Embark on an enriching journey as a Marine Conservation volunteer with the Montego Bay Marine Park in Jamaica, where your commitment to marine preservation will have a meaningful impact.
Commence your Jamaican adventure with a vibrant kickoff in the bustling capital, Kingston. Upon arrival, undergo an orientation to equip yourself for the exciting journey ahead. Opt for an optional excursion to explore Kingston’s rich culture, setting the stage for an immersive and educational experience.
After this orientation, travel to Montego Bay, your project destination, where your hands-on contributions will play a significant role in marine conservation efforts. As a volunteer, delve into the intricacies of the marine environment with a particular focus on the preservation of the vital mangrove ecosystem.
Engage in various tasks, including patrolling harbors, constructing food webs and chains, and closely observing the impact of human activities on the mangrove ecosystem. This immersive experience will deepen your understanding of the delicate balance within this crucial habitat.
Collaborate with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to actively participate in initiatives aimed at conserving and protecting Jamaica’s diverse marine and native life. Your efforts will contribute to sustaining the ecological health of this vital ecosystem.
Volunteers will be involved in a range of tasks, from harbor protection and patrols to data recording during cruises. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research projects, enhancing your skills and understanding of marine conservation practices.
Join us in Montego Bay as a Marine Conservation volunteer, and be a part of the vital efforts to preserve Jamaica’s marine ecosystems and native life, beginning with an exciting orientation in Kingston.
When you volunteer, you’ll be working as part of the short, mid and long term goals that we have developed in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
On the first day of your project, you will learn about the UN SDGs objectives and mission and how our project is aligning with these goals. You’ll also get information on how for 17 years, we have been working towards these short, mid, and long-term goals. We aim to educate you on local/global issues, and how you can contribute to the organization’s mission to empower the lives of the people in the community.
Long Term Objectives:
Join us in Montego Bay for a transformative marine conservation expedition, where your dedication will make a lasting impact on the preservation of Jamaica’s marine ecosystems and native life.
Your program’s orientation is scheduled to commence on the first and third Monday of selected months. To ensure a smooth start, volunteers should plan their arrival in Jamaica on the Sunday preceding the orientation
Upon successfully registering for the program, please proceed to book the flights to arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport. Please note that you should book to depart from the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Airport pickup services are exclusively available on Sundays.
Upon arrival at the airport, a local team member will warmly welcome you and provide transportation to the volunteer accommodation. The Program Fee comprehensively covers your accommodation expenses and includes the first night’s accommodation in Kingston. Your first-day package in Kingston will include a welcome dinner and the next day’s breakfast.
For those exploring Jamaica before joining the volunteer program, it is essential to coordinate with the local team for transportation arrangements from your current location. Alternatively, you can independently travel to the volunteer accommodation.
The orientation will be facilitated by our dedicated Jamaica team at the volunteer accommodations, commencing at 9:00 AM on Monday mornings. This comprehensive session will equip you with essential insights for your volunteer journey in Jamaica, including an introduction to the country, local customs, guidelines, safety protocols, travel possibilities within Jamaica, and an overview of your specific project and placement. Additionally, the orientation serves as an excellent opportunity to forge connections with fellow volunteers and exchange contact information for weekend adventures and social activities.
Volunteer schedules and further program details will be provided during the orientation to ensure you are well-prepared for your enriching experience.
Throughout your placement, enjoy comfortable accommodation at homestays and hostels alongside fellow volunteers. These facilities provide a shared bedroom and bathroom. They are basic but clean and secure with a communal kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, and utensils for preparing meals. Living amenities include electricity, running water, Wi-Fi, and Western-style bathrooms. While there’s no air-conditioning, fans are provided, and water is not typically heated. Be sure to bring your toiletries and towels.
First Day
Your initial day will involve being escorted to your designated placement by a local team member, who will also facilitate introductions with the placement staff.
Weekdays
On weekdays, your engagement might encompass a minimum commitment of 3 – 4 hours per day from Monday to Friday. The specifics of your start time and daily workload will hinge on the project you’ve chosen. A standard daily itinerary is structured as follows:
With weekends designated as free time, you have the opportunity to explore the rich offerings of Montego Bay and the wider expanse of Jamaica. Immerse yourself in the distinctive local cuisine, music, and culture.
