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

√ Mangrove restoration and green belt rehabilitation.

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.

Learn More

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*

Diving activities

Courses

Room & board

Staff wages

Operations

Training materials

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
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: 48,000,000 IDR

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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
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: 58,750,000 IDR

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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
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: 69,750,000 IDR

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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
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: 84,500,000 IDR

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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: 34,500,000 IDR

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Additional weeks: 4,750,000 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 Crew Pack and Training Manuals (3,975,000 SSI / aprox. 5,700,000 IDR PADI**)
Divemaster Processing Fees (Agency Dependant)
Equipment Rental (1,500,000 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 permanent residence at Reeflex Divers in the village of Sakti. We are 3 minute drive to the iconic Crystal Beach, our house reef and primary area of study.

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 Reeflex Divers, which creates a very professional working environment. As interns with Indo Ocean Project and Dive Masters in Training, you will be part of the Reeflex guest experience, sharing the underwater world and learning from the team of dive professionals at the dive shop.

Days start between 8-10am 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 around the pool, studying for an upcoming test, working on homework, or heading out to taste the local restaurants and night life.

PROJECT FACILITIES

Accommodation

Shared 4-bed mixed bed dorms are included in all program fees. This is located at Namaste Bungalows, right across the street from Reeflex Divers (Penida Project headquarters). Indo Ocean Project occupies 3 of the large family bungalows in their 12 bungalow complex. Although the bungalows are exclusively for Penida Project interns the other bungalows are rented out at a daily rate by the resorts guests and tourists.

The rooms have air conditioning and 1 shared bathroom with hot water. The amenities include pool, jungle restaurant, and large open garden.

Some interns choose to rent a private bungalow monthly and can be arranged on arrival. Price can start from 3,000,000 IDR/month depending on your needs.

Reeflex Divers & Nusa Va Resort

Our dive partners at the Penida Project are Reeflex Divers, an eco dive school and resort located in the village of Sakti on Nusa Penida. They started building in 2016 with attention to detail at every step. They have gone above and beyond to claim “eco” status with their all natural swimming pool and rain water recycling system. French owned, this community of dive professionals have developed a unique dive shop nestled in the jungle but minutes away from the islands most popular sunset spot, Crystal Bay.

This is also the site for IOP’s Penida office, classrooms, and communal space and our interns office and training facilities.

Reeflex owners are professional scuba technicians and their rental gear is second to none. They also offer regular equipment and compressor workshops for interns on days off. As Harry and Roman if you want to sign up for one of their specialty courses.

Nusa Va is the resort connected to the dive centre and is opening later in 2023. It has several private room available for short term rent, 2 fresh water swimming pools, and French fusion restaurant.

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 20 minute drive from the harbour in Toya Pakeh to Namaste Bungalow in Sakti.

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 🤩🦈🌊

Andrea

Italy, Graduated 2022

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!!! 🙂

Tia

United States of America, Graduated 2022

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.

Aayush

India, Graduated 2022

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