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Marine Conservation - Thailand - Volunteer reviews
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Maeva - 2012
“I had an amazing time in Koh Tao! The people at the dive school were really nice and helpful. During the first week we learnt how to dive, we had a great diving instructor just for the 2 of us (unlike some other dive school where you have 5 students for 1 teacher). Then we spent 1 week on the conservation program. It was very interesting, I learnt so much about corals and the reef. We were doing 1 dive per day but we were staying for at least 70 minutes under the water. One of the tasks we had to do was collecting coral fragments and attaching them to artificial structures so that they can grow. We also did some surveys, counting invertebrates and fish to evaluate the health of the reef. We were staying in a hotel 50m away from the dive school, the room was nice and clean. There are a lot of restaurants around serving really good food. I recommend that you spend at least 2 weeks on the conservation program, 1 week is not enough!"
"It is an amazing experience, you have to go, even if you have never dived before! It is the best place to learn diving!”
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
“To meet some people, the locals and the others form all around the world and to experience a different culture, way of life, climate, and food!”
Why did you choose PoD, would you recommend us to others?
“Yes, I chose PoD because it looked like a serious organisation and it was not overpriced"
Hannu - 2012
"I found these two weeks great fun combined with sense of being useful and doing meaningful work. I also met many nice people with great personalities."
"I have already recommended PoD to my friends after returning to Finland."
Jonny - 2011
“I decided to go on the marine conservation course on Koh Tao as I have a strong interest in that topic having studied oceanography at university so it seemed to be the best choice. I had never been to Thailand before and this was the first time I’ve been abroad for 10 years which is fair to say I was a bit nervous before I left. Having said that once I arrived and got settled into diving and met people all those worries quickly went away. All of the people that work at the dive school are extremely welcoming and very good at what they do. Having never been scuba diving in my life this was also another concern but once I got in the water I took to it straight away and had a great time doing my open water and advanced with an instructor called Adnan who was fantastic. Upon finishing my dive training which took 5 days I went into the marine conservation work which turned out to be even more interesting and fun to do. I enjoyed diving so much I ended up doing my rescue diver and EFR while I was there and plan on going back to do my dive masters at some point next year. I would certainly advise anyone to go on this course it has something for everyone! Even if you just want to go diving and learn something about the oceans it’s great, I especially found improving my buoyancy so much better once I had been working in the marine conservation for a week or so and air consumption continued to get lower through my time there. The best part I found was that we were not tied down at and the days were not really dominated by the work we got to do so much more after a morning of diving. I even got to go to the half moon party on Koh Phanang which was an unbelievable experience, also many other trips out around the island. It’s truly a fantastic place to go and the people on the island are all so nice I never had any problems or issues of any sort.”
Please describe a typical day at the project
“Wake up around 8am, wonder down to the coffee shop opposite the dive school for some breakfast (often a bagel and a coffee) and use the wifi there. By 10ish we would all meet and have a chat in the dive shop and go over what we would be doing that day. We were usually the last people to leave the dive shop which was annoying at times waiting but generally nice as we could relax! By midday we would be out on the water and go to a dive site, every week we went to the bio rock which is an artificial reef and look for coral fragments then attach them to the bio rock lasting about 1 hour 10mins dive time. Afterwards we would head back clean the gear and maybe write up any results from surveys we had done in the dive. By 4pm we were done and could go do our own thing. At that time I enjoyed taking my snorkelling gear and go to shark bay and look for black tip reef sharks! Usually found 4/5 each time we went. Then head back get showered and go for some dinner with the group which at times there was over 10 of us including friends. Then we would go for a few drinks on the beach from or watch the fire dance show at a bar called Babaloo which was awesome. By 11pm some nights we would go to sleep other times we would head out to the busier town of Sairee where there are more people and bigger bars.”
What did you find most rewarding?
“My diving ability and how much it progressed in my time there.”
What did you find most challenging?
“Remembering all the different corals however after 2 surveys this became very easy and the fish surveys turned out to be a more difficult exercise.”
Were there any aspects of the placement which you would like to see improved?
“Not sure there were any real down sides to the placement to it all!”
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
“Don’t get the flight down from Bangkok to Koh Samui it’s a bit of a rip off and you could get the overnight train for less than a fifth of the price! Make sure you go to Naang Yaun and Tanote bay while there they are both stunning and are a must see while on the island.”
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
“They need more and more help on Koh Tao all the time, things are improving but more awareness needs to be generated especially for the locals and also tourists. Also the knowledge you will learn there is massive; I thought I knew a lot about the reefs and the oceans but that has increased dramatically while I was there.”
