Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Reef Buddy?
Reef Buddy is a marine conservation programme operating out of PADI 5-Star dive operations in Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines and Carriacou, Grenada in the southern Caribbean. Founded in 2014 in Grenada. Volunteers contribute to four active project workstreams: coral reef regeneration, Reef Check monitoring, BRUVS apex predator monitoring, and population control management.
Where is Reef Buddy Philippines located?
Reef Buddy Philippines operates from Dauin, Negros Oriental, in the central Philippines. Dauin is widely regarded as the macro diving capital of the Philippines and sits within the Coral Triangle, the world's most biodiverse marine region. The nearest airport is Dumaguete-Sibulan, approximately 30 minutes by road.
Where is Caribbean Reef Buddy located?
Caribbean Reef Buddy operates from Hillsborough, the capital of Carriacou. It's part of the Southern Grenadine Island Chain, which includes islands such as Union, Mayreax and Canouan too. Access is via a 25 minute flight from St George's, Grenada or a 90 minute ferry.
How does Reef Buddy use Reef Check methodology?
Reef Check is the global standard for citizen-science reef monitoring. It's a peer-reviewed methodology used by researchers, governments, and UN agencies to track coral reef health worldwide. Reef Buddy follows Reef Check EcoDiver protocols in our reef monitoring workstream, training volunteers in standardised fish, invertebrate, and substrate identification using the same techniques applied in scientific research. Volunteers learn to survey reefs to a globally recognised scientific standard, with EcoDiver certification planned to roll out as part of our programme later in 2026. Read our full methodology page here
Do I need diving experience?
No prior diving experience is required. Volunteers who arrive without certification complete a Training Week covering PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water Diver courses before joining survey activities. The only physical requirement is the ability to swim 200 metres without flotation and tread water for 10 minutes.
How much does the programme cost?
This depends on the program stream you choose, and whether you need scuba diving training to Advanced Open Water level or not. A base project week starts at US$700 per week. Discounts and lower weekly fees are applicable for longer stays and Divemaster Internships. Fees include shared accommodation at Sierra Resort in Dauin with 3 meals per day or Laurena Hotel in Carriacou with two meals per day, full PADI materials for core courses, dive equipment, survey dives, park fees. International flights, domestic transportation to Dumaguete and Carriacou, travel insurance, and Apo Island excursions are not included.
How long do programmes last?
Programs run flexibly from a minimum of 2 weeks up to 12 weeks. The Reef Buddy program is a 2 to 4 week introduction. The Reef Guardian program runs from 4 to 12 weeks and includes joining all of our current projects. The Reef Divemaster program is a minimum 8-week pathway combining PADI Divemaster qualification with conservation training.
Where do volunteers stay during the Reef Buddy Philippines program?
Volunteers stay at Sierra Resort in Dauin, where the dive centre is co-located on site. Accommodation is in shared single-sex rooms with air conditioning. All meals are provided at the resort restaurant, with a mix of local and international cuisine. The resort has two pools, a bar, and on-site facilities for classes and presentations. For more information about the Sierra Resort, click here
Where do volunteers stay during the Caribbean Reef Buddy program?
Volunteers stay at Hotel Laurena in Hillsborough, which is roughly 75 yards from the dive operation. Accommodation is in shared single-sex rooms with air conditioning as part of an apartment setup. Meals are provided either in the shared dining area or at the hotels off-site restaurant called 'The Jerk Center', with a mix of local and regional cuisine. The hotel is on the edge of Hillborough town, and close to the beach, as well as places like Wayne's Bar and the local supermarket.
What's the best time of year to volunteer?
Both Dauin and Carriacou are classed as 'Tropical' locations, which means its very warm and sunny (with relatively high UV Index) all year round. Both locations have the same dry season from November to May, which offers calm seas, excellent visibility, and consistent sunshine. The wet season from June to October brings occasional rain and storms but nutrient-rich waters that support vibrant marine life. Dauin's and Carriacou's sheltered coastal dive sites allow year-round operation. Nearby locations such as Apo Island or Frigate Island offer some exhilarating diving all year round too.
What makes Reef Buddy different from other marine conservation volunteer programs?
Most programs pick a lane — they either collect data, or they do hands-on restoration work. We do both, and we make sure one feeds the other. We call it Research → Develop → Transform.
First, we survey and monitor reef health using Reef Check protocols — the same standard used in peer-reviewed marine research, not something we invented in-house. That means our data can be compared against reef sites anywhere else in the world, not just filed away locally.
Then we act on what the data tells us: coral gardening and regeneration, and bringing population spikes of species like Crown-of-Thorns starfish, Drupella snails, and lionfish back under control before they strip a reef bare.
The last step is making sure it doesn't stop with us — the findings go to the researchers, universities, and local authorities who can actually use them, so a couple of weeks in the water can end up shaping real conservation decisions, not just adding to a spreadsheet.
Is Reef Buddy suitable for marine biology students?
Yes. Reef Buddy is specifically structured to provide credible field experience for marine science students and early-career conservationists. Volunteers train in Reef Check survey methodology — the same standardised protocols used in peer-reviewed marine research — and contribute across four research workstreams including coral nursery work, BRUVS apex predator monitoring, and reef monitoring. The programme can provide field activity logs and supervisor reference letters where universities request them for academic credit. EcoDiver certification is planned to roll out as part of the programme later in 2026.
What conservation projects does Reef Buddy run?
Reef Buddy runs four core conservation workstreams. Coral Reef Regeneration involves coral nursery cultivation and transplanting, focused on Acropora and other resilient species. Reef Monitoring uses Reef Check and CoralWatch protocols plus 3D photogrammetry to track reef health. BRUVS deployment monitors apex predators. Invasive species management focuses on Crown-of-Thorns Starfish containment to protect coral cover.
What PADI certifications can I earn during the programme?
Volunteers without prior certification can complete PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water Diver during the Training Week, both included in the programme fee. Longer-stay volunteers on the Research Divemaster pathway can progress to PADI Divemaster, the entry-level professional dive qualification. All training is delivered by PADI-certified instructors through the partner dive centre, The Dive Hub.
How do I apply to Reef Buddy Philippines?
Prospective volunteers can apply by emailing info@reefbuddyphilippines.org or by submitting an enquiry below. The team will follow up to discuss programme options, available start dates, and any additional requirements. Start dates are flexible year-round, and early application is recommended to secure preferred cohort dates.
How do I apply to Caribbean Reef Buddy?
Prospective volunteers can apply by emailing info@CaribbeanReefBuddy.org or by submitting an enquiry below. The team will follow up to discuss programme options, available start dates, and any additional requirements. Start dates are flexible year-round, and early application is recommended to secure preferred cohort dates.
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