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 →
Far North Queensland (Cairns · Great Barrier Reef · Daintree · Cape Tribulation · Kuranda)
Reef & Rainforest Adventure
Three weeks combining reef research, marine conservation and rainforest exploration in tropical Far North Queensland.
- Duration
- 3 weeks
- Dates
- Via calendar
See yourself there
Real moments from the project, the surroundings and where you’ll stay.
Why it matters
A three-week program combining snorkelling-based reef research, marine debris activities and reef health monitoring.
Rainforest exploration, eco-tours and cultural learning experiences round out the placement.
What you’ll do
- Week 1, Reef: snorkel surveys, coral health monitoring, turtle population studies, beach clean-ups
- Week 2, Island and rainforest: island marine conservation plus eco-tours of the Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Kuranda Village and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Week 3, Advanced: advanced conservation activities and an outer-reef snorkel/dive adventure, with Aboriginal rock-art sites and Chillagoe Caves
How Your Contribution Creates Impact
- 01
40%
Conservation Delivery
Field-based reef activities, boats, conservation gear, and marine logistics.
- 02
35%
Tours, Transfers & Field Excursions
Guided sightseeing tours and local field excursions delivered by trusted local partners, including scheduled meals, transfers, entry fees, and activity-related transport where applicable.
- 03
10%
Meals & Accommodation
Comfortable, eco-conscious lodging for your stay and lunches on field work days.
- 04
11%
Governance & Compliance
Taxes, permits, and legal charges that uphold international and local standards.
- 05
3%
Program Coordination
Team members supporting your experience ethically and safely.
- 06
1%
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
“It feels very fulfilling, and I’m grateful to have been able to help with such a great project. I feel more confident and it makes me want to do more projects! Made so many friends and the hostel was the most amazing hostel ever! Got so lucky with my accommodation. The team brought/offered the best food everyday! Wouldn’t change anything! I gained so much confidence, and independence to do a program like this again. I made some amazing friends and had the best support through the whole program. If I could’ve stayed longer I would’ve!”
Practical detail
What’s included
- Accommodation
- Work-day lunches
- All tours and transport
- Marine research equipment
What’s not included
- Flights
- Visas
- Return airport transfer
- Activities in free time
- Meals in free time
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.