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Outstanding 4.98rating (38)

Eco Divemaster

location
5 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • PADI Divemaster Certification: Participants will progress from Open Water qualification to Divemaster in just a few weeks, mastering essential diving skills with hands-on training.
  • Beginner-Friendly: No prior diving experience is required. The program is designed to take participants from beginner to professional level with expert guidance.
  • Coral Conservation Focus: In addition to diving skills, participants will learn coral conservation techniques, including substrate and coral monitoring, ecosystem understanding, and data collection.

Highlights

  • PADI Divemaster Certification: Participants will progress from Open Water qualification to Divemaster in just a few weeks, mastering essential diving skills with hands-on training.
  • Beginner-Friendly: No prior diving experience is required. The program is designed to take participants from beginner to professional level with expert guidance.
  • Coral Conservation Focus: In addition to diving skills, participants will learn coral conservation techniques, including substrate and coral monitoring, ecosystem understanding, and data collection.
  • Encounter Marine Life: Every dive offers a chance to encounter rich marine biodiversity, such as rays, tropical fish, sea sponges, and coral species unique to the Bocas del Toro region.
  • Rescue & Emergency Skills: Participants will complete a PADI Rescue Diver course, gaining essential emergency response skills for dive-related incidents and general first aid.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Are you ready to dip below the sunkissed waters of Bocas del Toro, Panama? Because this program is about to get deep. We’re talking PADI Divemaster level! 

    A designated Hope Spot, the Bocas del Toro archipelago attracts thousands of ocean enthusiasts just like you each year. As a participant in our Eco Divemaster, you’ll get the unique opportunity to explore the wonders that lie beneath the surface of this coastal paradise, protecting its marine ...

    About the program

    A designated Hope Spot, the Bocas del Toro archipelago attracts thousands of ocean enthusiasts just like you each year. As a participant in our Eco Divemaster, you’ll get the unique opportunity to explore the wonders that lie beneath the surface of this coastal paradise, protecting its marine species while gaining essential diving skills to take your passion to an expert level. 

     

    Impact through diving

    Enter the vibrant world within the waters of Bocas del Toro. No PADI diving qualifications? No problem! This program is beginner-friendly. Our skilled diving instructors will take you all the way from an Open Water qualification to a Divemaster in a matter of weeks. 

     

    You’ll enhance your diving skills, deepen your understanding of safety protocols and dive theory, while contributing to daily operations and conservation efforts. A perfect combination for those who want to get a head start on the conservationist track. 

     

    Each dive brings with it the exciting opportunity to encounter incredible marine life. Keep an eye out for rays, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, a variety of tropical fish and over 120 species of sea sponge sprinkled between the vibrant coral! 

     

    Itinerary of the full 8 week program:

     

    Week 1 – PADI Open Water & PADI Advanced Open Water: Learn how to scuba dive or, if you already have your PADI Open Water, brush up on your skills. You’ll start with theory work before practising basic diving skills in confined dive waters. Finally, you will undertake open water dives at sites suited for beginners. For your Advanced Open Water, you’ll strengthen your diving skills with five different diving adventures. 

     

    Week 2 – Coral Conservation & Emergency First Response: During your program, you will specialise in substrate and coral monitoring, receiving theoretical training to grasp the fundamentals of coral reef ecosystems, monitoring techniques, data collection methods, data entry and more. You will conduct surveys to assess substrate diversity and coral colony health at individual dive sites across different depths. During this week, you’ll also participate in an emergency first response course on land, learning what to do in case of an emergency, whether it’s related to diving or not.

     

    Week 3 – PADI Rescue Diver: In week three, you’ll learn what to do and how to react in the rare case of a dive-related emergency, this includes taking care of an unconscious diver, providing CPR and more.

     

    Week 4 – 8: PADI Divemaster & fun dives: Take your first step into the world of professional diving. During this time, you’ll learn how to prepare and lead a variety of diving activities, assist instructors in PADI training courses and lead conservation dives. You will also get the chance to participate in leisure dives to observe marine biodiversity, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexity of reef ecosystems.




    Typical day

    Mornings start off with a self-served breakfast at 8am. 

    You will have theoretical classes at 9am and after in water practice 10am. 

    We come back to have lunch at 1pm and afternoons are free to do independent studying, work out, go for a walk in the jungle, go into town.
    We finish off the day with ...

    Typical day

    Mornings start off with a self-served breakfast at 8am. 

    You will have theoretical classes at 9am and after in water practice 10am. 

    We come back to have lunch at 1pm and afternoons are free to do independent studying, work out, go for a walk in the jungle, go into town.
    We finish off the day with dinner at 7pm and spending sometime together watching movies, playing board games or just chatting up.
    We may sometimes switch around to having classes in the afternoon and the morning free instead, if we have a special event or due to logistics.

