Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Brilliant 4.78rating (11)

Scientific Diving for Reef Conservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • 🐚Contribute directly to coral reef restoration & ocean protection.
  • 🌏Gain hands-on experience in reef & seagrass monitoring.
  • 🪸Assist with coral restoration projects and species ID surveys.

Highlights

  • 🐚Contribute directly to coral reef restoration & ocean protection.
  • 🌏Gain hands-on experience in reef & seagrass monitoring.
  • 🪸Assist with coral restoration projects and species ID surveys.
  • 🦐Participate in land-based data analysis & awareness projects tailored to your passions.
  • 🪼Be part of a program that supports a healthier future for marine ecosystems.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Dive in and help the reefs thrive! Join us and contribute to vital reef restoration efforts gaining skills and experience needed to protect our oceans.

    The Marine Conservation Internship in Amed, Bali is a fully immersive, field-based program designed for participants who want to play an active role in reef restoration and ocean protection while developing strong, internationally recognized diving skills. Set in one of Bali’s most biodiverse and ...

    About the program

    The Marine Conservation Internship in Amed, Bali is a fully immersive, field-based program designed for participants who want to play an active role in reef restoration and ocean protection while developing strong, internationally recognized diving skills. Set in one of Bali’s most biodiverse and consistent diving regions, this internship gives you the opportunity to work directly with thriving coral reefs, resilient seagrass meadows, and the many species that depend on them. Whether you are brand-new to diving or already working toward advanced PADI certifications, the program provides structured, professional training that prepares you to conduct real-world marine conservation and ecological monitoring.

    Our conservation initiative exists because coral reefs are declining at an alarming rate due to climate change, pollution, unsustainable coastal practices, and a lack of reliable ecological data to guide protection efforts. One of the biggest challenges we face is the gap between scientific needs and on-the-ground capacity—many reefs are changing faster than they are being monitored, and communities far from the ocean often have little access to marine education or awareness. We address these issues through hands-on conservation diving, clean and standardized data collection, reef restoration support, and accessible ocean education. By training participants in species identification, ecological surveying, and responsible diving practices, we help generate meaningful data that can be shared with researchers and conservation networks. We also expand ocean literacy through creative outreach, including immersive 360° VR experiences that bring the underwater world to landlocked audiences. Through science, education, and engagement, we contribute to a more informed public and a healthier future for marine ecosystems.

    Interns spend most days underwater engaging in meaningful, science-driven activities such as coral reef health assessments, benthic, invertebrate, and fish species identification, seagrass surveys, photogrammetry documentation, and contributing to long-term ecological datasets. Through these activities, participants learn how to apply conservation diving techniques effectively and responsibly, gaining confidence as scientific divers.

    Your experience extends beyond the water as well. Interns participate in land-based training sessions focused on marine ecology, data literacy, restoration methodologies, oceanographic concepts, and environmental challenges facing the Coral Triangle. You will also analyze the data you collect in the field and contribute to research logs, digital databases, and ecological reports that support our long-term monitoring initiatives. Every participant completes a personalized project that aligns with their strengths and interests—whether producing an educational documentary, developing conservation media, designing digital tools to visualize reef data, coding interactive websites to share geolocated survey results, or creating outreach materials that raise awareness about Bali’s marine ecosystems.

    Volunteers work alongside our experienced conservation team, which includes marine biologists, scientific divers, underwater educators, and certified dive professionals. They are guided in the water by qualified instructors and conservation staff who ensure safe diving practices, accurate data collection, and steady skill development. Volunteers also collaborate with fellow participants who come from diverse backgrounds—such as students, aspiring marine scientists, career changers, and ocean enthusiasts—creating a supportive and motivating learning environment. Our team provides full supervision, mentorship, and coordination throughout the experience. All necessary dive equipment is provided, and volunteers are welcome to bring any personal gear or tools they prefer. The only item participants need to bring is a laptop or tablet for species study, data entry, and project work.

    This internship is ideal for university students, early-career marine scientists, divers seeking conservation experience, or ocean lovers looking for a challenge that blends adventure with impact. With durations ranging from 2 to 12 weeks, the program offers enough time to grow your skills, contribute to ongoing projects, and gain a deep understanding of coral reef conservation. By joining, you become an active part of our work to protect and restore Bali’s reefs while developing practical abilities in conservation diving, ecological monitoring, data management, and environmental education—skills you can carry forward into future studies, careers, and global conservation efforts.


