Overview

Learn to dive in the warm waters of Dawasamu, while contributing to conservation efforts in the region AND get career training from Conservation Careers!

Discover the rich biodiversity of the South Pacific while assisting with research that will aid the development of local marine managed areas. Contribute to efforts to conserve Fiji’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems while living in the rural village of Silana located in the Dawasamu District. Gain a number of PADI qualifications and contribute towards tangible, long-term community benefits.

Underwater photo of scuba divers recording data

Overview

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.

Receive the Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Speciality segment of the PADI Divemaster course. This unique offering by our partner & PADI teaches you about best practices when conducting underwater coral reef surveys. This is offered to participants staying for 2 weeks or longer.

There is a possibility of seeing endangered species such as sharks, rays, humphead wrasse and turtles while participating in the program. While on dry land, you will spend time in the Dawasamu communities helping with our environmental education and sustainable livelihood projects.

Photo of the Fiji coastline taken from a boat. Sandy beaches, vegatation and hills under a blue sky.

Highlights

  • Develop your diving skills. Gain diving skills and conduct underwater marine conservation surveys in the warm waters of the Pacific.
  • Coral reefs and culture. Experience Fiji’s colourful coral reef systems and immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • 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 local conservation partners and qualified professionals to ensure your efforts are highly ethical, meaningful and sustainable.
  • 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. Share epic experiences with like-minded, passionate changemakers from all over the globe.
  • 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. Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, yourself and your purpose.

Photo of a group of people looking through binoculars and holding field guide books

Our Award-winning Partner

Conservation Careers has teamed up with an award-winning, mission-driven organisation with a team of passionate experts across the globe who will make your experience a truly unforgettable one.

Founded in 1998, they run programs in 26 locations, in 22 countries around the world, each aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as the objectives of local partners. They welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how they achieve their mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.

Their commitment to running high-quality sustainable development and experiential education programs has earned them recognition from numerous organizations such as Panthera, the Seychelles Parks & Gardens Authority, as well as Stanford, NYU, Duke, and Ohio State.

If you register your interest below, you’ll put you in touch with our partner to take the booking and to plan your trip!

Explore all our Conservation Careers Internship opportunities.

Photo of a hut surrounded by grass and jungle

Life on base

Boasting magnificent sunset views and swaying palm trees, our base is located on the edge of a traditional rural village, in the district of Dawasamu. We have Tova Peak on one side (the third highest mountain on Viti Levu) and the beach on the other. From your bed you can listen to the sounds of the crashing waves. A short boat ride away, you will find the famous Moon Reef with its resident pod of spinner dolphins.

Participating in this program offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into Fiji’s culture of hospitality and warmth, and to experience what it’s like to be part of the community. On arrival, you’ll get to experience a “Sevusevu ceremony” – as a sign of respect you present yourself to the community to ask “permission” to stay. The ceremony is an age-old tradition that marks the formalisation of the community accepting and welcoming you, and celebrates your arrival.

Underwater photo of a scuba diver

Activities

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

  • Fieldwork training. Learn species identification and survey techniques to contribute to marine data collection and Dawasamu’s species inventory.
  • Conservation surveys. Assist with benthic or fish surveys, learning various techniques as part of GVI’s Dawasamu marine species inventory team.
  • 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. 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. Gain more diving experience with 5 adventure dives: deep water, underwater navigator, peak performance buoyancy and two optional adventure dives.
  • 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. Enhance diver safety awareness, handle complex situations, practise direct intervention via rescue role plays (programs > 8 weeks).
  • PADI Marine Megafauna (MMF). The MMF Distinctive Speciality, unique to our partner, enhances diving skills for marine megafauna conservation projects (available for 4+ week programs).

Photo of bags of plastic litter cleaned from a beach

Skills

  • Data entry
  • EMR training
  • Marine conservation
  • PADI
  • Species identification
  • Survey research
  • Volunteering
  • Cultural awareness
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Easily adaptable

Photo of two people in wetsuits standing on a sandy beach looking out to sea.

BONUS! Conservation Career Kick-Starter online training programme (worth $495 / £375 / €450)

Do you want to spend your career helping wildlife to flourish, but are feeling a little lost, confused or disillusioned?

Start your career in wildlife conservation with a unique programme of training, support community & jobs from Conservation Careers!

The Conservation Career Kick-Starter is a proven step-by-step system to get you hired quicker as a professional conservationist.

The Kick-Starter is trusted by over 2,500 people, and 40 universities, with 99% ratings. Whether you’re at university and planning your next steps, a graduate in the job hunt or working in an unrelated job but interested to switch into conservation, this course is designed to help you.

After going through the course, you’ll have created a personal career plan which will give you confidence in your job hunt and will make everything quicker, simpler and more fun!

All you need to do is register your interest in the project below, and if you choose to make a booking we’ll save a place for you on the Kick-Starter when you get back from your placement.

Included with the Kick-Starter is a year’s full-access to the world’s biggest conservation job board with over 15,000 jobs, plus access to our private online support community, CC Pro.

Duration, Dates & Costs

Register your interest below to learn about upcoming start dates, durations and costs.

What’s Included

General

  • Food
  • Safe and basic accommodation (usually shared)
  • Airport pick up (unless stated)
  • All project equipment
  • 24-hour in-country support from local staff
  • 24-hour emergency desk
  • Experiences

Activities

  • Sustainable project work
  • Data collection and research

Pre-program training

  • Pre-departure webinar
  • Pre-departure training (online)
  • University of Richmond endorsed specialisation course

Welcome training

  • Welcome presentation
  • Health & safety
  • Local culture & environment
  • UN SDGs
  • Impact & ethics
  • Child protection

What’s Excluded

  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Visa costs
  • Police or background check
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Additional drinks and gratuities

Underwater photo of sharks and other tropical fish

Reserve your place or ask a question