Program Reviews

Having signed up for the program in 2019, I finally made it to IOP in 2021 (thank you Covid) ... but the program was worth the long wait.
Whether you just want to be a better diver or move on to instructor level, this is the program you have been looking for. IOP goes above and beyond the standard and if necessary will customize the program to your needs. The IOP staff are not only very knowledgeable when it comes to diving and Marine Conservation, but were also incredibly supportive whenever I struggled. Be ready to meet some awesome and inspiring people among the staff and your fellow interns. We all came from different backgrounds, but bonded over our shared interest for diving and conservation. I gained a huge amount of diving experience in sometimes challenging conditions, learned a lot about marine life and also a lot about myself. Thank you to everyone at IOP, this was an amazing experience!

I immensely enjoyed my time with IOP and would highly recommend their program to anyone who is interested in becoming a better diver or becoming more aware of the scientific aspects of the local marine life.

The staff are incredible- both at IOP and Reeflex (the custodian dive Center). A particular highlight for me were the baited remote underwater video deployments and of course the manta dives!

The diving is fantastic and I feel far more confident in my skills as a diver. A massive thank you to IOP.

How can I write a review without sounding like a paid ad? I'll try...

The way that Indo Ocean Project combine divemaster training and conservation work gives meaning and purpose to your dives here. You are not trained to just be a dive professional, you are trained to be a conservationist with impeccable diving skills.

But an awesome program could not succeed without awesome people, all of the IOP staff are exceptional and will go to any lengths to help you with whatever challenge you encounter.

Joining IOP was the single best decision I've ever made. I'll never forget all of the jaw dropping but sometimes challenging dive sites, the laid back island life and its people, and the scooter adventures I've been on. Finishing the program I could proudly say I have improved my diving skills, increased my marine life knowledge and gained a family.

If you need a meaningful and fulfilling break from the tiring corporate world like I did, this is the place to be.

Ended up 2 month before starting that I was going to join IOP thanks to a miraculous free spot, I realize now I lucky I was. Solid divemaster training, lot of different conservation workshop and training, it is a very complete program for someone that don’t want to do a simple divemaster. Moreover, you are on an amazing island to explorer with plenty of people to meet, including the lovely team and the interns that will become precious friends in your adventure !

It totally met my expectations, and even went far beyond !!

After researching so many different divemaster internships, I knew Indo Ocean Project was the one. I gained a huge amount of diving experience in 3 months as well as contributing to marine conservation efforts through becoming a research/survey diver.
The course is extremely well organised and each day is filled with diving, workshops and other activities. I learnt so much about the amazing species you find in these waters and was then lucky enough to dive with them!
The best thing about the IOP internship is the people. The staff are absolutely incredible, going above and beyond to build your confidence and I felt supported every step of the way. I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person through their guidance. It was also amazing to make friends with the locals on Nusa Penida and immersing into the island community.
And then you have the other interns, a family away from home and best friends for life. I’ve had the best time, feel so grateful, and cannot wait to go out into the world as a divemaster and work in the marine conservation industry. Thank you to everyone at IOP - for everything!

I spent months researching different divemaster and volunteer programs until I came across Indo Ocean Project, and I’m so glad I did! The combination of divemaster training and contributing to marine conservation was exactly what I was looking for and even exceeded my expectations. The dive training you get here is above and beyond any normal divemaster program. The highly trained staff is very professional and a lot of fun. You will leave here as a confident dive professional and ready for your IDC.
And on top of the great learning environment, you get to be in beautiful Nusa Penida! There is no shortage of things to do with your down time and all the locals here are very welcoming. If you are looking for a program where you can give a little but get a whole lot back, and make new friends from around the world, this is the place!

What can i say? This has been the most amazing experience of my life. Passionate people that don't only teach you how to dive dive or about conservation but actually make you fall in love with it.
The program is very complete and detailed, doesn't.matter what is your starting point, they build you up to be a confident and competent diver while enhancing your knowledge about conservation and ecology of several animals and engaging practically in conservation efforts such as coral restoration and data collection.

After studying Marine Biology for 2 years at my University in an online setting, I decided I needed a break and to get some hands-on Marine Conservation experience. I came to the Indo Ocean Project having never dived and I completed the "Zero to Hero" program over a span of 14 weeks. I really enjoyed getting to fully immerse myself in the diving world, allowing me to become a confident diver through diving every day for 3 months. The staff at IOP are the most caring individuals who radiate their passions for both Diving and Marine Conservation.

IOP is like Disney Land for aspiring Marine Biologists as it gives you an overview of a variety of Marine Conservation topics, allowing you to find the topic that resonates with you most. After completing workshops on Sharks, Turtles, Mantas, Molas, Nudis, Coral, and Mangroves, I was able to discover a passion for Coral and Coral Restoration that I never knew I had.

The program is very well structured and I really enjoyed how every day was different and that there was always something new to do. The Divemaster component of the Internship is incredibly planned and incorporates Marine Conservation into the requirements of the course through Leading Survey Dives and BRUVs and getting to map a Coral Restoration Site. IOP brings together like-minded individuals from all around the world, allowing you to create incredible friendships within short periods of time.

This program is a lot of hard work but it can also be the most rewarding experience of your life. I recommend this program to anyone who's passionate about Marine Conservation and wants to take the next step to build a career in the Diving or Marine Conservation Industry

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.