Marine Conservation Program in Dauin, Philippines
Program Overview
Reef Buddy Philippines is a marine conservation programme in Dauin, Negros Oriental — the macro diving capital of the Philippines, in the heart of the Coral Triangle. We're the Southeast Asian operation of Caribbean Reef Buddy, founded in Grenada in 2014 and named Most Dedicated Marine Conservation Organisation 2023 by Acquisition International.
Volunteers work alongside our research staff across four workstreams: reef monitoring using Reef Check methodology, coral nursery cultivation and reef restoration, apex predator monitoring using BRUVS (baited underwater cameras), and invasive species management. Reef Check is the global standard for citizen-science reef surveys, used in peer-reviewed research. No prior diving experience is required — PADI training from Open Water through Divemaster is built in.
Programmes run 2 to 12 weeks. Volunteers stay at Sierra Resort in Dauin with all meals included, diving with the on-site PADI 5-Star dive centre. Whether you're a marine science student, an early-career conservationist, or a diver after real science, we offer hands-on conservation work — from Dauin's world-famous macro diving to the Apo Island marine reserve.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Winter
- Conservation
- Environment
- Marine Conservation
Updated Jun 2, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Philippines
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High School Junior (3rd Year)
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School 5th Year or More
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Some college credit, no degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
- Written Application
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Winter
Starts At
- 2 Weeks: $1,625
- 4 Weeks: $2,865
- 8 Weeks: $5,565
- 12 Weeks: $8,265
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Reef Buddy Philippines.
Is prior scuba diving experience required to participate?
No prior experience is required. Beginners can learn to scuba dive during the program, and participants need to complete up to their PADI Advanced Open Water certification (either with us during the program or before arriving) before they can get involved in different marine conservation projects.
What conservation activities will participants be involved in?
Participants contribute to four research workstreams: reef monitoring using Reef Check methodology, coral nursery cultivation and reef restoration, apex predator monitoring using BRUVS (baited underwater cameras), and invasive species management. Activities combine survey dives, hands-on restoration work, data entry, and community education sessions.
What is the duration of the program?
Programmes run from 2 to 12 weeks with flexible, year-round start dates. The first week is a Training Week covering PADI dive certification for those who need it, followed by Project Weeks contributing to active conservation work. A Research Divemaster pathway is available for those staying 8 weeks or more.
Where will participants be staying and working?
Participants stay at Sierra Resort in Dauin, Negros Oriental, where the dive centre and classroom facilities are on site. Accommodation is in shared, air-conditioned rooms with meals provided at the resort restaurant. Diving takes place at Dauin's renowned macro sites and the nearby Apo Island marine reserve.
Which services and amenities are included in the program fee?
The fee includes accommodation at Sierra Resort, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily except Saturday dinner), full PADI dive equipment, dive training, survey dives, park and coastal fees, airport pick-up from Dumaguete, and 24/7 in-country support. International flights, travel insurance, visas, and Apo Island excursions are not included.
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