Volunteer to conserve coral reefs and manta rays in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

Raja Ampat Diving Project

Who: The Great Projects

Where: Arborek Island, Raja Ampat, Western Papua, Indonesia.

Focus: Scuba dive to survey coral reefs and monitor manta rays.

When: All year round

Peak manta ray season: November to May. Outside of these months sightings cannot be guaranteed and the manta research part of the project is scaled down.

Duration: 2-8 weeks (min. 3 weeks if dive training required).

Suitability: Over 18s. Group bookings available.

Cost: Available here

As a volunteer, you will:

• Dive unexplored coral reefs and support marine conservation efforts throughout the Raja Ampat archipelago.
• Learn to scuba dive, or increase your diving credentials up to Divemaster.
• Learn Reef Check methodology which is used to monitor the health of a coral reef.
• Perform two research dives per day to survey the coral reef (weather permitting) .
• Help produce detailed coastal habitat maps for use in advising local governments and communities on establishing Marine Protected Areas.
• Monitor manta rays and learn to recognise their key characteristics, markings, and behaviours.
• Learn about manta ray ecology, biology, and conservation.
• Teach English to the local school children and other community members, as well as providing education on environmental issues and eco-tourism.
• Support the staff in their work on encouraging entrepreneurial attitudes in the local communities, and livelihood diversification workshops.
• Join in with beach clean ups.
• Enjoy leisure dives during your free time and undertake further dive training.

Scuba diving

Dive Training: All volunteers must be PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) in order to take part in surveys. Full training is provided on-site.

PADI Certifications: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue, EFR, Divemaster.

Divemaster Internship: Available for an extra £350.

The base

Accommodation: Beach-front basic dormitory-style beach bungalows. Each bungalow has been hand-built by the local community using traditional methods and materials.

Sleeping: Shared, same-sex rooms with bunk beds, mattresses, pillows, basic linen, mosquito nets, power supply and fans. Private rooms available in shared beach bungalow for an extra fee.

Food: 3 meals a day are provided with specific diets catered for. Meals are cooked by local staff, except on Sundays when staff and volunteers cook all meals.

Number of volunteers: 24 max.

Support: 24-hour in-country volunteer support.

Transport: Volunteers fly to Sorong airport and are met at the Meridien Hotel for transfer to the project site via ferry.

The next step

Visit The Great Projects for more information and to book. Please say that you heard about this project from Sea Fans.

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