Food, Lodging and Travel
For this programme in Carriacou you will be based in a family-run hotel in the town of Hillsborough, just a stones throw from our centre and campus. We’re also directly opposite Silver Beach, the longest beach on the island!
The team will provide you breakfast every morning (usually cereals, toast, eggs, bacon, fresh juices, tea and coffee) and a ‘home cooked’ meal as a group each evening. We want to make sure that you are all well fed and rested for each day of the programme. For volunteers with dietary requirements, including vegetarians/vegans etc, please include this in your application.
For people joining for 1 month or more, we can arrange self catering options. This can make the programme price significantly cheaper, as you are then responsible for all your meals. Please enquire if you want more details. This is a good option for families, mature volunteers, and long term stays.
Volunteer requirements
You need to be min 17 years old (with parental or guardian signoff for activity for under 18s). No previous experience is required but you must be enthusiastic about the marine environment and marine conservation. You must be friendly, communicative and be able to work in groups. Some weather conditions can make swimming difficult, therefore a competent swimming ability is essential. A health and safety briefing will be given by one of our staff prior to undergoing any activities.
Research Divemaster volunteer requirements
If you are considering doing your divemaster as part of your programme, you need to be able to swim at least 400 meters/yards and float for 15 minutes. You will also need to get a professional medical signoff from your doctor prior to departure. This is to make sure that you are medically fit enough to complete the training. You will also be required to have logged 60 dives by the time you complete the training, including 1 night dive.
Travel to Grenada
If you are travelling from the UK or Europe, direct flights are available with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from London. Alternatively, flights via Barbados, Trinidad, Martinique and the US are available with LIAT, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines. If you are travelling from the US or Canada, flights are available with American Airlines, Jet Blue, Delta, Caribbean Air and Air Canada. Flight prices do vary so please book early to get the best prices!
Travel to Carriacou
Carriacou is located 20 miles north of Grenada. We have three ferry services connecting the islands as well as a swift ‘hopper’ flight. Flights depart from St George’s from Fridays to Tuesdays, Osprey ferry runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at both 9 am and 6 pm from Grenada and takes approximately 2 hours to get here. The Tyrell Bay Express runs an evening service on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays while Dolly C usually run an evening service from Grenada to Carriacou on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Both take approximately 3.5 hours to get to Carriacou.
Let us know your travel plans in advance. A member of the Caribbean Reef Buddy team will be on hand to meet you and bring you to our base in Hillsborough. We have arrangements with several accommodation providers in Grenada, if you need to over-night there before travelling to Carriacou. Please let us know if you would like support with these arrangements.
