Diving & Coral Reef Protection

If you like working outdoors, and want to help marine life and the environment, this marine conservation program is for you. 

Thinking about a career focused on conservation? Then this marine conservation volunteer opportunity will boost your CV, and demonstrate your commitment by getting actively involved in efforts to protect our planet. It will also help set you apart from the crowd in applications and interviews, and help you develop your personal skills. 

Everything you do in Thailand is geared towards preserving marine life, and helping it thrive. For example, we plant mangroves to protect coastlines and offset carbon emissions, and we educate local communities about their impact. 

You don’t need previous experience to join this project. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, and our staff is there throughout to help and guide you. In addition, all of your dives are supervised by qualified Diver Masters. 

Learn to dive and take part in survey dives with professional divers

In your first week as a coral reef conservation volunteer in Thailand, you’ll learn how to dive. You will be fitted for a mask, flippers, and a wetsuit. Alongside qualified divers, you’ll learn:

• Underwater sign language
• How to breathe with an oxygen tank
• What to do if you lose your diving regulator (mouthpiece) 

This training takes place in the base camp’s pool. By the end of your first week in Thailand, you’ll obtain your PADI Open Water Diver course. This means you can officially take part in underwater conservation work with the team. In the long run, your volunteer work will contribute to helping protect coral reefs in Thailand. 

Beach clean-ups along Ao Nang’s coastline

Litter and trash is harmful to marine life and wildlife in general. With volunteers from around the world, you will walk along Ao Nang’s beaches, collecting and correctly discarding rubbish. Thousands of cigarette butts alone litter Ao Nang’s beaches. 

After each beach clean-up, you’ll make notes, and share this data with local officials. This information can then be used for educational purposes, and for long-term conservation plans in the area. 

Plant and transplant mangroves as part of reforestation efforts

At least once a week, you will take part in mangrove reforestation work. Get covered in mud for a good cause with a significant long-term impact! Mangrove forests help protect Thailand’s coastline from erosion and they offset carbon emissions. They’re also home to a number of plants and animals.

With your own two hands, you will help dig up young mangrove plants to transplant them to areas where they spread their roots. You’ll also plant saplings.  

Raise awareness in the local community  

Tap into your inner teacher and get creative when prepping lessons or talks about the importance of protecting our oceans. You will go to different schools and present specific topics on the need for more aware communities. Present a fun puppet show on the importance of recycling, or an easy song on the ABCs of marine life!  

You will also work in the local community, if asked. This work could include beach clean-ups, or talks on the work you’ve been doing. 

A typical day in Thailand on the Conservation Project begins around 7 am and ends at 4 pm. Your day is packed with activities that benefit the local environment and the community. You’ll have breakfast with the other volunteers and staff at base camp. Then, you’ll head out with Projects Abroad organized transport to your daily work. 

You will follow a schedule each week in Thailand. You will take part in mangrove restoration work or beach clean-ups once a week. Diving activities and surveys take place three times a week. 

We also set aside time on some afternoons to have workshops, or give you time to study for underwater surveys or dive courses. You’ll also be expected to help with outreach work and marine conservation education programs in schools. 

As a coastal conservation volunteer in Thailand, you might also visit the local aquarium to learn about the history of diving, or help clean sea turtle tanks in marine biology centres. Schedules may change according to the time of year, the weather, or the sea tides. 

Lunch and dinner are served at the base camp. If you’re out on the boat for diving, you’ll have lunch there. 

Free time is yours to enjoy and explore. Ao Nang and the surrounding area has numerous activities for you to do! Rock climb, go kayaking, or relax by the base camp pool.

Experience the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Southeast Asia. Thailand is an unforgettable country with plenty of enticing things for you to get up to in your free time.

One of the highlights of volunteering in Thailand is the pristine beaches. With stunning snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, it’s a great destination to choose if you’re interested in marine life. For others, there’s always the chance to relax on the beach in the warm glow of the sun.

One must-see while you’re there is the Tiger Cave Temple. With its rich history and ornate statues, it’s an experience not to miss. Be prepared for a steep walk up 1,237 steps! But once you get to the top, the views make it all worth it.

Exploring the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, with its mysterious caves and sparkling waterfalls, is the perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.

We run many different projects in Thailand, so there will likely be other volunteers relishing in this experience with you. You can choose to travel alone or with other volunteers.