Manta Ray & Coral Reef Conservation

location
2 - 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

  • Dive to collect data on reefs and species to contribute to ongoing health assessments.
  • Record sightings of species for the ray database. From March to June, assist with oceanic manta ray monitoring.
  • Assist with crown-of-thorns starfish population monitoring and data for local authorities; removals may be done when numbers are high.
  • Host sessions on environmental issues, sustainable fishing, and economic benefits of marine protected areas for community members.
  • Various ongoing community and entrepreneurial activities including cleanups, English lessons, public health and skills development workshops.


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

this marine conservation program you’ll use your diving skills to collect essential data on the local coral reef, which comprises 80% of the world’s coral reefs

The project
At the confluence of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, lies the archipelago of Raja Ampat in Indonesia. One of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, these breathtaking islands bring to mind the floating emerald isles of Pandora – but this is real life! 

In this marine ...

About the program

The project
At the confluence of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, lies the archipelago of Raja Ampat in Indonesia. One of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, these breathtaking islands bring to mind the floating emerald isles of Pandora – but this is real life! 

In this marine conservation in Indonesia program, you’ll use your diving skills to collect essential data on the local coral reef, which comprises 80% of the world’s coral species. Join us as an experienced diver or arrive a bit early to earn your diving qualifications, before spending your days in the crystal-clear waters. 

Endangered manta rays are often spotted during dives, as well as some of the 1,350 species of fish, 6 of the world’s 7 turtle species and 27 species of marine mammals that frequent these waters. Species include manta, eagle and devil rays, sperm whales, green and hawksbill turtles, epaulette and wobbegongs sharks, pygmy seahorses and sperm whales. Project work is just a stone’s throw away from your shared island bungalow, which is built on a raised platform over the shoreline. Get ready to dive into adventure!

The program
Volunteers on this marine conservation program can join us for 2–24 weeks. This is a diving program which requires PADI Advanced Open Water for most project work. To volunteer in Indonesia with us, unqualified divers should join us for 4 weeks (this includes time to earn your PADI qualification with us), Open Water divers for 3 weeks, and Advanced divers for 4 weeks.

The purpose
This project aims to conserve the unmatched coral reefs and marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat, while promoting sustainable tourism and livelihoods for resident community members. Despite worldwide threats of coral bleaching and disease, the reefs here have been resilient and retained essential marine life. Continued conservation efforts, in collaboration with local communities, is critical to sustain these healthy ecosystems. 

Due to Raja Ampat’s location at the meeting point of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, its nutrient-rich reefs are able to replenish other reefs thanks to the deep-sea currents. Through a combination of survey dives, consistent research, education and poverty alleviation, this program demonstrates workable community-driven marine conservation. Join this important volunteer work in Indonesia.

Location
Travel to the remote island of Arborek, a 60-75 minute boat ride from Waisai, in the Raja Ampat Regency. This archipelago is a diver’s dream destination, centered in the Coral Triangle – one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world. This remote location is affectionately known as the Amazon of the seas, a truly unique place to contribute to coastal conservation.

Typical day

  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast is served.
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Depending on the weather and the advice of the local dive guides, the first survey dive usually starts at 9:00 AM. You will partake in 2 survey dives and then relay the data from your dive slates on to the data recording sheets for entry into the ...

Typical day

  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast is served.
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Depending on the weather and the advice of the local dive guides, the first survey dive usually starts at 9:00 AM. You will partake in 2 survey dives and then relay the data from your dive slates on to the data recording sheets for entry into the database later on.
  • 12:00 PM -12:30 PM: We break for lunch where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
  • 12:30 PM-7:00 PM: You will do the opposite of what you did in the morning, so if you worked on community projects in the morning, you will undertake survey dives in the afternoon and vice versa.
  • 7:00 PM After a short debrief session on the days activities, the evening is yours to relax.

Free-time activities

You will have the evening off after dinner every day. Additionally, Wednesday mornings are allocated to travelling to Waisai for any shopping you may want to do. Saturdays are for fun dives and Sundays are a complete no-dive day where you will have the day to relax and assist with cooking or ...

Free-time activities

You will have the evening off after dinner every day. Additionally, Wednesday mornings are allocated to travelling to Waisai for any shopping you may want to do. Saturdays are for fun dives and Sundays are a complete no-dive day where you will have the day to relax and assist with cooking or cleaning.

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)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

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

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 19:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

Program fees include:
  • Project work: Conserve and protect the reefs of Raja Ampat.
  • Accommodation: Shared basic dormitory style beach bungalows on the beach front.
  • Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Airport transfer: You will be collected from Darefan hotel on your program start date and transported to Arborek island by ferry and boat, which is 3.5 hours away
  • Comprehensive pre-departure support: Includes a dedicated support coordinator to answer your questions, an Essential Info Pack, and a webinar to learn more about your program.
  • Comprehensive in-country support: Includes a welcome orientation, including safety, culture and environmental info. A Program Manager is there to support you.
  • Mental health support: Receive support services provided by licensed professionals.
  • Training: Learn about coral reefs as well as monitoring techniques and data entry.

Airport Pickup at Sorong Airport

You will be collected from Darefan hotel on your program start date and transported to Arborek island by ferry and boat, which is 3.5 hours away

Accommodation

Your home away from home is one of three wooden beach bungalows, hand-built by the local community using traditional methods and materials. These structures are on a raised platform connected to a longer boardwalk over the water, completely immersing you in the coastal island feel. Listen to the sound of the gently rolling tide as you drift off, and awaken to a glistening sunrise across the water. 

Rooms have bunk beds and shared western-style bathrooms. Linen, pillows, mosquito netting and fans are provided and the rooms have electricity to charge your appliances. Fresh water access is limited so shower times are structured to accommodate.  Laundry can be done in the village. There is also an upgrade available for singles, doubles or twins at an extra charge depending on availability. 

Wi-Fi is not available on the island but volunteers are encouraged to purchase a Telkomsel SIM card and register at the Jakarta airport on arrival. This is the only provider that works in the area, although some international phones may work with roaming.

Food & Beverages

Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

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

2025 dates:

  • 22 Jan 2025
  • 29 Jan 2025
  • 19 Feb 2025
  • 28 Feb 2025
  • 19 Mar 2025
  • 26 Mar 2025
  • 16 Apr 2025
  • 26 Apr 2025
  • 14 May 2025
  • 21 May 2025
  • 11 Jun 2025
  • 18 Jun 2025
  • 09 Jul 2025
  • 16 Jul 2025
  • 06 Aug 2025
  • 13 Aug 2025
  • 03 Sep 2025
  • 10 Sep 2025
  • 01 Oct 2025
  • 08 Oct 2025
  • 29 Oct 2025
  • 05 Nov 2025
  • 26 Nov 2025
  • 03 Dec 2025
  • 24 Dec 2025 
  • 31 Dec 2025

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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 2,145€
4 weeks 3,345€
6 weeks 4,395€
8 weeks 5,445€
10 weeks 6,845€
12 weeks 8,195€
14 weeks 9,545€
16 weeks 10,945€
18 weeks 12,295€
20 weeks 13,595€
22 weeks 15,045€
24 weeks (max. stay) 16,345€
Average fees 876€/week

Program fees

876€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 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

Asia > South East Asia > Indonesia > Arborek Island

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