Volunteering

Into Canopies of Coral

Coral Reef Research in Fiji

Dive into the crystal blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean and contribute to coral reef preservation efforts in Fiji.

Durations: 2 - 12 weeks
Fieldwork hours35 hrs of fieldwork per week
Participant ratio1:6 staff to participant ratio
GVI experiencesIncludes GVI Experiences
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Travel flexibility, because life happens! Modify your booking, even up to 48 hours before departure. T&Cs apply.

Program information

Participating in this program means conducting important research with our key partners, and making a direct contribution to preserving the corals in the Dawasamu District. Coral bleaching is a global marine crisis: 50% of the world’s corals, which house a majority of marine life, have already been wiped out in the last thirty years, making it an intergenerational problem, requiring as much active action as possible.

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Free time & Cultural Immersion
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Support & Safety

Program overview

This program aims to promote sustainable practices and effective management of ocean and coastal areas while preserving marine resources. We prioritise community engagement and collaboration, ensuring that local communities are involved in decision-making processes. Our goal is to develop long-term strategies that support a thriving marine environment and preserve its diversity.

Weather permitting, you may participate in 1 or 2 dives or snorkels each day, for up to 5 days a week. Prior to diving, you will complete extensive training, in order to prepare you for the monitoring you will be involved in. Our GVI staff will supply you with all the training you need to be certified up to a PADI Advanced Open Water diver. 

Unqualified divers are welcome to join for 8 weeks or more, but the 4-week duration is only open for qualified Open Water divers. Unqualified divers who want to attend the program for 4 weeks can qualify through local dive centres before their intended start date.

Highlights

 

 

Support coral reef conservation
Support coral reef conservation
Assist with coral reef monitoring and data tracking. Share data and expertise with local partners.
Coral reefs and culture
Coral reefs and culture
Experience Fiji’s colourful coral reef systems and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Be part of the real deal
Be part of the real deal
Contribute to ongoing environmental projects that address critical challenges aligned to the global UN SDGs.
Join ethical initiatives
Join ethical initiatives
Join local conservation partners and qualified professionals to ensure your efforts are highly ethical, meaningful and sustainable.
Experience unreal adventures
Experience unreal adventures
Venture outside typical travel itineraries to get exclusive access to extraordinary remote habitats, rare species and unique ecosystems.
Make friends for life
Make friends for life
Share epic experiences with like-minded, passionate changemakers from all over the globe.
Enjoy a hassle-free, safe trip
Enjoy a hassle-free, safe trip
With expert local staff and 24/7 support at every step – you can relax and enjoy the experience stress-free.
Take a break
Take a break
Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, yourself and your purpose.

Activities

Some of the example typical activities you could participate in on this program.

 

Fieldwork training
Fieldwork training
Learn species identification and survey techniques to contribute to marine data collection and Dawasamu’s species inventory.
Conservation surveys
Conservation surveys
Assist with benthic (coral) or fish target species surveys.
Support community conservation
Support community conservation
Deliver lessons on environmental awareness in the local community and participate in community-based work, such as improving water security.
PADI Open Water
PADI Open Water
Learn scuba or refine skills. Cover theory, confined water dives, then open water dives in beginner-friendly sites (programs > 8 weeks).
PADI Advanced Open Water
PADI Advanced Open Water
Gain more diving experience with 5 adventure dives: deep water, underwater navigator, peak performance buoyancy and two optional adventure dives.
PADI Emergency First Response course
PADI Emergency First Response course
Learn primary and secondary care theory, practice 8 skills with role-playing scenarios, improving first aid and emergency preparedness.
PADI Marine Megafauna (MMF)
PADI Marine Megafauna (MMF)
The MMF Distinctive Speciality, unique to GVI, enhances diving skills for marine megafauna conservation projects (available for 4+ week programs).

Skills

  • Data entry
  • EMR training
  • Marine conservation
  • PADI
  • Species identification
  • Survey research

Partners

Some of the partners we work with on base.

Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA)

Program details

 
Included in your program, at no extra cost.

Make the most of our unique programs with these exclusively curated local adventure and wellness experiences.

Offered once a month, expand your adventure with GVI Experiences. These are just some of the activities offered on your program!
Learn to cook iTaukei food
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Make a traditional drink from kava root
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Learn indigenous plant medicine
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Hike to the top of Tova Peak
Hike to the top of Tova Peak
Fish with iTaukei women
Fish with iTaukei women
Weave a traditional mat
Weave a traditional mat
Visit Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park
Visit Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park
Learn to perform the Meke folk dance
Learn to perform the Meke folk dance
Connect with our alumni
Want to connect with some of our past participants about their adventures? Get in touch with hundreds of friendly ambassadors all over the world who would be more than happy to answer any questions.
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Zoom webinar : Tuesday 17 June 2025 18:00 BST | 13:00 EDT

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