Program Spotlight: SCUBA, Sharks, Beaches & Turtles

Last month, I had the honor of visiting the Gili Shark Conservation group on the beautiful island of Gili Air, Indonesia. Although Gili Air is definitely not the easiest place to access, its remote location makes it an absolutely incredible spot for a gap year experience in marine biology and conservation. In addition to working with local leaders to raise awareness for shark and marine conservation, the biologists and volunteers assist the community in their goal of becoming a plastic-free paradise. The good folks at Gili Shark Conservation are also working tirelessly to create the first recognized shark nursery ground in Indonesia by 2025.

PADI dive courses are a big part of the program. Although you can train and receive your initial PADI dive certificate upon arrival on Gili Air, it is recommended that you get PADI certified beforehand in an effort to maximize your time on research dives. The staff have worked hard to create close, family-like accommodations for volunteers, where they receive a fresh, daily breakfast that powers them for a busy morning of diving.

Below are photos of Gili Shark Conservation’s beautiful new retreat-like HQ, where volunteers are housed.

Volunteers’ days are filled with dives (up to four dives daily), analyzing and entering research data, giving presentations and workshops, leading and participating in beach clean-ups, and of course, enjoying the beauty of island life on Gili Air. There are no motorized vehicles on Gili Air, but don’t worry! The island is small enough to navigate on foot or bike. A walk around the perimeter of the island will take you less than an hour.

Gili Shark Conservation was recently named Best Program for Marine Conservation for 2023 by Go Overseas and might be a good option for you if you want to feel like you’re making an immediate impact and dream of spending time on remote tropical islands where folks go barefoot more often than wear shoes.