Become a Certified Open Water Diver and have the best time in Nusa Penida
44 Reviews
Host & Team
Hours & Tasks
Ecological Reserve
Learning & Fun
How this experience will transform you
- 42 Developing environmental awareness
- 41 Get in touch with nature
- 34 Meeting locals
- 31 Learning about sustainability
- 26 Meeting international travelers
- 16 Creating true social impact
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
- 44 14. Life below water
- 26 4. Quality education
- 20 15. Life on land
clementine
France
My experience with Ecohero was truly the experience of a lifetime for me. I am very honored and grateful to have been part of a marine ecosystems research team and to have learn from such amazing people and professionals. You'll collect some data underwater, analyse and work on it, take care of corals, have classes about topics you'll work on and also enjoyy time on the island! This experience was truly eye opening for me in many ways, so thank you ecohero for your work, for sharing that it is possible to do something for our precious ocean and how it's important to learn! tyyy Clémentine
7 months ago
Charlie
United Kingdom
I arrived not really knowing what to expect, straight away we started the program, 2 dives per day (except rest days) alongside classroom sessions for briefings and education were a great combination. We had a great group, helping with the Coral Triangle Centre coral restoration, every activity felt genuinely impactful and the hosts Gilang and Tabitha were brilliant at making us feel at home here. I'd recommend those that want to complete the program to have prior dive experience (at least a discover scuba session) as some of the activities are relatively technical so that you enjoy it most!
8 months ago
Sabine
Belgium
Excellent and very interesting way to learn what is happening both locally under the water and on a worldwide level. It made me realise the extreme importance of the oceans and its inhabitants from the smallest creatures to the largest ones .. everybody at the dive centre is very relaxed and welcoming .. highly recommended .. days without dives can be slow .. so definitely book the maximum of dives you can .. enjoy & learn !! And .. slow down 😂😂
12 months ago
Mimi
Australia
Volunteering at Ecohero in the reserve was a great experience. The sanctum dive people were really welcoming as there were no other volunteers with me at the time. Gilang especially helped me explore the island and was the best teacher of marine bio. We did 8 dives in total, each with a specific goal eg. Fish identification, that was decided the day before in one of the afternoon lessons. Lunch was given after the dives & I got two days off. It's a great organisation run by welcoming and experienced people, would definitely recommend! Maybe coordinate so you have volunteers to hang out with :)
about 1 year ago
Inês
Portugal
Our experience volunteering with the reserve was amazing!! Gilang was our mentor and he taught us loads about fish, manta and turtle ID and the importance of these species, their habits and specifications. We were able to identify and name 5 new mantas and 2 new turtles!! We also got involved with coral restoration which in our opinion was the best part! The whole team made us feel super welcome, specially Gilang, Agung and Alex who showed us around the island on our day off. Can't wait to be back!
about 1 year ago
Julia
Canada
It was a great experience! Tabitha and Rafi, as well as the whole Sanctum dive team are so lovely. It was a good balance between learning and applying it to the ecosystem underwater.
over 1 year ago
Maia
Belgium
I really enjoyed my 2 weeks at the reserve in Sanctum! I chose to do 12 dives but ended up doing 16 for the same price. Gilang, Tabitha and Rafi are very passionate and teach you the basics with great pleasure. I learned so much! In the morning you do 2 dives and in the afternoon you do the data input and get a presentation about the next day. Week 1 was a lot of information. In week 2 (and during your days off) you have more time to explore the beautiful island. All the staff at Sanctum were so friendly! After hours you're always welcome to chill or go somewhere with them 😊
over 1 year ago
Karolin
Germany
Gilang, Tabitha and Raffi are very welcoming and open-minded people. I felt included in the project from day 1. Also the team of the diving center is really nice, helpful and funny. I learned about different corals, fish species, turtles and manta rays. It's a lot of input in a short time (especially in the first days) but doable and definitely worth it! the reserve team created a big coral restoration place which is really beautiful and it was a pleasure for me to help as good as I could! I really enjoyed my stay, thanks a lot guys! ☺️
over 1 year ago
Martina
Italy
I participated in the reserve marine conservation project, and it was an incredible experience that I highly recommend to all nature lovers, especially those fascinated by the ocean. Don't worry if you've never gone diving or don't have any knowledge of biology; you can still experience the beauty of the underwater world for the first time, just like I did. You will be amazed by the beauty of nature and feel grateful for the amazing people you will meet and the incredible experiences you will have. I hope to return one day. Sending love from Italy. Thank you, the reserve!
over 1 year ago
Kim
Singapore
I completed 3 weeks with EcoHero Programme with Gilang, Tabitha and team ❤️. It was well structured, with elements of education / spreading awareness on marine conservation + Diving. We had lectures and class time to learn about Indicator Species, Marine Ecology, Coral conservation. As for the dives, the crystal clear waters of the reserve are simply unparalleled, with lots of beautiful marine life. Maintaining coral / coral watch programme made me feel as if I was truly actively contributing to the cause. I suggest a minimum of 2 weeks to get the full experience, i left wanting to do more :)
over 1 year ago
Starting from