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Brilliant 4.79rating (94)
  • Life Below Water

SCUBA OWD + Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Become a trained volunteer marine biologist, surveying and reporting on the health of the Great Barrier Reef through thrilling snorkeling adventures on tropical islands.🐚🐬
  • Learn to dive in one of the world's most amazing locations by completing an Open Water Dive Certificate. 🐠
  • Take part in marine debris clean-up activities, actively reducing the threats posed to marine life and making a direct positive impact. 🪸

Highlights

  • Become a trained volunteer marine biologist, surveying and reporting on the health of the Great Barrier Reef through thrilling snorkeling adventures on tropical islands.🐚🐬
  • Learn to dive in one of the world's most amazing locations by completing an Open Water Dive Certificate. 🐠
  • Take part in marine debris clean-up activities, actively reducing the threats posed to marine life and making a direct positive impact. 🪸
  • Dive into the incredible underwater world and swim alongside a diverse range of sea life, including fascinating turtles and majestic sharks. 🦈
  • Connect with like-minded individuals from around the world, sharing your passion for marine conservation and creating lasting friendships. 🌍🗺️
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Learn to dive (Open Water Certificate) while helping protect and conserve the world’s biggest coral reef. 🪸

    Ready to discover the underwater world while making a real difference?

    This unique program combines learning to dive with impactful marine conservation. Start your adventure by earning your Open Water Dive Certification on the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Already certified? Take the next step with ...

    About the program

    Ready to discover the underwater world while making a real difference?

    This unique program combines learning to dive with impactful marine conservation. Start your adventure by earning your Open Water Dive Certification on the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Already certified? Take the next step with the Advanced Open Water Dive Course (separate program). You’ll gain skills, explore vibrant coral ecosystems, and contribute to vital conservation efforts that protect one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

    Why Choose This Program?

    • Learn or Advance Your Dive Skills: Mastering basic diving techniques whilst enjoying a 3 day/2 night liveaboard right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

    • Travel with Purpose: Beyond certification, become a citizen scientist, conducting reef surveys, coral health monitoring, turtle population studies, and marine debris clean-ups as part of the ‘Eye on the Reef’ program.

    • Snorkelling for Precision: Conservation activities, including research and data collection, are snorkel-based to ensure optimal visibility and accuracy for monitoring the reef’s health.

    • Liveaboard Adventure: Spend three unforgettable days aboard a dive vessel, completing dives while living on the reef. Wake up to turquoise waters, breathtaking sunrises, and the call of adventure.

    • Ethical Travel with Impact: As a non-profit charity, Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers ensures your participation directly supports sustainable and transparent conservation efforts.

    • Island Retreat: Balance meaningful work with leisure. Snorkel pristine reefs, and unwind with walking trails, kayaking, or a quiet moment on the beach.

    Who Is This For?

    • First-Time Divers: Ideal for those eager to learn diving and immerse themselves in marine conservation.

    • Eco-Conscious Explorers: For those passionate about ethical travel and making a tangible difference.

    • Adventure-Seekers: Combine diving, conservation, and tropical island living in one unforgettable journey.

    Your Home Base

    • Cairns: Your tropical adventure hub, with vibrant city life and easy access to the reef.

    • Accommodation: Dorm style hotel accommodation (upgrades available)

    • Liveaboard Dive Vessel: Sleep among the waves, waking up to ocean views and ready for a day of diving.

    • Tropical Island Escape: Relax in paradise, with pristine beaches and opportunities for exploration and fun.

    Inclusions

    • Full 5 day Open Water Dive Course

    • Hostel and 2 night liveaboard accommodation

    • Research and conservation training

    • Snorkel-based conservation activities

    • All meals on the liveaboard, lunches during conservation days

    • 24/7 in-country support

    • Field equipment and materials

    Essential Details

    • Must be able to swim 200 metres or snorkel 300 metres and tread water for 10 minutes.

    • Dive certification: Not required for Open Water Course; Open Water Certification required for Advanced Course.

