Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure while making a meaningful impact on the Great Barrier Reef? Marine Conservation Program is perfect for those with little to moderate reef experience, as it provides the opportunity to join a team of passionate marine biologists and industry professionals in monitoring long-term coral health. By assisting with the established GBRMPA monitoring program, you will contribute to the reef’s long-term protection and provide valuable data to help identify and monitor reef health indicators.
But it’s not just about the conservation work – our program also promises an experience of a lifetime. As a volunteer, you will be diving into the stunning waters of the Great Barrier Reef, participating in exciting adventures, and making unforgettable memories. Our team and partners are dedicated to ensuring that each volunteer walks away with a sense of self-fulfillment, knowing that their efforts have made a positive impact on one of the world’s most precious natural wonders. Join us in Cairns for an adventure that combines volunteering and adventure like no other!
Day 1 – Welcome to Cairns
Arrive to tropical Cairns and transfer to you hostel. Enjoy your day discovering Cairns by foot.
Day 2 – 3 – Open Water Course – Training Center
Over the next 2 days you will do the first part of your scuba diving adventure. Put all the theory into use in the pool during your practical sessions where all your underwater skills are honed under the watchful eyes of your instructors. After lunch on day 3 it is time for your theory test and a briefing of the upcoming days out on the Great Barrier Reef. At 18:30 on day 2 you will attend the Reef Teach presentation, an insight into the magical world of the coral reef. (Certified Divers have the option of doing their Advanced Course and/or Nitrox)
Day 4-6 – Great Barrier Reef
Depart on day 4 on your Great Barrier Reef dive adventure. After arriving get briefed by your dive instructor and begin exploring the underwater world on this magnificent natural wonder. Over the 3 days you will do a total of 9 dives out of which 4 will be your final step to becoming an Open Water Diver along with 4 fun dives and 1 night dive. Return to Cairns late afternoon on day 6. (Advanced Open Water and/or Nitrox students will do their course during this trip)
Day 7 – Great Barrier Reef Day trip & Reef Conservation tasks
Today you will take a day trip to enhance your marine conservation experience. Under the guidance of your reef expert you will undertake a selection of activities on the day, one diving, one snorkelling, being Rapid Monitoring surveys and a species count to be entered into Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (number of activities could vary depending on conditions). With the foundation, you will receive a certificate of recognition for your contributions to protecting the world’s marine environment. Return to Cairns late afternoon and free time.
Day 8 – 10 – Great Barrier Reef – Reef Conservation tasks
Get picked up early and transfer to the port before departing for the Great Barrier Reef. Traveling out to the outer reef you will be briefed by your expert reef guide on the Rapid Monitoring Surveys and species count you will be undertaking over the next 3 days. Preceding each dive you will be briefed and findings discussed post-dive. Throughout the 3 day trip you will have a total of 11 dives of which 6-8 will focus on data collection and the remainder will be recreational dives. On your way home you will be presented with your certificate on a job well done!
Day 11 – Fitzroy Island
This morning you transfer by ferry to Fitzroy Island where you will meet the volunteers working at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on the island. You will assist the team with a Rapid Monitoring Survey on the local reef and then learn about the work done by this organisation, meet some of the patients and, possibly, go behind the scenes to lend a helping hand.
Day 12 – Cairns
Today is the end of your tour. Check out and transfer to the airport for your onward or homeward journey. Safe Travels!
Participants will be required to complete the following set tasks on each set dive:
– Timed swim (minimum 10 minutes on each dive), underwater monitoring and species count on the Great Barrier Reef (i.e. corals, marine life species).
– 360 degree survey of sea bed on the dive site: objective is to clearly identify the animals and plants observed in each section.
– Recording of any impacts on coral being observed (i.e. coral bleaching or damage noticed).
– Note: a nominated member of the group will take photos to support observations for all findings. An underwater camera will be provided for this purpose each trip for the group.
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 2595 € |
Volunteers will be accommodated at Gilligans Backpacker Resort in 4 or 6-share dorms. Private rooms are available as an option.
– Up to date CV/ resume
– English level: good understanding and speaking
Acceptance subject to availability of position
Prior to commencing your Dive Course you are required to complete a self-assessment. A positive response to any question means that there is a pre-existing condition that may affect your safety while diving and you must consult a medical practitioner preferably with experience in diving medicine to obtain a dive medical certificate that states that you are fit to undertake recreational diver training.
Cancellations made within 42 – 60 days will incur a 50% cancellation fee of total price
No refunds within 42 days of program commencement
