Coral Restoration Diver Course
Become a certified Coral Diver with Indo Ocean Foundation and Ocean Gardener and gain the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to actively participate in reef restoration. Over three immersive days, you’ll dive into coral ecology, species identification, and restoration techniques — all while directly contributing to rebuilding the reefs at Indo Ocean Foundation’s restoration site in Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida. Every student sponsors one coral spider structure, leaving a lasting positive impact beneath the waves.
Course Details
Level
Experienced Divers
Duration
3 full days
Location
Nusa Penida, Bali
Type
In Person
Language
English and Bahasa Indonesian
Course Content
General Introduction
Become a certified Coral Diver with Ocean Gardener and gain the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to actively participate in reef restoration. Over three immersive days, you’ll dive into coral ecology, species identification, and restoration techniques — all while directly contributing to rebuilding the reefs of Nusa Penida. Every student sponsors one coral spider structure, leaving a lasting positive impact beneath the waves.
Course Overview
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Duration: 3 full days
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Certification: Coral Diver with Ocean Gardener
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Format: 3 open water dives at restoration sites + 3 dry workshops
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Impact: Each student sponsors 1 coral spider structure
Day 1 – Introduction to Coral Ecology
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Morning Workshop: Understand the foundations of coral reef ecosystems, their role in ocean health, and the threats they face. Learn how coral biology and reef dynamics influence restoration success.
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Afternoon Dive: Head to one of our active restoration sites to conduct maintenance on existing coral structures, removing algae and predators to give corals the best chance to thrive.
Day 2 – Coral Identification
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Morning Workshop: Learn how to identify major coral groups, recognize healthy versus stressed colonies, and record data accurately. Species-level recognition enhances monitoring and restoration effectiveness.
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Afternoon Dive: Apply your new knowledge during an underwater identification training session. This dive focuses on practicing skills, giving you time to refine your recognition abilities in real conditions.
Day 3 – Coral Restoration Techniques
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Morning Workshop: Master hands-on restoration methods, including how to handle coral fragments, attach them to restoration structures, and select optimal placement for survival.
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Afternoon Dive: Put your skills into action by planting corals on your sponsored spider structure, adding new life to the reef and leaving a personal contribution to the ecosystem in Nusa Penida.
What’s Included
3 open water dives with equipment rental
Course materials and identification guides
Ocean Gardener Coral Diver Certification
Requirements
Participants must be Advanced Open Water Divers with at least 30 logged dives and good buoyancy control to work safely around fragile reefs. A passion for marine conservation is essential, but no scientific background is required — just a willingness to learn and take part in both workshops and underwater restoration activities.
Sign Up Today
Enroll in our Coral Diver Course today and take your diving skills beyond exploration. Become part of the effort to restore and protect Nusa Penida’s reefs.
Meet the Instructors
The Coral Diver Course was developed by our team of Indonesian marine scientists, all of whom are highly experienced professional divers. Each instructor holds a Masters degree in a coral-related discipline and professional dive certifications, blending academic expertise with hands-on restoration skills. The course content is continually updated to reflect the latest science and restoration methodologies, ensuring you receive training that is both accurate and practical. Depending on scheduling, one or more of these instructors may lead your course, each bringing their own experience and passion for coral conservation.
Pascal Sebastian
Scientific Director & Co-founder
Masters from James Cook University and over 10 years of field research. PADI and SSI Instructor.
Cut Aja Gita Alisa
Research Associate & Coral Expert
Coral restoration specialist with a Masters from IPB University. Divemaster and Research Diver Instructor
Kristova Indrataruna
Project Marine Biologist & Coral Molecular Biologist
Coral molecular biologist with a Masters from the University of Melbourne. Divemaster and Research Diver Instructor
Coral Restoration Diver Course Gallery