Montego Bay is a coveted haven for resorts and cruise ships, flaunting idyllic beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and captivating art galleries within close reach of the volunteer accommodations. For those seeking thrilling experiences, activities such as snorkeling, and invigorating hikes, our Jamaica team offers an array of tours that you can easily arrange, either before your arrival or during your stay. These options span a variety of experiences, ensuring you make the most of your time in this tourist town.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Jamaican culture during your stay, where cultural exchange is not just encouraged but celebrated. Engage with both local and international travelers, creating a dynamic community that fosters meaningful connections. Dive into the rhythmic beats of reggae music, let loose on the dance floor, and absorb the infectious energy of Jamaican culture. Seize the opportunity to learn and speak Patois, Jamaica’s distinctive local dialect.
For the best experience, our volunteers who must be 18 and older, are encouraged to be flexible and open-minded. Creativity, initiative, and a sense of humor are also invaluable assets. Volunteers also need to submit important documentation such as travel health insurance, trip cancellation, a resume/CV, a copy of your passport front page, and a criminal background check not older than six months.
Your resume need not be more than one page long with a summary of your skills or gifts so we can best know how to use your service.
When you volunteer, you’ll be working as part of the short, mid, and long term goals that we have developed in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
On the first day of your project, you will learn about the UN SDGs objectives and mission and how our project is aligning with these goals. You’ll also get information on how for 17 years, we have been working towards these short, mid, and long-term goals. We aim to educate you on local/global issues, and how you can contribute to the organization’s mission to empower the lives of the people in the community.
Teaching Long-term Objectives :
You may combine this project with any of the following programs:
The volunteer project is based in several villages in the hills of St. Andrew. Placements are within 5 to 10 minutes from Volunteer Home. The programs are also within close proximity to village shops and churches.
Volunteers will arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport and our representative will meet you on arrival.
A Jamaica Volunteer Programs coordinator will conduct orientation on the morning of the day the project starts. During this first meeting, you will be introduced to local staff who will take care of you and go over the details of your project placement. Your orientation will include popular Jamaican customs & culture, safety, weekend and free time travel options, and guidelines and expectations.
During your orientation, you will also be briefed on information about all the Covid-19 protocols, options for local transportation, currency, and other support services you will require during your stay.
Our accommodations are dormitory-style volunteer houses. Rooms are equipped with fans, but there is an option to pay an additional charge for air conditioning. Dorms have bunk beds and volunteers will share rooms with others of the same sex.
All accommodations have electricity, running water, western-style bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. You are required to bring your reusable water bottle to refill each day, which will help to reduce your cost for clean drinking water. You are also required to bring toiletries.
Solar panels heat up the water in our accommodation, so on days when it’s not sunny or raining, there may be a chill to your shower.
At JVP, breakfast and dinner from Monday – Friday is included in your package.
The breakfast menu includes toast, eggs, fruits, tea/coffee, and juice. Two days per week, you’ll have a full Jamaican breakfast. We have a communal kitchen at the volunteer house that consists of all the essentials, including an electric kettle, refrigerator, utensils, and microwave. There is also space in our cupboards to pack your snacks.
For breakfast and dinner on the weekends, you may use our communal kitchen at the volunteer accommodation with access to amenities like a gas stove, oven, kettles, microwave, and fridge. Alternatively, you can access nearby restaurants offering meals between $5-8
We cater to all diets, including vegetarians and vegans. To request meals for your special diet, discuss with your project coordinator.
While all projects run from Monday to Friday, your volunteer work schedule is completely dependent on your location and project. However, all projects have a basic structure. On the first day of your placement, a JVP representative will accompany you for introductions and help you get settled.
A typical day’s schedule is attached below. However, your schedule can vary depending on your program and choices:
Time | Activity |
7:30 AM | Enjoy a lovely breakfast at the volunteer accommodation. |
8:00 AM | Journey to your placement where you will begin working on your project. |
12:00 PM | Lunch break |
1:00 PM | Work on your project continues. |
3:00 PM | Travel back to the volunteer accommodation, go shopping, or explore nearby communities. |
For the best experience, our volunteers who must be 18 and older, are encouraged to be flexible and open-minded. Creativity, initiative, and a sense of humor are also invaluable assets. Volunteers also need to submit important documentation such as travel health insurance, trip cancellation, a resume/CV, a copy of your passport front page, and a criminal background check not older than six months.
Your resume need not be more than one page long with a summary of your skills or gifts so we can best know how to use your service.
You can spend your afternoons and weekends however you’d like, whether it be hanging out with other volunteers, working online, or exploring Jamaica through adventure. At JVP, our representatives are always looking out for eye-opening cultural activities we know you’ll enjoy. Some afternoons you’ll even have the option to attend a local event. It’s your choice!
Here are some options:
Select your desired program & apply for free.
Meet your program advisor & discuss project objectives & goals.
Pay the registration fee to confirm your booking.
Submit pre-arrival documentation & receive support from our team.
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