Kick-start your marine conservation career in the crystal-clear waters of Bali or on the remote island of Arborek in Raja Ampat, Indonesia!

Both Bali and Raja Ampat are located in what’s known as the Coral Triangle, an area that’s home to 80% of the world’s coral species. 

Many of our projects involve diving, but don’t worry if you’re not dive-certified — you can earn your PADI qualifications with us.

Indonesia is a country of over 17,000 islands at the intersection of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Known for popular tourist destinations such as Nusa Penida and West Papua, Indonesia is also home to an incredible array of wildlife and sea life. 

GVI has two research hubs in Indonesia: one on the remote island of Arborek, and the other on the stunning island paradise of Bali. 

Arborek is a 60-75 minute boat ride from Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat Regency in eastern Indonesia. Raja Ampat (“raa-juh am-pat”) is a vast archipelago encompassing four main islands: Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. 

Our Bali location is situated in the tranquil coastal village of Amed, surrounded by black sand beaches, volcanic mountains, lush jungles and crystal-clear waters teeming with sea life. Nearby, you’ll find some of the best diving spots in the world, including the famed USAT Liberty shipwreck, all of which are just waiting to be explored.

Our Indonesian projects are dedicated to conserving the exceptional coral reefs and marine biodiversity of Bali and Raja Ampat while fostering sustainable tourism and livelihoods for local communities

Despite global threats like climate change, coral bleaching and disease, Raja Ampat’s reefs have shown remarkable resilience, retaining essential marine life. This resilience is critical for the conservation of marine ecosystems worldwide, as these nutrient-rich reefs help replenish other reefs through deep-sea currents.

Bali’s marine ecosystems are under significant threat from unethical tourism practices, pollution, and habitat destruction, leading to coral reef decline, biodiversity loss and seagrass degradation. Our conservation efforts in this location are focused on reducing human impact, restoring damaged habitats and fostering environmental responsibility in the community.

We offer two volunteer opportunities in Raja Ampat, Indonesia:

On our manta ray and coral reef conservation program, you’ll use your diving skills to collect essential data on the local coral reef, which is home to 80% of the world’s coral species.

Our PADI Divemaster and marine conservation expedition provides training from Open Water to Divemaster. You’ll dive 10 to 13 times weekly under professional supervision in Indonesia’s biodiverse blue and green belt.

In Bali, we offer one volunteer program and one internship program:

On our Island Conservation Expedition with Snorkelling in Bali you’ll assist with snorkelling surveys, data entry and important education initiatives aimed at supporting ongoing marine conservation efforts in the area. 

On our Marine Conservation Internship in Bali, every day of your program will be spent in the water, collecting data on coral and seagrass meadows, transplanting coral, and conducting species surveys. You’ll also spend time conducting community outreach workshops to help raise awareness of the importance of marine ecosystem protection. 

All of these programs offer the chance to live in one of the most biodiverse and stunningly beautiful ecosystems on the planet.

Participants are required to have a PADI Advanced Open Water certification to fully engage in some of the programs offered at this location. You can absolutely join us as an unqualified diver – we’ll provide dive courses in the first weeks of your project. As a beginner, you’ll participate in the dive training program and begin as a dive trainee, progressing from PADI Open Water to PADI Advanced Open Water during the initial week. 

Remember you’ll need additional time to complete these certifications. Our local staff and enrolment team will assist. Minimum project duration based on your diving qualification is as follows: no Open Water (4 weeks), Open Water (3 weeks), Advanced Open Water (2 weeks). Additional PADI courses like Rescue and Divemaster can also be done during the project. 

Qualified divers should send a copy of their certification card and logbook ahead of time and remember to bring them to the project. All qualified divers will undergo a review dive with a PADI scuba instructor to verify their skills and ensure they meet safety standards.

Some essential diving gear, like a dive torch, delayed SMB and reef hook, should be purchased before arrival and can be found inexpensively online. You’re welcome to bring your own mask, fins, and wetsuit, or you can rent them from the local teams.

When you think of Indonesia – and specifically an island archipelago – the first visuals that come to mind have contrasting shades of green, blue and white, as islands and sand meet the ocean.

As a volunteer in Indonesia, here are the top five things you can experience. 

1. These waters are home to 80% of the world’s coral species.
2. It’s a marine metropolis hosting 1,350 fish species, 6 of the world’s 7 marine turtle species and 27 types of marine mammals.
3. The crystal-clear waters and secluded white-sand beaches are perfect for relaxation.
4. The welcoming warmth of Papuan culture and customs makes you feel at home.
5. Breathtaking volcanic mountains and dense forest trails make for epic hiking experiences.

What language is commonly spoken in Indonesia?

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, but a local dialect and English are also spoken.

What’s the weather like in Indonesia?

The temperature is a very comfortable 27–30°C all year round. Coastal regions tend to be hot and humid, but our project location has a nice cool breeze. Rainfall is highest in September, with short spells that are typically only a few days long.

How can I stay in touch with family and friends back home?

There is 3G/4G internet access at our project base, or you can get a local Telkomsel SIM card on arrival at the Jakarta airport. Some international service providers also have roaming access here.

What can I do in my free time?

Given the beauty of your destination, you can either relax on the beaches, go for a fun dive or explore some of the uninhabited islands nearby. Consider taking extra time before or after your volunteer project to explore further.

Do I need any qualifications to volunteer in Indonesia?

You don’t need any specific experience or qualifications to join us on a volunteer project in Indonesia. We will provide project training during your program.