    Join Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers for an experience that combines adventure, learning, and purpose. Whether you’re starting your diving journey or advancing your skills, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and the knowledge that you’ve made a lasting impact.

    Ready to dive in? Secure your spot today!

    Typical day

    A Typical Day

    • Week 1: Start with in-depth conservation, participating in snorkel-based reef health surveys, turtle monitoring, and clean-ups. Gain hands-on experience in marine biology and ecological data collection.

    • Week 2: Learn to dive with an Open Water Certification, exploring the reef through ...

    Typical day

    A Typical Day

    • Week 1: Start with in-depth conservation, participating in snorkel-based reef health surveys, turtle monitoring, and clean-ups. Gain hands-on experience in marine biology and ecological data collection.

    • Week 2: Learn to dive with an Open Water Certification, exploring the reef through guided dives.

    • Optional Extra Weeks (1 or 2): Extend your stay to deepen your conservation impact through advanced training in marine debris collection, data analysis, and expanded reef research.

    Start your day with a short walk to the boat, then snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, collecting data and observing marine life to support critical research. Return to the island or liveaboard for a relaxing lunch with your fellow volunteers. Afternoons might involve beach clean-ups or interactive workshops on conservation challenges and solutions. As the day winds down, enjoy free time exploring Cairns or relaxing by the hostel pool. Evenings bring shared meals, storytelling, and a chance to connect with your new global community.

    Free-time activities

    There is plenty to do in this vibrant part of Australia so take some time out before or after your placement to explore some of the surrounding areas. 

    • Cairns and the surrounding areas have it - dive sites, Fitzroy Island National Park, off road driving, ballooning, canoeing, cruising, scuba-diving, ...

    Free-time activities

    There is plenty to do in this vibrant part of Australia so take some time out before or after your placement to explore some of the surrounding areas. 

    • Cairns and the surrounding areas have it - dive sites, Fitzroy Island National Park, off road driving, ballooning, canoeing, cruising, scuba-diving, kayaking, sailing, scenic flights, shopping, skydiving, snorkelling, swimming, bush walking, rock climbing, wildlife spotting, markets, hot springs, beaches, lakes/rivers/dams, nightlife/clubs/pubs/casinos, roadside stalls, cellar doors, scenic railway, canopy walk, tea plantation, coffee plantation, wineries, sky high cable car, lava tubes, kayaking, spas and galleries.
    • Cairns is the best place to soak up the tropical lifestyle. Swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at a farmer's market, enjoy free entertainment, shop for a summer wardrobe, visit some caves, National Parks or Falls, or cruise around the marina and check out the night markets. Take a cool dip at a secluded freshwater swimming hole, jump on a bike for a sightseeing tour along the city's network of cycle paths or experience the unique rainforest.
    • After dark choose a lively bar for drinks, taste local seafood at an award-winning restaurant, party on a dance floor, discover treasures at the markets or watch a local cultural show.🎶🎊

    This compact city is easy to get around and has the reef, rainforest and outback on its doorstep. With the Cairns International and Domestic airports only 10 minutes from the Central Business District, Cairns is the ideal entry point for a Tropical North Queensland adventure! 

    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 (fluently)

    Required Documents

    Proof of travel Insurance docs

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Minimum age: 18 Must be able to swim 200 metres or snorkel 300 metres and tread water for 10 minutes. Dive certification: Not required for Open Water Course

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    All project fees are payable in Australian Dollars (AUD).

    Prices include 10% Australian Goods & Services Tax (GST).

