Great Barrier Reef Conservation Assistant

The program

This amazing Learn to Dive program allows budding marine conservation volunteers to learn the skill through a well-renowned dive operator while also participating in a credible reef monitoring program. With a high commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, this unique dive program falls under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s monitoring program ‘Eye on the Reef’ and is designed for volunteers interested in scuba diving, marine conservation and spending time on the reef. From learning to dive (or brushing up on their skills) to spending time with reef experts and monitoring the reef for the Marine Park’s conservation program, volunteers will find this to be an amazing learning, scuba diving and conservation experience. Volunteers with a passion for marine conservation and the willingness to learn to dive, this program promises to deliver a life changing experience.

Goals of this Project:

• Protect Australia’s amazing Great Barrier Reef
• Provide information to researchers and conservation authorities to help preserve marine life
• Raise awareness of the conservation issues of the Reef and teach people how to love, respect and preserve the marine environment
• Enable inter-cultural exchange between all parties and teach international visitors more about marine conservation and Australia

Note: This program offers a 2 week 'Learn to Dive' option for those wishing to be certified and a 1 week 'Snorkel or Certified Diver' option.

How you can help

Volunteers on this exciting program help by supplying information to help preserve this amazing environment. The adventure begins in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where participants will become a certified scuba diver by completing the popular 5 Day PADI Open Water Course (Advanced Courses or Nitrox available for participants already certified). Then volunteers embark upon the reef as certified divers and volunteer marine conservationists where they will join the ‘Eye on the Reef’ program and complete 8-10 underwater Rapid Monitoring surveys monitoring coral health. The information gathered provides managers and researchers with up-to-date information on reef health status and trends, the distribution of protected and iconic species, and early warnings of environmental impacts. Volunteers will also have the unique opportunity to spend 4 days with a reef expert on the Great Barrier Reef, to learn and experience first-hand the endangered natural wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef. Volunteers will undertake a minimum of 17 dives for the duration of the project. Volunteers who wish to snorkel and certified divers may start Day 7.

Volunteers can expect to undertake the following:

• Complete a certified 5 day scuba diving course
• Become a volunteer marine conservationist on the Eye on the Reef program
• Complete underwater Rapid Monitoring surveys
• Spend time with reef experts learning more about the environment

This program is an incredible 12 day, 10 night Great Barrier Reef Conservation experience suitable for those wishing to learn to dive, qualified divers and snorkelers alike. Note: Qualified divers and snorkelers should book the 1 week program; joining on Day 7. Certified Open Divers also have the option of doing the 2 week trip and completing their Advanced Course

Day 1 Arrive into Cairns and check into the hostel

Enjoy your day discovering Cairns. Points of interest include a stroll along the Esplanade, the Botanic Gardens, a swim in the Lagoon, the port and the CBD. A briefing is given in the late afternoon or early evening.

Day 2 - 3 Begin your PADI learn to dive course with 2 days of theory and pool dives

Volunteers are picked up from the hostel each morning and taken to the Training Center for the theory section of their PADI certification with a qualified instructor. 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. Transfer back to the hostel late afternoon each day. Breakfast is included daily.

Day 3 - 6 Great Barrier Reef - 3 nights staying aboard a boat and exploring the reef from above and below the surface

Head out to the incredible Great Barrier Reef for three days of practical training and reef monitoring work, involving a total of 9 dives and completing your PADI course. Return to Cairns late afternoon on day 6. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. A briefing takes place late afternoon or early evening.

Day 7 Rest day in Cairns. Snorkelers and Qualified divers arrive

Enjoy a day off from the water and a chance to explore Cairns and the surrounding area. Optional activities include Daintree National Park, discovering the waterfalls in the Cairns Highlands rainforest tours, extreme activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating or Mountain Biking tours. Alternatively, just relax by the pool at the hostel or at the Lagoon. Snorkelers and Certified Divers arrive today and check into their hostel. A Reef Teach presentation is held in the early evening, giving an insight into the magical world of the coral reef. Breakfast is included at the hostel.

Day 8 - 11 Great Barrier Reef Day trips – Reef Conservation tasks

These 3 days are spent aboard a vessel (returning to Cairns late afternoon); exploring the reef both above and below the surface. Under the guidance of your reef expert you will undertake a selection of activities each day while diving (2 x dives per day), including Rapid Monitoring surveys and a species count. Snorkelers carry out Coral Watch surveys. Afternoons are free time and breakfast and lunch is provided.

Day 12 Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Center

Visit tropical Fitzroy Island by ferry to undertake a monitoring survey and take an educational tour of the Island's Turtle Rehabilitation Center. You can either return to Cairns at midday or stay on the island for the afternoon to explore the island, relax on the beach or swim and snorkel. A de-briefing takes place back in Cairns in the evening. Breakfast is included.

Day 13 Check out of the hostel and depart Cairns

This project is available on set start dates throughout the year. 

Volunteers wishing to learn to dive should sign up for the 2 week program. Certified divers join on Day 6 of the program and should choose the 1 week duration.

• Arrival Day: THURSDAY
• Departure Day: SATURDAY

Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.

A tropical holiday feel prevails on the streets of Cairns and visitors can't help but relax and enjoy the vibe. Strolling the streets is a social event with people enjoying the temperate climate and relaxing in the many bars, restaurants and cafes. Esplanade Lagoon offers the opportunity to swim and relax without leaving town.  

Surrounded by stunning natural attractions - such as the famous Great Barrier Reef where this program is located, Daintree National Park and the stunning Northern beaches - Cairns is a magnet for eco and adventure travelers and is well equipped to cater to every visitors needs.