Nusa Penida
Project
Divemaster & Research Diver Internships
About the Penida Project
Join the Penida Project for your divemaster and research diver training program. Encounter marine megafauna like manta rays, mola mola, and sea turtles while taking an active role as a research assist and scientific guide. Nusa Penida provides a perfect backdrop to develop your scuba diving and marine research skills.
The Penida Project was Indo Ocean Project’s first location, launching in 2017. With a short 8 month closure it reopened half way through the pandemic to welcome interns and continue our work. During this time it was our only project opened as we worked together to navigate the extreme but necessary border restrictions worldwide.
This is where we have established ourselves and our award-winning program and is also where you will find out head office. It’s location provides a level of convenience with ample opportunity for research and conservation efforts. It’s proximity to Bali brings some extra comfort and ease of travel.
Penida’s ideal and sometimes challenging training conditions allows interns to experience many different kinds of ocean conditions which is an excellent foundation for landing a job in the industry.
Mission & Goals
- A space to develop new projects and manage the implementation of updates across all locations
- To collaborate with local NGO’s and government organisations in monitoring the effectiveness of the local MPA
- Provide data driven solutions and management strategies to stakeholders and policy makers
HIGHLIGHTS
√ Dive Nusa Penida’s famous Manta Point cleaning station and contribute to megafauna research
√ Encounter the ocean sunfish (mola alexandrini.) in seasonal months June – October
√ Exceptional drift dive training
√ Established coral restoration project
√ IOP’s Dive Hub offer priority to interns
Now Available
Explore the full results of our 2021–2023 ecological monitoring at the Nusa Penida Project. This open-access report shares data, insights, and practical recommendations based on surveys and monitoring carried out by our interns and staff through sustained fieldwork at the Penida Project.
Made possible by the dedication of the Indo Ocean team.
Divemaster & Research Diver Training Program
Our award winning curriculum is run across all projects, but lifestyle at each locations can be very different. First step is to familiarize yourself with our training program to make sure we are a good fit. After that you can decide which project location is best for you.
Click the link below to learn all about our internship program.
Penida Project Program Fees
Projects like ours rely on the generosity of our partners and volunteers to develop and grow. In order for us to create an awesome adventure for you we do require a tuition to cover your expenses while on program. We have various packages depending on your current diving experience.
Below you will see the package options available. All prices are in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
ALL CONSERVATION DIVEMASTER AND RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PACKAGES INCLUDE: SHARED ACCOMMODATION, ONE-WAY AIRPORT PICK UP AND TRANSFER, TWO PROGRAM SHIRTS, VISA ASSISTANCE, PRE-ARRIVAL TRAINING MATERIALS, PRE-ARRIVAL SUPPORT, AND EIGHT CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH SPECIALTY COURSES
*Minimum age requirement for all programs is 20 years old*
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DIVEMASTER
Description: For experienced divers who have completed all of their recreational diver courses before the program start date.
Minimum Time Commitment: 8 weeks
PREREQUISITES
For candidates who have completed their Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, CPR/First Air & O2 Provider courses prior to their program start date. Have a minimum of 40 logged dives and have been cleared for diving by a doctor.
COURSES INCLUDED
- PADI/SSI Divemaster
- Deep and Night Diving activities
- Species Identification Specialty
- Shark Conservation Specialty
- Manta Conservation Specialty
- Turtle Conservation Specialty
- Mola Conservation Specialty
- Nudibranch & Macro Specialty
- Ocean Gardener Coral Diver Specialty
PROGRAM FEES: 54,000,000 IDR
RESCUER
Description: For advanced divers who need to complete their rescue skills during their program.
Minimum Time Commitment: 10 weeks
PREREQUISITES
For candidates who have completed their Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses prior to their program start date. You are confident underwater and have been cleared for diving by a doctor.
COURSES INCLUDED
- Rescue Diver
- EFR CPR/First Air & Oxygen Provider
- PADI/SSI Divemaster
- Deep and Night Diving activities
- Species Identification Specialty
- Shark Conservation Specialty
- Manta Conservation Specialty
- Turtle Conservation Specialty
- Mola Conservation Specialty
- Nudibranch & Macro Specialty
- Ocean Gardener Coral Diver Specialty
PROGRAM FEES: 66,000,000 IDR
ADVANCED
Description: For divers with beginner knowledge and experience who have completed their first diving course with a few extra dives.
