Conservation & Sponge Monitoring

location
2 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Develop and perfect your diving skills
  • Learn about marine conservation
  • Get experience and training in scientific methodologies

Highlights

  • Develop and perfect your diving skills
  • Learn about marine conservation
  • Get experience and training in scientific methodologies
  • Contribute with surveys to generate key data for analizing the reefs health
  • Live in a beautiful jungle next to the ocean, while still having excellent amenities (internet, electricity, water)


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Ankay Conservation’s sponge monitoring program has been developed to be able to provide broad understanding of the regional health and abundance of the reef ecosystem.

    Programme Overview

    Submerge yourself un the Ankay Conservation Experience. We personalize your stay according to your needs and include everything in the program (accommodation, meals, transportation, equipment, training and loads of diving), so you can arrive and not worry about anything else other ...

    About the program

    Programme Overview

    Submerge yourself un the Ankay Conservation Experience. We personalize your stay according to your needs and include everything in the program (accommodation, meals, transportation, equipment, training and loads of diving), so you can arrive and not worry about anything else other than absorbing knowledge and having fun.


    Whether you are an experienced diver or have never dived before, our diving and ecological monitoring program will open up your mind to the underwater world like never before. 

    Join us on our mission to save the ocean. 


    About the organization

    Our main goal is to provide hard evidence for policy making regarding the conservation of our local reefs. We hope to one day serve as a reference for other countries to sustain the importance of properly managing MPAs.

    We live by our values: Bliss, Awareness and Excellence.


    About the programme

    Ankay Conservation’s ecological monitoring program has been developed to be able to provide broad understanding of the regional health and abundance of the reef ecosystems, as well as create data sets for individual dive sites across different depths.

    A PADI instructor will train you to at least PADI Open Water with an exclusive focus on the skills necessary for surveying underwater such as proper buoyancy.

    What can volunteers expect? 

    During your stay, you will be trained by a Conservation Instructor in sponge monitoring. You will have access to an extensive amount of theory regarding ecology and our methodology for data collection and quickly be getting in the water to develop those skills and start contributing. In practical terms, your contribution as a volunteer will be to survey the abundance of sponge and its state of health.


    What do we expect from the volunteers? 

    Volunteers are expected to attend theoretical classes and study on their own time if necessary to perfect their knowledge. Once training is complete, they will be expected to do two surveys daily Monday through Friday. Finally, it is the responsibility of each volunteer to put away their dive equipment in the afternoon and enter the survey data on our spreadsheet.


    Do the volunteers have to bring special equipment?

    If you have your own dive equipment, you are free to bring it, but we also have all the equipment necessary.


    Location

    We are located in Solarte, one of Bocas del Toro archipelagos islands in Panamá. Our Center is in the breath-taking jungle and only 80 meters from the ocean. We are a 10 minute boat ride to the main island (Isla Colón) where you can find a grand variety of restaurants, supermarkets and nightlife. We find it to be the perfect balance having the tranquility of our spot, but very close to town.


    Bocas del Toro was declared Hope Spot in December 2019 by Mission Blue. It is home to countless important marine organisms including sharks, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, over 120 species of sponge, three different species of mangroves and a diverse array of Caribbean coral species.


    Duration

    For divers that are already certified as Open Water o higher, the minimum stay is 2 weeks.

    For non-certified divers, we recommend a 3 week program so you have enough time to gain experience and contribute, but we can tailor-make your experience to 2 weeks with proper coordination.



    Typical day

    Mornings start off with a self-served breakfast at 8am. If in training you will have theoretical classes at 9am and after in water practice 10am. Those who have already completed their ecological monitoring training will head into the water for surveying. The main task of volunteers is to become ...

    Typical day

    Mornings start off with a self-served breakfast at 8am. If in training you will have theoretical classes at 9am and after in water practice 10am. Those who have already completed their ecological monitoring training will head into the water for surveying. The main task of volunteers is to become expert in identifying vertebrates so they can do surveys in our reef.

    We come back to have lunch at 1pm and afternoons are free to do independent studying, work out, go for a walk in the jungle, go into town.
    We finish off the day with dinner at 7pm and spending sometime together watching movies, playing board games or just chatting up.
    We may sometimes switch around to having classes in the afternoon and the morning free instead, if we have a special event or due to logistics.

