• Climate Action
  • Life Below Water

PADI Marine Conservation Internship

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Learning how to identify fish in the Indian Ocean.
  • Earning your PADI Advanced Open Water certificate.
  • Exploring different dive sites among the tropical islands of Seychelles, searching for the incredible ‘mega-fauna’ in the area, such as sharks, rays, and dolphins.
  • Developing the techniques needed to survey coral reefs.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Gain your PADI Advanced dive certification and work alongside esteemed partners such as the Seychelles National Parks Authority on critical marine conservation.

Live the island life in the Seychelles while contributing to the conservation of the marine ecosystem. 

Interns will be PADI dive trained in order to effectively complete necessary data collection on the coral reef without causing any damage. Upon completion of this internship, you will receive your ...

About the program

Live the island life in the Seychelles while contributing to the conservation of the marine ecosystem. 

Interns will be PADI dive trained in order to effectively complete necessary data collection on the coral reef without causing any damage. Upon completion of this internship, you will receive your PADI Advanced Open Water and the unique speciality PADI Coral Reef Researcher.

All data collected is passed on to local authorities in order that they may implement new protection policies to ensure long term survival of the marine ecosystem in the Seychelles.  You could also expect to participate in dives against debris, community outreach activities and environmental education classes. 

You will be motivated to generate new solutions and propose new elements to improve contribution to conservation in the Seychelles. 

Interns are required to complete weekly assignments and host leadership days. While on program, interns are supported by a dedicated mentor.

This internship includes three online courses which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States:

  • Marine Conservation 
  • Leadership Training
  • Career Development 

After successful completion of this internship, you will be offered two career coaching sessions as well as gain access to a job portal. 

Get in touch for more information!

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Dive
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Dive
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time
Participants could expect to be involved in 1 to 2 ...

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Dive
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Dive
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time
Participants could expect to be involved in 1 to 2 dives OR snorkels a day. Interns will also have weekly sessions with their mentor. 

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are ...

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended: 
  • Victoria City
  • Inner island hopping (Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette Felicity and Sister)
  • Hiking and climbing
  • Water sports
  • Beau Vallon Bay 
  • Cap Matoopa Hike
  • Recreational Diving
The possibilities are endless! 

We also now include cultural/local experiences. These experiences will take place once every 4 weeks. 

These activities may include: 

  • Learn to cook Seychellois Creole cuisine
  • Experience traditional moutya dancing on the beach
  • Stargaze and learn the southern constellations
  • Stand up paddleboard at sunrise
  • Visit Vallée de Mai in Praslin National Park
  • Spend the day at a secluded beach

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)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

PADI Medical Form and PADI Open Water qualification (or equivalent) qualification

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

All participants must be PADI Open Water certified before joining the program and should be able to walk 400m over uneven ground carrying their dive equipment. Training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self paced training materials.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
  • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • Certification and summary of training and experience received
  • Community work workshop
  • Confidential professional reference
  • Coral reef ecology
  • Diving compressor training workshop
  • First Aid & CPR training
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Teamwork and leadership experience
  • Use of O2 equipment workshop
  • Weekly evaluation with your mentor
  • Welcome meeting
  • 2 Career mentor sessions 
  • Access to Job Portal (upon successful completion) 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer etc.
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Police or background check
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Seychelles International Airport

Airport pick ups are provided at Seychelles International Airport, these are within a specified time period.  

Accommodation

Only 3 minutes walk from the beach, our eco friendly research base is situated in the Baie Ternay Marine National Park. 

Accommodation facilities are shared dormitories and can be considered basic.

Food & Beverages

Typical Seychelles meals can be expected, all ingredients are provided by us however participants take it in turns to prepare meals. We can cater for most dietary requirements. 

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) in Mahe Island. We assist you to find cheap flights to Seychelles. 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 Seychelles provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

2025

  • 04 Jan 2025
  • 18 Jan 2025
  • 01 Feb 2025
  • 15 Feb 2025
  • 01 Mar 2025
  • 15 Mar 2025
  • 29 Mar 2025
  • 12 Apr 2025
  • 26 Apr 2025
  • 10 May 2025
  • 24 May 2025
  • 07 Jun 2025
  • 21 Jun 2025
  • 05 Jul 2025
  • 19 Jul 2025
  • 02 Aug 2025
  • 16 Aug 2025
  • 30 Aug 2025
  • 13 Sep 2025
  • 27 Sep 2025
  • 11 Oct 2025
  • 25 Oct 2025
  • 08 Nov 2025
  • 22 Nov 2025
  • 06 Dec 2025
  • 20 Dec 2025

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

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 4,895€
6 weeks 6,145€
8 weeks 7,195€
10 weeks 8,345€
12 weeks 9,545€
24 weeks (max. stay) 18,545€
Average fees 998€/week

Program fees

998€ per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

4 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

221 reviews · rating4.8

I had the opportunity to do the virtual marine conservation internship with GVI, it was super good for my work experience and academic training as I learned a lot from the courses and I was able to explore my skills in data analysis which I had not explored so far, I highly recommend this internship ...
Pam Parkes rating5

2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
Olivia Babbage rating5

2024 at Teach English to locals

3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
Tashanna Reid rating5

2024 at Marine Ecosystem Internship

I did the U18s Tenerife volunteering which was such a great experience and I will definitely do it again! It was lovely meeting new people and making friends and the staff are very welcoming and fun. It had the perfect mix of relaxing and having fun while also doing the work required and exploring ...

Location

Africa > Eastern Africa > Seychelles > Mahe

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in Seychelles
Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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