Volun­teering Panama: Marine conser­va­tion and PADI certi­fi­ca­tion

The program covers accommodation, meals (Monday through Saturday), transportation to the project site from the bus station or Bocas del Toro airport, a project briefing and orientation, all diving and surveying equipment, and support from the project team. Travel planning support and pre-departure information are also included.

To join one of the four marine conservation programmes, it is essential that you have your PADI Open Water diving certificate. If you are not already certified before the project begins, you will have the certification built into the first few days of the project at an additional cost. Since participants will be diving six days a week, it is important that you are fit and healthy, a strong swimmer and confident in the water.

Yes, it is imperative that all volunteers purchase medical travel insurance that covers them for the full duration of their stay at the project. We can gladly assist you in finding the right one for you.

All diving equipment will be provided on-site, but if you have your own equipment that you prefer to use, you are welcome to bring it. Otherwise, important items to pack include a headtorch, eco-friendly toiletries, and coral-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a small, waterproof drybag to keep your valuables dry. We will send you a complete packing list once you have confirmed your participation.

The minimum stay at the project is two weeks, but it is recommended to participate in a specific focus programme for four weeks or more in order to learn as much as possible and gain efficiency in diving surveys.

The minimum age is 18 years, and there is no maximum age, as long as the participant is healthy and fit.

Since you will be living in a house with other volunteers, it is important to always maintain respect for one another and clean up after yourself to maintain a positive co-living space. Additionally, it is critical that you always listen to staff and diving instructors to uphold the high safety standards at the project. Any disruptive or endangering behaviour will not be tolerated.

You will need to arrive by your own means to Bocas del Toro, either via plane or bus. Your Natucate volunteer coordinator will gladly help you plan your travel route. From there, a project staff member will pick you up and bring you to the volunteer house.

When you arrive, you will be shown around the house, introduced to the team, and have a chance to settle in. You will receive a project orientation and explanation as to what to expect over the coming weeks, and officially begin work as a volunteer on your first full day at the project (the day after arrival).

The project accommodates ten volunteers at a time, but since there are four different programme focuses running, your diving group will likely be around two to four students and one diving instructor.

Of course! Just let us know in advance so we can make sure to place you together.

Unfortunately, not. This project requires diving skills in order to collect the necessary data underwater. If you are not already certified, the certification process will be integrated into the first few days of the project at an additional cost.

Yes, three meals a day Monday through Saturday with vegetarian options available upon request. Although lunch and dinner are prepared for you by a local cook, breakfast is self-serve. Sunday is the cook’s day off and your chance to explore some of the delicious offerings of local cafes and restaurants.

The coral reefs are home to colourful reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, alongside various invertebrates like sea stars, sea urchins, and shrimp. Larger marine life, including sea turtles, nurse sharks, and rays, can often be spotted in Bocas del Toro’s waters.

English is the primary language spoken on site, but we encourage you to learn some Spanish before you arrive to allow yourself for a fully immersive experience abroad.

Yes, the Operations Manager lives on-site, and volunteers will have her contact information prior to arrival.

On-site everything is included. There is an additional soda service if you want to buy a cold beverage. Costs you can expect are food on Sunday and taking part in a tour on your free days which can vary between $40-80. Boat taxis to and from the project site to the main island are a 5-minute ride and cost $5 per way. Sundays, you can either cook your lunch and dinner in our shared kitchen by going grocery shopping, but we encourage you to explore the excellent international cuisine available on the main island, a dish usually costs around $10-15.

The closest ATM is on Isla Colón, a 5-minute boat ride into town.

There is WiFi at the volunteer house for you to connect with your loved ones back home, but you may want to consider purchasing an international or Panamanian SIM card to have access to data when you are away from the volunteer house.

Bocas del Toro has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Average temperatures range from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C), and it experiences two main rainy seasons, typically from May to August and November to January. However, rainfall can occur at any time, keeping the region lush and green. Despite frequent showers, Bocas enjoys sunny intervals, making it suitable for beach and water activities most of the year.

The centre has different contingency plans depending on what the emergency is. In case a private clinic is needed, the closest is Clinica del Mar on the main island, which is a 5-minute boat ride into town. The closest larger hospital is also on the main island which would be a 5-minute boat ride and then a 5-minute car ride.