Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Fantastic 4.50rating (70)
Volunteer video
  • Life Below Water
🔥 In High Demand

Marine Conservation - Research Assistant

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.

Highlights

  • Work alongside experienced marine conservation scientists and the local community on vital projects.
  • Dive with magnificent Manta Rays, in the world-renowned diving haven of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, as a Manta Ray & Coral Reef Research Assistant.
  • Learn essential marine biology field skills, while gaining vital in-field research work experience.

Highlights

  • Work alongside experienced marine conservation scientists and the local community on vital projects.
  • Dive with magnificent Manta Rays, in the world-renowned diving haven of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, as a Manta Ray & Coral Reef Research Assistant.
  • Learn essential marine biology field skills, while gaining vital in-field research work experience.
  • Engage in diverse local community projects, from teaching English to promoting waste management and environmental education.
  • Scuba dive in one of the world's best diving locations, gaining recognized qualifications and valuable experience.
    • 🔥 In High Demand
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Conduct Manta Ray research, Reef Check surveys, and assist with community projects as a Barefoot Conservation Research Assistant!

    The Project

    Barefoot Conservation is working in partnership with the Raja Ampat local government, local Papuan Communities and stakeholders, to protect the coral reefs of Raja Ampat and the communities that rely on them.

    This partnership is bonded by a willingness to make a real difference, and ...

    About the program

    The Project

    Barefoot Conservation is working in partnership with the Raja Ampat local government, local Papuan Communities and stakeholders, to protect the coral reefs of Raja Ampat and the communities that rely on them.

    This partnership is bonded by a willingness to make a real difference, and the understanding that research, survey dives and Marine Protected Areas cannot work unless accompanied by education and the sustained alleviation of poverty. 

    The Raja Ampat project is designed to work at a grass roots level, thus making a real difference to real people, and a difference that each volunteer can see and be a part of.

    Our Goals

    • To conduct marine underwater surveys using the Reef Check methodology, collecting data, for the use in advising local government, local communities and other NGO partners, on the health of coral reefs and the marine life in Raja Ampats Marine Protected Areas (MPA's).
    • Produce a local Manta Ray Identification (ID) database, through underwater manta ray surveys. Sharing collected data with local government and NGO partners.
    • Monitor the number of Crown of Thorns Starfish (COT's) in the region, undertaking COTs survey/removal dives during large outbreaks.
    • Undertake educational programmes on environmental issues, sustainable fishing techniques (if necessary) and the economic benefits of MPA's.
    • Increase quality of life and alleviate poverty in local communities, through our community projects - Education, Waste Management, Health Clinics, Family Planning, Dental Hygiene and Renewable Energy.
    • Encourage entrepreneurial attitudes to deter from unsustainable destructive activities like shark finning or dynamite fishing.

    Typical day

    Day-to-Day Expedition Life

    Your typical day will consist of 1-2 survey dives and some time spent on various community projects in the local community which is spread out through the week. At Barefoot Conservation we believe it is vital to work in the community, educating, improving equality of life ...

    Typical day

    Day-to-Day Expedition Life

    Your typical day will consist of 1-2 survey dives and some time spent on various community projects in the local community which is spread out through the week. At Barefoot Conservation we believe it is vital to work in the community, educating, improving equality of life and alleviating poverty, alongside producing vital data that will help both the local community and government best protect their local habitat and surrounding coral reefs.

    Breakfast will be served around 7am and depending on the weather, and advice from our Instructors & dive guides/boat crew, you will either start your first survey dive of the day around 8-9am or visit the local community to assist on various community projects which our staff will organise.

    At the end of each survey dive you will relay the data from your dive slates on to the data recording sheets, for later entry into our database with our Marine Biologists. 

    After lunch (12:00-12:30) you will do the opposite of what you did in the morning, so if you worked on community projects in the morning, your undertake survey dives in the afternoon and vice versa. Sometimes you may do one morning dive and one afternoon dive, if no community programs are happening that day.

    Dinner is served at around 19:00 and, after a short de-brief session on the days activities, the evening is yours to relax, have a cold coke/beer and talk about the amazing marine life you saw or the kind villagers you made friends with, while watching the sunset off Barefoot or Arborek jetty.

    Some evenings may involve an advanced presentation or Indonesian language lessons for those interested and theory sessions for volunteers taking extra PADI scuba courses.

    Monday to Friday are reserved for survey dives and Community project work.

    Saturday is for fun dives where the Barefoot dive profiles are relaxed slightly, and dive computers can be used for multi-level divers, that are deeper and longer.

    Wednesday mornings the team goes to Waisai the capital of Raja Ampat to collect/drop off volunteers and pick up supplies. Volunteers can sometimes join this trip if space is available. Please be aware that the capital only has a population of 6000 and hence is still small, so it does not have hundreds of shops.

