Program Reviews

Best time of our lives! When we (me and my husband) first booked the program, we didn't know what to expect and choose to only book it for 2 weeks in case it wouldn't suit us, but all concerns we might had before disappeared on our first day. Afterwards our only regret is that we didn't spend more time at the site, since the two weeks just flew by.

We were there in November 2022 and did our Open Water the first days at site. During the days we did different types of dives to conserve the corals and planted mangroves. We had a cozy hut by ourselves, the meals were very good and on the evenings we played games, card and socialize. The location on the beach is beautiful and the whole area calm. On our spare time we explored the nearby Gili Asahan, a wonderful island which you could reach by kayak.

The organization were very professional and had a very well though trough approach regarding that the coral restoration also took biodiversity into account. We had several lectures such as fish identification and others focusing on sustainability and environment. It was an amazing experience, and I would love to come back in the future when I have the opportunity.

I spent 1 month at SORCE a few years back and still look back every now and then missing that time. The team makes you feel like part of the family, you hang out together in a beautiful remote place making close friends. You spend your days diving, learning new things, eating dinner together, and playing games. They organize bonfire evenings, and the bungalows are beautiful. I learned a lot about coral restoration, conservation, and fish identification. 100% recommended for an amazing valuable experience!

I did my bachelor's thesis with SORCE and had a great time working with them. The site is very neat and I believe a lot of thought was put into the way it is set up. I had every opportunity to further advance my skills in marine science and diving at SORCE and found incredible people along the way.

You can do all sorts of surveys, figure out your own area of research, and then set up this project in the way that you want. Or you can just chill and dive 2-3 times a day, 6 days a week, and have an awesome time being in one of the last remote places in Lombok. And if you just don't want to do anything that's perfectly fine and you can just hang out on bean bags ;)

They have an incredible mission and I loved being part of it.

I had the most incredible time at SORCE while completing my marine science A-level. Not only did I get phenomenal teachers for my book and exam learnings, I also had vital hands on experience. We had the opportunity to do field work and research while conducting coral, seagrass and mangrove restoration. While also inviting you to experience one of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the world. Getting the opportunity to be introduced to new species on every dive! On top of this living beside the ocean in villas creates a close community that becomes family. SORCE played a pivotal role in my life and career and I would recommend this to anyone considering!! 11/10

Simply one of the best places to both dive and get involved in the world of Oceanic and marine sciences. The facilities here are incredibly well maintained, the huts are great, the food is great, and the people are incredible. The sense of comradery and friendships you can build during your time here with other visitors and the staff are unmatched. They are also extremely accommodating to pretty much any need or concern you have and any of the extra cost food options are made very very clear and are not over priced. The dive activities you complete make you feel like you're making a difference to better the surrounding marine ecosystem and the diving itself is incredible, with many unique flora and fauna you can't find anywhere else. Cannot recommend this place enough if you are looking to get more involved in marine and Oceanic sciences, either recreationally or professionally. SORCE is the best, stingrays forever!

This year I went to SORCE for 5 weeks and i just had the best time of my life there.
If you love the ocean, if you love scuba diving , if you love to life on an beautiful island, if you wanna enjoy an incrediable view everyday and every night and also if you wanna help our ocean and all living organism inside there you need to come to SORCE.
For me it is like a second home now and i know i will come back!!

The team of SORCE do an amazing job in marine conservation, they are clever and hardworking and you can see how much they love the ocean; but they also be there for you whenever you need them, doesnt matter if you wanna talk about the project or if you just wanna talk about all your thoughts and impressions.
The accommodations are really comfortable and just made with love, also the food - I LOVED IT especially the homemade peanut butter
There is so much more to say but i think everyone who is interested in living a completely different exciting life and be part of marine conservation should come to SORCE.
Our planet needs more people like the team members of SORCE.
Im so thankful for this experience and it just changed my view of life in a really good way.
And also indonesia is an amazing beautiful country
Thanks to Kara and all the rest of this lovely SORCE family <3
SAVE THE OCEAN !!

I love this place!! My husband and I spent 3 weeks here and had the most wonderful experience. We learned so much about conservation work, coral, fish, and mangroves. There was a clear structure to the day with a various different activities. And, I improved my diving skills in a variety of different environments and situations. The team there is smart, sweet, funny, passionate and has created something very special. The location itself is beautiful with lovely accommodations, amazing sunsets and so many stars! I would highly recommend this experience!

One of the experiences of my life, during my time at sorce I felt like I was at home, from the very moment I stepped into the campment all the team, since the staff of the kitchen, until izy, going through all the boat crew and scientifics made my live so easy. They'll try to satisfy all your requirements (of course within the context of being in a small village in Indonesia) in my case I just asked for eating and diving as much as possible, And I can say that I gained 3 kg and I almost bend, hahahha nah kidding, well, the first part is true, the food is so good, but about diving they strictly respect all diving standards and procedures in both scientific and fun dives. Moreover they have an instructor on site who's an excellent professional and a really good opportunity if you're considering taking any training during your time at sorce cause she'll  teach you in a more up-close-and-personal way that a common dive center would do.
In conclusion, at sorce you'll find people with passion about what they do and therefore happy people who will make you live one the best experiences of your life and will give you the chance to learn as much as you want about marine life. I highly recommend this place to those who love the ocean and are wondering to further their knowledge about it or just have gap time wanting to live a unique experience while doing something for the environment.

I spent 6 months at SORCE whilst I was a student to get more experience in the field, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Even in the first couple of weeks, I had already learned more about marine conservation than I could have ever imagined. The project schedule runs from Tuesday-Saturday, with a fun day (and a fun dive) on Sunday and a dry day on Monday. On the first project day we were diving and learning about their coral nurseries and artificial reef structures, and by the end of the first week I had logged 13 dives through cleaning coral nurseries, planting on artificial reef structures, assisting in underwater BRUV surveys, learning about fish ID, and on top of that we even planted some mangroves! Over the next few months I was able to develop my skills in all of these areas and so much more, and during this time I had so much support and advice from the staff when I was starting to think about my career after university. There are lots of staff on site that ensure everything is run smoothly, from scientists who lead the activities, to kitchen and housekeeping staff who cook you three meals a day and clean your (private!) room every day; every single staff member was lovely and welcoming. The location is remote, perfect for those searching for somewhere quiet, but there is always something to do if you want to. Most nights guests will hang out in the 'den' watching movies, playing games or just chatting, and during the free Monday there are enough places to go to, like restaurants on one of the local islands, or places further afield (but still close enough to spend a day there) like Kuta and Senggigi. During my stay lots of other people came through, some with lots of dive experience, some with none, and either way there was something for everyone to do. Despite being there for such a long time, I was never bored, and I made lifelong friends with people I would have never crossed paths with if it weren't for SORCE.

If marine conservation is what you are interested in, SORCE is the place to be!

Stayed here for 2 months in early 2023. Was arguably the best interning experience I've ever had:

Fantastic diving with brilliant divemasters which can find you the most amazing of wildlife, big or small. Marine life here is bright, vibrant and varied!

Engaging science, with a variety of projects to engage with, all of which are properly justified in terms of their scientific importance.

Amazing living conditions: the only interning experience where you get your own private housing!

Climate is wonderful: hot and dry with the sea breeze keeping life cool and free from mosquitos.

Fantastic location, super close to the lesser known Gilii Isles, with the beach right on your doorstep and no more than a 10 minute boat ride to Gili Asahan.

An engaging and supportive management, which are always available for any enquiries you have. People on base with you are wonderful and very open and welcoming.

I cannot wait to come back again!