from 1,746€

Outstanding 5rating (24)

Conservation & Coral Monitoring

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Develop and perfect your diving skills
  • Learn about marine conservation
  • Get experience and training in scientific methodologies
  • Contribute with surveys to generate key data for analizing the reefs health
  • Live in a beautiful jungle next to the ocean, while still having excellent amenities (internet, electricity, water)

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Ankay Conservation’s coral monitoring program has been developed to be able to provide broad understanding of the regional health and abundance of the reef ecosystem

Programme Overview

Submerge yourself un the Ankay Conservation Experience. We personalize your stay according to your needs and include everything in the program (accommodation, meals, transportation, training and loads of diving), so you can arrive and not worry about anything else other than ...

About the program

Programme Overview

Submerge yourself un the Ankay Conservation Experience. We personalize your stay according to your needs and include everything in the program (accommodation, meals, transportation, training and loads of diving), so you can arrive and not worry about anything else other than absorbing knowledge and having fun.

Whether you are an experienced diver or have never dived before, our diving and ecological monitoring program will open up your mind to the underwater world like never before. 

Join us on our mission to save the ocean. 


About the organization

Ankay Conservation is a PADI 5-star Dive Resort. We are proud to be the the first PADI Eco center in Panama as well as Green Fins members. We are members of the Bocas Hope Spot Alliance.

Our main goal is to provide hard evidence for policy making regarding the conservation of our local reefs. We hope to one day serve as a reference for other countries to sustain the importance of properly managing MPAs.

We live by our values: Bliss, Awareness and Excellence.


About the programme

Ankay Conservation’s ecological monitoring program has been developed to be able to provide broad understanding of the regional health and abundance of the reef ecosystems, as well as create data sets for individual dive sites across different depths.

We will train you to at least PADI Advanced Open Water or PADI Open Water with specialties that focus on the skills necessary for surveying underwater such as proper buoyancy.

During your stay, you will specialize in substrate and coral monitoring. You will have access to an extensive amount of theory regarding ecology and our methodology for data collection and quickly be getting in the water to develop those skills and start contributing.

You will learn:

  • The types of substrate in coral reefs such as sponges, algae and coral.
  • Coral anatomy, feeding and reproduction.
  • Coral reef geomorphology.
  • To identify different coral growth forms.
  • The most common coral diseases and health indicators.
  • Our monitoring technique and data entering.


Location

We are located in Solarte, one of Bocas del Toro archipelagos islands in Panamá. Our Center is in the breath-taking jungle and only 80 meters from the ocean. We are a 10 minute boat ride to the main island (Isla Colón) where you can find a grand variety of restaurants, supermarkets and nightlife. We find it to be the perfect balance having the tranquility of our spot, but very close to town.

Bocas del Toro was declared Hope Spot in December 2019 by Mission Blue. It is home to countless important marine organisms including sharks, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, over 120 species of sponge, three different species of mangroves and a diverse array of Caribbean coral species.


Duration

For divers that are already certified as Advance Open Water o higher, the mínimum stay is 10 days.

For Open Water and non-certified divers, we recommend a 4 week program so you have enough time to gain experience and contribute, but we can tailor-make your experience to 2-3 weeks with proper coordination.



Typical day

Mornings start off with a self-served breakfast. If in training you will have theoretical classes and after in water practice. Those who have already completed their ecological monitoring training will head into the water for surveying.

We come back to have lunch and afternoons are free to do ...

Typical day

Mornings start off with a self-served breakfast. If in training you will have theoretical classes and after in water practice. Those who have already completed their ecological monitoring training will head into the water for surveying.

We come back to have lunch and afternoons are free to do independent studying, work out, go for a walk in the jungle, go into town.
We finish off the day with dinner and spending sometime together watching movies, playing board games or just chatting up.
We may sometimes switch around to having classes in the afternoon and the morning free instead, if we have a special event or due to logistics.

Saturdays we go fun diving and Sundays are day off.


Free-time activities

Bocas del Toro, Panama is a tourist destination that has breathtaking beaches, excellent surf and hiking spots, and a variety of tours. Some examples are Cayo Zapatilla, Isla Pajaros, a cacao farm tour, Wizard beach. We have a volleyball net onsite, a 2 minute walk to go for a swim in the ocean, a ...

Free-time activities

Bocas del Toro, Panama is a tourist destination that has breathtaking beaches, excellent surf and hiking spots, and a variety of tours. Some examples are Cayo Zapatilla, Isla Pajaros, a cacao farm tour, Wizard beach. We have a volleyball net onsite, a 2 minute walk to go for a swim in the ocean, a 15 minute walk to Hospital Point Beach and jungle routes to explore.

The main town has many shops, restaurants and bars.


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)

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

Advance Open Water is required, but if you are not certified we can offer to get you up to that level or offer as an alternative the Ankay Conservation Diver course or the PADI Peak Performance Specialty to focus on the skills necessary for the program.

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Ankay Conservation

• Accommodation for the whole stay

• 3 meals a day, 6 days a week 

• Ankay Conservation training and certification

• Complete scuba gear

• Airport pick-up

• At least 12 dives a week


Additionally you can add on PADI Certifications if not already Advanced Open Water for the program pre-requisite.

Ankay Conservation Diver $220 + I.T.M.B (7% tax)

PADI Open Water $350 + I.T.M.B (7% tax)

PADI Advanced Open Water $320 + I.T.M.B (7% tax)

PADI Peak Performance Specialty $230 + I.T.M.B (7% tax)

We also teach other PADI courses and specialties which you can inquire about depending the length of your stay.

Airport Pickup at Bocas Del Toro

Airport pick up is included, we also offer pick up at the taxi boat company if coming in by land. 

Accommodation

We have shared bedrooms for up to four people (two bunk beds).

One can ask for a private room for an extra fee, subject to availability.
For an even more exclusive experience we can also offer accommodation in our Partner Hotel: Diver's Paradise in Isla Colón.

  • Capacity of 10 people, with a maximum of 4 people per bedroom (max 2 in the queen sized bedroom).
  • Two bathrooms
  • Kitchen
  • Dining room
  • Living room
  • Terraces
5-10 minute boat ride from town.
15-20 minute walk to the beach
2 minute walk to the oceanfront.

Food & Beverages

Breakfast, lunch and dinner offered Monday through Saturday.

We can cater to allergies, and there's a vegetarian menu. 

Sunday is an off-day for our staff and for yourself where you can prepare your own food in our kitchen or go into town for lunch and or dinner.

Breakfast

We begin our day with a self-served continental breakfast consisting of cereal and milk, bread, cheese, butter, jam, fresh fruits and of course tea and coffee. 

Lunch
A typical lunch will have a protein (fish, chicken or a vegetarian option) , rice, beans and salad. We have lunch after we come back from diving.

Dinner

Dinner is served around 7pm and everyone eats together. Participation isn't mandatory, and if you wish to go out and try something else for a change you’re welcome to do so. Our cook prepares and serves a variety of local specialties.

Should you suffer from any kind of food allergy, we’ll cook suitable replacement meals for you. Please give us notice about any (serious) allergies prior to arrival. We cook vegetarian meals/sides for vegetarians. For any more complex dietary regimens, we can offer that you cook for yourself in our kitchen.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Bocas Del Toro (BOC) in Bocas Del Toro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Panama. 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 Panama provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

We are starting new programs every week. We can coordinate best dates together

We personally pick you up at the Bocas del Toro Airport (if flying in) or taxi boat company (if arriving by land).

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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,746€
3 weeks 2,619€
4 weeks 3,492€
5 weeks 4,365€
6 weeks 5,238€
12 weeks (max. stay) 10,476€
Average fees 873€/week

Program fees

873€ 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

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 Ankay Conservation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Ankay Conservation

Outstanding 5 rating (24 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2022

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Paula

About the project

Our diving and ecological monitoring program will open up your mind to the underwater world like never before. Join us on our mission to save the ocean.

Meet your organization

Submerge yourself un the Ankay Conservation Experience. We personalize your stay according to your needs and include everything in the program (accommodation, meals, transportation, training and loads of diving), so you can arrive and not worry about anything else other than absorbing knowledge and having fun.

