Program Reviews

Joining Indo Ocean Project has been such an amazing experience, and I loved every minute of it! The team are so incredible and passionate about marine conservation and diving.

Being able to get my divemaster certificate while also learning about marine conservation and training as a research diver has been such a unique experience. Not only am I now a confident diver, but I've learned so much about marine life.

This program is amazing for anyone with a love of the ocean and who is looking for an adventure!

I came to the Indo Ocean Project after completing my second year of my Marine and Freshwater Biology program in University, wanting to discover if I loved doing marine biology as much as I loved learning about it. I had never dived before coming to Penida so I completed the “Zero to Hero” over a span of 14 weeks. I was greeted with open arms from all the IOP staff who radiate their passions for both Marine Conservation and diving. This program is truly incredible in the way that it brings individuals from all over the world who share the same passion for marine conservation, allowing you to create strong friendships within short periods of time. IOP is the perfect place for aspiring Marine Biologists as it gives you an overview on a variety of Marine Conservation topics, allowing you to find the area that you’re most passionate about. Doing my Divemaster with IOP in Nusa Penida has been the best decision that I have ever made and I recommend this program to anyone who wants to grow as a diver, conservationist and person.

Be a part of Indo Ocean Project was one of the best decisions i've ever made!
I was looking for an internship with both Diving training and conservation program, and Indo Ocean Project was perfect.
Once I arrived in Nusa penida, I realized that the environment was fabulous, the island was amazing and the people I met became my family during the months of the program and even after!
The program is amazing, with a lot of day by day organization with a perfect balance between dive master training and scientific research.
I came in Nusa Penida also to develope my Master degree thesis project, and every person of the staff has been and still is always available for any doubt or help, with their huge knowledge about the marine environment!

As a team of top quality dive professionals and scientists, Indo Ocean Project have developed an incredible divemaster and scientific research internship that has provided me with skills and knowledge way beyond that of a typical divemaster training programme along with incredible memories and friendships. An internship with Indo Ocean Project will not only be one of the most amazing times of your life but it will do wonders on your CV.

The structure of the program splits efforts on providing in depth training in both the divemaster and scientific aspects, with all practical elements supplemented by specific classroom workshops which allowed me to complete tasks with great knowledge, understanding and confidence. The manner in which aspects of the divemaster program are combined with research applications such as search & recovery, mapping and leading dives, provides interns with experience not only leading a team of fun divers but leading a team of scientists. By the time you finish your internship with IOP you will be performing tasks that seemed a big feat before like they are second nature, and your confidence in and out of the water will be enhanced massively.

Whether you plan to pursue marine conservation, or just want to become a good quality dive professional, I can’t recommend Indo Ocean Project enough. I’m addition to the skills gained as a dive professional, the knowledge gained of the marine ecosystem through multiple speciality courses and workshops sets you up to follow the path of marine conservation, but also allows you to be an incredibly insightful divemaster, being able to share your knowledge of species you see with customers.

Nusa Penida is also incredible! The diving is amazing, you will experience beautiful reefs and amazing biodiversity as well as varied conditions making it the perfect place for fun diving as well as training. The island itself is paradise and the local people are so nice.

I am sad that my internship has ended as I miss spending every day with my IOP family in and out of the water, but I am excited for the opportunities of the future now that I have the experience and training of IOP behind me.

Where do I even start? This internship was such an awesome experience! Not only did I became a well-rounded diver, but I also had the opportunity to get involved with some fantastic conservation and research projects. The team at Indo Ocean Project have become like family. They’re an amazing bunch of down-to-earth people, passionate about diving and ocean conservation. The internship program expected my expectations! And about the location, Nusa Penida is truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to…a true paradise island. The diving was incredible and I got to swim with Mola-Mola, sharks, turtles and some of the coolest Nudibranch I’ve ever seen. I wish I could do it all over again! If you’re wondering if this internship is the right one for you, stop hesitating and book your spot NOW!

Being an intern with the Indo Ocean Project was the best decision I ever made. Whether you plan to go into a marine conservation career like me, or want to do it just for the experience; I highly recommend this program to everyone. The amount of skills and knowledge you gain in this program is incredible, thanks to the amazing instructors and guides that you will be working with. Every single day is so much fun and packed with experiences and exercises to get you to be the best scientific research diver you can be.

There is not a single bad thing to say about this program. After loads of uncertainty due to Covid regulations, I finally made it and it was an experience of a lifetime. All of the staff members and other interns are beyond amazing. it was so great to be around so many talented people who were so committed to conservation efforts. I did my DM elsewhere and came only to participate in marine conservation research. However, it was clear to me how seriously they take professionalism with their DM candidates, all of whom became excellent divers. I came with no marine biology background and learned so so so much in my time there (special thank you to Serena!) in addition to becoming a better diver.

I wish I could have stayed longer and would do it again in a heartbeat. If you're looking for a program that will make you a better diver while expanding your knowledge of the marine environment, then look no further. You'll come out of this program as a strong, well-rounded diver.

Thanks again for everything! Y'all are the best!

Joining Indo Ocean Project in July meant my experience of both the island & the programme was different to most interns. IOPs efforts to follow regional lockdown guidelines did not go unnoticed, as I was still able to enjoy diving, workshops & tasks as normal.
The team of staff were so incredibly helpful with any matter, whether it was a question on dive gear or the name of a crazy looking nudibranch.
Gaining my rescue & divemaster certificates with IOP whilst learning about conservation & research has to be one of the best decisions I’ve made - not only am I secured a potential future diveguide job but I have also solidified my love for the ocean, as I learnt so much about myself & the marine world around me over the 10 week programme.

After a lot of moments of uncertainty, because of the lockdown in Bali, I made it to Nusa Penida where I was welcomed by a group of lovely people.

The program is extremely interesting and teaches you different research techniques and so much more about the beautiful animals that can be found around the island. Be aware that the water can be extremely cold but that is when you get to see the coolest things during your dives!

I could not recommend more this program, if you get the chance do it, you won’t regret it!

IOP program was the most intense 360 degree experience of my life, I think everyone live this in an unique way according to the kind of person you are and the moment of the life you're living. I've learned so much about the person I wanna be, about marine environment, how to study it and protect it, how to dive, how to drive either 😂 and how to enjoy the island life. The only thing that I can say to you, if you love yourself do it, if you think you still have to learn to love yourself definitely do it!!!!