Why This Project Matters
Healthy coral reefs and coastal ecosystems are essential for marine life, local communities and the future of our oceans. On Nusa Penida, the local conservation initiative has been working since 2017 to restore the island's reefs. They have already planted more than 97,000 corals. Volunteers support this long-term work while also helping protect sea turtles, restore mangroves, monitor reef health and reduce plastic pollution.
The impact goes beyond the water. By combining hands-on conservation with environmental education, seaweed farming and community activities, the project supports both nature and the people who depend on it. As a volunteer, you become part of this work and get to see how small actions can contribute to long-term change.
Your Project: Sea Turtle & Coral Conservation on Nusa Penida Your project combines coral restoration, sea turtle conservation, reef monitoring and coastal protection. You'll spend your days working alongside the local team and other volunteers, getting hands-on experience in different areas of marine conservation.
Your activities include:
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Preparing coral fragments
- Learning techniques used for reef restoration
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Supporting the maintenance of coral nurseries
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Taking part in reef monitoring and identifying different fish and coral species
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Helping with sea turtle care, including cleaning tanks at the local turtle conservation center
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Collecting mangrove seeds and planting new seedlings
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Taking part in beach and underwater clean-ups
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Supporting seaweed farming as a form of sustainable local development
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Joining environmental education and community activities
No two project days are exactly alike. Your schedule depends on tides, weather, current conservation needs and the activities planned by the local team. Some days take you into the water, while others focus on conservation work on land or community projects.
Our environmental and animal welfare guidelines apply throughout the project. You'll do all activities together with the local team and according to the needs of the ecosystem and animals.
Who You Will Be Working With You'll work with the local marine conservation team, who guide your activities and introduce you to the different areas of the project. Our local team has been involved in marine conservation on Nusa Penida for years and very closely with the surrounding community.
As soon as you arrive on Nusa Penida you'll also be part of an international volunteer community. Together, you'll work on conservation activities, explore the island after your project and share everyday life in your shared accommodation. Our local wayers team is there to support you throughout your stay, with Ayu as your personal local contact on Nusa Penida.
What We Expect From You You don't need previous experience in marine conservation. What matters is your curiosity, initiative, reliability and a genuine interest in protecting the ocean with its marine life.
You should enjoy being outdoors and be comfortable with practical work, including activities in and around the water. Some tasks are physically active and your schedule can change depending on tides and weather. An open and flexible mindset is important, because conservation work doesn't always follow a fixed timetable.
What You Can Expect From Us Before departure, we'll prepare you with an online preparation seminar, access to the wayers Lounge, our digital wayers Workbook, detailed travel information, and the opportunity to connect with other participants before you leave.
Once in Bali, your package includes your airport transfer from Denpasar to Nusa Penida, accommodation, project orientation, support from our local wayers team and a 24-hour emergency line in Germany and on site. Daily breakfast and lunch from Monday to Friday are included, as well as dinner on Mondays. After returning home, you'll receive a certificate of participation.
Life on Nusa Penida You'll stay in a tropical bungalow accommodation in the northern part of Nusa Penida. From there it takes around seven minutes walk to the project basecamp. At your accommodation we have shared rooms for up to four people, with a private bathroom in each bungalow.
Your home for the next few weeks has a pool, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, storage space and community areas. Restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and dive shops are within walking distance. The beach is around 650 metres away.
Surroundings: Nusa Penida is all about beaches, beautiful landscapes, temples and the ocean. In your free time, you can relax at spectacular beaches, hike along dramatic cliffs, snorkel with manta rays, visit Kelingking Beach, or take a trip to neighbouring Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. You can also try diving or freediving, practise yoga, explore local markets, or simply watch the sunset with your new volunteer crew.
Travel with Confidence
As a German tour operator with over 22 years of experience and more than 70,000 participants sent abroad, wayers supports you with travel preparation, insurance information and a personal welcome on arrival, backed by a 24/7 emergency line in Germany and on site.
