Home > Volunteer in the Asia-Pacific > Volunteer in Thailand > Island-Marine-Conservation-with-PADI-Certification

Island Marine Conservation with PADI Certification

volunteer abroad marine conservation thailand gap year

Location Thailand
Start Date The first and third Saturday of the month
Duration
Book now for

The Project

Based on the Thai island of Koh Tao, this marine conservation project is perfect for divers or those wishing to learn to dive. The local community of Koh Tao, in association with the best dive schools, developed a project to help and protect the coral reefs within the Koh Tao national park from the damage caused by tourism and global warming. Building artificial reefs, culturing a giant clam nursery and undertaking regular monitoring activities in the waters surrounding the island, volunteers can spend every day diving and familiarising themselves with the marine life of Thailand. The success of this project to date has seen government environmental agencies use the data gathered to make policy decisions.

This project includes PADI Open water, advanced and SSI Ecological diver certification. Prices vary depending on level of existing certification.
Why the project needs you

With the surge in tourism to this tiny island, the marine national park has suffered greatly in recent years. Regular monitoring and cleaning on the reefs removes damaging debris and identifies changes in the numbers and health of the marine life to detect areas of concern, which can then be reacted to. Work done on this project has raised general awareness of issues and it looks to volunteers to become ambassadors of good diving practice.

Project Location

The southern bay of Chao Lok on the island of Koh Tao is a heaven for divers. With over 40 dive schools on the island, this small village, away from the main tourist area, has all the benefits of internet cafes, restaurants and book shops, without the crowds.

Your delightful guesthouse, on the seafront, has a restaurant, internet cafe and Thai massage area, as well as a laundry facility and travel shop if you need help booking excursions to nearby Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.
Project Facts

• Duration: 2 - 6 weeks (for those wishing to stay longer than 6 weeks internships are available)
• Cost: New Diver: £1365 ($2389) for 2 weeks, £1665 ($2914) for 3 weeks, £220 ($385) for each week thereafter
Open Water certified: £1225 ($2144) for 2 weeks, £1525 ($2669) for 3 weeks, £220 ($385) for each week thereafter
Advanced diver: £1145 ($2004) for 2 weeks and £220 ($385) for each additional week
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: Koh Tao, Thailand
• Project activities: Identifying species, reef monitoring, underwater clean up, and date collection
• Working hours: Monday-Friday 09.00-17.00
• Project Availability: Projects start first and third Saturday every month. Project closed from 15 October to 1 January
What is included

• Accommodation: Single or shared room in a guesthouse
• Airport pick up in Bangkok
• Transfer to Koh Tao
• PADI scuba diving, Open Water and Advanced course/qualification
• Training: Pre-departure information pack and onsite orientation provided
• Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
• Excursion Planning: staff will help organise activities and excursions
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
• Food: Meals are not provided, but there are many cheap restaurants in the village.
• Return transfer from Koh Tao to Bangkok
• Airport transfer in Bangkok after the project

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

You will be staying in a local guesthouse for the duration of your volunteer project. As a result of this, meals will not be included within your project fee, however there are lots of affordable restuarants close to the guesthouse where you will be able to pick up cheap food.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your in-country orientation by our coordinator in Bangkok, who will take you on a city tour of the cultural highlights. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area. Following this orientation you will be transferred to your project-site where you will receive a project-specific orientation to prepare you for your volunteer work.

Language Classes

At the beginning of your stay the in-country team will provide basic language classes to help you during your time on your placement.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.