Our Volunteering Programmes

Want to join us? Here are the options....

Our Volunteering Programmes

Choosing to join one of our expeditions is a meaningful commitment—one that reflects both personal aspirations and a shared responsibility to protect and preserve the marine environment. We understand your desire to be part of something that is enriching, educational, and genuinely impactful. In return, we are committed to ensuring that your presence on Malapascua contributes positively—both to the community you’ll engage with and the delicate marine ecosystems we strive to protect.

At People and the Sea, we have carefully developed programmes that balances the goals of our volunteers with the needs and priorities of our local partners. Every aspect of our work is guided by a commitment to sustainability: reducing environmental impact, supporting community-led initiatives, and building lasting benefits for the people who call this island home.

3 expeditons to choose from....

Introduction to Community Conservation

Dive into Conservation

Community Conservation Internship

In a nutshell?

You’ll live close to the community, experience everyday island life, and leave with new knowledge, friends, and purpose

In a nutshell?

Explore two islands (Malapascua and Higatangan), earn your diving certifications, and learn reef survey skills in 1 month!

In a nutshell?

An immersive conservation experience – spend at least 8 weeks diving into commnnuity driven marine conservation work

PROGRAMME:

Introduction to Marine Conservation

Overview:

Our volunteer program is all about getting involved, learning by doing, and becoming part of the Malapascua community.

You’ll start with a full induction week, meeting the team, understanding our work, and getting trained across all our main projects: marine conservation, fisheries, education, waste, and community economic resilience. After that, you’ll jump into hands-on work. you’ll be free to chose which topic you would like to get more involved with depending also on the needs of the team – short term projects could be training the team on specific IT skills, analysing data, promoting waste reduction initiatives, working with the youth in school or during out of school activities. We also love when people bring their own skills to the table, whether it’s GIS, data analysis, social media, design, or fundraising, there’s always a way to contribute.

This is a program where you’ll live close to the community, experience everyday island life, and walk away with new knowledge, friends, and purpose.

What Will I do?

Week One - Induction

Begin your journey on Malapascua Island, where you’ll get a full introduction to our conservation programs, meet the team, and understand the impact of our work. This first week is about getting familiar with our mission and being trained across all our core programs, from marine protection and sustainable fishing to waste management and eco-livelihoods. It’s the perfect foundation to dive deeper into your experience with purpose and perspective.

Week Two onwards - project work

Volunteers are encouraged to take initiative and become actively involved in a project of their choice, or even propose a new one! Whether you’re passionate about marine conservation, education, community work, or sustainability, there’s space for creativity and impact.

Here are some ongoing and past examples:

🌊 Marine Science & Fisheries

  • Fish stock monitoring with our fisheries team using the KOBO database
  • Identifying seasonal fish patterns and working with local “bycatch” practices
  • Coral reef surveys and developing partnerships with dive shops
  • Boat anchoring impact assessment
  • Seagrass and tourism impact surveys

📚 Education & Youth Engagement

  • Summer camps (July–August): always looking for fresh ideas and active volunteers
  • Monthly environmental activities with children: snorkeling, mangrove exploration, waste management, seagrass, etc.
  • Youth Club (ages 14–20): support young people leading their own initiatives

🏡 Community Resilience

  • Homestay audits and improvement recommendations
  • Supporting the COMSCA (community savings and loans) program

🌍 Waste & Sustainability

  • Reusable diaper and napkin projects
  • Education on sustainable habits and waste reduction

đź’ˇ Bring Your Skills to the Team

We also highly value any skills you can share with the team:

  • Excel, GIS, data management
  • Social media & communication strategies
  • Fundraising, design, and more

Accommodation

The Inato Homestay project is one of our most successful alternative livelihood initiatives to support marine conservation

Inato Homestay

In 2015, the Inato Homestay Association was created. Volunteers stay with a host family in their house, experiencing the way of life on Malapascua with the family and local community.

Duration & Costs

What will I do on an expedition?

PROGRAMME:

Dive into conservation

Overview:

Spend one unforgettable month exploring two beautiful islands in the Philippines while earning your diving certifications and getting hands-on with marine conservation. You’ll start in Malapascua with a full introduction to our community-based programs, learning about sustainable fishing, reef protection, waste solutions, conservation education and more.

Then, head to Higatangan Island to complete your PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications. With over 20 dives included, You’ll dive into vibrant coral reefs and contribute to efforts to understand and protect these vital marine ecosystems.

What Will I do?

Week One - Malapascua Induction

Begin your journey on Malapascua Island, where you’ll get a full introduction to our conservation programs, meet the team, and understand the impact of our work. This first week is about getting familiar with our mission and being trained across all our core programs, from marine protection and sustainable fishing to waste management and eco-livelihoods. It’s the perfect foundation to dive deeper into your experience with purpose and perspective.

Weeks Two & Three - Higatangan & Dive Training

Travel to the island of Higatangan to complete your Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications while exploring stunning coral reefs. 

Week Four – Reef Training & Community Conservation

Stay on Higatangan for an intensive reef training class, where you’ll learn to assess and protect coral ecosystems while engaging with the local community.

  • 2 islands
  • 2 diving certifications (OW + AOW)
  • Hands-on reef conservation training
  • A deeper connection with marine life & local communities

Accommodation

The Inato Homestay project is one of our most successful alternative livelihood initiatives to support marine conservation

Inato Homestay

In 2015, the Inato Homestay Association was created. Volunteers stay with a host family in their house, experiencing the way of life on Malapascua with the family and local community.

Duration & Costs