Whether you are an experienced diver or have never dived before, our programs and courses will open up your mind to the underwater world like never before. 


About us

We are lovers of the sea and of all of its creatures, for this reason we are generating awareness of the problems currently surrounding it, we wanted to give diving experiences a twist; A transition from the contemplative dive to an educational and purposeful dive. This is how Ankay Conservación was born.


What we do

Our coral monitoring program has been developed to be able to provide a broad understanding of the regional health and abundance our coral reefs. We also offer courses that teach about our marine ecosystems, conscious diving and marine species of Bocas.


Location

We are located in Solarte, one of Bocas del Toro archipelagos islands in Panamá. Our Center is in the breath-taking jungle and only 80 meters from the ocean. We are a 10 minute boat ride to the main island (Isla Colón) where you can find a grand variety of restaurants, supermarkets and nightlife. We find it to be the perfect balance having the tranquility of our spot, but very close to town.

Bocas Del Toro is a safe location. Covid requirements have been lifted and there are no special health requirements upon entry. You can check with your physician if there is a specific vaccine recommended for you depending on country of origen or personal preference.

Bocas del Toro was declared Hope Spot in December 2019 by Mission Blue. It is home to countless important marine organisms including sharks, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, over 120 species of sponge, three different species of mangroves and a diverse array of Caribbean coral species.


Creed

We live by our values: Bliss, Awareness and Excellence.

Bliss: What we do brings us a great sense of joy.

Awareness: Our main goal is to generate awareness in our volunteers to empower them to take action.

Excellence: We designed our diving and academic programs with the highest standards.


Our Goals

Our main goal is to provide hard evidence for policy making regarding the conservation of our local reefs. We hope to one day serve as a reference for other countries to sustain the importance of properly managing MPAs.


Who are we looking for?

We are looking for people who are passionate about the ocean and want to learn about conservation. We encourage very "hands-on" people that aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. We are always open to new ideas of how we can contribute and welcome the creativity of our students.


Why choose us?

Because we love the ocean just like you, we are the first marine conservation center in the Panamanian Caribbean, we are passionate about conservation and we want to share our experience and knowledge with you. We have a very comfortable, sustainable establishment that is 100% connected with the environment.

24 reviews · rating5

Sabine Leonhardt rating5

2023 at Conservation & Coral Monitoring

I have been there for 3 weeks for the coral conservation project and i enjoyed every day! 🌞Pau and Felipe are amazing and i felt very safe and welcome with them and especially our pawful chief security officer Mika! 🐕 I had so much fun to learn about corals with Esme as an experienced ...
Nadja Schläpfer rating5

2023 at Conservation & Coral Monitoring

I stayed at Ankay for a three-week coral conservation course, and I loved everything about the place, the people, and the program. The accommodation is new, beautiful, with comfortable beds and hot showers. It's peacefully quiet, with the added charm of jungle sounds. Lively Bocas Town and other ...
Edward Watling-Read rating5

2023 at Conservation & Coral Monitoring

Educational, fun and peaceful. Great diving. Great program. Good equipment. Spacious and comfortable house. Good wifi. Good food. Beautiful location. Good weather. Well looked ...
Bri Wheeler rating5

2023 at Conservation & Coral Monitoring

Awesome week learning about corals and getting trained on how to collect scientific data. Beautiful (completely solar!) house located right in the jungle - always started everyday drinking my morning coffee and watching the hummingbirds before we headed out to the reef! Perfect for anyone looking to ...
Madison Little rating5

2023 at Conservation & Coral Monitoring

Ankay Conservation in Bocas Del Toro is a marine lover's dream! Pau, Felipe, and Esme are the heart of this underwater adventure, their knowledge about corals, sustainability, and marine ecosystem threats is simply top-notch. And Mika (the chief security officer and jungle pup) really greeted us ...
Timo Virta rating4.8

2023 at Conservation & Coral Monitoring

I had 25 days volunteer period on december 2023 in Ankay conservation center. Center has opened only a year earlier so building was "like new". Place is run by lovely couple: Pau (conservation manager) and Felipe(diving manager). House is practical; 2 toilets/showers for volunteers, good kitchen and ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Panama > Bocas del Toro

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