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 weeks
PREREQUISITES
For candidates who have completed their Open Water Diver training prior to their program start date and have been cleared for diving by a doctor.
COURSES INCLUDED
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Rescue Diver
- EFR CPR/First Air & Oxygen Provider
- PADI/SSI Divemaster
- Deep and Night Diving activities
- Species Identification Specialty
- Shark Conservation Specialty
- Manta Conservation Specialty
- Turtle Conservation Specialty
- Mola Conservation Specialty
- Nudibranch & Macro Specialty
- Ocean Gardener Coral Diver Specialty
PROGRAM FEES: 80,000,000 IDR
BEGINNER (ZERO TO HERO)
Description: For applicants who have no previous diving experience and need to complete all the required prerequisites to complete your Dive Master certification.
Minimum Time Commitment: 14 weeks
PREREQUISITES
Comfortable in open water, can complete a timed 400m free swim and tread water for 15 minutes, have been cleared for diving by a doctor.
COURSES INCLUDED
- Open Water Diver
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Rescue Diver
- EFR CPR/First Air & Oxygen Provider
- PADI/SSI Divemaster
- Deep and Night Diving activities
- Species Identification Specialty
- Shark Conservation Specialty
- Manta Conservation Specialty
- Turtle Conservation Specialty
- Mola Conservation Specialty
- Nudibranch & Macro Specialty
- Ocean Gardener Coral Diver Specialty
PROGRAM FEES: 95,000,000 IDR
RESEARCH DIVER
Description: For those who are already profesional or experienced divers who want to take part in the research aspect of the program only.
Minimum Time Commitment: 6 weeks
PREREQUISITES
Candidates must be minimum Rescue diver with 100+ dives or dive profesional rating.
Have been cleared for diving by a doctor.
You must be a competent diver before entering this program.
COURSES INCLUDED
- Species Identification Specialty
- Shark Conservation Specialty
- Manta Conservation Specialty
- Turtle Conservation Specialty
- Mola Conservation Specialty
- Nudibranch & Macro Specialty
- Ocean Gardener Coral Diver Specialty
PROGRAM FEES: 39,000,000 IDR
Additional weeks: 6,00,000 IDR/week
NOT INCLUDED IN PROGRAM FEES
- Flights, Travel & Visa Costs
- Travel & Dive Insurance
- In Country Spending Money
- Meals (can eat for 20,000 IDR+ per meal)
- Divemaster Crewpack, Training Manuals & Processing (4,150,000 SSI / approx. 7,850,000 IDR PADI**)
- Equipment Rental (2,000,000 IDR / 4 weeks**)
- Marine Park Fees (based on package): Package 1 (750,000 IDR), Package 2 (875,000 IDR), Package 3 (1,000,000 IDR), Package 4 (1,250,000 IDR), Package 5 (525,000 IDR), Additional Weeks (100,000/week).
**Prices are subject to change depending on project changes and requirements**
Diving in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida has quickly become a dive destination due to its year round sightings of manta rays and seasonal appearance of the famous bumphead molas (ocean sunfish). Divers travel from around the world to dive the famous sites of Crystal Bay and Manta Point.
Your best chance to see molas are in the months June – October, while manta rays gather year round at their feeding grounds and cleaning stations on the south side of the island.
What to expect…
It is important for all potential interns to know exactly what you are getting yourself into by joining Indo Ocean Project. Please read the following information carefully to help you compare the different lifestyles at each project to find the right fit for you.
The Penida Project is ideal for those not ready to let go of their creature comforts, but ready for a “half-way” jungle experience. It is our least remote location.
ABOUT NUSA PENIDA
The project headquarters is located on the island of Nusa Penida in the heart of the Nusa Penida Marine Park at our Research and Education Center in Toya Pakeh. We are 5 minute drive to the main harbor and just across the norther beach.
Penida is a diver, surfer, and yogi paradise only 30-minute boat ride from southeast Bali and conveniently located 2 hours away from the busy Denpasar International Airport (DPS). It is part of the Klungkung Regency district which includes the three islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida is known as “The Golden Egg of Bali” and is around 200 square kilometres with around 45,000 inhabitants. In 2010, Nusa Penida was named an MPA (Marine Protect Area) by the 41 local villages and a strong community effort. One year later it was recognised by the Indonesian government as a national marine park.
