Dive and Volunteer Camp

Marine Biology and Wildlife Conservation – Pacific Coast Ecuador

Take Part

In our Dive and Volunteer Camp and Marine Biology Conservation project

We are looking for enthusiastic, committed volunteers to work in one of South America’s favorite diving locations! “Dive Into Action” is a volunteer opportunity conducted by and for divers, people that want to learn to scuba dive (and get PADI certified) and for anyone who wants to help preserve nature and the ocean’s unique beauty. Join us, help protect our beaches, and keep our ocean clean; help bring our ocean reefs back to life through underwater reforestation and save endangered giant sea turtles from extinction.

Top Pick

One of the top picks, according to travelers

4.8

26

Reviews

Learn everything about scuba diving, Ecuadorian life and the precious marine wildlife of the Pacific coast!

Highlights

About the Program

Dive into action, protect nature and make a difference! Our dive and volunteer camp in Ecuador offers more than just an adventure. Help us safeguard endangered marine life!

Especially good for

Age 18+

Groups

Families

Couples

Singles

50+

Dive, Save, and Make a Difference on Ecuador’s Pacific Coast!

Combine your love for the ocean with a passion for conservation at one of the best diving spots in the Pacific! Our marine biology volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to protect marine wildlife while getting PADI certified and exploring the underwater world.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in reef reforestation, building octopus shelters, and environmental education — all while immersing yourself in Ecuadorian culture at the Equator!

Typical day

Week 1

Week 1

Your journey starts with an immersive first week designed to get you fully prepared for the underwater adventure ahead. Mornings are dedicated to your PADI diving certification (Open Water or Advanced) and learning Spanish in a dynamic setting. In the afternoons, you’ll start your theory and pool sessions or open water dives. The intensive 20-hour Spanish course will help you communicate effectively with the local team and community.

Week 2 and after

From the second week, your focus shifts to active volunteering. You’ll work on reef reforestation, building octopus shelters, and conducting marine census. Your daily schedule offers a balance of hands-on conservation work and free time for personal exploration or surfing as a hobby.

A Typical Volunteering Week:
 

Monday to Friday

8:00 AM – Work day begins (Diving, construction of shelters, or beach conservation)

12:00 PM – Lunch (at nearby restaurants or self-catering at camp)

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Continuation of project tasks

3:00 PM – Work ends

3:00 PM – Onwards – Free time (relax in the hammocks, explore, or sunset yoga)

Sometimes your tasks will vary between underwater monitoring, building octopus huts on land, or assisting with sea turtle preservation measures.

The project’s work depends on real-time needs and priorities determined by the camp manager. On average, you’ll spend your designated hours assisting with these critical tasks. Flexibility and a love for the ocean are Key.

Saturday & Sunday
Your weekends are yours to enjoy! Relax, explore the local area, or try out new activities (optional):

  • Trip to the Galapagos Islands (highly recommended)
  • Surfing (lessons available nearby)
  • Isla De La Plata + Whale Watching (September)
  • Canyoning in waterfalls
  • Climbing a volcano
  • Mountainbike Tours
  • Amazon Jungle Trips (4 days)

Free-time activities

Discover Ecuador's Endless Adventures in Your Free Time!

Gallery
Pacific Coast Activities:
Explore Beyond the Coast:

Curious to know what's included and what's not included in your travel?

✅ On-site Services

 If you want you can stay longer than 4 weeks, please ask us for a price offer.

  • Lodging: in the volunteers‘ dorm at camp (or, for a surcharge, in a bamboo bungalow).
  • Usage of all facilities (incl. a swimming pool, jacuzzi, volleyball/waterball, DVD and TV, WiFi etc.).
  • Pickup and transport from airport (Guayaquil).
  • Welcome dinner.
  • Visits to local craftsmen and women (“artesanías”).
  • FREE 20 hour Spanish course.
  • FREE 5-day certified PADI diving course included! (Open Water or Advanced).
  • + 2 (!) diving excursions per month to monitor the coral reef.
  • FREE whale watching excursion (only during September’s camp).
  • FREE Christmas party and New Year’s buffet (only during December’s camp).
  • Comprehensive Volungo Abroad Support Packet (see section Additional Information).
  • On-site support through your volunteer coordinator.
  • 24 hour support.
  •  

 

✅ Accommodation

During your time at the project you will be living on the coast of Ecuador, in our affiliated accommodation close to your Spanish school. You will stay together with other volunteers in dormitories; the accommodation always attempts to keep boys and girls separate, but sometimes they have to mix. Linen and bedding are available and you can rent towels for a small deposit. Your accommodation faces the sea. If you prefer to share with your friend, your partner, or be by yourself, you can also rent one of the traditional thatched roof bamboo huts (for a surcharge). For further details please refer to your welcome e-mail.

✅ Meals

No meals are included. The accommodation has self-catering facilities and therefore your meals can either be prepared and consumed with other volunteers (shopping in town is easy), or you can go out to one of the many restaurants in town where you can eat cheaply.

✅ Facilities

You will stay in shared dorm rooms or in bungalows, and the camp is equipped as follows

  • Swimming pool

  • Jacuzzi

  • Waterball net

  • Hammocks

  • Volleyball net

  • Laundry service

  • Gym in town (cost not included)

  • Language school nearby. (Optional: You can also book your language course in the capital, Quito)

  • Communal area with TV and DVD

  • Free Wifi

  • Kitchen (self-catering: kitchen facilities at campsite, grocery shopping nearby)

✅ Internet Access

Good access at the project site

Local Public Transportation

Daily bus fares from the camp to the project site are not included within the program fees (approx. $0.70 per ride). Note: The airport pickup and drop-off ARE included.


❌ Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs. You can use the self-catering kitchen facilities at the camp.


❌ International Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. International flights are not included.


❌Travel Insurance

 Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury (especially related to diving activities), cancellation or theft – a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have.


❌ Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice. For the diving course, a physical examination and certified clearance from your physician are required. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador.

Requirements to take part of this opportunity

Check all of the requirements necessary to take part in this incredible experience.

Volunteer Time Commitment
Monday-Friday
from 08:00-14:00
airplane on sky during golden hour
Requirements
Minimum level of English Respect diversity Open mind Altruistic person

Program fees

The following is a breakdown of the weekly fees for this experience.

4 weeks (min. stay)
1.779€
8 weeks
3.194€
12 weeks
4.587€
50 weeks (max stay)
21.612€
Average fees
438€/week

Program fees

Payment methods:
Duration

4 – 50 weeks


Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with NewProjectOwnership during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

10+

Years Of
Experiences

a couple of people that are standing in the grass

Partnerships

Top Pick

4.85

Overall
5 stars
4
3
2
Social Impact

4.9

Safety

4.9

Support

4.9

Free Time

4.8

Value

4.8

One of the top picks, according to travelers

Rated 5 out of 5
Volunteering with Surf & Help was a dream come true. I spent my mornings catching waves and my afternoons cleaning beaches...
Alana Ramos
2025
Rated 5 out of 5
Surf & Help exceeded all my expectations. From daily surf lessons to coral restoration dives, every moment...
Ava Thompson
2025
Rated 5 out of 5
Pure happiness. The ocean, the turtles, the people… wow. 🌅🐢
Sophia Martin
2024
Rated 5 out of 5
This program perfectly balanced fun and impact. We dawn‑patrolled beaches, restored reefs by day, and surfed sunsets...
Mia Johnson
2024

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