Marine Conservationist
Coordinator | Sopheanie
Coordinator | Sopheanie
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Learn about marine environmental science and conservation.
Experience Khmer lifestyle, food and events with our local community and Khmer team members
Direct action through dedicating your time to the protection of the marine environment through on the ground field conservation
Discover Cambodian both land and underwater wonders
Meet people with a huge variety of background and from all around the world
By joining us on our little tropical island paradise, we can guarantee that you will make a genuine difference to the conservation of our unique Cambodian waters.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Groups
50+
Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is an independent community based NGO advocating for national environmental policy.
MCC's research station is based on the island of Koh Ach Seh in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago where we have built our own community.
MCC is committed to:
- protecting and restoring healthy and sustainable marine ecosystems;
- supporting and empowering small-scale fishing communities who rely on local marine resources for their food and livelihoods;
- assisting the Cambodian government in the development of sustainable fisheries and the implementation of best practice regulations and management.
Our current research focus:
- Land, boat, and drone aerial surveys to assist in marine mammal surveys.
- SCUBA and free-diving surveys to assist in seagrass surveys.
- Drone and boat patrols for the marine harvesting network project.
- Public awareness of the marine environment through outreach and community engagement.
We also encourage volunteers with the relevant experience, initiative, and curiosity to conduct their own research projects. This is a rare opportunity to be your own project director, challenge yourself, and discover something new.
Our dive instructor will teach SSI Open Water and SSI Advanced Adventurer courses at an additional cost. Any volunteers holding the SSI Advanced Adventurer qualification (or equivalent) can borrow dive equipment and explore the reefs around our island home at their own leisure.
Typical day
The typical day always depends on the specific missions we have to complete plus the weather and diving conditions. We organise a new schedule every Monday that fits what we need to accomplish for the week. Volunteers participate both in land activities (presentations, artificial reef building, dolphin surveys, beach cleaning etc.) or underwater ones if the visibility allows it (scientific surveys, artificial reef deployment, fun diving etc.).
Free-time activities
We are the only ones that live on this island. As long as you respect everyone that lives within our community, you are free to do what you want, play volleyball, complete personal work, read in the hammocks, explore the jungle, dive and snorkel, garden, building anything you need etc. Your only limit is your imagination, it is truly a beautiful place to spend your time whilst making a difference to ocean conservation.
Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Independent, dedicated to ocean protection, open-minded, curious.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:00
- 17:00
What's Included
The current costs for staying with us vary depending on your length of stay, your experience and what you can personally offer to our project.
The weekly fee covers all of your boat travel to and from the island, accommodation, food, diving (if you are advanced qualified, excluding courses) and other direct expenses needed to support you during your stay. It also includes a small amount that goes to cover project costs such as the Khmer staff wages, running and maintenance costs such as boats, electricity, water and materials needed to conduct the research.
We do NOT use any of your fees to cover administration costs, advertising costs or foreign staff wages.
For stays longer than 2 months, contact us to work out a cost that can be discussed to suit your budget whilst still allowing us to operate effectively.
We are the only ones that live on our remote island. It was a desert island before we arrived, we literally built everything here, from the pier to the bungalow to the volleyball court. There is no restaurant, no shop etc. We've built our village between the ocean and the jungle. We are all living in beach bungalows (maximum 6 people, most of the time 3 or 4) with bucket showers and bunk beads.
We have two amazing Khmer chefs that cook both Western and Khmer food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drinks are also provided by MCC (except for alcohol).
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.
The nearest airport is Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in Phnom Penh. We assist you to find cheap flights to Cambodia.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Cambodia provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Cambodia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Cambodia.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
From Phnom Penh, you can take a bus to the town of Kep for around $15. Otherwise, you can take a taxi straight for a slightly higher price. Once you arrive at the Kep bus station, it is advised to take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the Rabbit Island Pier where our boat will be docked. The boat departs the pier at 3pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 50 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,000
3 weeks
$1,200
4 weeks
$1,400
8 weeks
$2,600
50 weeks
(max. stay)
$8,000
Average fees
$330
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Marine Conservation Cambodia
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Marine Conservation Cambodia during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
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Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Marine Conservation Cambodia cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Marine Conservation Cambodia.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Marine Conservationist
By joining us on our little tropical island paradise, we can guarantee that you will make a genuine difference to the conservation of our unique Cambodian waters.
$330/week
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