MARINE CONSERVATION
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
A MARINE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE THAT STILL FEELS LIKE AN ADVENTURE
Dive on one of the most incredible reef systems in the world while actively contributing to ongoing marine research.
This program blends structured conservation work with the adventure of living and diving in Sodwana Bay.
DURATION
2 - 12 weeks
AGE
18 - 36 years old
SEASON
January - November
LOCATION
Sodwana Bay, South Africa
What You’ll Be Doing
This program combines great diving with real conservation work, so you can enjoy every dive while still contributing to meaningful research.
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Dive with a purpose: Volunteers dive five days a week on Sodwana Bay’s reefs, taking part in relaxed drift dives while photographing nudibranchs. You’re free to enjoy the dive, the reef, and the marine life, while your photos contribute to long-term reef and climate monitoring.
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Learn as you go: You’ll be shown how to spot, photograph, and recognise nudibranchs, with skills developing naturally over time, no pressure and no tests.
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Turn dives into data: After diving, volunteers take part in easy, guided database sessions, where photos are logged and species are identified together in a relaxed, social setting.
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Marine lectures: A series of engaging lectures led by a local zoologist helps you understand what you’re seeing underwater, covering nudibranchs, fish ID, coral reefs, marine life, and conservation.
Who This Program Is For
This program is a great fit if you:
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Want to dive regularly while contributing to real conservation work.
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Are curious about marine life and excited to learn more.
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Enjoy a relaxed, community-focused lifestyle rather than luxury travel.
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Are wanting to meet like-minded people who love the ocean as much as you do.
You don’t need a science background or previous conservation experience, just a passion for the ocean.
A Typical Week With Us
Life in Sodwana Bay is relaxed, ocean-focused, and flexible. While we follow a general weekly structure, plans can shift depending on weather and sea conditions. We take things day by day, always prioritising safe and enjoyable diving.
Your First Week:
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Friday: Arrival day. Volunteers are welcomed, shown around the house, and given time to settle in after travel.
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Saturday: A slow, easy introduction to Sodwana. The day includes orientation, a town tour, and a talk about the area, with plenty of downtime to adjust and meet the group.
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Sunday: The day starts with a lecture on nudibranchs and the research project, followed by pool sessions. Certified divers complete a refresher, while those doing an Open Water course begin their confined water training.
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Monday - Wednesday: Volunteers begin diving, either completing their four PADI Open Water course dives or joining project dives.
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Thursday: First trip day.
Dive & Project Days:
We typically dive five days per week (usually Saturday to Wednesday).
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07:30 Camp pick-up
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08:00-08:30 Kit up dive gear & dive briefing at the beach
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08:30-10:00 Dive
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10:00-11:00 Return to camp
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11:00–13:00 Lunch break
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13:00–14:00 Database entry
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14:00–15:00 Marine lecture
Exploration & Time Off
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Trip Day (Thursday): A day to relax and explore the area. We usually head out for a braai and swim at places like Tolla se Gat, Lake Sibaya, or one of the northern beaches.
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Free Day (Friday): Your day off. Volunteers can relax or join optional activities, which we can help organise, such as surfing, quad biking, Kosi Bay boat trips, beach days, or safari excursions.
Sodwana Bay runs on ocean time. While this outline gives a good idea of what to expect, schedules may change due to weather and dive conditions. Most volunteers find the slower pace refreshing and enjoy the balance between structure and freedom.
What You’ll Leave With
Most volunteers leave with far more than just dive memories.
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Improved diving confidence and underwater awareness.
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A strong foundation in nudibranch identification and reef ecology.
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Hands-on experience contributing to long-term marine conservation research.
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A deeper understanding of how reefs function and why they matter.
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New friendships and a sense of belonging within the dive and conservation community.
Costs
€ 2350 - First 2 weeks.
€ 850 - Per additional week.
We offer discounts for groups of two or more volunteers, email us with your group size and we'll get back to you on the discount.
What's Included
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Richards Bay airport transfers.
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Accommodation at our volunteer and intern house.
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Weekly groceries.
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One diving course (PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water if you are already a diver).
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Five project dives a week & hard gear rental for dives (cylinder, BCD, regulator & weight belt).
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Transport to & from the beach for dives as well as around town.
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Gate fees into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park for dives, as it is a marine protected area.
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Weekly excursions to view points, Lake Sibaya, Tolla se Gat or our northern beaches.
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Marine lectures from a local zoologist.
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24/7 support from our on-site staff.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR MARINE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Email us at info@deepblueconservation.org to book your spot or click the button below.
“I didn’t know what to expect but what I got was so much more. I wanted adventure and diving, but I also gained confidence, knowledge, and lifelong friends. The team’s passion made every dive and every lecture exciting, and Sodwana will always stay in my heart.”
— Pia Forrestal