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
“I chose PoD because the course looked fantastic and appealed to me. I would certainly recommend it to anymore who loves sun, sea and sand! It’s all round fantastic so much so I will be returning in the not too distant future.”
Fadia - 2011
“I can advise anyone who loves the sea, wants to help and learn about the marine environment to chose this placement. The people are very nice and PoD’s information prior to departure is very helpful. the information provided is all you need really. By doing marine conservation I have learnt so much and we have done so many different things, therefore I am very thankful I have done marine conservation. Building structures, placing them in the ocean and attatching corals to our creation was also really cool to do. I think the marine conservation program has a lot to offer us. And I think every moment of the year has something special to offer the volunteers.”
Please describe a typical day at the project
“We go to the diveschool at 9ish, pack our diving gear, have breakfast at Tropicana and then go to the lecture. After the lecture we apply what we've learnt in the dives and make one long dive. After the dive we record the data and all hang out together and do something relaxing.”
What did you find most rewarding?
“The whole diving experience and learning about marine conservation was amazing.”
What did you find most challenging?
“The deep dive was scary the first time.”
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
“I would advise to take mosquito spray and something for an ear infection. my boyfriend had to take antibiotics for the smallest things, including rashes and an earinfection. Take ear infection preventions, plasters, betadine and take care of any wounds.”
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
“It is really a personal experience and challenge, and you learn a lot.”
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
“PoD is the cheapest voluntary organization, non profit and provides all the information you need.”
Ben - 2011
“After the first week of attaining my Advanced diving certificate I was keen as mustard to get into conservation work. My first day of conservation work was taking data down, tallying the different fish along a 50m line. It was tough but by the end you got the hang of it and even if you didn't comparing data at the end of the dive was a good way of getting an idea of the wildlife underwater. We also collected coral and attached it to the electrified Biorock which helped coral growth by changing the water chemical properties. All in all it was a fantastic experience being able to find new ways to help a brand new environment. Learning so much about the wildlife that lives in what seems a whole new world to us beginners.”
Please describe a typical day at the project
“Wake up around 8.30 and get some breakfast with other people from PoD, then we would make our way to the dive shop before 9.30. Pack our gear for the days dive and have a chat to Chad and Devrin to check what we're doing and get a general group briefing from them. Then just chilling out and chatting to other divers at the dive shop before getting picked up for the dive. Once getting on to the boat (sometimes after a hike down stairs) we would gear up and go for a dive ranging from 50 to 90 minutes. Getting back on to the boat for a feast of refreshing pineapple and biccies and coffee would last about 10 minutes while waiting for everyone to get on and pack up on the boat. Getting back to the dive shop around 2 or 3 in the afternoon (after geting back up those stairs and the cruisy taxi rode) a bit fatigued, we'd eventually get back for a cool shower at the hotel after another chat at the dive shop. We'd go for a late lunch and chill out a bit more or go for a massage (the same thing really). We'd all end up meeting for dinner at around 8 and slowly make our way to a bar for a couple of drinks.”
What did you find most rewarding?
“Working on the Biorock mainly because you can see the progress of your work in a matter of days. However even a general clean up or the tallying of wildlife felt productive.”
What did you find most challenging?
“Learning how to dive and being able to work under water was the most challenging yet rewarding experience. The Conservation work was laid back but physically draining which meant after even half a days work you were exhausted.”
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
“Do it! You won't know what its like until you actually try it out, so don't hold back its well worth it and think of all the stories you'll have once you've finished!”
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
“Volunteering abroad is not only helping out another culture and country but also helping you to broaden your horizons. You get to learn and see new things that you wouldn't see in your own backyard.”
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
“PoD is very well set up and the people working with you are very laid back and friendly always trying to help you out for the best.”
Chris - 2011
“Koh Tao is a really nice place and it was a priveledge to help out a little bit to preserve this paradise. The project is serious but relaxed and Chad and Dev are the friendliest and helpful people you could wish for. Chad in particular is very passionate and has a great deal of knowledge. It makes you realise when you get there how much the world needs help. I would reccomend this project to anyone and if you are not the scuba type then the land project is just as worthwhile if not more.”
Please describe a typical day at the project:
“I would arrive at the dive school around 9am and sit around and chat with other volunteers both from marine and land conservation. Early on in the project we would have a lecture for around 1 hour or so. I would pack my dive equipment ready to go out around 10-30/11 and typically would do one dive although some days we would do two dives and would consist of EMP, coral nursery, bio rock and other sites. We would arrive back to the dive school around 2 or 3pm to wash the scuba equipment and then just hang out.”
What did you find most rewarding?
“Collecting broken corals off the sea bed where they would die and attaching them by rope or metal wire to the underwater structures.”
What did you find most challenging?
