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Excellent 4.83rating (88)
  • Life Below Water

SCUBA OWD + Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Become a trained volunteer marine biologist, surveying and reporting on the health of the Great Barrier Reef through thrilling snorkeling adventures on tropical islands.🐚🐬
  • Learn to dive in one of the world's most amazing locations by completing an Open Water Dive Certificate. 🐠
  • Take part in marine debris clean-up activities, actively reducing the threats posed to marine life and making a direct positive impact. 🪸

Highlights

  • Become a trained volunteer marine biologist, surveying and reporting on the health of the Great Barrier Reef through thrilling snorkeling adventures on tropical islands.🐚🐬
  • Learn to dive in one of the world's most amazing locations by completing an Open Water Dive Certificate. 🐠
  • Take part in marine debris clean-up activities, actively reducing the threats posed to marine life and making a direct positive impact. 🪸
  • Dive into the incredible underwater world and swim alongside a diverse range of sea life, including fascinating turtles and majestic sharks. 🦈
  • Connect with like-minded individuals from around the world, sharing your passion for marine conservation and creating lasting friendships. 🌍🗺️
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 17+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Learn to dive (Open Water Certificate) while helping protect and conserve the world’s biggest coral reef. 🪸

    Ready to discover the underwater world while making a real difference?

    This unique program combines learning to dive with impactful marine conservation. Start your adventure by earning your Open Water Dive Certification on the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Already certified? Take the next step with ...

    About the program

    Ready to discover the underwater world while making a real difference?

    This unique program combines learning to dive with impactful marine conservation. Start your adventure by earning your Open Water Dive Certification on the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Already certified? Take the next step with the Advanced Open Water Dive Course (separate program). You’ll gain skills, explore vibrant coral ecosystems, and contribute to vital conservation efforts that protect one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

    Why Choose This Program?

    • Learn or Advance Your Dive Skills: Mastering basic diving techniques whilst enjoying a 3 day/2 night liveaboard right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

    • Travel with Purpose: Beyond certification, become a citizen scientist, conducting reef surveys, coral health monitoring, turtle population studies, and marine debris clean-ups as part of the ‘Eye on the Reef’ program.

    • Snorkelling for Precision: Conservation activities, including research and data collection, are snorkel-based to ensure optimal visibility and accuracy for monitoring the reef’s health.

    • Liveaboard Adventure: Spend three unforgettable days aboard a dive vessel, completing dives while living on the reef. Wake up to turquoise waters, breathtaking sunrises, and the call of adventure.

    • Ethical Travel with Impact: As a non-profit charity, Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers ensures your participation directly supports sustainable and transparent conservation efforts.

    • Island Retreat: Balance meaningful work with leisure. Snorkel pristine reefs, and unwind with walking trails, kayaking, or a quiet moment on the beach.

    Who Is This For?

    • First-Time Divers: Ideal for those eager to learn diving and immerse themselves in marine conservation.

    • Eco-Conscious Explorers: For those passionate about ethical travel and making a tangible difference.

    • Adventure-Seekers: Combine diving, conservation, and tropical island living in one unforgettable journey.

    Your Home Base

    • Cairns: Your tropical adventure hub, with vibrant city life and easy access to the reef.

    • Accommodation: Dorm style hotel accommodation (upgrades available)

    • Liveaboard Dive Vessel: Sleep among the waves, waking up to ocean views and ready for a day of diving.

    • Tropical Island Escape: Relax in paradise, with pristine beaches and opportunities for exploration and fun.

    Inclusions

    • Full 5 day Open Water Dive Course

    • Hostel and 2 night liveaboard accommodation

    • Research and conservation training

    • Snorkel-based conservation activities

    • All meals on the liveaboard, lunches during conservation days

    • 24/7 in-country support

    • Field equipment and materials

    Essential Details

    • Minimum age: 17 (specific accommodation arrangements apply for 17-year-olds).

    • Must be able to swim 200 metres or snorkel 300 metres and tread water for 10 minutes.