As part of the district of Bali, it is rich in Balinese Hindu culture with many temples to visit and ceremonies to attend. The people are among the friendliest in the world and are very welcoming to all visitors. It is off the beaten Bali track, but quickly developing into a tourism hub. It is an adventure seekers dream with world-class diving, cliff jumping, hiking, surfing, and yoga.
Bali is a quick fast boat ride away and filled with shopping, beaches, night life, and plenty to explore on days off.
LIFE AT THE PENIDA PROJECT
Nusa Penida is a popular diving destination which attracts tourists from around the world. There are always divers and student divers around the shop at The Dive Hub, which creates a very professional working environment. As interns with Indo Ocean Project and Dive Masters in Training, you will be part of the diving guest experience, sharing the underwater world and learning from the team of dive professionals at the dive shop.
Days start between 7-10am depending on the schedule and finishing between 3-5pm. Days are packed with diving, workshops, and land based activities. The project runs 6 days per week. Everyone has the same day off and that day may change depending on national holidays and weather conditions. Evenings are spent on the beach, studying for an upcoming test, working on homework, or heading out to taste the local restaurants and night life.
PROJECT FACILITIES
identifiAccommodation
Shared 4-bed mixed-bed dorms are included in all program fees. This is located at Alit Homestay, around 5-minute walk from The Dive Hub (Penida Project headquarters). Indo Ocean Project occupies 3 of their 4 dorm rooms. These dorms are exclusively shared between you and your fellow interns and are nestled in the coconut trees, 3 3-minute walk to the beach and many shops and restaurants.
The rooms have air conditioning and a shared toilet/shower each.
Some interns choose to rent a private bungalow monthly, which can be arranged on arrival. Price can start from 3,000,000 IDR/month, depending on your needs.
The Dive Hub
In May 2025 we are pleased to announce that we have built our own diving facilities at the Penida Project. This space also acts as Indo Ocean Project’s head office. There are 2 large air-conditioned classrooms, an outdoor lounge area, an equipment room with personal cubbies, and wash bins. Showers and toilets are located on site.
Our research-dedicated dive boat is named Clytotheca, lovingly named after one of our founders, who identified bryozoans. She is moored close to the dive center for easy access.
For pool training, we head to our neighbours at Blue Corner to conduct confined-divemaster training.
GETTING THERE
Nusa Penida is our most accessible location located 2 hours from Bali’s busy Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). There are regular international and domestic flights scheduled at this airport for easy connections.
Once you land in Denpasar (Bali) you will make your way to the harbour in Sanur. Depending on traffic this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Boats depart from Sanur to Nusa Penida from 7am until 5pm daily. If you arrive after 1pm we recommend booking 1 night stay in Sanur with plans to travel to Nusa Penida the following morning.
The fast boat ferry from Sanur to Nusa Penida takes around 30-45 minutes depending on weather conditions. You will arrive in the port of Toya Pakeh where our driver will meet you. It is around 5 minute drive from the harbour in Toya Pakeh to Wehus Hostel where one of our team will be great to check you in.
What our grads are saying…
I started my scientific program as a Divemaster SSI in order to complete my internship for the university. I never thought this experience could be so constructive from every point of view. Each dive was something unique, both for the different conditions I was used to and for the incredible biodiversity that the ocean offers.
The staff was incredible! Super kind and helpful. I learned a lot thanks to them.
I 100% recommend this experience to anyone who wants to have unique weeks learning and having fun like never before.
P.S. Take a camera with you 🤩🦈🌊
My experience with Indo Ocean Project was absolutely magical. This program taught me not only how to be a dive professional but how to care for our ocean on a extremely deeper level. I was always supported and encouraged. There was never a time where I felt I was alone. IOP is a family full of amazing people that look out for each other. They cheer for you and hope for your success!
I truly wish I could redo this program 100 times over. The experiences I had with IOP were life changing for me. If you want a to do your DM or have an interest in conservation I recommend this program 1000%!!! APPLY!!!! I hope you love it as much as I did!!! 🙂
The training staff are true educators. They are patient, kind and enthusiastic about diving and conservation. They instill their passion and love for the ocean into their interns. They are always available for any issue and are truly compassionate people that I am humbled to have known.
I would highly recommend this project to anyone who wants to be a consummate dive professional and particularly for those who are interested in conservation of our world.
Penida Project Gallery
Ready to Apply?
Join the team and applying online today to start your marine research application.
You can apply online or contact us for more information.