PADI Marine Conservation Expedition

Highlights

• Enhancing your scuba diving skills with daily dives (weather permitting).
• Conducting underwater surveys in the warm waters of the Pacific.
• See coral reefs up close and discover a myriad of fascinating marine creatures to study.
• Spending time getting to know the local community.
• Cultural immersion in the Fijian way of life.

Caqalai Island plays host to a diverse mix of marine conservation projects, which participants will experience while living an island-style, communal environment with fellow participants and GVI staff. The island is on the edge of an expansive reef system, which provides volunteers and interns with the opportunity to see extensive and exclusive underwater life, generating a vastly in-depth, explorative experience as a whole.  
On this program, you will learn all about coral reef ecology and conservation issues facing tropical marine organisms and the communities that depend on them. Participants typically spend time in the water every day, in what can only be described as a vibrant marine ecosystem. There is a possibility of seeing endangered species such as sharks, rays, humphead wrasse and whales while participating on the program. While on dry land, you will also likely spend some time in the community helping with environmental education in our partner schools.

You will spend the majority of your time on this expedition in the water and as such you need to be qualified to at least PADI Open Water, or equivalent. Non-divers can join for 8- and 12-week durations, and we will supply you with all the training you need to be certified up to PADI Advanced Open Water. The 4-week duration is only open for divers already qualified to PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. For non-divers wishing to attend for 4-weeks, we can recommend local dive centers that will help you qualify before your intended start date.