As a veterinarian with a passion for wildlife, my upcoming volunteer trip to Belize offers a thrilling opportunity to explore underwater ecosystems while contributing to marine conservation. I’ll be upgrading my open water certification to advanced open water, including a night dive and a deep dive. This journey requires careful preparation, from specialized packing to ensuring my responsibilities at the clinic are covered. Let’s dive into the details!
Preparing for an advanced diving certification and a volunteer trip involves meticulous planning. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps I’m taking to ensure a smooth experience.
To participate in deep and night dives, I must complete the Advanced
Open Water (AOW) course. This involves additional training and dives beyond the basic open water certification. The AOW course includes modules on deep diving, underwater navigation, and specialized elective dives like night diving. I’m particularly excited about these advanced dives, as they will allow me to explore new depths and witness nocturnal marine life.
Balancing my responsibilities at Guardian Animal Medical Center with my diving ambitions requires careful scheduling. I’ve arranged to switch shifts and adjust my emergency room duties to free up time for my trip.
Ensuring the clinic runs smoothly in my absence involves coordinating with my team, particularly Mike, our new practice manager, to refer cases and manage daily operations. Emergencies will be expertly handled by Dr. Duncan, ensuring our patients receive the care they need.
Volunteer diving in Belize’s vibrant underwater world necessitates specialized gear.
Here are a few essentials I’m packing:
A powerful underwater flashlight, rated to a depth of 200 feet, is crucial for night dives. This will illuminate the fascinating nocturnal creatures and coral formations that come to life after dark.
A new wet suit is essential for comfort and protection against cold water and marine life.
To monitor depth, time, and decompression limits, a reliable dive computer is a must. I am still getting used to my new Garmin Descent3i.
Capturing the beauty of Belize’s marine life will help document my experiences and share the importance of marine conservation.
Safety is paramount, and dive insurance provides coverage for potential diving-related incidents. This insurance ensures that in case of an emergency, I’ll have access to necessary medical treatment without financial strain.
Securing flights and reservations well in advance is critical. Checking flight schedules and accommodation availability ensures a hassle-free journey. Belize offers stunning dive sites, so having a solid itinerary maximizes the experience.
Valid passports are a must for international travel. Additionally, I’m ensuring all necessary documents, such as dive certification cards and insurance details, are in order. Belize prefers electronic transactions over cash to avoid counterfeit issues, so I’ll rely on credit cards and local payment methods.
Staying connected while abroad is vital. I’m arranging for an eSIM card to ensure my phone works seamlessly in Belize. This facilitates communication with the clinic, family, and emergency services if needed.
Managing the clinic’s financial and administrative duties in my absence is crucial. This includes scheduling payroll and tax deposits, ensuring everything runs smoothly while I’m away. Proper delegation and clear instructions for my team will maintain the clinic’s operations.
Belize is home to some of the most spectacular underwater ecosystems in the world. Here’s a glimpse of the marine life I’m excited to encounter:
Belize boasts the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for
biodiversity. The reef is teeming with colorful corals, sponges, and an array of fish species. During my dives, I’ll witness the vibrant interplay of marine life, from parrot fish grazing on algae to butterfly fish darting through coral branches.
Sea turtles are among the most iconic creatures in Belize’s waters. The hawks bill, green, and loggerhead turtles are commonly seen.
Observing these graceful reptiles in their natural habitat is a highlight for any diver.
Shark Ray Alley, part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, offers close encounters with nurse sharks and rays. These gentle giants are accustomed to human presence, providing an exhilarating experience without the risk.
Night diving unveils a different side of the underwater world. Creatures that remain hidden during the day emerge under the cover of darkness.
Bioluminescent organisms light up the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. I hope to see octopuses, lobsters, and other nocturnal species in action.
Deep dives offer a chance to explore underwater formations and see species that prefer greater depths.
The Blue Hole, a famous dive site in Belize, provides a unique opportunity to witness stalactites and marine life adapted to the dark, cold environment of the deep sea. However, it won’t be on this trip.
Preparing for this volunteer trip to Belize involves a mix of logistical planning, training, and excitement for the underwater adventures ahead.
By ensuring everything is in place at the clinic and packing the right gear, I’m set for a memorable experience that combines my love for wildlife with the thrill of diving.
Exploring Belize’s underwater treasures will undoubtedly enhance my appreciation for marine conservation and provide insights to share with my readers and colleagues.
Safe diving, everyone!

MJ Wixsom, DVM MS is a best-selling Amazon author who practices at Guardian Animal Medical Center in Flatwoods, Ky. GuardianAnimal.com 606-928-6566