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.
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One of the top picks, according to travelers
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Learn everything about scuba diving, Ecuadorian life and the precious marine wildlife of the Pacific coast!
Highlights
- Dive and help protect marine wildlife. Support the local communities by building octopus shelters and restoring coastal ecosystems.
- Work with experienced marine biologists on conservation projects. Volunteer and learn about reef reforestation from local experts and scientists.
- Track and monitor marine species like coral sharks, rays, giant sea turtles, whales and many more. Then, unwind with calming yoga sessions by the ocean.
- Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture with visits to local artisans, local cuisine and stunning weekend trips. Get PADI certified!
- Enjoy the swimming pool, jacuzzi, and relaxing in hammocks. Look forward to unforgettable sunsets and make new friends.
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!
About the Program
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!
How You’ll Make an Impact:
Reef Reforestation & Habitat Creation: Design and create new living spaces for endangered species, specifically building octopus shelters and reforesting the coral reef on the sea floor.
Safeguard Sea Turtles: Assist in the construction of a sea turtle preserve, care for injured turtles, and help in the reintegration and protection of newly hatched turtles.
Underwater Census & Monitoring: Carry out a census of animal species, monitor coral health, and measure reef growth to report critical data.
Eco-Initiatives: Participate in beach cleaning, recycling work, and help implement trash separation concepts to keep the coast pristine.
Marine Education: Conduct educational campaigns and leisure activities for tourists, such as fundraising bicycle tours and workshops to raise awareness.
Cultural Exchange: Collaborate with local communities, visit local craftsmen (“artesanías”), and experience Ecuadorian culture firsthand.
Creative Contribution: Use your skills to create advertising materials, fliers, or digital content to boost project visibility.
Team Engagement: Join regular project updates and activities, including boat rides and diving runs.
Get ready to dive into action in more ways than one!
Why It Matters:
Every task, whether it’s building a shelter for an octopus or educating tourists on sustainable tourism, contributes to preserving our rich marine biodiversity. Together, we’re fostering a harmonious relationship between the Ecuadorian communities, their stunning coastal landscapes and tourism.
Why Join Us?
Tourism is booming, but so are the challenges to keeping our oceans clean. That’s why we’re looking for passionate volunteers like you — to safeguard this paradise and its incredible marine ecosystem. To ensure you make the most of your time, we include a FREE 20-hour intensive Spanish course. Learn essential vocabulary to connect with locals and amplify your impact. And after your experience abroad, maybe even add Spanish to your CV!
This program isn’t just about volunteering — it’s a holistic journey. By learning Spanish, you’ll deepen your connection with local communities, enhancing the impact of your work. Obtaining your PADI diving license adds an exhilarating dimension, helping you explore the underwater world while fully embracing the ocean lifestyle.
Join us to make a real difference, learn new skills, and create lifelong memories.
Ready to explore the underwater world and save marine life? Apply today and start your adventure!
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
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
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
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
- Sports
- Shopping/Souvenirs
- Hiking
- Sightseeing
- Concert/music
- Water Sports
- Riding
- Diving/Snorkling
- Swimming
- Yoga/Meditation
Discover Ecuador's Endless Adventures in Your Free Time!
Gallery
Surfing
Diving
Beach Volleyball
Horse Riding
Pacific Coast Activities:
- Surfing
- Diving
- Surf yoga
- Beach volleyball
- Horse riding
- Coastal paragliding
- Isla de la Plata + Whale watching (July–September)
- Dive courses (Open Water, Advanced, Dive Master)
Explore Beyond the Coast:
- Surfing
- Diving
- Surf yoga
- Beach volleyball
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.
Requirements
Minimum Age: 20 years
In order to join the program you need to be at least 20 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
Language Skills
You need to speak English and Basic Spanish
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Other Skills
Program Requirements: No special technical skills are needed—just a passion for the ocean, nature, and a strong personal commitment. Diving activities (especially the PADI course) require physical fitness, the ability to swim, and a certified medical clearance from your physician. Any additional expertise you bring will be warmly welcomed and utilized. Language Requirements: Basic Spanish is required as one of the project leaders does not speak English. The program includes a 20-hour intensive Spanish course to help you communicate and maximize your impact.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 15:00
Volunteer Time Commitment
Monday-Friday
from 08:00-14:00
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
Show More
Program fees
- 363€ per week
- 4 - 50 weeks
- Age: 18 - 50+
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
Partnerships






Top Pick
4.85
Overall
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
Reviews
Top Pick
4.85
Overall
Social Impact
4.9
Safety
4.9
Support
4.9
Free Time
4.8
Value
4.8
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