“Buoyancy control whilst doing the substrate EMP and writing on the slate. But with practice this can be overcome.”
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
“The food and water on the island is very cheap. Dont pack too many clothes. There is a water dispenser at the dive shop to fill your water bottles up for free. There is a really nice bakery opposite the dive school which does some tasty food. Depending on tide there are some steep steps down to the beach to get to the dive boat.”
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
“We would be underwater for 80 mins and it would go so quickly yet there is still loads that need to be done, so the more volunteers the better.”
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
“The website was informative, relevant and the price was reasonable. The people running the project were also very impressed with PoD.”
Ben - 2011
"During May I arrived on the beautiful tropical island of Koh Tao, Thailand. On my arrival I was very apprehensive of what to expect, due to scare stories from other travellers about companies giving you the bad end of the deal on conservation projects, where you don't get a great deal of satisfaction from the project and your money goes to the wrong hands etc. Thankfully I can say with PoD, none of this happened, it was absolutely perfect. All travel arrangements made through them were perfect, the accommodation was fantastic for the very low price and mainly the project I undertook at the dive school was the most memorable experience of my life. Being hands on every single day, Monday - Friday, conserving, protecting and educating was an amazing feeling. The dive school out did themselves when it came to hospitality and friendliness. I have not a bad word to say against this project. I strongly recommend it to anybody, no matter what age, sex, and nationality."
Please describe a typical day at the project:
"Breakfast at 9, diving from 11-4. Debriefing. Beach clean ups helping out the land conservation team. Dinner and evening social events."
What did you find most rewarding?
"Building and sinking artificial reefs and nurseries."
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
"Get involved with local people, things are a lot more self-appeasing when you get at least one local person to start changing their life to off-set their carbon footprint and aid the eco-system and environment they live in."
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
"It allows you to grasp other cultures and respect them by learning how they live."
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
"Random choice, and yes."
Claire - 2011
“All of the people at the dive shop/conservation project are doing a great job. They're really committed and are lovely people to work with. Had such a good time in the 2 weeks there :)”
Please describe a typical day at the project:
“Get to dive shop after breakfast, dive briefing about the work for the day and a quick lesson on the reef environment. Dive at various points around the island doing coral nurseries, giant clam rehab, clean ups. Back for lunch from the samosa man that comes everyday!”
What did you find most rewarding?
“Working on conservation projects in the reef, especially the Bioreef and giant clam nurseries.”
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
“Try to learn as much as you can! The guys that run the program are really knowledgable and interesting. You get more out of it if you put more in.”
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
“Personal enjoyment as well as helping the environment.”
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
“They are a non profit org, really good staff and the project is interesting.”
Stephanie - 2011
"I highly recommend the marine conservation program to every nature lover. If you like being in the water and want to improve your dive skills, this project is for you. You will be an active member of the dive school's marine conservation team in Koh Tao and will participate to their daily work (collection of data, implantation of corals at the coral nursery or at the Biorock - an artificial structure that will help them to grow faster, fish identification, etc.). You will become an "eco-diver" and will have a better understanding of what you are supposed to do, or not, when you snorkel or dive. You will also be able to determinate whether the corals are healthy in a specific region and will improve your buoyancy and reduce your air consumption."
Please describe a typical day at the project:
"You come at the dive shop at 9 am, prepare your gear, participate to a lecture and go to dive around 10.30 - 11 am. Each day is dedicated to a specific job: data collection on Monday, Biorock on Tuesday, coral nursery on Wednesday, etc. You will be off early in the afternoon, after a short debriefing."
What did you find most rewarding?
"The most rewarding is when you do a fish survey and recognize all the corals you were not able to recognize the day before."
What did you find most challenging?
"You have a lot to learn the first week because you need to get a global picture of Koh Tao's marine ecosystem issues and the methods used by the dive school. You might not be very efficient the first week but will do a lot better on the second."
Dhaneesh - 2010
“I did the marine conservation programme in Thailand for 2 weeks and had the most amazing time! The team were all really friendly and I got really good training for both my PADI Advanced Open Water Diving Course and for the actual conservation programme. I learned so much and am now so much more aware of the issues concerning the coral reefs and would definitely do it again.
It's so rewarding helping other people and the environment and doing it abroad was a great as you get to experience foreign and exciting new cultures.
PoD were great by providing me all the information I needed and Beth was always available to answer any questions or reservations I might have had.”
