Each project on our website features an Ethical Score—a transparent rating from our EthicCheck tool. It’s based on evidence from our project partners and measured against key ethical criteria: animal welfare, community impact, environmental sustainability, and transparency.
Grounded in expert standards and the values of ethical travellers like you, this score shows how a project actually performs—not just what it claims.
Embark on a career-defining adventure with our Diploma in International Volunteering: Marine Conservation on the Great Barrier Reef. Designed for changemakers, not just students, this immersive program combines an accredited online diploma with hands-on reef monitoring in Far North Queensland. Picture yourself earning university-level credit while snorkelling over vibrant corals, collecting real-time data, and supporting vital conservation efforts in one of Earth’s most iconic and fragile ecosystems. It’s not just travel or study. This is marine science in action.
As a volunteer, you’ll be integral to reef preservation. Before departure, you’ll complete online modules crafted by leading marine scientists: covering reef ecology, climate change impacts, and conservation strategies. In the field, you’ll conduct snorkel based surveys to record biodiversity, assess coral health, track indicator species, and document environmental conditions. Every input supports actual research, feeding into long-term reef protection and enabling ethical, science-backed impact.
Fieldwork days
To join, you must:
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers is committed to inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. We welcome participants from all cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds, and actively foster an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to contribute their strengths to marine conservation. We encourage people with disabilities to apply and will work with you to understand any accessibility needs or potential adaptations. Please note that while the program involves physical activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and boat work, we will do our best to provide reasonable adjustments where possible to support participation.
The accommodation is located in a dormitory-style hostel in central Cairns, located in close proximity to a range of cafes, restaurants, the mall, the esplanade and tourism operators. You can expect to share a room with 1-8 others of the same gender (please note that you can be accommodated with both volunteers and non-volunteers).
Accommodation upgrades to a single or double room with a communal bathroom at an additional cost, as well as extra nights of accommodation before or after your program. It is best to arrange accommodation upgrades or extensions with the local team at least 3 weeks prior to your program start date. Please note that these upgrades are subject to availability.
Healthy lunch varieties are provided across Monday to Friday. Breakfast and dinners are the responsibility of the participants, however there are many great eateries in Cairns as well as a communal kitchen for those volunteers that would like to shop for groceries and cook their own meals.
| Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Online Diploma + 1 week field placement | $3040 |
| Online Diploma + 2 weeks field placement | $4720 |
| Online Diploma + 3 weeks field placement | $6400 |
| Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $2200 |
| 4 weeks | $4471 |
| Accommodation upgrades | are available, email us! |
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Direct support for wildlife, marine conservation, or community initiatives.
Essential resources to keep our programs running smoothly and ethically.
Comfortable, eco-conscious lodging for your stay.
Locally sourced meals to fuel your experience.
Mandatory contributions to ensure compliance with local and international regulations.
Additional funds to amplify the long-term impact of conservation and ethical projects.
*Please note some items are not included in the project fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer (unless mentioned above). Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the O2E Volunteers Terms and Conditions.
Pick a project and apply for free
Receive your acceptance email
Pay your $495AUD deposit which confirms your placement
Receive your first email from your customer care coordinator
Save, pack, go!
