• Climate Action
  • Life Below Water

Climate Change and Coral Bleaching in Fiji

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Contribute to coral reef monitoring, learn about threats to coral reefs, and help to protect Fiji’s marine resources.
  • Experience Fiji’s colourful coral reef systems and immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Learn how to identify species and conduct surveys to contribute to data collection efforts and help monitor and catalogue the biodiversity.

Highlights

  • Contribute to coral reef monitoring, learn about threats to coral reefs, and help to protect Fiji’s marine resources.
  • Experience Fiji’s colourful coral reef systems and immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Learn how to identify species and conduct surveys to contribute to data collection efforts and help monitor and catalogue the biodiversity.
  • Gain more diving experience with 5 adventure dives: deep water, underwater navigator, peak performance buoyancy and two optional adventure dives.
  • Assist with benthic (coral) or fish target species surveys. You will also assist with our long-term monitoring coral bleaching surveys.

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Assist with marine conservation initiatives, like surveying corals for recovery after previous coral bleaching events and tropical storms! 🪸

    This isn't your ordinary trip – it's an opportunity to dive into the heart of marine conservation and play a vital role in protecting Fiji's precious coral reefs.
    You'll learn about the intricate world of coral biology and the complex challenges facing these vital ecosystems. Through hands-on ...

    About the program

    This isn't your ordinary trip – it's an opportunity to dive into the heart of marine conservation and play a vital role in protecting Fiji's precious coral reefs.
    You'll learn about the intricate world of coral biology and the complex challenges facing these vital ecosystems. Through hands-on training and guided research, you'll become equipped to conduct coral surveys, assess reef health and contribute valuable data to ongoing conservation efforts.
    GVI focuses on key priorities including data collection on fish and coral species, habitat mapping, environmental education and community development initiatives. Volunteers receive comprehensive training covering coral biology, threats to reefs and survey techniques. You'll be joining forces with others who share your passion for environmental conservation. Together, we collaborate with local communities and organisations to develop strategies for safeguarding Fiji's marine ecosystems.
    So, if you're ready to trade your screens for snorkels and contribute to meaningful change, join us in Fiji for an unforgettable experience!

    Typical day

    Kick off your day with beachside coffee and soak up those sunrise vibes before diving into marine conservation activities. Enjoy group meals, lend a hand with base duties, and chill out with your crew as the evening sets in.
    Example of a typical day:
    06:30 Start your day early with a cup of coffee on ...

    Typical day

    Kick off your day with beachside coffee and soak up those sunrise vibes before diving into marine conservation activities. Enjoy group meals, lend a hand with base duties, and chill out with your crew as the evening sets in.
    Example of a typical day:
    06:30 Start your day early with a cup of coffee on the beach and catch the sunrise.
    07:00 Fuel up with breakfast and pack your lunch for the day. Then, it's time for the daily update.
    08:00 Dive into your program with dive/marine conservation training. Ready to dive? Let's go!
    12:00 Lunchtime. Enjoy a group meal with sandwiches, noodles or a rice dish.
    13:00 Back to training or dive surveys on coral reefs, seagrass, and more.
    16:30 Help out with base duties, cook dinner with the group, or chill out.
    18:00 Dinner together followed by reflection on the day's work and its environmental impact.
    19:00 Relax or join social activities. Hang out in the common areas, play games or study with your crew.

    Free-time activities

    Explore the local scene during your downtime:
    • Takamaka rum distillery: Check out the rum distillery at Pointe Au Sel for a taste of local flavours. Nearby, you can also visit a tea plantation and a village showcasing local crafts.
    • Victoria City: Dive into the diverse culture of Seychelles in Victoria, ...

    Free-time activities

    Explore the local scene during your downtime:
    • Takamaka rum distillery: Check out the rum distillery at Pointe Au Sel for a taste of local flavours. Nearby, you can also visit a tea plantation and a village showcasing local crafts.
    • Victoria City: Dive into the diverse culture of Seychelles in Victoria, the capital city. Experience the mix of cultures through visits to temples, cathedrals, and trying out dishes with unique influences. Don't miss the lively vibes at Eden Island, offering a range of dining, shopping and nightlife options. Take a boat tour to discover coral reefs and island history.
    • Beau Vallon Bay: Chill out and enjoy the beach life at Beau Vallon, the hotspot on the main island. With its long stretch of sand and bustling atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for relaxation.
    • Water sports: Get adventurous with water sports like surfing, kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. Or simply take a dip in the ocean and lounge on the beach.
    • Cap Matoopa hike: Take a scenic hike to Cap Matoopa for stunning views of Cap Ternay Bay. Climb through the jungle to catch breathtaking sunrises or sunsets.
    • Recreational diving: Beyond project dives, there's plenty of time for casual dives, exploring the mesmerising underwater world at your own pace.
    • Hiking and climbing: Explore the unique landscapes of the inner islands through hikes and climbs. Venture to Morne Seychellois National Park for challenging trails and unique rock formations.
    • Inner island hopping: Hop on a ferry from Victoria to explore other inner islands like Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette. Discover natural wonders, beautiful beaches and unique wildlife habitats.
    Every four weeks, you can enjoy cultural immersion through GVI Experiences. These are included in your program at no extra cost.
    Examples of activities may include: 
    • Learn to cook iTaukei food.
    • Make a traditional drink from kava root.
    • Learn indigenous plant medicine.
    • Hike to the top of Tova Peak.
    • Fish with iTaukei women.
    • Weave a traditional mat.
    • Visit Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park.
    • Boat to Leleuvia Island.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    PADI Medical form and Medical Form

