Located in Mikindani Bay, in southern Tanzania, this volunteer program offers participants the opportunity to contribute to coral reef restoration and marine ecosystem protection. All coral restoration programs here.
Restoration coral project
Located in Mikindani Bay, in southern Tanzania, this coral reef restoration project aims to restore reefs that have been severely damaged by destructive fishing practices, particularly the past use of dynamite fishing, which left behind debris fields where natural regeneration remains extremely slow or even impossible.
Coral nurseries, coral transplantation…
In response to this degradation, active restoration actions have been implemented, including the creation of coral nurseries, coral transplantation, and monitoring of coral growth on the reef. These interventions are complemented by regular observation work, data collection, and maintenance of the restoration structures to ensure the long-term viability of restored areas.
Beach clean-ups
Beyond underwater activities, the project also includes land-based actions such as preparing restoration structures, raising awareness about marine protection in schools, organizing beach clean-ups, and supporting alternative livelihood activities such as seaweed farming.
Volunteer training
Special attention is also given to volunteer training. Educational sessions help participants better understand the global challenges of marine conservation by addressing topics such as overfishing, plastic pollution, and the role of key marine species. This approach aims to provide volunteers with a broader understanding so they can become informed and committed advocates for ocean protection.
Volunteer contribution
Volunteers actively participate in the various stages of the coral reef restoration project, alternating between sea-based and land-based activities.
Citizen science activities
Underwater, they help maintain coral nurseries, collect and transplant corals onto the reef, and monitor their development. They also take part in direct conservation actions such as underwater debris clean-ups and the manual removal of algae and coral predators. Citizen science activities are also offered, including the measurement of giant corals as part of the “Map the Giants” program.
Analysis of observations
On land, volunteers assist with the preparation of structures, equipment maintenance, and the analysis of observations collected at sea. They also participate in environmental awareness activities, particularly with local schools, as well as beach clean-up initiatives. The project also supports local communities through involvement in seaweed farming activities.Throughout the mission, educational sessions allow volunteers to better understand marine conservation challenges and develop their knowledge of reef ecology.
The program runs year-round, with arrivals possible any day of the week, subject to availability.
- A minimum participation period of 2 weeks is required to ensure proper integration into the project and effective involvement in the activities.
- Rates:
- First 2 weeks: USD 1,200
- Additional week: USD 550
- Rates include accommodation in a single room, half-board meals, transfers to and from Mtwara Airport, field supervision, and all activities related to the coral reef restoration project.
- Diving training is included for non-divers, while certified divers may complete an additional level or specialty course, depending on their experience and availability.
Longer stays are encouraged, allowing volunteers to become more deeply involved in the project and to witness first-hand the progress of the restored reefs. A full-board option is available at an additional cost.
- Not included: international flights and transport to Mtwara, visa, insurance (travel and diving), personal expenses, internet access, and activities outside the program.
- The mission is open to everyone, with or without diving experience.
- Non-divers are trained and supported until they reach independence, while certified divers have the opportunity to further develop their skills.
- The program is open to participants aged 16 and over (parental consent required for minors).
- Both French-speaking and English-speaking volunteers are welcome. However, English is strongly recommended to facilitate communication with the local team and other participants. As the project manager is a French speaker, support in French is also available.
Accommodation : Volunteers are accommodated in Mikindani, in a local guesthouse located just a few meters from the dive center. Each participant has a private room with an en-suite bathroom in a quiet and secure environment close to the sea.
Food : Half-board meals are included, with food prepared on-site. Drinking water is provided free of charge, and weekly laundry service is included. A full-board option is also available.
The program : The program runs 5 days per week, generally from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: 3 days are dedicated to sea-based activities and 2 days to land-based activities. Weekends are free and allow volunteers to explore the surrounding area. Activities are organized according to weather conditions and project needs.
Supervising : Volunteers are supported throughout their stay by a supervising team. An orientation and welcome day is organized upon arrival to help participants settle in and become familiar with the project.
- Concrete coral restoration project with a direct impact on the field
- Supervision by a committed team within a professional dive center
- Program accessible to everyone, with diving training included for beginners
- Balanced mix of sea-based activities, land-based actions, and educational sessions
- Immersion in an authentic region of southern Tanzania, far from mass tourism
- Participation in scientific initiatives and local actions (education, seaweed farming)
- Our partner runs a marine education and research center. As a dive center, it offers scuba diving courses and also carries out local conservation projects to protect and restore coral reefs while raising awareness among local communities about the importance of sea turtles.
- Volunteers have free time to enjoy the natural environment and lifestyle of Mikindani, a small authentic coastal village preserved from mass tourism.
- Nearby, many activities allow participants to discover the region: exploring the historic Mikindani trail and its remains, visiting the museums of Mikindani and Mtwara, kayaking, hiking to scenic viewpoints, or cycling and scooter rides. It is also possible to go snorkeling, recreational diving, traditional dhow excursions, or visit the marine park and surrounding fishing villages.
- Weekends provide opportunities to immerse oneself further in the local culture through encounters, excursions, or one-day or multi-day hikes in a still-preserved environment.
- Depending on the season, a wide variety of marine wildlife can be observed, including regular sightings of dolphins and, between August and November, humpback whales.
About the partner organization
Our partner manages a marine educational and research centre. As a dive centre, it offers scuba diving courses. It also leads local conservation projects aimed at protecting and restoring coral reefs, while raising awareness among local communities about the importance of sea turtles.
