Marine Conservation
Island Reef Research and Conservation
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Real citizen science on the Great Barrier Reef, no experience needed. Two islands, 45 minutes from Cairns.
Explore Island Reef Research and Conservation →
Cairns, Queensland (fieldwork) + online study
Diploma of Marine Conservation Volunteering
A study-and-fieldwork pathway combining an online diploma with hands-on reef fieldwork on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Duration
- Field placement ~1–2 weeks + online study
- From
- A$1,000
- Deposit
- A$200
- Dates
- Via calendar
See yourself there
Real moments from the project, the surroundings and where you’ll stay.
Why it matters
A study-and-fieldwork program created by Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers and delivered through education partner CGCS (Centre for Global Citizenship Studies). It combines online diploma study with in-person reef fieldwork on the Great Barrier Reef, with academic credits toward the diploma.
Online diploma study runs alongside a Cairns-based field placement, so the classroom work is tested against real reef conditions rather than left on the page.
What you’ll do
- Coral and fish identification
- Reef-health observations and data collection
- Marine debris activities and practical conservation tasks
- Reef monitoring and citizen-science work
How Your Contribution Creates Impact
- 01
50%
Money to the Project
Direct funding to wildlife, marine, and community-based conservation fieldwork.
- 02
16%
Course delivery and accreditation
Structured online learning delivered, assessed and accredited, using diploma content expertly written by Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers and grounded in practical marine conservation experience.
- 03
16%
Accommodation & Meals
Comfortable, eco-conscious lodging for your stay.
Locally sourced meals that support community food systems and local traders.
- 04
3%
Operations Costs
Essential behind-the-scenes work: staffing, logistics, and ethical oversight
- 05
13%
Taxes & Charges
Taxes, permits, and legal charges that uphold international and local standards.
- 06
2%
Donation
Future Impact Fund – Additional contributions that extend support beyond your stay through ethical projects.
- Registered Australian charity
- No-touch welfare policy
- Vetted project partners
“The diploma meant I could actually get UCAS points for it. The modules made me think about stuff I wouldn’t have on my own — like why some MPAs work and others don’t. My personal statement was basically built around it. Loved every bit of it.”
Practical detail
What’s included
- Boat/ferry transfers from Cairns Reef Terminal
- Shared dorm accommodation during the field placement (fieldwork options only)
- Lunch
- Snorkel and survey equipment
- All necessary training
- 24-hour in-country support
- Certificate of participation
- Citizen science and educational reef talks
- Academic credits
What’s not included
- Accommodation with the Online Diploma Only option
- Flights
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Travel insurance
- Snacks and spending money
- Local transport
- In-country tours
- Return airport transfers
Book your place
Live fees and dates come straight from our booking system. Choose your dates in the calendar, or and our team will come back to you.
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Get the 5-day ethical volunteering course
One short email a day. How to spot a genuine project, what fees really pay for, and how to prepare.