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    PADI Open Water certificate (or equivalent) if joining for 4 weeks. Competent swimmer (200m). Volunteers will normally be diving or snorkelling twice daily.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by GVI

    WHAT'S INCLUDED:

    • 24-hour emergency phone
    • 24-hour in-country support
    • Access to alumni services and discounts
    • Airport pickup (unless otherwise stated)
    • All necessary project equipment and materials
    • All necessary project training by experienced staff provided online 8 weeks prior to program start:
      • PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
      • PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1–5 hours)
      • OPTIONAL: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSE (10–15 hours)
    • Certification and summary of training and experience received
    • Location orientation
    • Long term experienced staff
    • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
    • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
    • Welcome meeting
    WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
    • Additional drinks and gratuities
    • Extra local excursions
    • Flights
    • International and domestic airport taxes
    • Medical and travel insurance
    • Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer etc.
    • Personal items and toiletries
    • Police or background check
    • Visa costs (where necessary)

    Airport Pickup at Nausori Airport

    Airport pickup is included and we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you.

    Accommodation

    During your stay, you'll have basic mixed-gender dormitory-style rooms in a traditional Fijian bure with wooden walls and a tin roof. There's a communal kitchen, work area and living space where you can prepare for project work and socialise with fellow participants. Our accommodation is provided through a partnership with the Silana Youth Project, which not only offers you a comfortable place to stay but also supports the local community by providing sustainable income opportunities. 

    Food & Beverages

    On base, meals are primarily vegetarian and made with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Participants take turns preparing food for the group. Breakfast options range from porridge, eggs and beans to fruit or pancakes. For lunch and dinner, expect sandwiches, rice, beans, vegetables, pasta with sauce, noodles, roti, cassava or dalo (also known as taro), with occasional meat options. When dining out, you'll discover a diverse cuisine with a focus on seafood and Asian flavours.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Nausori Airport (SUV) in Suva. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Fiji provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Fiji you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Fiji. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    2024
    • 12 Oct 2024
    • 26 Oct 2024
    • 09 Nov 2024
    • 23 Nov 2024
    • 07 Dec 2024
    2025
    • 04 Jan 2025
    • 18 Jan 2025
    • 01 Feb 2025
    • 15 Feb 2025
    • 01 Mar 2025
    • 15 Mar 2025
    • 29 Mar 2025
    • 12 Apr 2025
    • 26 Apr 2025
    • 10 May 2025
    • 24 May 2025
    • 07 Jun 2025
    • 21 Jun 2025
    • 05 Jul 2025
    • 19 Jul 2025
    • 02 Aug 2025
    • 16 Aug 2025
    • 30 Aug 2025
    • 13 Sep 2025
    • 27 Sep 2025
    • 11 Oct 2025
    • 25 Oct 2025
    • 08 Nov 2025
    • 22 Nov 2025
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 2,395€
    4 weeks 3,695€
    6 weeks 4,845€
    8 weeks 5,645€
    10 weeks 6,545€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 7,495€
    Average fees 911€/week

    Program fees

    911€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    GVI

    Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 1998

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Bianca

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

    Meet your organization

    Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


    We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

    221 reviews · rating4.8

    I had the opportunity to do the virtual marine conservation internship with GVI, it was super good for my work experience and academic training as I learned a lot from the courses and I was able to explore my skills in data analysis which I had not explored so far, I highly recommend this internship ...
    Pam Parkes rating5

    2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

    I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
    Olivia Babbage rating5

    2024 at Teach English to locals

    3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...
    Mary Christensen rating5

    2024 at Community Development Internship

    GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
    GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
    Tashanna Reid rating5

    2024 at Marine Ecosystem Internship

    I did the U18s Tenerife volunteering which was such a great experience and I will definitely do it again! It was lovely meeting new people and making friends and the staff are very welcoming and fun. It had the perfect mix of relaxing and having fun while also doing the work required and exploring ...

    Location

    Oceania > Melanesia > Fiji > Suva

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Fiji
    Contact Bianca
      Very high response rate
    English

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