    Saturdays we go fun diving and Sundays are day off.


    Free-time activities

    Bocas del Toro, Panama is a tourist destination that has breathtaking beaches, excellent surf and hiking spots, and a variety of tours. Some examples are Cayo Zapatilla, Isla Pajaros, a cacao farm tour, Wizard beach.

    The main town has many shops, restaurants and bars.

    Free-time activities

    Bocas del Toro, Panama is a tourist destination that has breathtaking beaches, excellent surf and hiking spots, and a variety of tours. Some examples are Cayo Zapatilla, Isla Pajaros, a cacao farm tour, Wizard beach.

    The main town has many shops, restaurants and bars.


    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 (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Open Water is needed, but if you are not certified we can add that on, plus special sessions to focus on the skills necessary for the program.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 13:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Ankay Conservation

    • Accommodation for the whole stay

    • 3 meals a day, 6 days a week 

    • Ankay Conservation training and certification

    • Complete scuba gear

    • Airport pick-up

    • At least 12 dives a week


    Additionally you can add on PADI Open Water $350 + I.T.M.B (7% tax) for the program pre-requisite.

    We also teach other PADI courses and specialties which you can inquire about depending the length of your stay.

    Airport Pickup at Bocas Del Toro

    Airport pick up is included, we also offer pick up at the taxi boat company if coming in by land. 

    Accommodation

    We have shared bedrooms for up to four people (two bunk beds).

    One can ask for a private room for an extra fee, subject to availability.
    For an even more exclusive experience we can also offer accommodation in our Partner Hotel: Diver's Paradise in Isla Colón.

    • Capacity of 10 people, with a maximum of 4 people per bedroom (max 2 in the queen sized bedroom).
    • Two bathrooms
    • Kitchen
    • Dining room
    • Living room
    • Terraces
    5-10 minute boat ride from town.
    15-20 minute walk to the beach
    2 minute walk to the oceanfront.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner offered Monday through Saturday.

    We can cater to any allergies, and there's always vegetarian and vegan options. 

    Sunday is an off-day for our staff and for yourself where you can prepare your own food in our kitchen and go into town for lunch and or dinner.

    Breakfast

    We begin our day with a self-served continental breakfast consisting of cereal and milk, bread, cheese, butter, jam, fresh fruits and of course tea and coffee. 

    Lunch
    A typical lunch will have a protein (fish, chicken or a vegetarian option) , rice, beans and salad. We have lunch after we come back from diving.

    Dinner

    Dinner is served around 7pm and everyone eats together. Participation isn't mandatory, and if you wish to go out and try something else for a change you’re welcome to do so. Our cook prepares and serves a variety of local specialties.

    Should you suffer from any kind of food allergy, we’ll cook suitable replacement meals for you. Please give us notice about any (serious) allergies prior to arrival. We cook vegetarian meals/sides for vegetarians. If you have a more complex diet, we advice that you prepare your own meals.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bocas Del Toro (BOC) in Bocas Del Toro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Panama. 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 Panama provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    We are starting new programs every week on Mondays. We can coordinate best dates together depending on your certification level.

    We pick you up at the Bocas del Toro Airport (if flying in) or taxi boat company (if arriving by land).

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,895€
    3 weeks 2,843€
    4 weeks 3,791€
    5 weeks 4,738€
    6 weeks 5,686€
    8 weeks (max. stay) 7,581€
    Average fees 948€/week

    Program fees

    948€ per week 2 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 8 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 Ankay Conservation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Ankay Conservation

    Outstanding 5 rating (35 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2022

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Paula

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Our diving and ecological monitoring program will open up your mind to the underwater world like never before. Join us on our mission to save the ocean.

    Meet your organization

    Submerge yourself un the Ankay Conservation Experience. We personalize your stay according to your needs and include everything in the program (accommodation, meals, transportation, training and loads of diving), so you can arrive and not worry about anything else other than absorbing knowledge and having fun.

