Eco Divemaster

location
4 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • PADI Divemaster Certification: Participants will progress from Open Water qualification to Divemaster in just a few weeks, mastering essential diving skills with hands-on training.
  • Beginner-Friendly: No prior diving experience is required. The program is designed to take participants from beginner to professional level with expert guidance.
  • Coral Conservation Focus: In addition to diving skills, participants will learn coral conservation techniques, including substrate and coral monitoring, ecosystem understanding, and data collection.

Highlights

  • PADI Divemaster Certification: Participants will progress from Open Water qualification to Divemaster in just a few weeks, mastering essential diving skills with hands-on training.
  • Beginner-Friendly: No prior diving experience is required. The program is designed to take participants from beginner to professional level with expert guidance.
  • Coral Conservation Focus: In addition to diving skills, participants will learn coral conservation techniques, including substrate and coral monitoring, ecosystem understanding, and data collection.
  • Encounter Marine Life: Every dive offers a chance to encounter rich marine biodiversity, such as rays, tropical fish, sea sponges, and coral species unique to the Bocas del Toro region.
  • Rescue & Emergency Skills: Participants will complete a PADI Rescue Diver course, gaining essential emergency response skills for dive-related incidents and general first aid.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Are you ready to dip below the sunkissed waters of Bocas del Toro, Panama? Because this program is about to get deep. We’re talking PADI Divemaster level! 

    A designated Hope Spot, the Bocas del Toro archipelago attracts thousands of ocean enthusiasts just like you each year. As a participant in our Eco Divemaster, you’ll get the unique opportunity to explore the wonders that lie beneath the surface of this coastal paradise, protecting its marine ...

    About the program

    A designated Hope Spot, the Bocas del Toro archipelago attracts thousands of ocean enthusiasts just like you each year. As a participant in our Eco Divemaster, you’ll get the unique opportunity to explore the wonders that lie beneath the surface of this coastal paradise, protecting its marine species while gaining essential diving skills to take your passion to an expert level. 

     

    Impact through diving

    Enter the vibrant world within the waters of Bocas del Toro. No PADI diving qualifications? No problem! This program is beginner-friendly. Our skilled diving instructors will take you all the way from an Open Water qualification to a Divemaster in a matter of weeks. 

     

    You’ll enhance your diving skills, deepen your understanding of safety protocols and dive theory, while contributing to daily operations and conservation efforts. A perfect combination for those who want to get a head start on the conservationist track. 

     

    Each dive brings with it the exciting opportunity to encounter incredible marine life. Keep an eye out for rays, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, a variety of tropical fish and over 120 species of sea sponge sprinkled between the vibrant coral! 

     

    Itinerary of the full 8 week program:

     

    Week 1 – PADI Open Water & PADI Advanced Open Water: Learn how to scuba dive or, if you already have your PADI Open Water, brush up on your skills. You’ll start with theory work before practising basic diving skills in confined dive waters. Finally, you will undertake open water dives at sites suited for beginners. For your Advanced Open Water, you’ll strengthen your diving skills with five different diving adventures. 

     

    Week 2 – Coral Conservation & Emergency First Response: During your program, you will specialise in substrate and coral monitoring, receiving theoretical training to grasp the fundamentals of coral reef ecosystems, monitoring techniques, data collection methods, data entry and more. You will conduct surveys to assess substrate diversity and coral colony health at individual dive sites across different depths. During this week, you’ll also participate in an emergency first response course on land, learning what to do in case of an emergency, whether it’s related to diving or not.

     

    Week 3 – PADI Rescue Diver: In week three, you’ll learn what to do and how to react in the rare case of a dive-related emergency, this includes taking care of an unconscious diver, providing CPR and more.

     

    Week 4 – 8: PADI Divemaster & fun dives: Take your first step into the world of professional diving. During this time, you’ll learn how to prepare and lead a variety of diving activities, assist instructors in PADI training courses and lead conservation dives. You will also get the chance to participate in leisure dives to observe marine biodiversity, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexity of reef ecosystems.



    Typical day

    Mornings start off with a self-served breakfast at 8am. 

    You will have theoretical classes at 9am and after in water practice 10am. 

    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 ...

    Typical day

    Mornings start off with a self-served breakfast at 8am. 

    You will have theoretical classes at 9am and after in water practice 10am. 

    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

    None required for full 8 week program. If coming for less, must have prerequisite dive certifications and logged dives.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Ankay Conservation

    • Accommodation for the whole stay in a shared dorm (can ask for upgrade to private)

    • 3 meals a day, 6 days a week

    • Airport pick-up

    • At least 12 dives a week

    • Non-mandatory scuba gear

    • Tanks, air fills and weights

    • Divemaster course fees- inclusive of training, eLearning, Certification fees, Crewpak and Application fees


    Moreover, other necessary and applicable PADI Diving Course Qualifications if starting off at a lower certification:

    PADI Courses (inclusive of PADI eLearning):

    • PADI Open Water Diving Course: $375 USD
    • PADI Advanced Open Water Diving Course: $375 USD
    • PADI Rescue Diver Course: $400 USD
    • Emergency First Responder (EFR) Course: $135 USD


    It is highly recommended that Eco Divemaster Program Participants bring their own complete scuba equipmentBCD, regulator with alternate air source and pressure gauge, wetsuit or rashguard, fins, mask, snorkel.

    It is mandatory for the Participant to bring the following scuba equipment:

    • dive computer;
    • compass;
    • knife/diver’s tool;
    • 2 (two) signalling devices, one that is audible (whistle) and one that is

    visible (DSMB and reel); and the Participant may borrow the remaining equipment from us.

    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

    Depends on your current dive certification. To be coordinated with us, but we offer this program all year round. Programs usually begin on Mondays. 

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

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 4,489€
    6 weeks 5,327€
    7 weeks 5,756€
    8 weeks (max. stay) 6,185€
    Average fees 948€/week

    Program fees

    948€ per week 4 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 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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