    • Dive certification: Not required for Open Water Course; Open Water Certification required for Advanced Course.

    Join Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers for an experience that combines adventure, learning, and purpose. Whether you’re starting your diving journey or advancing your skills, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and the knowledge that you’ve made a lasting impact.

    Ready to dive in? Secure your spot today!

    Typical day

    A Typical Day

    • Week 1: Learn to dive with an Open Water Certification, exploring the reef through guided dives.

    • Week 2: Shift to conservation, participating in snorkel-based reef health surveys, turtle monitoring, and clean-ups. Gain hands-on experience in marine biology and ecological data ...

    Typical day

    A Typical Day

    • Week 1: Learn to dive with an Open Water Certification, exploring the reef through guided dives.

    • Week 2: Shift to conservation, participating in snorkel-based reef health surveys, turtle monitoring, and clean-ups. Gain hands-on experience in marine biology and ecological data collection.

    • Optional Extra Week(1 or 2): Extend your stay to deepen your conservation impact through advanced training in marine debris collection, data analysis, and expanded reef research.

    Start your day with a short walk to the boat, then snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, collecting data and observing marine life to support critical research. Return to the island or liveaboard for a relaxing lunch with your fellow volunteers. Afternoons might involve beach clean-ups or interactive workshops on conservation challenges and solutions. As the day winds down, enjoy free time exploring Cairns or relaxing by the hostel pool. Evenings bring shared meals, storytelling, and a chance to connect with your new global community.

    Free-time activities

    There is plenty to do in this vibrant part of Australia so take some time out before or after your placement to explore some of the surrounding areas. 

    • Cairns and the surrounding areas have it - dive sites, Fitzroy Island National Park, off road driving, ballooning, canoeing, cruising, scuba-diving, ...

    Free-time activities

    There is plenty to do in this vibrant part of Australia so take some time out before or after your placement to explore some of the surrounding areas. 

    • Cairns and the surrounding areas have it - dive sites, Fitzroy Island National Park, off road driving, ballooning, canoeing, cruising, scuba-diving, kayaking, sailing, scenic flights, shopping, skydiving, snorkelling, swimming, bush walking, rock climbing, wildlife spotting, markets, hot springs, beaches, lakes/rivers/dams, nightlife/clubs/pubs/casinos, roadside stalls, cellar doors, scenic railway, canopy walk, tea plantation, coffee plantation, wineries, sky high cable car, lava tubes, kayaking, spas and galleries.
    • Cairns is the best place to soak up the tropical lifestyle. Swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at a farmer's market, enjoy free entertainment, shop for a summer wardrobe, visit some caves, National Parks or Falls, or cruise around the marina and check out the night markets. Take a cool dip at a secluded freshwater swimming hole, jump on a bike for a sightseeing tour along the city's network of cycle paths or experience the unique rainforest.
    • After dark choose a lively bar for drinks, taste local seafood at an award-winning restaurant, party on a dance floor, discover treasures at the markets or watch a local cultural show.🎶🎊

    This compact city is easy to get around and has the reef, rainforest and outback on its doorstep. With the Cairns International and Domestic airports only 10 minutes from the Central Business District, Cairns is the ideal entry point for a Tropical North Queensland adventure! 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 17 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (fluently)

    Required Documents

    Proof of travel Insurance docs

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Minimum age: 17 (specific accommodation arrangements apply for 17-year-olds). Must be able to swim 200 metres or snorkel 300 metres and tread water for 10 minutes. Dive certification: Not required for Open Water Course

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    All project fees are payable in Australian Dollars (AUD).

    Prices include 10% Australian Goods & Services Tax (GST).

