Known to be the world’s largest coral reef system, The Great Barrier Reef is home to many endangered animals, including over thirty types of whales, dolphins, 1,500 fish species, and much more. Join GoEco to restore and preserve the reef while protecting its species in the marine ecosystem.
Program Highlights:
Program Schedule – 12 day set itinerary:
Arrival Day/ Day 1 (Sun): Arrive at Cairns Airport (CNS) and transfer to your hostel. You can explore the city and then join an afternoon introductory meeting.
Days 2-3 (Mon-Tue): For those doing the Open Water PADI Diver Course, you will spend these days in the classroom and pool in order to improve your diving skills and knowledge. For those doing the Advanced Open Water certification or for those skipping a certification course, these days include your accommodations in the hostel and will have free time to explore all the city of Cairns has to offer before you start the ocean dives in the Great Barrier Reef on day 4.
Days 4-6 (Wed-Fri): Depart early on day 4 for your Great Barrier Reef Live a Board dive adventure. Over the next 3 days (2 nights), you will live on a boat on the Great Barrier Reef! Open Water Diver course participants will complete their certification on the first day, and will complete a total of 9 dives on board. Advanced Open Water course participants will start and complete their course on board, and will complete a total of 11 dives. Fully certified participants will spend their days enjoying the opportunity for 11 recreational dives on board exploring stunning Reef Sites. In the late afternoon of day 6, the group departs back to Cairns to check back into the hostel.
Days 7-8 (Sat-Sun): Ferry transfer to Fitzroy Island to visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Center. You will meet the local team, learn about the turtle rehab efforts, and possibly lend a helping hand. Tasks may include preparing food for the sea turtles, cleaning tanks and beach cleans up. Note: this visit will take place either on day 7 or 8, with the other day free. A free day after all diving on the live-a-baord will be the perfect rest day before embarking on the next stage of conservation dives on the following days.
Days 9-10 (Mon-Tue): Over the next 2 days, you will join a renown sustainable eco cruise and sail to outer locations in the Great Barrier Reef. You will do 2 dives a day and conduct conservation activities under the supervision of a designated eco-guide. This may include Rapid Monitoring surveys and/or a marine species count (weather dependent). Non-divers may also carry out Coral Watch surveys while snorkelling.
Day 11 (Wed): This day features an on-land conservation day. You will join a team of marine conservationists and assist with a unique marine debris upcycling project. Tasks may include beach clean-ups, sorting and segregating plastic debris. The type of project available depends on the needs of the region at the time of your trip and can vary. You will have a feel good and fun day and learn about the effects of human waste on our oceans.
Day 12 (Thu): End of tour, farewells and onward travel.
Note for fully certified divers: Those who are already Open Water and Advanced Open Water certified can join the full 12 day program at a reduced fee as certification is not required. Contact a GoEco representative during your application process to apply as a certified diver. All dive equipment is included.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Cairns is a tropical location in North Queensland, Australia. On a coastal strip between the Coral Sea and the Great Dividing Range, it offers great access to diving at the Great Barrier Reef. From Cairns, it is easy to travel to the nearby islands, Green and Fitzroy. While diving is the major attraction, there are many other exciting attractions nearby, such as the Atherton Tableland and Cape Tribulation.
The first 6 days are dedicated to completing diving certifications for all participants. From day 7 onwards, the itinerary provides several types of conservation initiatives underwater, with turtles, and on land.
Some of your tasks underwater while diving may include:
Volunteers also have one day in the itinerary dedicated to a local turtle rehabilitation center. Tasks will vary depending on the needs of the turtles in their care, and could include: General cleaning and maintenance, food prep and cleaning tanks, engaging in educational lectures, or other if advised by the staff.
During another day of your trip, you’ll team up with a local marine conservation group. Depending on ongoing projects, volunteers may engage in diverse tasks such as learning about marine debris impact, participating in beach cleanups, assisting with facility maintenance, and potentially contributing to the upcycling process, all while enjoying a day filled with learning, action, and community involvement.
Important note: All dives and activities are weather dependant and may change with short notice. Despite the possibility of changes or cancellations due to weather, the team strives wherever possible to provide alternative activities or reschedule dives while on the program.
Please click here for the updated COVID-19 entry requirements to Australia:
http://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/before-i-travel
Project’s minimum requirements:
While the expedition is packed full of amazing adventures in Cairns and at the Great Barrier Reef, traveling around Australia or to nearby Papua New Guinea are wonderful options for before or after the project. The nearby cities of Brisbane and Sydney are only 2-3 hour’s flight away and also offer exciting cultural and recreational attractions. Don’t forget the magnificent beaches for relaxing and snorkeling, the incredible hiking trails, and the surfing hotspots scattered throughout the rest of Australia.
To gain the complete in-and-out-of-water Australian experience, add on a week at our Wild Animal Sanctuary!
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