Supporting the management and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in Honduras Photos by George Stoyle    
 

   
 
3 Week Programme

Stage I - Dive Training
If you are not already PADI Advanced open Water or equivalent, do not worry, Utila is famous for its dive training and there are many dive shops on the island to match your particular requirements and preferences. It is recommended that any required Dive training is done in the week prior to the UCME programme. Most of the dive shops include accommodation as part of the dive package and courses can be booked in advance.

The region marks the south end of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest in the world.
UCME is supported by the many of the dive shops on Utila that form an association called the Utila Dive Safety and Environment Council (UDSEC). Please click here for a list of UDSEC dive shops that UCME recommends. Skip stage I if already qualified to at least AOW or equivalent.
Stage II - Ecology Training Programme
A compulsory week long course of multi-media presentations and field study sessions that will teach you about tropical marine ecology and train you in the techniques you'll need to work in the on-going research and monitoring programmes.
Stage III - Volunteer Ecology Programme
For the remaining weeks take part in a rotating set of projects working side by side with marine biologists and conservation specialists conducting research to better understand and conserve threatened ecosystems. Projects encompass several areas of tropical marine and island research and will include a mixture of SCUBA, boat based and terrestrial work.
Prices
Programme
2010

3 Week Ecology Programme (not May 31, June, July, or August dates) (see dates)

US$1800
Prices exclude dive training and participants must be PADI Advanced or equivalent.

Other Programme Options

4 week programme
US$2250
8 week programme
US$4300

Extensions per week beyond 4 weeks

US$550

Extensions per week beyond 8 weeks

US$400

Dive Training

See information above

Other
1 Night at Villa Nuria San Pedro Sula
approx US$57: pay on arrival
Flight to Utila from San Pedro Sula: one way
approx US$122
Additional nights, Room only or Half Board in volunteer apartment, per night
US$10/$20 per night respectively

Currency Conversion

*3 Week Ecology Programme not available from June to August.

What is included?
Met at Utila airport
Accommodation (shared volunteer apartment)
Breakfast and lunch
Household Laundry service
Comprehensive orientation
Full Ecology training programme
Specialised Research Diver training
Up to 10 dives a week
Full support from on-site staff
24 hour emergency assistance
Plenty of opportunities to explore the island

What is not included?
Flights
Extra activities or additional dive courses not on itinerary
Travel Insurance – this must include use of hyperbaric chamber
Transfer to Utila airport on return
Personal Laundry

Highlights include
Daily diving on spectacular coral reefs, whale shark and dolphin encounters, learning about marine and island ecology, training in underwater research techniques, participating in active data collection, assisting marine biologists in ongoing conservation efforts, engaging with local fishing villages, helping with awareness programmes in the local community.
Start Dates (2010)
2010

05/04/2010 – sold out
03/05/2010
31/05/2010
28/06/2010
26/07/2010
23/08/2010
20/09/2010
* Dive trainees must arrive one week before these dates
 
 

Utila Centre for Marine Ecology, East Harbour, Utila, Honduras | | +5044253026
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