Turtles, Diving & Tequila !

July 2011, I took part in the marine conservation expedition in Mexico, for 5 weeks. This trip was beyond amazing and utterly rewarding, if I could go back and do it all over again I would go tomorrow!

The trip is based around caring for the environment and becoming more aware of environmental issues that are impacting the reef. Being able to scuba dive became a huge focus of the trip as this was the best way to learn about the ecosystem. It didn't matter if you could already dive as you didn't miss out on anything, everyone else just had to catch up with their PADI dive course. The diving was incredible, it didn't take long for everyone to feel confident in the water and we saw some amazing creatures!

As well as learning a great deal about the environment, the coral reef and the fish that inhabit this fragile ecosystem, there was a huge amount of socilising. Each day we would have a plan set out so that everyone knew when they were doing what. We always had time to bond with everyone and I was lucky enough to be working on the base which was situated on the beach. It felt like paradise and it was great being able to mess around in the ocean or laze about on the hammocks with your new friends during your free time. We were never bored that's for sure!

Everything was very organised throughout the 5 weeks, each hut had a job to do each morning such as, being in the kitchen for the day, raking the paths each morning, getting the boats ready and cleaning the communal area. The food was surprisingly good, we couldn't have meat or dairy products as there was no way of keeping it cold but everyone did very well to produce decent meals and people became very creative as the days passed. You never went hungry! If you were, all you had to do was increase the portions.

I feel like I made a difference as when we were on base we were constantly thinking about ways to minimise the amount of damage we cause to the environment. A few examples are, having bucket showers, only turning the generator on at certain times of the day for short periods, weekly beach cleans and no plastic bags allowed on base. Since leaving the base I have been very conscious of the damage I cause to the environment when I am at home. So I believe GVI encouraged me to really make a difference to the world we live in.

The staff on the trip were brilliant! Young, bubbly, energetic and clearly full of passion! I've left with many of them as my friends! Whenever we needed help they were always there to guide us, left whatever they were doing and came to help us straight away.

If I went on the same trip again, I would take much more mosquito repellent with me especially in the summer as we all got attacked by them constantly and it was irritating when you ran out and couldn't get any more til the weekend! I would recommend a head torch and rash vests as I failed to bring either of these with me! But everything you need to bring is on the list!

Anyone can take part in this trip! You dont have to be outrageously physically active, but a passion for the outdoors way of living is important!