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Excellent 4.85rating (44)
  • Life Below Water

Divemaster & Conservation

location
6 - 10 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Work with an international team of marine biologists, instructors, entrepreneurs & digital marketing experts
  • Earn 4 additional certifications, including PADI Scientific Diver & Shark Specialist
  • Enjoy 5+ conservation masterclasses and over 140+ hours of hands-on project work

Highlights

  • Work with an international team of marine biologists, instructors, entrepreneurs & digital marketing experts
  • Earn 4 additional certifications, including PADI Scientific Diver & Shark Specialist
  • Enjoy 5+ conservation masterclasses and over 140+ hours of hands-on project work
  • Combine professional diving skills with impactful conservation efforts
  • Learn how to collect data for our shark, turtle and coral research projects using various research methods
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Take your first step towards becoming a Dive Professional, working alongside experienced marine biologists and dive instructors from around the world.

    Would you like to become a PADI Divemaster while joining the Gili Shark Conservation Project? We have the ultimate package for you! Take your first step towards becoming a Dive Professional, working alongside experienced marine biologists and dive instructors from around the world.

    The goal of your ...

    About the program

    Would you like to become a PADI Divemaster while joining the Gili Shark Conservation Project? We have the ultimate package for you! Take your first step towards becoming a Dive Professional, working alongside experienced marine biologists and dive instructors from around the world.

    The goal of your Divemaster Conservation Program is to become a PADI Divemaster and guide research dives. You’ll team up with the Gili Matra Bersama crew to dive into shark, turtle, and coral research, collecting valuable data using techniques like underwater video surveillance, roving survey dives, and photographic identification. The team will also guide you in analyzing and entering this data into various databases, giving you hands-on experience and a deep understanding of marine research.

    By the end of your program, you might even be guiding your own research dives around the Gili Islands, Lombok! This exclusive program is available only 4 times per year with just 3 spots per round. Choose between the 6-week program or the 6-week program plus an additional 4-week internship. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique experience—apply now!

    Typical day

    In the first 4 weeks, you’ll immerse yourself in our conservation-focused research while completing your PADI Divemaster training. Gain hands-on experience with our research methods, including remote underwater video (RUV) surveys, shark and turtle photographic identification, and coral health ...

    Typical day

    In the first 4 weeks, you’ll immerse yourself in our conservation-focused research while completing your PADI Divemaster training. Gain hands-on experience with our research methods, including remote underwater video (RUV) surveys, shark and turtle photographic identification, and coral health assessments. You’ll actively participate in our community outreach initiatives, blending professional diving skills with impactful conservation work.

    The next 2 weeks will be spent to gain valuable experience in assisting PADI courses and supporting dive shop operations. This segment enhances your practical skills and provides a well-rounded diving education.

    For those opting for the 10-week program, the final 4 weeks focus on deepening your expertise and career development. You’ll take on a leadership role in our research projects, receive weekly coaching sessions with our lead scientist, and gain practical experience in writing scientific reports. We also help you refine your CV and prepare for future career opportunities.

    Free-time activities

    Our project week runs from Sunday - Thursday allowing you to explore the Gili Islands, Lombok, and Bali on your weekends.

    With both tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-track destinations close by you have plenty to do during your spare time and weekends (Friday and Saturday). The Gili Islands are ...

    Free-time activities

    Our project week runs from Sunday - Thursday allowing you to explore the Gili Islands, Lombok, and Bali on your weekends.

    With both tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-track destinations close by you have plenty to do during your spare time and weekends (Friday and Saturday). The Gili Islands are a dive destination, however yoga and a variety of water sports such as snorkeling, stand up paddleboards, surfing, Subwing, and many more are key components of the lifestyle on Gili Air. Gili Trawanagan is a busy tourist island with lots of nightlife, and Gili Meno is the quiet ‘Honeymoon Island’ with beautiful white sandy beaches.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    Dive Medical

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    You are at least 18 years old You speak English You love the ocean and feel comfortable in the water You are reasonably fit to cope with tasks on land, in the tropical heat and the lifting of dive tanks You are medically evaluated & cleared for diving by a physician within the last 12 months You are certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Rescue Diver * You have logged a minimum of 40 scuba dives * You completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within the last 24 months *

