BAHAMAS - YOUR Caribbean ADVENTURE -

CREATE A MARINE PARk, Immerse in the culture and dive on this amazing island!

 

Never dived? No problem! Come to Greenforce Coconut Grove and we train you to become a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver with EFR.

Experienced diver? Come for the turtles, sharks and the worlds third largest barrier reef and also help the local community.

and there is more than just diving...

 

Providing a Future

Greenforce is working with the Bahamas National Trust to create marine parks and 'no take zones'. Andros is the largest, but least developed of the Bahamian islands and their National Trust is keen to see measures being taken to ensure future generations will care for the reef and it's long term survival.

Where will I live?

On Arrival: Having flown into Nassau and taken the twice daily "hopper" flight to Andros Town, our Expedition Staff will meet you and take you to the Greenforce Marine Research Station.

Set within the third largest barrier reef in the world we have an ideal location to learn to dive in if a beginner, while the reef offers more experienced divers all they could hope for.

You sleep in beach side Bahamian cottages, over-looking the sea. With a separate learning zone, single sex sleeping rooms with bunk-beds, electricity and running water, ensures you can undertake vital conservation in style! Plus you have the option to hire your own personal Privacy Pad!

Privacy Pad is a single room ideal for couples or even just for one. Either with one double or two twin beds, this is perfect if you prefer your own private space.

But due to demand you must book in advance!

Conservation, Culture and Comfort!

From our research base overlooking the sea, you will complete your PADI Open Water dive training in the first week (beginner divers) before starting your science training in week two. When the science training is completed volunteers begin to carry out up two survey dives a day, Monday to Friday.

Saturday is your fun dive day, where a deep dive, night dive or drift dive is followed by a beach barbeque.

< this could be your new home!

WHAT WILL I DO?

Diving: Underwater marine surveys involve charting the coral with the use of GPS, identifying fish and marine movements, and locating where the breeding and feeding grounds are. With a complete understanding of this underwater world we can then work with the Bahamas National Trust on creating an effective management plan.

Dive with Turtles, Barracuda, Lemon sharks - all in crystal blue waters.

All diving takes place in un commercial, un chartered waters, meaning volunteers work within undisturbed marine habitats creating some of the best dive opportunities in the world!.

Customs and Culture: It is not all underwater. Your program includes cultural interaction. Learning about the Bahamian way of life, its history it current issues.

Visits to historic sites, marketplace and local institutions all offer you a wide experience.

Plus we undertake work with the local schools, so you may be involved in showing children the undersea world for their first time!

LEARN: PADI OPEN WATER, ADVANCED OPEN WATER and EFR

Andros has the third largest Barrier reef in the world. Therefore the large number of pelagic's - dolphins, sharks, whales etc makes it a great place to dive.

For beginners, our UK dive staff will train you within the reef to first complete PADI Open Water qualifications. Having successfully completed this first step, you then do your night dive and deep dive etc, for your PADI Advanced. We then go a stage further by teaching you Emergency First Response.

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< Volunteers work with the local schools on beach clean ups, Marine Awareness and introduction to diving days. It is important the local communities understand and benefit from, their protected environment.

Community leadership

Sessions run by volunteers are fun and interactive, often involving games and plays. This also allows volunteers to gain a deeper understanding of the community on the island.

GREENFORCE BAHAMAS - your perfect Caribbean dive adventure!

FIND OUT MORE? Click here for Staff outline, expedition updates and current pets on camp.

Can I stay longer than 3 months?

Traineeship

At the end of each 10 week phase our Field Staff will choose one volunteer to stay on as a 'trainee', at no extra cost, for the following phase.

The traineeship allows enthusiastic and hard working volunteers the opportunity to learn more about marine science, diving and leadership skills.

< We take it in turns to cook, with interesting results!

 

what is included?

Before you go: On receipt of your Booking Form, we will call to discuss any questions you may have. STA will also call you to discuss your flight options. You then receive briefing packs including medical, kit, FCO advice, country history and project information, as well as your Greenforce polo shirt. You will also be invited to your Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in Central London. We will fully prepare you before you go.

Greenforce will provide you with the bulky and expensive parts of your dive kit when you arrive. So you will need to take your wet suit (£90/$120), mask (£20/$35) fins (£20/$35). Also a dive knife, weight belt (not weights!) and basic waterproof watch (Total around £40-$70). Prices are indication only. A full kit list is provided in your Welcome Pack.

Airport collection from Andros Town Airport. All meals and accommodation during your 10 weeks. Transfers across to the Greenforce Coconut Grove. Marine survey training. Safety Training. Bahamas Customs and Culture. Dive training as required (see additional cost for dive training). Two survey dives a day (condition permitting). Saturday recreational diving. Dive tanks, air, and regs and BCD's. Accommodation in bunk beds. Return transfer with the group to the airport. Greenforce UK staff with you 24/7. Emergency back up. One person selected to stay on for free for the next expedition.

On Your Return: Field Staff Positions. Reunion Party.

your complete caribbean marine adventure!

Prices

• 4 weeks £1500
• 5 weeks £1700
• 6 weeks £2000
• 7 weeks £2100
• 8 weeks £2200
• 9 weeks £2300
• 10 weeks £2300

Privacy Pad: 4 weeks or more add £200 for the room.

Never Dived? No problem. Dive training PADI Open Water, PADI Advanced Open Water and Emergency First Response (EFR) add £300

If you are already Open Water and need Advanced and EFR add £150.

If you are already Advanced and need EFR add £50.

Includes all training materials and exam fees.

Dates: 2008 Expeditions start : 9 July and 8 October .

2009: Start dates: 21 January. 22 April. 16 July. 7 October. For 3-10 weeks.

Click here to:

BOOK NOW!