What volunteers actually said

After completing four weeks as a volunteer at the Barefoot Conservation, I can confidently say that this is a unique and unforgettable experience that truly makes you rethink what is important in life. During these four weeks, which flew by, I learned a great deal about marine conservation from the well qualified science staff, who were genuinely passionate about their work. It was clear that they were committed to conducting high-quality science with the goal of creating reliable and accessible data for several NGO and academic partners. As a layperson, I found the methodology engaging and easy to understand, which made it possible to contribute meaningfully to the research.

The project operates on several different fronts, resulting in a wide variety of dives each week, including manta ID surveys, reef checks, coral watch surveys, reef photogrammetry surveys, coral nursery cleaning and relocation and Crown-of-Thorns starfish culls across different reefs near camp in Arborek. Safe to say, there is a huge variety of dives to take part in, making every single day a new and unique experience. When not diving, we also participated in several other activities in camp and across the island, such as lectures that explain why we do specific scientific dives, beach cleans or teaching english in the local school. Weekends are reserved for time away from scientific diving. Saturdays are dedicated to fun dives, while Sundays are days off when volunteers can either participate in optional day trips or simply recharge your batteries at camp.

Personally, the most impactful part of the experience was connecting with fellow volunteers. The warm and welcoming community, made up of people from different backgrounds and age groups, was a powerful reminder that meaningful change and impact can only be achieved when we work together. Everyone was deeply aware of the project's primary purpose: supporting the marine conservation efforts of Raja Ampat, rather than simply enjoying this piece of paradise on Earth.

I stayed at the camp for three months and had a really good time. The science team shows a high level of passion and dedication to their work, and I learned a lot from them during my stay.

I also did my Rescue Diver and Divemaster with Matt, who is an awesome instructor. With his experience and guidance I could really improve my diving skills and gain a lot of confidence underwater. Matt and the whole team were very supportive during the training and always willing to help if I had questions. I definitely became a much better diver during my time there and now feel very safe underwater.

The diving itself was another highlight. Diving in Raja Ampat is incredible and there were many great dive experiences. Conditions are not always easy because currents can be present, but everything was always handled in a professional way and we never encountered any dangerous situations.

The camp itself is quite basic, so you should not expect a five-star Hilton experience. But that is part of the experience. You live very close to nature and the focus is really on the diving, the conservation work, and the people at the camp.

The island itself is very small and quiet. There are only a few small shops and a church, so life there is pretty simple. If you are looking for nightlife or lots of infrastructure, this is probably not the place. But if you want to disconnect and focus on diving and conservation, it’s a great place to be.

Overall, I can recommend Barefoot Conservation. I would suggest staying at least four weeks. It usually takes about two to three weeks to complete the science training, so staying longer makes the experience much more worthwhile.

I’ve been here for two months completing my Divemaster training, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in diving and marine research. It has truly been life-changing. Matt, the instructor of the project, has been incredibly supportive and is a fantastic teacher. He really helped me improve my diving skills and expand my knowledge. Even if you’ve never dived before, he will guide and support you through your Open Water courses with patience and professionalism. The science team has been amazing ,friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. Their presentations are engaging, and they make you feel like you’re not just participating, but genuinely contributing to ocean conservation. The dive sites are full of life and absolutely beautiful. As a volunteer, it’s an incredible feeling to contribute to the various projects and see the progress being made. The support staff are all welcoming and helpful, and you’ll never have a bad meal or a bad experience here. The base camp is clean and has all the amenities you need. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in the ocean and diving ,whether you have no experience at all or already have plenty. You’ll gain valuable skills, make unforgettable memories, and build great friendships along the way.

I spent four weeks with Barefoot Conservation in Raja Ampat and honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience. The diving was phenomenal. Raja Ampat has a reputation for being one of the best places in the world to dive, and it absolutely lived up to it. Over the month I saw manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, huge schools of fish and some of the healthiest reefs I've ever had the chance to dive on. Every site felt different and there was always something new to see. The science team were incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do. Whether we were carrying out reef surveys, learning fish identification or contributing to conservation projects, it always felt like we were doing something meaningful rather than just being shown around. I learned far more than I expected to in just a month. Life on camp is very simple. Don't come expecting luxury. You're living on a remote island with basic facilities and limited comforts. For me, that was part of the appeal. It strips things back to what matters: conservation, diving, good company and good food, along with some of the most incredible scenery you'll ever wake up to. One of the best parts of the trip was the people. Spending a month living and working together means you get to know everyone very well very quickly, and I made some genuinely great friends from all over the world. The atmosphere on camp was always welcoming and supportive. The staff deserve a special mention. Everyone was friendly, helpful and endlessly patient, whether they were teaching, organising logistics, leading dives or helping out with day-to-day life on camp. It's clear how much effort goes into making the expedition run smoothly. If you're looking for world-class diving, hands-on conservation work, a chance to learn something new and meet some fantastic people while living in one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, then Barefoot Conservation is the place for you.

The project is one of the best conservation Projekts I've ever been to! The project in one Sentence: They care! the staff Team and the founder, they care about the volunteers, they care about the coral reefs, they care about the people on the island and they deeply care about the natural world and the science how to protect it. What I loved about the project is that the main focus ist the science and the community work. Right from the start you'er involved in these areas and they invest a lot in the training of the volunteers to become educated citizen-scientists. They all put a lot of effort in the project and as a volunteer I felt it from the start and was inspired at the end of my stay. I highly recommend the project if you're looking for a project to learn and actually make a difference! The nature is incredible, one of the most beautiful places I've ever bin to! But to enjoy it, you need a well managed project with kind supportive staff. And that's exactly what I found in Barefoot Conservation. A Big Thank You!