Dive into Conservation
Programme overview
Dive into Conservation – 2 Islands, 1 Month, Real Impact!
Spend one unforgettable month exploring two beautiful islands in the Philippines while earning your diving certifications and getting hands-on with marine conservation. You’ll start in Malapascua with a full introduction to our community-based programs, learning about sustainable fishing, reef protection, waste solutions, conservation education and more. Then, head to Higatangan Island to complete your PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications. With a minimum of 30 dives, you’ll dive into vibrant coral reefs and contribute to efforts to understand and protect these vital marine ecosystems.
In your final week, deepen your knowledge of reef ecology and survey training, all while working closely with the local community.
About the organisation
People and the Sea is a registered non-profit organization working to empower coastal communities in the Philippines to lead marine resource management. While our primary focus is on empowering communities to protect marine resources, our approach includes environmental education to instill ocean awareness, eco-entrepreneurship to promote sustainable livelihoods, waste reduction initiatives for cleaner environments, participatory management to engage local stakeholders, and responsible fishing practices to balance ecological health with community needs.
About the programme
Explore two islands, earn your diving certifications, and contribute to marine conservation in 1 MONTH!
Week 1 – Malapascua Induction
Begin your journey on Malapascua Island, where you’ll get a full introduction to our conservation programs, meet the team, and understand the impact of our work. This first week is about getting familiar with our mission and being trained across all our core programs, from marine protection and sustainable fishing to waste management and eco-livelihoods. It’s the perfect foundation to dive deeper into your experience with purpose and perspective.
Weeks 2 – Higatangan & Dive Training
Travel to the island of Higatangan and complete your Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications while exploring the surrounding coral reefs.
If you are already dive trained, you will get into reef survey training, COT monitoring and biodiversity data collection straight away!
Week 3 to 4/5 – Reef Training & Community Conservation
Stay on Higatangan for reef training and marine science classes. You’ll learn to assess and protect coral ecosystems while engaging with the local community.
- Benthic and Invertebrate ID workshops
- Reef Survey Techniques
- Crown of Thorns population assessment and management.
- Reef fish ID
- Fish landing observation
- 2 islands
- 2 diving certifications (OW + AOW)
- Hands-on reef conservation training
- A deeper connection with marine life & local communities
Join us for an unforgettable month of diving, learning, and making a difference!
Location
Malapascua is a vibrant island located in the Visayas in the Philippines. The island is about 2.5 by 1 kilometre in size, making it easy to explore. Malapascua is quite populated, yet it remains a rural area with very limited infrastructure. There are no cars on the island, no medical centre, most homes are built with cheap materials, water and electricity are scarce. In Malapascua, the main language spoken is Cebuano, which is native to the Visayas region. Additionally, most people also speak Tagalog, the national language. Malapascua Island is a traveller’s paradise. There are many white sand beaches and restaurants serving every food imaginable. However, the island’s rapid tourism growth has led to environmental challenges but that is the reason we are here!
Higatangan is a peaceful and secluded island in the Visayas, offering a stark contrast to the bustling tourist spots of the region. As one of the first organisations that has ever dived here, we are exploring untouched reefs teeming with marine life. The island is home to a small, tight-knit fishing community with whom we share a strong connection. Life moves slowly in Higatangan, there are no crowds, no rush, just the rhythm of the ocean and the warmth of the locals. With its quiet atmosphere and welcoming community, Higatangan is the perfect place to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature. Electricity is available from 3PM to 11PM, it’s a good way to disconnect a little : “detox”. Whether diving into pristine waters or learning from the island’s fishermen, every moment here is an opportunity to experience marine conservation in its purest form.
Live Local, Feel at Home
Throughout your expedition, you will stay with a local family, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the community. On the Inato Homestay website, you can learn more about our homestay initiative and the participating families on Malapascua.
It’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in Filipino culture: eat, sleep, and live the local way! Families love to share their traditions and daily life and are always happy to connect with the people they host. You’ll have your own private room, the family will provide towels and bed linen. It’s a warm, authentic experience that makes you feel at home from day one.
Visit our partner organisation Inato Homestay to learn more about accommodation options
Duration
In 2025, we will only run expeditions in June, July, August and September.
Arrival on 1st Saturday of each month
Costs and pre-requisites
Based on a 4 week program:
- €1885 (includes 1 dive certification)
- €2085 (includes 2 dive certifications)
Each additional week: €350
If you would like to stay longer, then you should be looking at our Community Conservation Internship program!
We do not have formal prerequisites, we welcome open-minded, adaptable individuals who are eager to learn, get involved, and share their skills. Whether you come from a background in science, education, communications, or simply bring curiosity and enthusiasm, you’ll find meaningful ways to contribute.
What’s included
Included:
- Homestay accommodation in a local community family in Malapascua and Higatangan
- Unlimited water, tea and coffee
- In Malapascua, breakfast and lunch on working days
- In Higatangan, breakfast, lunch and dinner are on all days (there aren’t any eating options outside cooking on the island!)
- Transfer Malapascua to Higatangan
- Use of diving equipment (BCD and regs) Minimum of 30 dives
- Open Water training
- Advanced Open Water training
- Reef survey training
- First Aid training
- Reef species identification and survey techniques training
- A People and the Sea t-shirt
- Full on-site logistical support
- Comprehensive support and advice for support at departure and during the mission
- The opportunity to work alongside our Filipino team, in the heart of a community working for marine conservation.
Not included:
- Membership to People and the Sea: 15 euros
- PADI certification fees
- Flights and transfer costs to/from Malapascua/Higatangan at beginning/end of placement
- Dive and travel insurance (mandatory)
- Evening meals and meals on non working days whilst in Malapascua
- Visas fees (including travel costs for extension)
- All your personal diving gear wetsuit, computer, mask, snorkel and fins and dive computer. We can rent dive computers for 10 euros/week if needed.
- Personal expenses
How to apply
To apply fill in the volunteer application form
