Location
  • Indonesia
    • Bali

Program Details

Timeframe
Year Round
Language
English
Age Min.
16
Qualifications
  • Certified Scuba Diver

Pricing

Starting Price
1550
Price Details
3-week internship price is IDR 25.000.000 (USD $1550).
includes diving, equipment and certifications (PADI Coral Restoration Diver, Reef Check EcoDiver, & AWARE Coral Reef Conservation).
accommodation options on-site (dormitory USD $10/night or private room USD $40/night) or off-site in nearby guesthouses.
Blue Corner Marine Research programs are offered at Blue Corner Dive in Nusa Lembongan island, Bali.
Jan 16, 2025
Jan 11, 2025
0 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Join our certified restoration practitioners and biologists on an ongoing coral restoration project in Nusa Lembongan, Bali. During this 3-week program you will learn about techniques and up-to-date science on coral reef restoration, as well the biology of corals.

Our Scientific Internships are intensive programs which combines training in coral reef ecology, reef health monitoring and coral restoration. This internship intake starts the first Saturday of each month. With options to do 1, 2, 3 or 4 week internships. Each week of the program focuses on a different theme and runs Saturday to Thursday (6 days a week) and builds upon the next so that students gain in-depth knowledge of impacts and solutions for coral reef health.

This program involves daily diving at our coral restoration site, so participants need to be certified divers with good bouyancy. If you are not yet a certified diver, arrive to Blue Corner Dive a few days early and take your dive license with us.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Week 1: Coral Reef Ecology - Each day then includes specific task-orientated diving and lectures in topics from coral health, marine invertebrates and tropical reef fish identification.
  • Week 2: Reef Health Monitoring - Learn about several survey techniques used to monitor coral reef health. You will conduct reef health monitoring surveys at our coral restoration site as well as comparison surveys at neighbouring reefs.
  • Week 3: Coral Restoration Project Management - Participate in coral restoration and learn about each of the aspects of planning and running a coral restoration project.

Popular Programs

underwater clean up

This conservation program is offered the first week of each month and ties in knowledge specific to the areas you will be diving in the Nusa Penida Marine Park. Each day involves specific task-orientated diving and lectures on topics from coral health, marine invertebrates and tropical reef fish identification. Divers take part in underwater clean-ups, manta/turtle data collection, and coral restoration.

monitoring coral reef health

During this conservation training module you will learn about several survey techniques used to monitor coral reef health. The Coral Watch Coral Health Chart to assess corals for bleaching and Reef Check scientific survey techniques to monitor coral, fish and invertebrate species on a reef. We also practice several standardized survey techniques used by Nusa Penida Marine Park's long term monitoring project.

research at coral restoration site

Take part in Blue Corner Marine Research's ongoing coral restoration project. During this week you will learn about the science of restoration ecology and how it applies to marine environments. You will also learn several techniques in coral propagation, monitor nursery corals and transplant corals onto modular reef structures. Taught by our in-house marine biologists and Ecological Restoration Practitioners.

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 2 reviews
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  • Growth 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Default avatar
Natalia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A life experience

Blue Corner Marine Research offers an unparalleled opportunity to combine adventure, education, and conservation in one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, often referred to as the "Amazon of the Seas," this organization provides participants with a chance to explore vibrant underwater ecosystems while contributing meaningfully to their preservation. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a newcomer eager to make a difference, this program offers a perfect blend of hands-on learning and personal growth.

One of the highlights of Blue Corner Marine Research is the emphasis on safety and enjoyment during dives. The region’s calm and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal location for divers of all experience levels. Beyond recreational diving, participants are immersed in an educational journey that covers reef ecology, identification of Indo-Pacific species, and the intricate relationships that sustain these ecosystems. This knowledge not only enhances your diving experience but also transforms the way you perceive and interact with marine environments.

A standout feature of the program is its focus on reef restoration. Participants learn cutting-edge techniques to rehabilitate damaged coral reefs, following internationally recognized standards and the latest updates in marine science. This aspect of the program is particularly impactful, as it equips participants with practical skills to address one of the most pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems today. From understanding coral fragmentation and transplantation to monitoring restored areas, you’ll gain hands-on experience that can be applied globally.

The program is designed to be comprehensive and adaptable, catering to a wide range of interests and goals. Whether you're looking to enhance your recreational diving skills or pursue a career in marine conservation, Blue Corner Marine Research has you covered. Their CEMAS certification is highly respected and opens doors to opportunities worldwide, allowing graduates to work or volunteer on marine conservation projects across the globe. This credential ensures that you leave the program not only with newfound knowledge but also with professional qualifications that set you apart.

The location itself is breathtaking. Nestled in the Coral Triangle, this region boasts the highest marine biodiversity on the planet, making every dive an unforgettable experience. The vibrant corals, schools of tropical fish, and occasional sightings of larger marine animals such as manta rays and sharks create a sense of wonder and appreciation for the ocean’s beauty and complexity.

In addition to its scientific and recreational components, the program fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. You’ll work alongside like-minded individuals from around the world, forming connections that often extend beyond the program. Together, you’ll contribute to meaningful conservation efforts while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Blue Corner Marine Research is more than a diving program—it’s a transformative experience. By combining education, skill-building, and hands-on conservation work, it empowers participants to make a tangible difference in marine ecosystems while gaining invaluable personal and professional benefits. Whether you’re passionate about marine life, conservation, or simply seeking a unique adventure, this program is highly recommended. Dive into the experience and become part of the global effort to protect our oceans.

What was your funniest moment?
Learning coral restoration techniques 😍
Pros
  • Knowledge
  • Skills
  • Active Hollidays
Default avatar
Vanessa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Saving the coral reefs

In my 3 week program in Nusa Lembongan island I learned so much about coral reefs
and really improved my diving skills. It was such a fun way to meet other like-minded people! Some of the other interns stayed at guesthouses in the village but I decided to stay in their dormitory at the beach - which was social as other students who were doing conservation and diving programs at Blue Corner Dive were also staying on-site. In the 3 weeks we dived almost every day with marine biologists learning all about coral reef species and ecosystems. The program leaders Egi, Yas and Andrew are all so much fun and knowledgable about marine life!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We saw a mola mola (sunfish) right at the coral restoration site while we were diving! Most mornings are spent underwater identifying different species on the reef, monitoring or transplanting coral so often we are so focused on the what we are doing that we almost didn't see the HUGE fish right beside us!
Pros
  • AMAZING diving!
  • Life-long memories and friends
  • new passion unlocked (coral restoration)!
Cons
  • small island so the wifi is not always fast
4 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers