Volunteer & Intership Program
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Join Coralive at one of our project locations to learn about restoring and protecting coral reef ecosystems. Our program combines theory with in-field restoration work, reef health monitoring, guest education activities as well as fun-dives in stunning locations all over the world.
What You’ll Do:
- Create, expand and maintain reef nurseries and structures
- Harvest and handle corals from rope & table nurseries
- Practice coral outplanting techniques
- Learn about Mineral Accretion Technology (MAT), where available
- Collect and record reef health data & conduct corallivore surveys and interventions
- Support guest and staff educational activities (presentations, workshops, quizzes, etc.)
Duration & Start Dates:
- Minimum: 2 weeks (up to 12 weeks)
- Start at the beginning or in the middle of each month
How to get invovled
This helps us match you with the right program, dates and roles based on your previous experiences and level of education.
Our team will review profiles, set up interviews and email you back with confirmation details, visa information, and pre-departure guidance.
Meet our representatives at the airport and transfer to the project location. Receive your orientation, settle in, and start making an impact!
INTERN PROGRAM
Looking for hands-on experience to kickstart your career in marine conservation? Our marine ecosystem internships include all volunteer activities plus expanded leadership, project, and guest engagement.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and guide volunteers during fieldwork
- Lead underwater tasks and data collection
- Support scientific monitoring and reporting
- Coordinate schedules, dive plans, and logistics
- Take ownership of specific restoration or monitoring projects
- Generate and lead interactive guest activities
Ideal for students, recent graduates, or anyone seeking to transition into the marine conservation field, this program provides valuable real-life skills in reef restoration, environmental education, and project management while working in some of the world’s most stunning marine environments.
Locations
We offer three locations for our Volunteer and Internship program, plus further courses to deepen your knowledge in coral taxonomy and husbandry on land. You may qualify better for some areas than others, depending on your expertise and knowledge. Let’s discuss and find out which program is best for you.
Our speciality courses
If you want to deepen your knowledge and gain experience in Coral Taxonomy or Coral Husbandry,
let us team you up with our most trusted partners.
Coral Taxonomy course
Deepen your knowledge by identifying up to 95 different Acropora coral species around Bali, Indonesia with our alliance partner Ocean Gardener.
Coral Husbandry course
Learn how to run a coral farm on land in Uvita, Costa Rica with our alliance partner Costa Rica Coral Restoration.
Hear from other interns and volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions
- First and foremost, you need to love nature and be curious about the marine environment and its conservation
- You should be physically and mentally fit, a good swimmer and generally just comfortable in and around the ocean
- Be a PADI Open Water diver (or equivalent) with 20 logged dives (depending on the location, we may be able to help you get and continue your certification)
- Minimum 18 years old or accompanied by an adult
- Willing to do physical work in tropical conditions (hot and humid)
- Being open-minded and respectful towards local cultures and customs
- Be flexible and expect the unexpected
Visa requirements depend on both the project country and your citizenship. In some cases, we will handle the paperwork and submit the necessary documents on your behalf before your arrival. In other cases, you may be responsible for arranging your own visa. We will provide clear guidance during your application process. We also recommend waiting until your visa has been issued before booking any flights.
In the world of conservation, no two days are ever the same! Weather, logistics, and immediate project needs keep things dynamic and engaging. During your first week, you’ll be introduced to our conservation work through orientation sessions and introductory lectures before putting new knowledge into practice right outside our doorstep. As your placement progresses, you’ll spend most of your time applying these skills – maintaining coral nurseries and doing active conservation and restoration work. You may also participate in community-focused projects such as beach and underwater clean-ups or guest and local education initiatives, helping protect the environment while inspiring others to get involved.
Yes! At a minimum, you’ll need to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. Depending on the project site, we may be able to provide some scuba equipment, but this is subject to availability. We recommend bringing your dive kit (excluding weights and tanks) whenever possible to ensure the best fit and comfort, but we’ll be happy to discuss your equipment needs with you in advance.
Yes, certainly! While the program is full of meaningful work and hands-on experience, you’ll also have regular breaks and designated days off to relax or explore (though this can vary by location). Whether you’d like to relax on the beach, enjoy a night dive, or immerse yourself in local culture, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your free time.
Our Volunteers at Work
We'd love to welcome you!
Create a personal profile so we get to know you a little better. Tell us your interests and preferred location so we can start planting corals together soon!
