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<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

Flights

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

Pre-Trip Costs

Insurance

Personal Items

Incidentals

From our team of expert biologists and research staff

On-Site Training

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

Donation

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

Accommodations

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.

Transfers

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.

Meals

Conservation Fee

Unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience and memories!

Unforgettable Experience

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

Volunteer Field Kit

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

Gladden, Belize Expedition

Price is listed per person. Please note that all deposits are non-refundable.

Expeditioner

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

International Flights

Visa

Alcohol

Tips

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

Interpretation and talks by Dr. Rachel Graham

Dr. Rachel Graham

Las Perlas, Panama 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

Besides the (2) alcoholic beverages with dinner mentioned above

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.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico Expedition

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

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

Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize Expedition

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