents with unprecedented views of Half Moon Caye, where the reef meets the shore.

Roundtrip boat transfer from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Reef. Boat transfers between Half Moon Caye and field sites.

All meals (B, L & D + coffee, tea & water) starting with lunch on arrival day at Half Moon Caye through lunch on departure day from Half Moon Caye.  Dinner & wrap party in San Pedro on the last night.

Stream2 Sea products, Mar Cap, T-shirt, Buff (Gaiter), and a Dry Bag or Tote Bag.

Join us on this unparalleled Expedition, where each moment promises discovery, adventure, and a profound connection with the mesmerizing world beneath the waves

Volunteer with Purpose

Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize Expedition

<h2>A unique opportunity to advance tropical marine research in Belize</h2>Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Gladden in Belize. Based on idyllic Ranguana Caye, a remote paradise within Belize’s southern barrier reef and the Gladden Spit &amp; Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, this expedition immerses you in one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant marine ecosystems.Here, you’ll help monitor key populations of Caribbean reef and nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and large predatory fish such as snappers and groupers. Working alongside our researchers and traditional fishers, you’ll collect invaluable data on population size, abundance, density, and habitat preferences, information essential to evaluating the success of Belize’s protected areas and the ban on fishing nets in restoring marine life across the southern seas.During the course of the week, the field work will be complemented by presentations by our research team, where we will share our findings with you.Immerse yourself in the following scientific techniques:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">In-water Visual Transect: Transects are a non-invasive method for assessing the diversity and relative abundance of marine megafauna. Each transect involves four swimmers positioned in the water and spaced 15 meters apart. Transects are 1km in length, and throughout the transect, each swimmer is responsible for recording species, quantity, distance estimation, and size estimation for the sharks, rays, turtles, and piscivorous fish they see within their area. You will learn species identification and size estimation techniques to accurately record data. Following field work, you can help to transcribe data to provide indices of species diversity, abundance, demographics, and size frequencies according to the different habitats sampled. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Baited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUVs): BRUVs are structures made out of PVC pipe or metal that contain a GoPro camera and an extended arm with a bait cage. BRUVs are deployed at various sites around the Bay Islands for at least 60 minutes at a time in order to record species that are attracted to the bait. These videos are later analyzed to record the species and relative number of individuals and assess diversity and relative abundance. </li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Longline Capture and Tagging of Sharks and Rays: Scientific longlining is another method to assess shark and ray diversity and abundance, especially over long periods of time. This technique involves setting a line of 50 baited hooks in order to capture individuals and collect more specific measurements, tag the animal with a marker that will identify them in future captures or sightings, and collect a tissue sample for DNA and contaminant analysis. You will assist with baiting and setting the longline, collecting environmental data, and learn proper handling techniques for safely tagging and releasing sharks and rays. </li></ul>

Gladden, Belize

Accommodations and meals/beverages prior to arrival in Placencia and after departure from Placencia.

Double occupancy cabanas and glampling “Yurt” style tents on picturesque Ranguana Caye.

Boat Transfers between Placencia and Ranguana Caye. Ground transfers between Placenica airstrip and Ranguana Villa. Ground transfers between Ranguana Villa and the marina for boat transfer.

All meals (B, L & D + coffee, tea & water) beginning with lunch on the day of arrival in Placencia through breakfast on the morning of departure from Ranguana Caye.

Mar Cap, T-shirt, Buff (Giter), Stream2Sea Products, and either a Dry Bag or a Tote Bag

Join us on this unparalleled Expedition, where each moment promises discovery, adventure, and a profound connection with the mesmerizing world beneath the waves.

Gladden, Belize Expedition

Step into the role of a marine biologist for a week, joining our team in Panama’s Las Perlas Islands' pristine waters to support essential shark, ray, and turtle monitoring efforts.Located within the Eastern Tropical Pacific’s Bay of Panama, the breathtaking Las Perlas Archipelago is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to diverse marine habitats supporting sharks, rays, sea turtles, and a wide variety of finfish species.Despite its ecological richness, this region faces significant conservation challenges due to limited management and a lack of baseline scientific data. On this expedition, you’ll be at the forefront of addressing these gaps. Working alongside our experienced team of researchers and local fishers, you’ll receive hands-on training in monitoring techniques, species identification, and tagging of marine megafauna, with optional opportunities to engage in data analysis that supports ongoing conservation studies.As an expedition volunteer, you will actively contribute to fieldwork from day one. Guided by local experts, you will learn and apply scientific methodologies while exploring vibrant reefs, deploying underwater camera systems, and assisting with the capture, tagging, and release of sharks and turtles.Immerse yourself in the following scientific techniques:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Species ID: Identifying marine megafauna, including sharks, rays, turtles, and piscivorous fishes, is essential for assessing marine ecosystem biodiversity. This process involves recognizing species by specific physical characteristics and behaviors, providing critical data for conservation. Accurate species identification enables scientists to monitor population trends, understand ecological roles, and evaluate the health of marine habitats.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUVs): Join us in the deployment and analysis of these ingenious underwater camera traps, offering a glimpse into the hidden world beneath the waves and aiding in the assessment of shark abundance, diversity, and distribution, alongside other mesmerizing marine species attracted to the bait.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Longline: Immerse yourself in shark and ray conservation by assisting with the capture, tagging, and release of these majestic creatures. From baiting and setting longlines to collecting biometric and environmental data, you’ll gain invaluable skills in handling techniques designed to ensure the safe and responsible management of shark and ray populations</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Turtle Tagging: Delve into sea turtle conservation as you learn the intricacies of safely capturing, tagging, and releasing these ancient mariners, contributing to our efforts to protect and preserve these remarkable creatures for future generations.</li></ul>

Las Perlas, Panama

5 Activity Days

Enjoy all-inclusive meals from your arrival dinner to breakfast on the day of your departure. Each meal features fresh, local ingredients and includes coffee, tea, and water.

Roundtrip ground and boat transfers to Contadora Island

Featured Trips

Past Trips

Reviews