Our Accommodations
You could do this cheaper. Beach shacks, dorm rooms, and self-catered stays exist across Southeast Asia, and if all you're optimizing for is upfront price, you'll find them.
We made a different call, years ago, and we've stuck with it: our volunteers stay in proper hotel-style accommodation, with air conditioning, meals prepared for you, and daily housekeeping — not because it's the cheapest option, but because it's the one that lets you actually focus on the work.
After a full day of diving and fieldwork, you're not spending your evening cooking, cleaning, or arguing over whose turn it is to do the dishes. You're resting, recharging, and showing up the next morning ready to dive again. In Carriacou, that even extends to breakfast — we stock the kitchen and let you put together your own morning at your own pace, rather than everyone eating on a fixed restaurant schedule. Dinner is still fully prepared for you.
Why We Chose Hotel-Style Living
It's a fair question: why does Reef Buddy cost more per week than some self-catered alternatives?
Part of the answer is simple — you're getting more. But it's also worth knowing the gap is smaller than it first looks. Once you factor in the cost of your own food and someone to clean up after a long dive day, self-catered options often land close to what we charge — you're just paying for it in time and effort instead of in the price tag.
In Carriacou, this isn't really a choice at all — outside a handful of small local rentals or Airbnbs, hotel-style accommodation is genuinely the only practical option on the island. In Dauin, cheaper self-catered stays do exist, and we understand why some volunteers ask about them. We just haven't found one yet that gives you back more than it costs you in comfort, safety, and time.
The Real Cost Comparison
Our home for you when you're here! Hotel Laurena is Carriacou's largest accommodation facility and is located less than 50m from the Reef Buddy campus. Within the hotel we utilise their one and two bedroom apartments for your comfort and convenience. Each apartment contains a fully equipped kitchen and relaxing area, as well as bedrooms and separate bathroom. The accommodation is provided with two meals per day.
Each bedroom has two beds, AC, WiFi and ample storage space for all your clothing and equipment.
Breakfast is yours to put together in your apartment kitchen, at your own pace — we keep it stocked with what you need, just let us know about any dietary requirements. Dinner is provided through Laurena's beachfront restaurant.
Hotel Laurenas: Carriacou
The Sierra Resort Hotel is conveniently located right on the beach in Lipayo district of Dauin. Here we book you into their hotel style rooms, which are large and comfortable. The resort is equipped with two swimming pools, bar, pool table, and two comfortable lounges, where you can chill after a hard day in the water. Unlike in Carriacou, the accommodation here provides three meals per day, all in their on-site restaurant from their specially selected range of menu options. Just let us know about any dietary requirements and we'll make sure you're covered.
Each bedroom has two beds, AC, WiFi and ample storage space for all your clothing and equipment.
Sierra Resort: Dauin
Other Key Information
Here is some general information regarding the local areas. If you need any more information, please check out our FAQs or reach out to us through the contact from below.
Power
Power in both Carriacou and the Philippines is delivered at 220v 50hz. Carriacou uses a UK style 3 pin plug, where the Philippines uses a US style 2 pin plug. It's important to realise that devices designed for 110v power delivery will need to be plugged into a transformer before use. Otherwise you could risk damage to your device. Both locations can experience occasional power outages, and both have backup power in place, so you're never left without electricity for long.
Wifi
At Sierra Resort (Dauin), wifi is good enough for calls and video through most of the hotel, most of the time. There are a few blackspots, and speeds can slow during periods of high local demand — worth knowing if you've got a call that really can't drop. At Hotel Laurenas (Carriacou), wifi comfortably handles calls and streaming.
What to bring
Reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard or dive skin, a reusable water bottle, and any personal dive gear you prefer to use — mask and fins especially, since comfort matters over a longer stay. Lightweight, quick-dry clothing suits the climate best in both locations, but be sure to pack either a long skirt or light trousers for if you're sitting out in an evening
Laundry
Laundry is available at both locations for a small additional fee.
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