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 08:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Program fees include:


    • PADI Divemaster Course
    • PADI Scientific Diver Distinctive Specialty Course
    • Conservation Diver ‘Shark Ecology & Population Studies Course’
    • Conservation Diver ‘Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring Course
    • Conservation Diver ‘Marine Ecology & Monitoring Course'

    Furthermore you program fees include:
    • PADI Crewpack
    • Free rental of surfer marker buoy + compass
    • Coral ID book + Indicator Species Guide
    • Entry ticket for the Gili Matra Marine Park
    • 8 dives a week including rental equipment and guides
    • Dive computer rental 
    • Shared accommodation @ our HQ
    • Breakfast during project days (Sunday till Thursday)
    • In-country transportation by our lovely drivers Gede & Bagus
    • Return boat ticket from Bali / Lombok to Gili Air
    • Program T’ shirt, Rashguard & Totebag
    • Visa Support

    Airport Pickup at Ngurah Rai International Airport

    Arriving in Bali 

    Our lovely driver 'Gede' will be waiting for you in the international arrivals area of Bali Denpasar Airport. He will have a sign with your name so you can easily recognize him. Sometimes you are able to catch the boat to Gili Air on the same day, and sometimes you need to stay 1 night in  Bali depending on your arrival time. 

    If you are not able to travel to Gili Air on your arrival date, we would recommend you to book a hotel either in Kuta / Denpasar (close to the airport) or Sanur (halfway between the airport and the port) or close to Padang Bai (from here the boat will leave to Gili Air). In this case, Komang will take you to your hotel, pick you up the next day, and drive you to the port in Padang Bai. The boat makes four stops in total, one in Gili Trawangan, one in Gili Meno, one in Gili Air, and finally one in Lombok. The crew will let you know which stop is Gili Air.

    Arriving in Lombok 

    It doesn’t matter what time you arrive in Lombok you can always make it on the same day to Gili Air. Our lovely driver Bagus will wait for you at the airport and bring you to Teluk Nara. From the airport its around 1.5 hour drive depending on the traffic. In Teluk Nara a private speedboat is waiting for you and will drive you to Gili Air in 10 minutes. 

    Accommodation

    What makes our conservation project truly special is our island family. All our shark warriors live and work together, creating a close-knit and caring atmosphere at our HQ. We are passionate about making everyone who joins our island family feel a genuine sense of belonging and comfort.

    Our HQ is located just a short two-minute bike ride away from the beach. We have five lovely traditional bungalows that were renovated in December 2022, with a beautiful ocean theme. Each bungalow has hot and cold water, air conditioning (A/C), and a safety deposit box for your convenience and safety.

    During your stay with us, you will be sharing a bungalow with maximum three other ocean lovers. If you prefer more privacy, you can choose to book a private bungalow for an additional $20 USD per night. To find out if there are any private bungalows available during your requested program dates, just send us a message. We are always happy to help!

    Food & Beverages

    We always start the day together by having breakfast at our headquarters. We make our own bread, yogurt, granola, and jam and will serve you the best (vegan) pancakes! Furthermore, fresh fruit is always available as a range of cakes and cookies. 

    P.s. Do you have any dietary requests? No problem, we can cater to (almost) all diets!

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar. We assist you to find cheap flights to Indonesia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Indonesia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Indonesia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Indonesia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    📅 2026 Program Start Dates:
    ⭐️ Batch #1 - January 11
    ⭐️ Batch #2 - April 26

    With only 3 spots available per batch, don’t wait to secure yours.
    Start your journey to become a Conservation Divemaster today!

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $644 per week 6 - 10 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    6 - 10 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2024
    Wonderfull experience in Gili air with Gili Shark Conservation program ! First, the location is just paradise on earth, ideal mix between ...
    Bertrand Tauzin

    Shark Research Assistant

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Indonesia > Gili Air

    Meet your project coordinator

    Rose
    44
    reviews
    4.85
    Excellent
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in Indonesia
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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