About Us
Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is a community-based NGO dedicated to protecting Cambodia's marine ecosystems through research, conservation, and community partnerships. Since 2008, MCC has worked to safeguard marine biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
Based on Koh Ach Seh in the Kep Archipelago, MCC studies marine ecosystems, identifies conservation challenges, and develops practical solutions alongside local fishers, communities, and government partners. Its work combines scientific research, community engagement, and policy through initiatives such as seagrass and seahorse monitoring, marine mammal surveys, citizen science, and environmental education.
MCC's mission is to protect and restore Cambodia's marine ecosystems while ensuring the people who depend on them can continue to thrive. By connecting science, conservation, and collaboration, MCC is helping build a healthier and more sustainable future for Cambodia's oceans and coastal communities.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
Volunteering with Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) means becoming part of a passionate, dynamic, and growing team made up of people from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives. As a volunteer, you will gain valuable hands-on experience in marine conservation, scientific research, and fieldwork while making a meaningful contribution to the protection of Cambodia’s marine ecosystems.
Depending on the projects taking place during your stay, you may have the opportunity to spot dolphins during marine mammal surveys, observe seahorses in their natural habitat, monitor seagrass meadows, collect and analyse scientific data, and support a variety of ongoing conservation initiatives. Throughout your placement, you will work alongside experienced researchers, conservationists, and marine professionals who will help you develop practical field, research, and teamwork skills.
If you are not yet a certified diver, you can also choose to complete paid SSI diving courses at our on-site dive centre, allowing you to expand both your diving qualifications and your involvement in underwater conservation work.
Life on Koh Ach Seh is hands-on, community-focused, and sometimes physically challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. We work hard, learn from one another, and enjoy plenty of memorable moments together. Volunteering with MCC is an opportunity to make a genuine impact on marine conservation, build lifelong friendships, develop valuable skills, and experience an unforgettable adventure in one of Cambodia’s most beautiful coastal environments.
Requirements
We are looking for passionate, motivated, and adaptable team players who enjoy hands-on fieldwork, learning new skills, and being part of a close-knit community. Volunteers should understand that this is an active conservation experience rather than a holiday and be willing to contribute to both our projects and daily island life.
No previous experience or specific academic background is required, although diving experience is beneficial. Applicants do not need to be certified divers, but they should feel comfortable in and around the water.
When applying, please tell us about your background, relevant skills and experience, and what you hope to contribute to and learn during your time with Marine Conservation Cambodia.
Volunteer experience
Breakfast is served between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, followed by fieldwork and conservation activities. Depending on the day's schedule, volunteers may assist with seagrass monitoring, seahorse or marine mammal surveys, beach clean-ups, equipment maintenance, or data entry. Marine surveys may involve freediving or SCUBA diving, depending on the activity and each volunteer's certification.
After lunch, volunteers have some free time to swim, snorkel, relax in a hammock, or explore the island before afternoon project work begins. Activities may be carried out alongside the science team or, for trained volunteers, independently.
Everyone also shares daily responsibilities such as cleaning communal areas and organising supplies. Evenings are usually spent relaxing together, playing games, or watching a film. The weekly schedule is planned on Sundays and shared every Monday morning, with weekends generally free unless project activities require otherwise.
Programme Fee (per week):
- Up to 2 weeks: US$600/week
- 3 weeks: US$500/week
- 4 weeks: US$400/week
- More than 1 month: US$325/week
The weekly fee decreases the longer you stay, reflecting the increased skills and support long-term volunteers provide to our conservation work. For stays longer than 3 months, individual arrangements can be discussed.
Volunteers stay in shared, gender-separated bungalows accommodating up to six people. Each bungalow is equipped with bunk beds, mosquito nets, and a shared bathroom with a bucket shower and toilet.
Electricity is available in the evenings, allowing volunteers to charge their devices and relax after the day's activities. There is no Wi-Fi on the island, but personal mobile data works well, with Smart and Viettel providing the best coverage. SIM cards are easily available on the mainland with affordable data plans. The connection is suitable for messaging and emails, although video calls and streaming may be limited.
- Three freshly prepared meals daily
- Made with fresh local ingredients
- Vegetarian and vegan options available
- Other dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request
- Snorkel on the house reef
- Explore the tropical island
- Relax in a hammock or play games and pool
- Read, draw, or enjoy your favourite hobbies
- Join recreational dives (for certified divers)
- Take part in occasional boat trips and snorkelling excursions around the archipelago
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