    Typical day

    Participants spend most days in the water conducting hands-on conservation work—collecting clean data on coral reefs and seagrass meadows, assisting with restoration efforts, and practicing fish and coral species identification. Each day is designed to balance practical diving experience with ...

    Typical day

    Participants spend most days in the water conducting hands-on conservation work—collecting clean data on coral reefs and seagrass meadows, assisting with restoration efforts, and practicing fish and coral species identification. Each day is designed to balance practical diving experience with education, data analysis, and personalized project development.

    From Monday to Thursday, your day begins at 8:00 AM at the dive shop, where you’ll prepare for two morning dives with a surface interval in between. These dives are focused, purposeful, and rooted in ecological monitoring: you’ll assess reef health, identify key species, take structured data, and support ongoing restoration initiatives. After returning from the dives, you’ll take a one-hour lunch break at the dive shop.

    Your afternoons are dedicated to expanding your knowledge and building your personal project. You’ll participate in species identification workshops, learn ecological survey techniques, review and enter the data collected that morning, and work on a project tailored to your interests—whether it’s research-based, media-focused, tech-driven, or creatively educational. This structure ensures that each intern not only contributes to conservation efforts but also develops something meaningful and tangible to take forward.

    Fridays are a half-day, running from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During this time, you may focus on species study, refine your project, or review the week’s data. At noon, you’re free to sign out and enjoy the weekend—exploring Bali, diving recreationally, or simply resting. Participants also have the option to use this time to advance their underwater abilities by taking additional PADI courses to strengthen their diving skills.

    This schedule creates a strong balance between fieldwork, learning, and personal development, ensuring you gain the full experience of what it means to be a conservation diver while enjoying everything Bali has to offer.


    Free-time activities

    Your weekends and off-hours are yours to enjoy, giving you the freedom to explore Bali at your own pace. Once you sign out, you’re welcome to experience everything the island has to offer—whether that’s chasing waterfalls, visiting local markets, exploring temples, relaxing on beaches, or ...

    Free-time activities

    Your weekends and off-hours are yours to enjoy, giving you the freedom to explore Bali at your own pace. Once you sign out, you’re welcome to experience everything the island has to offer—whether that’s chasing waterfalls, visiting local markets, exploring temples, relaxing on beaches, or enjoying great food and shopping in nearby towns. While these activities aren’t part of the program itself, we’re always happy to offer recommendations and help arrange trusted taxi transport so your adventures are safe and seamless.

    Amed itself is a beautiful place to unwind during your free time. You can snorkel right off the beach, enjoy shore dives on famous sites like the Japanese Wreck or Jemeluk Wall, go line fishing with locals, or simply relax in cafés overlooking the ocean. Many participants love spending their downtime getting massages, watching sunset from the cliffs, or exploring quiet stretches of coastline with black-sand beaches and crystal-clear water.

    Your free time is truly your own—whether you want to stay active and explore or take it slow and recharge. We provide guidance and support, but how you enjoy Bali outside of internship hours is entirely up to you.


    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

    Medical form, emergency contacts, dive certification if certified diver, below 18 guardian consent and confidential criminal record disclosure form

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Just a passion for the ocean and a willingness to learn!

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Participation fees support the essential costs required to operate safe, high-quality conservation training and diving activities. The fees contribute to daily boat or shore diving operations, air fills, equipment servicing, and dive transportation. They also cover instructional support, conservation training materials, species identification resources, data management tools, and the supervision provided by certified dive professionals and conservation staff. Accommodation is included, offering a comfortable stay with included transport to the dive center. Participants are welcomed on arrival with airport pickup transport. Fees also support the ongoing development of our conservation initiatives, including data collection systems, monitoring infrastructure, and educational outreach such as our 360° VR ocean literacy program. By covering these operational needs, the fees ensure that all participants can train, dive, learn, and contribute to meaningful conservation work in a safe and well-supported environment. PADI diving courses will be priced additionally as followed (in Indonesia Rupiah): 
    Open Water: Rp 7,500,000

