FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS
General Questions
Volunteer Program Questions
The currency here is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD). The conversion rate is approximately $2.70 EC Dollars to the US dollar. However, the great majority vendors in Carriacou will accept USD.
You will need sufficient funds to pay for lunches ($20 XCD), snacks and drinks. Volunteers will also eat at a local restaurant on Saturday evenings. Local beer is approximately $5 XCD, soft drinks $5 XCD.
There are 2 banks with ATM machines in Hillsborough, the town in which volunteers will be based. The ATM charges $5 USD per withdrawal.
Carriacou Island falls within the sub-tropics, and the weather is always warm. Between the months of June-August the average temperature is 28°C (82°F), and the average rainfall is between 220-228 mm (8.7-9 in). The weather is almost always sunny and clear, and if there is any rain it usually falls in short bursts and clears very quickly!
We recommend that all volunteers take out travel and dive insurance, this is relatively inexpensive but very worthwhile. Dive and travel insurance can be purchased at a discount through SSI’s Dive Assure by selecting “Deefer Diving” as our dive partner.
Simply click on the APPLY TO VOLUNTEER button. If you have any questions about volunteering with us or the conservation work we do, contact us at info@caribbeanreefbuddy.org.
Of course! We have packages designed specifically for people without any dive qualifications, in which the PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced Open Water courses are included in the fees listed. Reef Buddy staff will ensure that you’ve reached the level of skill and comfort needed before you participate in the surveys and specialities that we offer here!
Please check with your doctor to make sure there is nothing preventing you from coming diving with us. We advise you to print and fill in the RSTC Medical Statement (download here) and ask your doctor to complete the reverse of the form. A medical statement can be signed off by a doctor on the island, however, it’s better to get it done in advance to avoid disappointment. The doctor’s fee is XCD $80.00.
All of our volunteers must be certified to “Advanced Open Water” level or equivalent in order to participate in science dives. This is the second level of training for any of the popular training agencies. If you are currently not at the “advanced open water” level, this can be completed during your stay. Please contact us and speak with a team member to check your qualification level if you have been certified with an agency other than PADI/SSI or are unsure about your level of qualification.
We understand that not everyone is lucky enough to dive every day. If it’s been a while since your last dive, you may want to do a refresher dive with one of our friendly staff members before you start your program. We always try to start any program off with a ‘check out dive’ to wash away any rust, but a more complete refresher can be offered. Email us if you have any questions at info@caribbeanreefbuddy.org
Our trips are flexible and comprehensive for scientist and non-scientists alike. As long as you have a passion for diving and have an interest in learning about conservation and reef ecology, you can have a wonderful experience with any of the programs we offer!
Have any More questions?
Marine Conservation in the heart of the Caribbean.
- Main Street Hillsborough, Carriacou, Grenada W.I.
- +1 473 443 7882
- info@caribbeanreefbuddy.org
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