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:

• Dive Trainees: 3 weeks from GBP 1595.
• Certified Advanced Divers: 2 weeks from GBP 1095.

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.

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