Volunteer Abroad with Marine Conservation Philippines

If you're thinking of volunteering here, go for at least six weeks. It takes a little while to settle in, to adjust to the rhythms of marine surveying and base life. But once you do, the growth is remarkable. I came not knowing much about reef science; I left with hands‑on skills, deeper environmental awareness, and a commitment to advocate for marine protection in my own community. Many of the volunteers here have come several times, and while I was there I met people from at least a dozen different countries.

Volunteering with MCP changed how I see marine conservation altogether. During my time there, I completed both the Open Water and Advanced courses, then joined coral reef monitoring. The hands‑on science side of things—identifying coral species, learning about reef health, doing clean up dives —made me feel like I was contributing, not just observing. The staff are knowledgeable but also kind and patient, especially with newcomers. The staff is a good mix of foreigners and locals, and really made me feel welcome

At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d cope with the basic living conditions—shared huts, limited showers, and living in the forest. But honestly, they exceeded my expectations. The huts are clean, the communal areas comfortable, and the simple pleasures—like gathering around a fire, playing board games, quietly watching the stars—were just awesome highlights. Also, the food was great; even with a remote base, there was variety and care taken in preparing meals, which made a big difference. Being vegan I appreciated they could do special meals for me!