1. About our program

Coral reefs support a huge share of marine life and protect the coastal communities that depend on them, but they are under serious pressure from rising ocean temperatures, bleaching, and human impact. Ocean Gardener is an active conservation organization working to restore damaged reefs in Ped, Nusa Penida, by growing coral in a nursery and replanting it on a nearby restoration site. Our work is led by marine biologists who conduct scientific research alongside the restoration itself.

2. What the program is about and your role

This is real coral restoration, carried out within a coral lab, nursery, and restoration site. As a volunteer, you’ll take part fully in both training and practical activities. The program runs Monday to Friday, around 5 hours per day, and each day includes a classroom session and one restoration dive.

Restoration dives may include coral planting, coral maintenance, coral monitoring, or other ongoing projects, depending on what the reef and the team need at the time. Tasks can be physically and mentally demanding and require focus, patience, and attention to detail, particularly when working underwater around fragile coral structures. Conditions are not always predictable, so flexibility is part of the job.

3. Surroundings and locations

Our coral lab sits directly in front of our restoration site, so for every dive we simply walk down a staircase and into the ocean. Weekends are days off, giving you time to explore Ped and the rest of Nusa Penida: beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, Balinese culture and plenty of restaurants serving both local and international food.

Accommodation are within walking distance of the coral lab, with dormitories room. Meals are included and we have mineral water available on our coral lab. Our coral lab has 100 Mbps Wifi available for volunteers.

4. Who you’ll work with

You’ll work directly alongside Ocean Gardener’s local marine biologist team, who have multiple years of experience in coral restoration and are currently conducting scientific research. You’ll be guided by them throughout your time with us.

5. What we expect, and what you can expect

Ocean Gardener is an active conservation organization. This program is not a tourism experience and is not designed for casual participation. It requires commitment, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. We’re looking for people who are genuinely passionate about marine conservation and motivated to contribute to long-term reef restoration. We value volunteers who are proactive, resilient, willing to learn, and able to work as part of a team. A positive attitude and a readiness to engage fully with the work are essential.

Because every day includes a restoration dive, volunteers must hold a minimum of Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) and have completed at least 20 logged dives. This lets us focus on restoration work and keeps everyone safe when working around fragile coral.

The standards we set exist to protect our reefs, ensure safety, and support the long-term success of our restoration work. In return, you can expect classroom training and hands-on guidance from experienced marine biologists, daily restoration dives that contribute to a real conservation project, and the chance to become part of a professional conservation effort.

6. Special equipment

You don’t need to bring any special equipment. If you don’t have your own scuba gear, you can rent it from us for an additional fee. Please bring proof of your dive certification and logbook.