    Saturdays we go fun diving and Sundays are day off.


    Free-time activities

    Bocas del Toro, Panama is a vibrant destination known for its breathtaking beaches, excellent surfing and hiking, and a wide variety of tours and excursions. Popular highlights include Cayo Zapatilla, Isla Pájaros, cacao farm tours, and Wizard Beach.

    At the center, you’ll find a volleyball court ...

    Free-time activities

    Bocas del Toro, Panama is a vibrant destination known for its breathtaking beaches, excellent surfing and hiking, and a wide variety of tours and excursions. Popular highlights include Cayo Zapatilla, Isla Pájaros, cacao farm tours, and Wizard Beach.

    At the center, you’ll find a volleyball court and pool table on-site, a 2-minute walk to the ocean for swimming, a 15-minute walk to Hospital Point Beach, and jungle trails waiting to be explored.

    The main town offers a lively atmosphere with numerous shops, restaurants, and bars, providing plenty of options for dining and nightlife.


    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)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    None required for full 8 week program. If coming for less, must have prerequisite dive certifications and logged dives.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 - 13:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation for the whole stay in a shared dorm (can ask for upgrade to private)

    • 3 meals a day, 6 days a week

    • Airport pick-up

    • At least 12 dives a week

    • Non-mandatory scuba gear

    • Tanks, air fills and weights


    Moreover, other necessary and applicable PADI Diving Course Qualifications 

    (inclusive of PADI eLearning):

    • PADI Divemaster Course, including Crewpak: +$1400 USD
    • Please inquire if needing to add on PADI Open Water Diving Course, Advanced Open Water Diving Course, Rescue Diver Course and/or Emergency First Responder (EFR) Course to your package.


    It is highly recommended that Eco Divemaster Program Participants bring their own complete scuba equipmentBCD, regulator with alternate air source and pressure gauge, wetsuit or rashguard, fins, mask, snorkel.

    It is mandatory for the Participant to bring the following scuba equipment:

    • dive computer;
    • compass;
    • knife/diver’s tool;
    • 2 (two) signalling devices, one that is audible (whistle) and one that is

    visible (DSMB and reel); and the Participant may borrow the remaining equipment from us.

    Airport Pickup at Bocas Del Toro

    Airport pick up is included, we also offer pick up at the taxi boat company if coming in by land.

    Accommodation

    We have shared bedrooms for up to four people (two bunk beds).

    One can ask for a private room for an extra fee, subject to availability.
    For an even more exclusive experience we can also offer accommodation in our Partner Hotel: Diver's Paradise in Isla Colón.

    Our main space
    • Capacity of 10 people, with a maximum of 4 people per bedroom (max 2 in the queen sized bedroom).
    • Two bathrooms
    • Kitchen
    • Dining room
    • Living room
    • Terraces
    Our newest loft has a capacity of two people and has its own private bathroom.

    5-10 minute boat ride from town.
    15-20 minute walk to the beach
    2 minute walk to the oceanfront.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner offered.

    We can cater to allergies, and there's a vegetarian menu. 

    Breakfast

    We begin our day with a self-served continental breakfast consisting of cereal and milk, bread, cheese, butter, jam, fresh fruits and of course tea and coffee. 

    Lunch
    A typical lunch will have a protein (fish, chicken or a vegetarian option) , rice, beans and salad. We have lunch after we come back from diving.

    Dinner

    Dinner is served around 7pm and everyone eats together. Participation isn't mandatory, and if you wish to go out and try something else for a change you’re welcome to do so. Our cook prepares and serves a variety of local specialties.

    Should you suffer from any kind of food allergy, we’ll cook suitable replacement meals for you. Please give us notice about any (serious) allergies prior to arrival. We cook vegetarian meals/sides for vegetarians. For any more complex dietary regimens, we can offer that you cook for yourself in our kitchen.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
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    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bocas Del Toro (BOC) in Bocas Del Toro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Panama. 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 Panama provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Depends on your current dive certification. To be coordinated with us, but we offer this program all year round. Programs usually begin on Mondays. 

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

    Program Fees

    $681 per week 5 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    5 - 8 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
    5.0
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2026
    Amazing time in Bocas learning about different corals and sponges, I’d recommend staying for atleast 2 weeks to get the full benefits of ...
    Kelsey Whitehouse

    Reef Check EcoDiver

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Panama > Bocas del Toro

    Meet your project coordinator

    Paula
    38
    reviews
    4.98
    Outstanding
    2022
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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