Once you’ve arrived at the base and settled in after being collected from Cancun airport, you’ll ease into project life with some introductions, background information and local history before getting stuck into the formal and practical learning which will be focussed on the marine environment and conservation in general. When you get started on your PADI Open Water diving course, you’ll spend a few days finding your fins with some confined water training to prepare you for the open ocean. The course includes most of your specialised dive gear, training materials, confined water training followed by ocean dives, your exams and your certification. Since you’ll be learning from experts, you’ll pick up on some of the best tips and tricks and learn more about marine conservation on the way, all while experiencing some of the best diving conditions the world has to offer. Once you’re comfortable in your new aquatic environment, you’ll be able to test and refine your newly-acquired skills and knowledge by snorkelling and SCUBA diving on the coral reefs where you’ll identify various marine species and the conservation issues you have been learning about. Since you’ll be with a team of project staff, conservationists and local dive experts, you’ll constantly be able to continue your learning! You’ll have the opportunity to visit the GVI marine conservation program base in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve with a team of local and international researchers to learn about their efforts to conserve this stunning area.