About Us
Reef Buddy Philippines is a registered non-profit organization based in Dauin, Negros Oriental, dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems and empowering local communities. As the sister program of Caribbean Reef Buddy, we bring proven conservation models to the Philippines, combining scientific research, education, and hands-on volunteer engagement.
Our mission is simple yet urgent: to safeguard coral reefs and coastal habitats while inspiring people to become active stewards of the ocean. Volunteers join us in meaningful projects such as reef monitoring, artificial reef construction, marine species surveys, and community outreach. Each activity is designed not only to generate valuable data but also to build awareness and resilience among local stakeholders.
What sets Reef Buddy Philippines apart is our integrated approach. We collaborate closely with dive operators, schools, and barangays to ensure conservation efforts are practical, sustainable, and community-driven. Volunteers gain real-world experience in marine science and conservation while also immersing themselves in Filipino culture and the vibrant diving scene of Dauin and Apo Island.
We believe conservation is most effective when it is inclusive. Whether you are a student, a diver, or simply passionate about the ocean, your contribution helps strengthen reef ecosystems and supports livelihoods that depend on healthy seas. By joining Reef Buddy Philippines, you become part of a global network of ocean advocates working to protect biodiversity for future generations.
Together, we are building bridges between science, community, and adventure—proving that conservation can be impactful, educational, and deeply rewarding.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
At Reef Buddy Philippines, you’ll make a real impact while enjoying a comfortable stay. Our program combines hands-on marine conservation—such as reef monitoring, coral restoration, and species surveys—with the ease of resort-style living. After a rewarding day of diving and fieldwork, relax in spacious, air-conditioned rooms, enjoy delicious meals, and unwind by the pool. With Apo Island and Dauin’s world-class dive sites at your doorstep, you’ll experience the best of both worlds: meaningful conservation work and a safe, welcoming environment designed for comfort. Choosing us means joining a global network of ocean advocates while enjoying a memorable, stress-free stay.
Requirements
No prior scuba certification is required to join Reef Buddy Philippines. We provide the minimum training up to Advanced Open Water Diver level, ensuring all participants are prepared for conservation dives. What’s essential is that you are comfortable in the water and can complete a 200-meter swim without flotation devices and an 8-minute float/tread to demonstrate basic water skills.
We welcome participants from diverse backgrounds—no specialized skills are needed beyond enthusiasm for marine conservation. Please note that while our resort offers hearty meals, it does not cater to vegan diets. Vegetarians can be accommodated with limited options, but flexibility is advised.
By meeting these requirements, you’ll be ready to contribute meaningfully to reef protection while enjoying a safe and supportive environment.
Volunteer experience
Your day begins with breakfast at the resort, followed by meeting at the dive center around 8:30 AM to prepare equipment and review the day’s conservation tasks. By 9:00 AM, the boat departs for nearby reefs, where you’ll complete two morning dives focused on projects such as reef monitoring, coral restoration, or species surveys, with a one-hour surface interval in between.
You’ll return to the resort around 12:30–1:00 PM for lunch and a short break. At 2:30 PM, the group reconvenes for data entry, analysis, or preparation for the next day’s activities. By 3:30 PM, the structured program ends, leaving the rest of the afternoon free to relax by the pool, explore Dauin, or enjoy the beach.
Sundays are rest days, giving you time to recharge or discover more of Negros Oriental.
€622 per week
Volunteers stay at a beachfront property resort in Dauin that blends comfort with convenience. Rooms are shared (2 volunteers per room) and feature en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioned rooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. Single occupancy and laundry services can be arranged at extra cost. The resort offers swimming pools, landscaped grounds, and direct beach access, providing a relaxing environment after conservation dives. Meals are served daily with Filipino and international dishes. Vegetarian diets can be managed with limited options, but vegan meals are not available. With attentive staff and resort-style amenities, the resort ensures a safe, welcoming stay that balances meaningful conservation work with comfort.
Volunteers enjoy three meals per day, with the exception of Saturday dinners, when we typically head out to local restaurants to explore and experience Dauin’s food scene. Our resort kitchen serves a mix of Filipino and international dishes. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated, though with limited variety, while vegan meals are not available.
Outside of conservation dives and training, volunteers have plenty of opportunities to relax and explore. Many choose to unwind at the resort’s pool or beach, while others enjoy snorkeling, photography, or simply resting in the gardens. Dauin is famous for its dive sites, and we can arrange fun dives or excursions to Apo Island, Sumilon, or Siquijor during your stay (at added cost). On Saturdays, we often head out together to local restaurants to experience Filipino cuisine. Sundays are rest days, giving you time to recharge, explore Dumaguete City, visit waterfalls, or discover Negros Oriental’s cultural and natural highlights.
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