Volunteering

Tropical Marine Biology and Conservation in Fiji

Learn to dive in the beautiful waters of the Dawasamu District while supporting community efforts towards sustainable marine resources.

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

Program information

Dive in crystal blue water and discover the rich biodiversity of the South Pacific while assisting with the sustainable management of marine resources and local marine protected areas. Contribute to national efforts to conserve Fiji’s delicate coral reefs and marine ecosystems while living on GVI’s hub in the rural village of Silana located in the Dawasamu District.

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
What's included
Life on Base
Experiences
New
Free time & Cultural Immersion
Speak to Alumni
Meet the team
Parent Info
Arrivals & Flights
Your Impact
Our Ethics
Publications
Program Ethics
Qualifications & Training Options
Support & Safety

Program overview

Head on out in the clear blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean, where you will learn or improve your diving in one of the world’s most beautiful tropical regions, while discovering a unique underwater environment. Join an international team of participants on a marine biology expedition which focuses on the collection of important data on marine species from underwater exploration dives. See the colourful coral reefs up close and discover a myriad of fascinating marine creatures to study. This analysis becomes the foundation for local communities and organisers to make better decisions to improve sustainability in the area.

Spend time getting to know the local community and experiencing cultural immersion in the Fijian way of life. Develop an environmental education and awareness program for local children and communities. The project is geared towards providing long-term benefits to locals through strategies helping to guarantee food security, not only for current generations but future ones too.

Highlights

 

 

Marine conservation surveys
Marine conservation surveys
Conduct underwater surveys on targeted fish, invertebrate and benthic (coral) species in the warm waters of the Pacific.
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
PADI Emergency First Response
Learn primary and secondary care theory, practice 8 skills with role-playing scenarios, improving first aid and emergency preparedness.
PADI Rescue Diver
PADI Rescue Diver
Enhance diver safety awareness, handle complex situations, practise direct intervention via rescue role plays (programs > 8 weeks).
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
Learn to cook iTaukei food
Make a traditional drink from kava root
Make a traditional drink from kava root
Learn indigenous plant medicine
Learn indigenous plant medicine
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
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.
Testimonial bg
Testimonial bg

Want to live a wilder life? Talk to us!

During office hours, we'll get back to you within a few minutes.

By submitting this form, I consent to contact via phone and email, as per GVI’s Privacy Policy.