    Whether you are an experienced diver or have never dived before, our programs and courses will open up your mind to the underwater world like never before. 


    About us

    We are lovers of the sea and of all of its creatures, for this reason we are generating awareness of the problems currently surrounding it, we wanted to give diving experiences a twist; A transition from the contemplative dive to an educational and purposeful dive. This is how Ankay Conservación was born.


    What we do

    Our coral monitoring program has been developed to be able to provide a broad understanding of the regional health and abundance our coral reefs. We also offer courses that teach about our marine ecosystems, conscious diving and marine species of Bocas.


    Location

    We are located in Solarte, one of Bocas del Toro archipelagos islands in Panamá. Our Center is in the breath-taking jungle and only 80 meters from the ocean. We are a 10 minute boat ride to the main island (Isla Colón) where you can find a grand variety of restaurants, supermarkets and nightlife. We find it to be the perfect balance having the tranquility of our spot, but very close to town.

    Bocas Del Toro is a safe location. Covid requirements have been lifted and there are no special health requirements upon entry. You can check with your physician if there is a specific vaccine recommended for you depending on country of origen or personal preference.

    Bocas del Toro was declared Hope Spot in December 2019 by Mission Blue. It is home to countless important marine organisms including sharks, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, over 120 species of sponge, three different species of mangroves and a diverse array of Caribbean coral species.


    Creed

    We live by our values: Bliss, Awareness and Excellence.

    Bliss: What we do brings us a great sense of joy.

    Awareness: Our main goal is to generate awareness in our volunteers to empower them to take action.

    Excellence: We designed our diving and academic programs with the highest standards.


    Our Goals

    Our main goal is to provide hard evidence for policy making regarding the conservation of our local reefs. We hope to one day serve as a reference for other countries to sustain the importance of properly managing MPAs.


    Who are we looking for?

    We are looking for people who are passionate about the ocean and want to learn about conservation. We encourage very "hands-on" people that aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. We are always open to new ideas of how we can contribute and welcome the creativity of our students.


    Why choose us?

    Because we love the ocean just like you, we are the first marine conservation center in the Panamanian Caribbean, we are passionate about conservation and we want to share our experience and knowledge with you. We have a very comfortable, sustainable establishment that is 100% connected with the environment.

    35 reviews · rating5

    Andrés Prieto rating5

    2024 at Conservation & Fish Monitoring

    Paula, Felipe and Matías are amazing instructors! They are way beyond anything you would expect, are very knowledgeable and have patience with you every time. They also take you to Amazing diving locations with lots of coral reefs and fish. Their actual building is amazing and very private. Would ...
    I'm so happy I picked Ankay to complete my PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water. Pau and Felipe are wonderful hosts and instructors - they will welcome you into their beautiful home, and each day you will feel like part of the family. -if you are hesitating, just go for it! They care very much ...
    Kelly Babigian rating5

    2024 at Conservation & Invertebrate Monitoring

    The best part was the focus on the environment and conservation. We learned so much about the ecosystem and how to identify various sea life. Ankay is located on Isla Solarte, and is easily accessible by water taxi from Bocas Town or other nearby islands. Pau our instructor was fantastic. She's a ...
    Rainer Rohrbacher rating5

    2024 at Conservation & Invertebrate Monitoring

    I joined the vertebrate conservation course and really loved it. Pau and Felipe are wonderful hosts and they love what they are doing. If you are looking for a vacation with diving, recreation and doing something meaningful for our oceans, then Ankay is the place to ...
    Liz Alarcón rating5

    2024 at Conservation & Fish Monitoring

    A while ago I decided to learn to dive and I did it with Felipe and Pau, it has been an incredible experience, from the first moment I met them they treated us wonderfully, we felt at home, the food was delicious, their captain Sefe was very friendly and of course my beloved Mica🐶🐾 Anyone who ...
    Paz Gutierrez rating5

    2024 at Conservation & Fish Monitoring

    My experience at Ankay Conservation was excellent. I contacted them because I was going to Bocas del Toro and wanted to dive. I was interested in taking courses but I didn't have many days left so they recommended what to do based on my previous diving experience, my interests and my time in the ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Panama > Bocas del Toro

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