    Sunday is a complete NO dive day, this is for health & safety reasons and gives your body time to recover from the weeks diving. This gives you some valuable downtime when you can sunbath, play volleyball or football, go for a swim/snorkel, read a book, go for a walk around the island, watch a movie or visit the local village.

    Saturdays & Sundays may be used by the Scuba Instructor when teaching extra PADI Scuba courses, however only confined diving (no deeper than 5 meters) can be undertaken on the Sunday.

    *Please note, our basecamp is located on a remote paradise island, with limited resources (power & fresh water for example). The basecamp is very basic, so please do not expect 4-5 star conditions, but do expect amazing sun sets/rises and to make lots of new friends!*

    Free-time activities

    In your free time it is possible to play volleyball or football, as we often arrange friendly games with the local village we are based in. Volunteers can also go snorkeling, as our house reef is amazing, and you can often spot manta rays at the end of our private jetty!

    At the weekend, Saturday is ...

    Free-time activities

    In your free time it is possible to play volleyball or football, as we often arrange friendly games with the local village we are based in. Volunteers can also go snorkeling, as our house reef is amazing, and you can often spot manta rays at the end of our private jetty!

    At the weekend, Saturday is reserved for fun diving, so volunteers will get up to 2-3 fun dives in (one is a night dive when possible, that may be done mid week instead). We some times combine these fun dives with a day trip away to Pianemo or another island, taking lunch with us so volunteers can have a picnic on a secluded beach, sunbath, read a book or snorkel. These trips are always weather dependent, and not guaranteed. 
    Sundays we have a rotation for cooking & cleaning duties as the kitchen staff do not work Sundays, this means volunteers may have to help cook one of the 3 meals during the day (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner), and help with a clean chore. When volunteers are not on the rotation, Sundays is free time, so you can chill in a hammock, read a book, play cards or board game, or watch a movie (internet is good enough to access streaming services).
    * Please note there may be the odd occasion when volunteers only get 1-2 fun dives on a Saturday, due to various logistical/operational reasons, and/or bad weather, or even village cultural ceremonies etc.. In these instances, the on site staff will try their best to make up a dive or two, but there is no guarantee this will always be possible.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Easy going, hard working, patience and passion for conservation.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Volunteers fees go towards:

    • The running of the project
    • The accommodation
    • The food
    • The diving
    • Fuel for the dive boats
    • Transfers to/from the basecamp from Waisai 
    • Facilities & Equipment maintenance
    • They also help pay the salaries of our local Papuan employees from the village where we are based, who help drive the dive boats, cook the meals, fill the scuba tanks and so on.
    • We also employ 4-5 Indonesian Marine Biologists and Community Officers, to help run the project, as we feel it is vital to work together with the Indonesia community to help protect Indonesia's coral reefs/marine life, and improve education. Volunteers fees also go towards paying the salaries of these Indonesian staff, as well and the international staff on site.
    • Money from the fees also goes towards certain community outreach programs we run in the various villages, like English/Math education, waste management systems, kids dental hygiene, family planning, health care, education on the environment and adult English to name a few. The fees buy vital education equipment for the schools like a computer, letter/number learning games, school books, pencils/pens, rubbers etc..
    • We also make village donations that go towards community lead projects like repainting the village church, repairs to the village power or sports kit for the local kids football team.
    • Local & National Indonesian taxes.
    • Land/homestay rental on the island.
    • Village monthly operational cost/charge.

    Airport Pickup at Sorong Airport

    The meeting point on your expedition start date is at the Fave hotel which is 5 minutes from the airport. At the hotel you can relax in the hotel lobby or restaurant while you wait for the 8am pick up to go to the 9am ferry that departs for Waisai the capital of Raja Ampat. A Barefoot representative will collect you from the Fave Hotel at 08:00 to take you to the ferry port, where your catch the ferry (approx 2.5 hours) to Waisai. Our boat will meet you on arrival in Waisai and take you on the final 90 minute boat ride to your home for the duration of your expedition. NOTE: If you are already travelling in Indonesia before your expedition please contact us for alternative ways to get to Sorong if you do not wish to fly from Jakarta.

    Accommodation

    We provide basic same gender beach bungalows with balconies over the sea. These basic bungalows are dorm room style, which sleep max 6 volunteers, in the each dorm, in bunkbeds. 

    We also have a few private beach bungalow rooms with double (ideal for couples) or single bed options, for any volunteer/s who prefers not to share in a dorm room. There is a small extra supplement of £150 per week, for these private beach bungalow rooms.