    What's included in this project?
    • Pre-departure support
    • Project Information Booklet
    • Project orientation
    • Training
    • Field equipment and materials
    • Hostel accommodation in Cairns in a dorm (room upgrades available)
    • Accommodation on the Reef
    • Most meals
    • 5-day PADI Open Water Dive course (14 day program) 
    • 3 day/ 2 night liveaboard on the Great Barrier Reef
    • Multiple dives on the Great Barrier Reef
    • 2 day trips to a tropical island
    • O2E t-shirt
    • 24-hour in-country support
    • 24-hour O2E emergency phone
    • Certificate of Participation, if requested
    What's not included in this project?
    • Flights
    • Travel insurance
    • Reef taxes and levies 
    • Most meals (only lunch is included)
    • Personal spending
    • Visas
    • Dive medical costs (if required)
    • Optional activities

    Accommodation

    The accommodation is split between Cairns and a boat on the reef. While on the mainland, the accommodation is located at the YHA Central Cairns Hostel (or equivalent if not available). 

    • This is a dormitory-style hostel in central Cairns, located in close proximity to a range of cafes, restaurants, the mall, the esplanade and tourism operators. 
    • You can expect to share a room with 1-6 others of the same gender (please note that you can be accommodated with both O2E volunteers and non-volunteers). 

    Note at peak times, volunteers may be placed in a mixed dorm. Volunteers who identify as they or non-binary will be placed in a mixed dorm unless a request is made by a volunteer for another room type. Volunteer who are 17 must stay in a single room and pay a single room supplement. 

    Accommodation upgrades to private rooms or smaller rooms including twin and double share rooms are available at an additional cost, as well as extra nights of accommodation before or after your program. It is best to arrange accommodation upgrades or extensions with the local team at least 4 weeks prior to your program start date. Please note that these upgrades are subject to availability.

    Food & Beverages

    Only lunch is included Monday to Friday with vegan and vegetarian catered for. Breakfasts and dinners are the responsibility of the participants, however there are supermarkets and many great eateries in Cairns as well as a communal kitchen for those volunteers that would like to shop for groceries and cook their own meals.

    All meals on the Liveaboard are provided.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Cairns Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cairns Airport (CNS) in Cairns. We assist you to find cheap flights to Australia. 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 Australia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Start dates

    The Marine Conservation program begins on the first Sunday of each month.

    Please plan your travel so that you arrive on your confirmed Sunday start date. This gives you time to settle in, meet the local team and other volunteers, and be ready for your program orientation and activities from Monday.

    Upcoming start dates:

    2026

    • Sunday 6 September

    • Sunday 4 October

    • Sunday 1 November

    • Sunday 6 December

    2027

    • Sunday 10 January*

    • Sunday February, starts 31 January 2027*

    • Sunday March, starts 28 February 2027*

    • Sunday 4 April

    • Sunday 2 May

    • Sunday 6 June

    • Sunday 4 July

    • Sunday 1 August

    • Sunday 5 September

    • Sunday 3 October

    • Sunday November, starts 31 October 2027*

    • Sunday 5 December

    *Holiday-period start dates may vary. Please check the available dates when booking before arranging flights.

    Arrival

    Your arrival day is Sunday, with the program beginning from Monday.

    Once your placement is confirmed, we’ll provide you with detailed pre-departure information so you know exactly where to go, when to arrive and what to expect.

    Please do not book flights until your program dates have been confirmed, particularly if you are travelling over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

    Your arrival information will include:

    • your confirmed arrival date

    • where to meet the local team or how to reach the accommodation

    • recommended arrival times

    • airport or local transport information

    • accommodation details

    • local contact information

    • what to expect during your first evening and orientation

    Where possible, we recommend arriving with enough time to settle in on Sunday rather than arriving late at night. Starting well-rested makes the transition into fieldwork much easier.

    If your travel plans mean you need to arrive earlier than your program start date, let us know before booking so we can advise you on the best options.

    Please note*

    The second installment of your project fees is due after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your final balance. The final balance is due no later than 90 days prior to travel. So if you book within 90 days you will be required to pay in full upon booking confirmation. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees."


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

    Program Fees

    $1,927 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 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
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    Location

    Oceania > Australia and New Zealand > Australia > Queensland

    Meet your project coordinator

    Trish & Tracy
    94
    reviews
    4.79
    Brilliant
    2011
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Australia
    Contact Trish & Tracy
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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