Marine Conservation Volunteer Program – North Bali Reef ConservationJoin one of Bali's longest-running community-based marine conservation projects and help restore coral reef ecosystems while living in an authentic fishing village far from the tourist crowds.
North Bali Reef Conservation (NBRC) works hand in hand with the local community to restore damaged coral reefs using specially designed artificial reef structures. Since the project began, our team and volunteers have helped deploy more than 40,000 artificial reef structures, creating new habitats for corals, fish, and countless other marine species.
Unlike many marine conservation programs, most of our work takes place on land. This means you don't need to be an experienced diver to make a meaningful contribution. Every reef structure that is deployed into the ocean has first been built by volunteers, making your work a vital part of the restoration process.
Throughout the week, you'll work alongside our local team and fishermen to construct artificial reef structures, prepare them for deployment, assist with beach clean-ups, and support other conservation activities around the project. By the end of your stay, you'll know that you've helped create something that will remain underwater for decades, providing shelter and new life for Bali's marine ecosystem.
Weekly Conservation DiveFor volunteers who hold at least a PADI Open Water certification, we organise one conservation dive every Thursday, included in the program fee.
During this dive, you'll help deploy the reef structures that you built earlier in the week and place them on the seabed at approximately 6–8 metres depth. It's an incredibly rewarding experience to see your hard work transformed into a permanent underwater habitat.
If you are not yet a certified diver, don't worry—you can still participate fully in the land-based conservation activities, and many volunteers choose to complete their PADI Open Water course with us during their stay.
Live in Authentic North BaliOur project is based in Tianyar, a traditional fishing village on Bali's peaceful northeast coast. Unlike the busy tourist areas in the south, Tianyar offers a genuine insight into Balinese culture and daily village life.
You'll stay just a short walk from the beach, where the reef structures are built beneath coconut trees before being transported by traditional fishing boats for deployment. Living and volunteering here allows you to become part of the local community while enjoying spectacular ocean views and unforgettable sunrises.
During your free time, many volunteers explore the island together, visiting waterfalls, temples, mountains, nearby islands, and some of Bali's best diving and snorkelling locations.
Typical Volunteer ActivitiesYour activities may include:
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Building artificial reef structures
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Preparing reef modules for deployment
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Assisting with reef deployments
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Weekly conservation scuba dive (certified divers)
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Beach and coastal clean-ups
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Supporting community conservation initiatives
Every week is slightly different depending on weather conditions and project priorities, making each volunteer experience unique.
Who Can Join?This program welcomes anyone with an interest in marine conservation.
You do not need any previous conservation experience, and most of our activities do not require diving.
If you are already a certified diver, you'll have the opportunity to join our weekly conservation dive. If you're not certified yet, you can also complete your PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification during your stay.
Our local team will provide all necessary training and guidance throughout the program.
What to Expect
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Meaningful conservation work with visible long-term impact
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A friendly international volunteer community
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Accommodation in a traditional Balinese fishing village
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Weekly conservation dive for certified divers
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Close interaction with local fishermen and community members
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Plenty of opportunities to explore Bali during your free time
Your Impact
Every artificial reef structure you build becomes part of a permanent restoration site beneath the ocean. These structures provide a stable foundation for coral growth and create new habitats for reef fish, octopuses, moray eels, nudibranchs, and many other marine species. Long-term monitoring has shown that our restoration sites support significantly greater marine biodiversity than the previously degraded seabed, allowing volunteers to leave behind a lasting contribution to Bali's marine environment.