Anne - 2010
“I loved my stay at the marine conservation project. Projects were run by Dev and Chad, who were both very nice and made you feel like a part of the 'family' straight away. We were there for 3 weeks, and felt like we accomplished a lot. We helped the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (I believe they were called) putting reef balls on the bottom and 'planting' coral fragments onto them, which in time should develop into a nice big coral reef. Other than that we did basically the same thing on biorocks (same principle as the reef balls, but different), as well as coral watch (noting coral health on natural reefs), and monitoring invertebrate and fish species, as they can be used to assess the health of the corals. The monitoring duties were a bit difficult in the beginning because it takes a while to learn all the species, but we still benefited from learning the techniques and a few of the surveys were added to their data set on the computer, and is considered real scientific data :). I am a biology student, hoping to work with this kind of thing in the future, so this project was very useful, as you get certifications for the work you do, but even if you're not a marine biologist, this project is still very giving and you can make a real difference even if you have no idea about fish species going into it.
Typical day: Met at the dive shop at 9.30 Maybe a lecture, and briefing of today’s work. Around 10-10.30 we went out to the destination of that day's surveys/work by boat. Diving, doing surveys, 'planting' coral fragments or whatever the day had to offer Back around 3 or 4 pm depending on the destination (some were far away)
Some very good projects and it seemed very professional. I would definitely recommend POD (already have).”
Kyle - 2010
“It was a great experience and I learnt a lot about marine conservation, but also about marine life in general. Everyone was so friendly and helpful that it made the overall experience enjoyable and I would recommend it to any one that wishes to make a difference whilst also taking a break from the stresses of home.The fact that we could see that we were making a difference and could really change the island for the better in the long run.
Its great fun but also a break from stresses at home.”
Luke - 2010
“It was great to have everything organised before my trip. The help and information provided was top notch and extremely helpful. It’s a great way to have fun and give back to the environment. Thanks.”
Mark - 2010
“The experience on the marine conservation project was fantastic, I have learnt so much about the whole marine ecosystem. I was involved in recording data regarding the health of the reef, underwater and beach clean up and work on the Bio rock project. This was the highlight for me. I would recommend POD to other volunteers.
Just go and do it! “
James - 2010
“The Marine Conservation Project in Koh Tao was awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed the project which was very informative and I learnt so much. The people I worked with were friendly, supportive and enthusiastic. I will defiantly be making a return Trip. If you interested about the marine life and what happened underwater, this placement is brilliant. The people are awesome and everyone is really friendly.
I would recommend PoD as they kept me highly informed and the communication was very good.”
Annette – 2009
“Thought I drop you a quick email to you now as i have been here 1 week, have settled in ok and having a really good time with both the dive centre and the conservation programme, building a buoyancy world at the moment. Trying to get the time as well to speak to different dive centres, but the time goes way too quick. Having a great time.”
Debbie - 2009
“I had an excellent time, the accommodation was comfortable and well located near the dive school. The Ecological Marine Project that I participated in was taught professionally by Chad. The whole experience has lead me to carry on volunteering with reef check Australia and I am even moving to cairns so I can fit it round my job! I also cant wait to go back and help out Dev and Chad again in the future. My diving also improved greatly.
The team made a point of introducing themselves and the environment was so relaxing and friendly. After a few days you felt like you had been there for a long time.
The training I received during my time volunteering now enables me to collect data such as identification of 'indicator' species, different corals and their classification and diseases as well as various measuring and survey techniques on coral reefs. I am now able to practice this volunteering on the 'Great Barrier Reef'.”
James – 2009
“I'd highly recommend this placement for any diver (current or prospective), or any student of biological sciences and ecology. I learnt a lot, had a really good time, and I hope that I contributed to the conservation effort.”
Gina – 2008
“After travelling to Thailand for the first time, I was very amazed at how welcoming everyone in Koh Tao was. At the dive school, the location from where the marine conservation project is carried out, it felt like being adopted into their 'family' right from day one. This all made me feel very much like at home. From the activities that were involved in the project I learned so much, that it has made me become more confident and experienced as a scientist as well as a diver. Having never done any diving prior to my arriving in Thailand, I decided to extend my stay in Koh Tao as learn more in depth-diving and to continue helping further with the marine conservation project as well as all other activities organized by the dive school throughout the week.
Out of the three parts of marine conservation program: maintaining the biorock (artificial coral reef), mid-water nursery, data collection of the reefs and other activities such as the beach clean ups (on land as well as under water), I was most impressed by laying hands on maintaining the Biorock, an artificial reef. Everything was carried out underwater, so that we could put to practise our diving experience......Fantastic combination of diving and its practical usage in marine conservation, something I can most certainly apply in my future life and that can help in the practical application side of my studies....
I would like to thank everyone esp. PoD and the people in Thailand who made this unique, instructive and very joyful opportunity possible and I would like to recommend it to anyone from all ages to all types of backgrounds. Thanks.”
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