    The project site has western style flush toilets and limited fresh water to shower/wash in. While the island does have water wells, these are now getting increasing salty, so currently our fresh water comes from the rain water we collect in 6500L water tanks and drinking water from Waisai each Wednesday. Due to this and because we are a conservation project on a tropical island so we may at times limit the amount of shower time.  
    The basecamp is very basic, and located on a remote paradise island, that has limited resources. Volunteers joining, should not expect 4-5 start conditions, and be prepared to help out around basecamp with some minor cleaning chores, and cooking on Sundays. Volunteer however can expect amazing sun sets/rises, and to make lots of new friends!

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers are provided with 3 meals a day, breakfast at 7am, Lunch at 12 midday, and dinner at 7pm. 


    All drinking water, tea and coffee is also provided. 

    We provide 3 meals a day (specific dietary needs can catered for). These meals are at fixed times during the day, so that the day's dive surveying and community projects can be effectively managed. Meals are based upon local cuisine and seasonal availability of locally produced food. Meals are prepared and cooked by local staff, except on Sundays when expedition staff & volunteers will prepare and cook all meals.

    While we will endeavor to provide a balanced diet of fresh fruit and vegetables during your expedition, you may wish to consider bringing a supply of vitamin supplements, especially if you are Vegan.

    Volunteers with specific dietary requirements will be catered for, please indicate these requirements on your booking form.  

    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 Sorong Airport (SOQ) in Sorong. 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

    Our program runs through out the year and we have set start dates each month. For unqualified divers undertaking the PADI Open Water and Advance Open Water courses, the program will start a week earlier then those volunteers who are already qualified to an Advance Diver level.

    Please note the PADI course do not include the PADI eLearning and Certification fee which must be purchased separately.


    Getting There 

    The main airport used to get to Raja Ampat is "Sorong" on the western tip of Papua, this area is extremely safe, is very well built up and set up for tourism. The best way to get to Sorong is:

    • Jakarta to Sorong to Raja Ampat
    • Bali to Sorong to Raja Ampat (limited flights each week)

    You can fly from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia to Sorong, or Bali on limited days of the week. As all internal flight to Sorong leave early morning we recommend you look for flights that arrive in Jakarta around late evening (7pm) the day before your expedition start date. This way you will spend less time in transit at Jakarta airport. Operators that fly to Sorong from Jakarta are: AirAsia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Sriwijaya and Garuda Air. (all have stopovers in either Makassar, Ambon or Manado, accept AirAsia and Batik Air which are the only airlines to currently fly direct). We recommend using flight search websites, and highly recommend arriving the day before your expedition start date if possible.

    The meeting point on your expedition start date is the Fave hotel at 8am, which is 5 minutes from the airport. Here you can relax in the hotel lobby to be picked up at 8am, and then taken to the 9am ferry to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat. A Barefoot representative will collect you from the Fave Hotel at 08:00 to take you to the ferry port, where your catch the ferry (approx 2 hours) to Waisai. Our boat will meet you on arrival in Waisai and take you on the final 90 minute boat ride to your home for the duration of your expedition. 

    NOTE: If you are already travelling in Indonesia before your expedition, please contact us for alternative ways to get to Sorong if you do not wish to fly from Jakarta.


    Dive Trainee start dates for 2026: 21nd Jan, 18th Feb, 18th Mar, 15th Apr, 13th May, 10th Jun, 8th Jul, 5th Aug, 2nd Sept, 30th Sept, 28th Oct, 25th Nov, 23rd Dec.

    Qualified diver start dates for 2026: 28th Jan, 25th Feb, 25th Mar, 22nd Apr, 20th May, 17th Jun, 15th Jul, 12th Aug, 9th Sept, 7th Oct, 4th Nov, 2nd Dec, 30th Dec.

    Dive Trainee start dates for 2027: 20th Jan, 17th Feb, 17th Mar, 14th Apr, 12th May, 9th Jun, 7th Jul, 4th Aug, 1st Sept, 29th Sept, 27th Oct, 24th Nov, 22nd Dec.

    Qualified diver start dates for 2027: 27th Jan, 24th Feb, 24th Mar, 21st Apr, 19th May, 16th Jun, 14th Jul, 11th Aug, 8th Sept, 6th Oct, 3rd Nov, 1st Dec, 29th Dec.

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

    Program Fees

    $719 per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 24 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
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Volunteer photos

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Indonesia > Raja Ampat

    Meet your project coordinator

    Olla
    70
    reviews
    4.50
    Fantastic
    2012
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Indonesia
    Contact Olla
      Very high response rate
    English

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Olla
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details
    Volunteer Video
    Volunteer Video
    Volunteer Video
    Volunteer Video