Diving and Marine Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand

  Thailand

• Other Cities in Thailand: 
Koh Tao

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: There's something fishy going on... and this project is your chance to be part of it!

Thailand's stunning coral reefs are in desperate need of conservation and you can help by diving in and testing water quality, cleaning up the ocean floor and other important tasks. If you've never dived before, not to worry: you'll spend the first week earning your PADI Open Water Certificate. If you already have the certificate, we'll move you on to the Advanced Open Water qualification. Based on the beautiful tropical island of Koh Tao, with its smooth currents and swaying palm trees, you'll have plenty of spare time to enjoy rock climbing, cycling or even just relaxing on the beach!

*What the project does and why it needs you!
The New Heaven Dive School believes that "the impact you leave on the coral reef is just as important as the impact it leaves on you." They are committed to keeping Koh Tao beautiful and run a marine conservation program to ensure that generations to come will still be able to enjoy this lovely island paradise. The conservation program aims to monitor the status of the coral reef and marine life in the area. The data collected will be used by scientists to determine which species are in decline and how best to conserve them.

They also work on projects such as bio rock restoration that helps sustain the biodiversity of the local reefs.

Highlights:
* Learning to dive on a stunning tropical island
* Relaxing into the laid back island way of life
* Chilling out on the beach in your free time - fantastic

Qualifications: Who is it for?
This project is for anyone who enjoys diving (or wants to learn), the beach and having fun in the sun.

What you'll be doing:
Your main tasks will revolve around the different marine conservation projects. You will spend your first week getting PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water certified depending on your level and learning about marine conservation through a series of lectures and hands-on sessions. You will also learn to catalogue data using the Reef Check method. Once you are fully up to speed, you will go underwater to monitor coral and fish populations, take part in underwater clean up and conduct water testing. You may also participate in some island conservation projects including beach clean-up or data entry. You will be working 6 to 8 hours a day, Monday to Friday and one day per weekend.

Project resources and advice:
If you have diving equipment that you would like to bring, please do! If not, no problem - rental of all diving gear is included in your project fee.

Cost in US$: USD 2,635.00 for 2 weeks

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994