    Advanced Open Water: Rp 6,300,000

    Rescue Diver Course: Rp 6,800,000

    EFR: Rp 2,500,000

    Nitrox: Rp 2,500,000

    Sidemount: Rp 6,300,000

    Deep Diver (40m): Rp 4,600,000

    Wreck Specialty: Rp 4,500,000

    Peak Performance Buoyancy: Rp 3,200,000

    Dive Against Debris: Rp 2,900,000

    Divemaster (8 weeks): Rp 46,350,000

    Coral Planting: Rp 1,600,000

    Instructor: Rp 33,900,000

    Airport Pickup at Ngurah Rai International Airport

    We arrange a safe and reliable airport transfer for you with one of our trusted drivers. Upon arrival, the driver will be waiting at the airport holding a sign with your name, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your stay in Amed. 

    Accommodation

    Participants stay in a beautiful villa property called Blue Gecko. Participants are in private rooms with private bathrooms. Each room is equipped with a fan, AC, mosquito net, safe, electric kettle, mini fridge, and wifi. This accommodation has amenities including a shallow pool, a rooftop with views of the volcano Agung, a kitchen, and a dining area. 

    Food & Beverages

    On diving days, we provide a daily lunch. We also provide groceries (according to dietary restrictions) so the participants are able to cook for themselves. We also of course provide fresh drinking water, tea, and coffee. 

    Internet Access

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

    Add-ons & Experiences

    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. You've seen them underwater. They glide effortlessly, use less air and ascend, ...
    $185 / per day
    Deep Diver (40m) Specialty

    During the PADI® Deep Diver course, you'll learn how to plan deep dives, manage your gas supply and how to identify and manage narcosis.

    You'll learn ...

    $275 / once
    Divemaster (8weeks)

    Learn how to lead underwater tours, assist with scuba classes and inspire others to care about the ocean. Hone your skills and be the diver everyone ...

    $2,700 / once
    Enriched Air (Nitrox) course
    Enriched air, also known as nitrox or EANx, contains less nitrogen than regular air. Breathing less nitrogen means you can enjoy longer dives and ...
    $150 / once
    Coral Planting
    Join us and plant corals! Spend 2 days learning about corals, how to fragment them, grow and take care of a coral nursery. Make a difference. 
    $125 / once
    PADI Advanced Open Water

    The Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to enhance your diving skills and open up new adventures. You'll complete two required dives—deep ...

    $365 / once
    PADI Open Water

    PADI® Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level. A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you how to scuba dive in a relaxed, ...

    $435 / once
    Dive Against Debris Specialty
    Make a difference on every dive by activating your inner citizen scientist. During the Dive Against Debris® Diver Specialty course, you’ll learn ...
    $165 / once
    PADI Rescue Diver

    The PADI® Rescue Diver course will change the way you dive – in the best possible way. Learn to identify and fix minor issues before they become ...

    $395 / once
    Wreck Diver Specialty
    Whether purpose-sunk as an artificial reef for scuba divers, or lost as the result of an accident, wrecks are fascinating windows to the past. Ships, ...
    $265 / once
    Private Room Upgrade
    Upgrade to a private room is available. This cost is $6 per day and will never exceed $186 per month. This room includes a desk, fan, AC, safe, mini ...
    $6 / per day

    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

    Our programs run year-round, and we offer flexible start dates to accommodate university schedules, travel plans, and personal timelines. Thanks to our location in Amed—one of Bali’s most sheltered and ecologically rich regions—we have consistent access to calm conditions and pristine reefs throughout the year, ensuring reliable diving and uninterrupted conservation work in all seasons.

    Once you confirm your placement, we make your arrival as seamless as possible. We can assist with arranging trusted taxi transport from anywhere in Bali directly to Amed, helping you transition smoothly from the airport or your accommodation to your new home base. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your accommodation and be welcomed by members of our team, giving you a full orientation covering safety, training schedules, equipment, and what to expect during your internship.

    This flexible, supportive onboarding process ensures that you begin your conservation journey feeling prepared, comfortable, and ready to dive straight into the work that matters.

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

    Program Fees

    $1,193 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 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

    4.78
    11 reviews

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Lily
    11
    reviews
    4.78
    Brilliant
    2018
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    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

    Contact Lily
      Good response rate

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Lily
    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