Coral restoration in Southern Tanzania

Being home to approximately 25% of all marine species, coral reefs are among the most important ecosystems in the ocean. However, due to climate change and rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions, around 70% of the world’s coral reefs are currently under severe threat and are at risk of disappearing by 2050.

As a volunteer or intern, you will contribute directly to coral reef conservation efforts in Mikindani Bay, where coastal communities rely almost entirely on the ocean for their livelihoods. The project produces handmade reef slabs that function as small artificial reefs, providing coral fragments with a stable and protected substrate on which to grow. Since 2020, approximately 2,000 coral fragments have been outplanted and monitored each year as part of ongoing reef protection and restoration activities.

Located where the Southern Equatorial Current meets the African coastline, Mikindani Bay is characterised by a unique marine ecosystem influenced by species from across the Indian Ocean. The area is recognised as a centre of biological diversity along the East African coast, with over 258 identified coral species.

Volunteers and interns can enjoy world-class diving while gaining in-depth knowledge of marine conservation and experiencing an attractive part of Tanzania, far from crowded and heavily touristic areas.

Coral restoration methods applied in this project

The project’s work is based exclusively on approved, non-destructive coral restoration methods that focus on accelerating natural recovery processes, stabilizing damaged environments, and enhancing resilience without causing further damage to existing reef structures:

• Coral Gardening (Coral Nurseries): Broken coral fragments (“Corals of Opportunity) that would otherwise die are collected and grown in nurseries (underwater tables) for 6- 12 months. When they are large enough, they are transplanted back to the reef.
• Direct Transplantation (Outplanting): Corals that were raised in nurseries are attached to degraded reefs, using non-toxic materials
• Artificial Reef Structures (Substrate Enhancement): When natural reefs are damaged by human activity, artificial structures designed to mimic natural reef complexity are added to create a stable foundation for new growth and encourage habitat recovery.

Courses included in this program

If you participate in this program for five weeks or longer, two of the following courses are included in the program fee.

For stays of two to four weeks, one course is included; a second course can be booked at an additional cost.

• Course 1: Dive Course
  If you are new to scuba diving, it is mandatory to complete a 5-day Open Water Diver course during your first week. The course includes one day of theory and three to four days of practical diving training in both a swimming pool and the ocean. By the end of the course, participants will have earned the Open Water Diver certification. The course also includes access to the digital PADI Open Water Diver handbook.
  If you already hold at least an Open Water Diver certification, you can take any other dive course offered by the partnering dive center at a higher level than your current certification.
  
  
• Course 2: ReefGuru Coral Restoration Diver Course
  This course, designed by ReefGuru, a UK-based organisation specialising in coral restoration, combines one day of in-depth online training with two days of educational diving (four dives in total, two per day, typically on a weekend). Upon successful completion, participants receive Coral Restoration Diver certification.

Your tasks as a coral restoration volunteer or intern

Typically, the program includes three “wet days” per week, involving snorkeling or diving, and two “dry days” on land. During certain periods, such as coral spawning seasons, there may be additional days spent in the ocean.

“Wet days” may include:

• Cleaning and documenting coral nurseries
• Collecting and outplanting coral fragments using non-destructive methods
• Maintaining local reefs
• Installing new underwater structures
• Conducting reef surveys
• Performing underwater clean-ups

“Dry days” may include:

• Documenting activities and raising awareness about coral reefs
• Building new underwater structures
• Participating in conservation classes with local schools
• Organising beach clean-ups
• Supporting social media activities

One day per week is typically dedicated to education on corals and marine ecosystems. This includes presentations, discussions and documentaries on topics such as overfishing, ocean pollution and sharks.

Program schedule and free time

The program runs five days per week (Monday to Friday), usually from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. The weekly schedule is set at the beginning of each week and may vary depending on project needs and environmental conditions.

Outside program hours, participants are free to spend their time as they wish. You can explore the village of Mikindani, engage with the welcoming local community, or enjoy the natural surroundings. For those who enjoy physical activities, the nearby beaches offer excellent opportunities for swimming or running. Kayaks and bicycles can be rented, and participants may also go snorkeling or sailing on a traditional Tanzanian boat (dhow).

Booking Process

You can book this program directly online on this page.

Alternatively, you can first send us an inquiry if you would like more information beforehand.

You can secure your spot with a deposit of 100 EUR/USD. You pay the remaining amount only one month before the start of the program.