    What's included in this project?
    • Pre-departure support
    • Project Information Booklet
    • Project orientation
    • Training
    • Field equipment and materials
    • Hostel accommodation in Cairns in a dorm (room upgrades available)
    • Accommodation on the Reef
    • Most meals
    • 5-day PADI Open Water Dive course (14 day program) 
    • 3 day/ 2 night liveaboard on the Great Barrier Reef
    • Multiple dives on the Great Barrier Reef
    • 2 day trips to a tropical island
    • O2E t-shirt
    • 24-hour in-country support
    • 24-hour O2E emergency phone
    • Certificate of Participation, if requested
    What's not included in this project?
    • Flights
    • Travel insurance
    • Reef taxes and levies 
    • Most meals (only lunch is included)
    • Personal spending
    • Visas
    • Dive medical costs (if required)
    • Optional activities

    Accommodation

    The accommodation is split between Cairns and a boat on the reef. While on the mainland, the accommodation is located at the YHA Central Cairns Hostel (or equivalent if not available). 

    • This is a dormitory-style hostel in central Cairns, located in close proximity to a range of cafes, restaurants, the mall, the esplanade and tourism operators. 
    • You can expect to share a room with 1-6 others of the same gender (please note that you can be accommodated with both O2E volunteers and non-volunteers). 

    Note at peak times, volunteers may be placed in a mixed dorm. Volunteers who identify as they or non-binary will be placed in a mixed dorm unless a request is made by a volunteer for another room type. Volunteer who are 17 must stay in a single room and pay a single room supplement. 

    Accommodation upgrades to private rooms or smaller rooms including twin and double share rooms are available at an additional cost, as well as extra nights of accommodation before or after your program. It is best to arrange accommodation upgrades or extensions with the local team at least 4 weeks prior to your program start date. Please note that these upgrades are subject to availability.

    Food & Beverages

    Only lunch is included Monday to Friday with vegan and vegetarian catered for. Breakfasts and dinners are the responsibility of the participants, however there are supermarkets and many great eateries in Cairns as well as a communal kitchen for those volunteers that would like to shop for groceries and cook their own meals.

    All meals on the Liveaboard are provided.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Cairns Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cairns Airport (CNS) in Cairns. We assist you to find cheap flights to Australia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Australia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Australia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Australia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The programs run most months of every year. Please contact us for start dates further out than these.

    Start dates for the full non-certified Open Water Dive Certificate: 


    29/6/2025 - 12/7/2025 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    27/7/2025 - 9/8/2025 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    24/8/2025 - 6/9/2025 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    28/9/2025 - 11/10/2025 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    26/10/2025 - 8/11/2025 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    30/11/2025 - 13/12/2025 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)


    2026 Dates

    4/1/2026 - 17/1/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    25/01/2026 - 07/02/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    22/02/2026 - 07/03/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    29/03/2026 - 11/04/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    26/04/2026 - 09/05/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    24/5/2026 - 06/06/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    28/06/2026 - 11/07/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    26/07/2026 - 08/08/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    30/08/2026 - 12/09/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    27/09/2026 - 10/10/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    25/10/2026 - 7/11/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    29/11/2026 - 12/12/2026 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)


    2027 Dates

    03/01/2027 - 16/01/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    24/01/2027 - 06/02/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    21/02/2027 - 06/03/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    28/03/2027 - 10/04/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    25/04/2027 - 08/05/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    30/05/2027 - 12/06/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    27/06/2027 - 10/07/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    25/07/2027 - 07/08/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    29/08/2027 - 11/09/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    26/09/2027 - 9/10/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    24/10/2027 - 6/11/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)

    28/11/2027 - 11/12/2027 (optional 1-2 extra weeks)


    Please note*

    The second installment of your project fees is due after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. So if you book within 90 days you will be required to pay in full upon booking confirmation. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees."


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 2,412€
    3 weeks 3,690€
    4 weeks (max. stay) 4,967€
    Average fees 1,224€/week

    Program fees

    1,224€ per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 17 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers
    •
    2025
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    Location

    Oceania > Australia and New Zealand > Australia > Queensland

    Meet your project coordinator

    Trish & Tracy
    88
    reviews
    4.83
    Excellent
    2011
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Australia
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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