Martha and Laurent are so lovely, enthusiastic about what they are doing, that it's a joy and pleasure to join Eco2dive!
The program is well-balanced and contains several different activities.
I learnt a lot about corals and diving! It was so adventurous to dive in the ocean and see all the beings underwater. Colourful, playful and seemed to be extraterrestrial sometimes! I also liked to talk to the other volunteers and the warm-hearted staff. Thanks to Buruhani, Saidi, Rehema, Jamila, the guards and the guys from the boat. Sorry, to many names :-) I enjoyed to walk around in Mikindani and nearby, talk with the locals and discover some interesting things, like bisi and big baobab trees and monkeys in the jungle.

In 2025, I took a six-month break from university to see more of the world and gain hands-on experience outside of an academic setting. My goals during this time were to learn as much as possible, meet new people, and - most importantly - give something back to the places I was lucky enough to visit.

Volunteering felt like the most meaningful way to achieve these goals, which led me on a search for the right program. Surprisingly, the biggest challenge was finding ethical amd sustainable volunteering opportunities that aligned with my values and were either within my existing skill set or something I genuinely wanted to upskill into. That’s how I discovered coral restoration projects.

Eco2diving ultimately stood out due to its location, affordability, and strong positive reviews—and I’m very glad I chose it.

The experience exceeded all of my expectations. Martha and Laurent are incredibly kind, passionate people who are clearly dedicated to both conservation and creating a positive experience for volunteers. They’ve built something really special.

The accommodation was very comfortable and the food was delicious, with the half-board option providing more than enough each day. I did experience some very minor plumbing issues, but they were impressively fixed within a few hours 🤯.

One of the biggest highlights of the program was the land conservation education days. These were incredibly engaging and informative, offering a deeper understanding of environmental issues beyond the reef. The strong focus on education meant that rather than simply participating, I learned why the work mattered and how it connected to the wider ecosystem. I left these days feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped with practical knowledge to continue conservation efforts beyond the program.

Another major highlight was the opportunity to progress quickly with certifications. In just five weeks, I earned my Reef Restoration Certification and advanced to an Advanced Scuba Diving license.

The daily schedule was well structured and thoughtfully balanced, with enough time for rest and personal exploration alongside the program’s activities making it possible for me to also maintain some freelance digital nomad work.

On a weekly basis, I did a minimum of three dives, one land conservation day, and a fortnightly outing to support seaweed farming—creating a well-rounded experience that combined hands-on marine work with meaningful land-based education.

I joined the coral restoration program in Mikindani looking for an experience that would combine diving with something meaningful, and it exceeded my expectations. From the moment we arrived, the focus was clearly on immersion — not only underwater, but also in the daily life of the village and its surroundings.

The coral restoration activities were well explained, practical, and adapted to what the reef needed at that time.

Laurent, Martha, and the whole team were welcoming, organized, and always available, making everything feel easy and well taken care of. It felt like a real project, run by people who genuinely care about both the environment and the people involved.

An experience I would happily repeat.

I spent five weeks in Mikindani with Martha, Laurent and the rest of the eco2 team. I had an incredible experience and can’t wait to go back!

I went having never dived before and wanting to learn more about conservation. I did my open water with them and they are fabulous teachers who I felt really safe with the whole time. This programme is an excellent opportunity to learn how to dive because you fit in a lot of diving, so you learn quickly and develop lots of different skills while carrying out conservation. You also have the opportunity to fit in fun dives in an untouched, beautiful environment where you are guaranteed to be the only divers on the site.

The conservation programme is very hands on and covers many aspects, including regular coral planting sessions, making and installing an artificial reef, educational days, beach clean ups, fun dives etc.

While the schedule is full, Martha and Laurent are very supportive if you want to fit in any other experiences such as safari.

The town itself is a quaint historical Tanzanian coastal village and is very relaxing. The accommodation and restaurant is lovely, which was a treat after tiring days of diving!

I cannot recommend this experience more, if you want a hands on personable experience while learning about marine conservation and how to dive!

I joined the coral restoration program in Mikindani because I was looking for something more than just recreational diving. I wanted an experience that combined meaningful environmental action with cultural exchange — and this program truly delivered. I learned a lot about coral ecosystems: how to recognize different species, understand their growth, and why they are so essential to marine life. Beyond diving, I really appreciated the cultural side of the program — meeting local people, sharing meals, discovering everyday life in a small Tanzanian coastal village, and feeling part of the community rather than just passing through.
It was intense, eye-opening, and deeply rewarding.

I joined the coral restoration project in Mikindani because I didn’t want to remain a passive observer when it comes to environmental protection. I was looking for a hands-on, concrete way to contribute, and this project offered exactly that.

Laurent, Martha, and the entire Eco2 team are deeply committed to protecting and restoring the local reefs. Their passion is genuine and contagious. The work is real, sometimes physical, but always meaningful. Both underwater and on land, I felt that every effort contributed to something bigger than myself.

What made this experience unique was the balance between independence and teamwork. You are trusted to take responsibility, to learn, and to actively participate rather than just follow instructions. Life in Mikindani is simple, but rich in human connection and purpose. I truly hope the corals we planted will thrive and grow — projects run with this level of dedication deserve to succeed.

Future participants should know that this is not a “tourist” experience, but a genuine conservation project. If you are motivated and care deeply about the environment, this program is extremely rewarding.

I decided to go on a gap year after finishing school and found this hidden gem in Tanzania. I was trained to become and scuba diver and have wanted to expand my knowledge on diving ever since. The things one can see at these places are incredible and breath taking. The staff was extremely friendly and help me with any struggles I had over the time I spent there. Would highly recommend for people who want to experience lovely spots on this planet. In addition would recommend you take a good amount of time to stay at this spot to experience everything one can.