Diving & Marine Conservation in Thailand
Projects Abroad School Trips
Why should you consider Diving & Marine Conservation in Thailand with Projects Abroad for your next School Trip or Educational Visit?
Projects Abroad arranges overseas service and internship programmes which are challenging, meaningful, educational and safe.We have been taking students overseas since 1992 and work in over 20 developing and emerging countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Key to our work is the dedicated in-country staff whose diverse skill sets, local knowledge and love of their community allow us to develop relevant, immersive and worthwhile schedules for school trips which give the students responsibility and teach them to see the world through a different lens.
We offer programmes in community development, conservation, construction, education, sports, empowerment, human rights and healthcare among many others. These projects are designed to contribute towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, broadening the student experience to see the contribution of a few going towards a movement for global change.
All school trips are individualised, we realise that each school has its own goals and interests, the students their own passions. We work with the school to develop a tailored itinerary which reflects their values and which allows the students to make a connection with the community in which they serve.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition Providers Association
Example Itineraries
Days 1 and 2
Arrival by plane at Koh Samui Airport, where the group will be greeted by the local Projects Abroad team and taken by bus to the port to catch a ferry across to Koh Tao island and the conservation camp.
After settling into the accommodation, the group is given a tour of the camp and will run a safety briefing and Projects Abroad staff will lead a discussion over the aims and achievements of the initiative.
Students will then be led on a walk around the island to familiarise themselves with the environment.
Days 2 – 3
Open Water PADI Diving Course - the group will embark on theory classes and their first underwater experience in a pool.
The course comprises classroom learning on some of the science behind scuba diving along with safety matters and basic skills. Before getting in the pool the group will familiarise themselves with the kit and how to set up their equipment. Once in the pool, they will practice breathing, dealing with problems and buoyancy control.
Day 4
Today is the group's Open Water Final Exam! Reflecting on all they have learned during their first few days here, students complete a classroom-based exam.
In the afternoon, students head out into the open water on the dive boat for the first time. Observe life underwater and explore the
Day 5
Continuing to practice their new-found diving love for diving, the students will explore coral reefs while improving their buoyancy abilities and other key skills.
After lunch, the group will complete the first of three certifications they will be awarded during this trip!
Day 6
Working towards their next certification, students head back to the classroom for some more theory lessons.
Their afternoon will be spent taking part in two dives, testing their buoyancy skills. This is an important skill, as conservation work requires accuracy and control of movement. To do this, the group will visit an underwater obstacle course to challenge themselves in different settings!
On completion, students will receive their Peak Performance Buoyancy Certification.
Day 7
For their third and final certification, the Advanced Open Water Certification, students will spend the morning completing the theory class, before taking part in two advanced open water dives. The Advanced Open Water PADI requires 4 dives in the sea. This can include a night dive if chosen as a specialisation. Navigate using only torchlight at night to see nocturnal sea life!
Day 8
This morning, students will hit the open water for two more advanced dives. Students will learn to dive to deeper depths of up to 30 metres, which can include a wreck dive if chosen as a specialisation. Explore one of the three shipwrecks around the island, and see schools of fish swimming in and out of the ship.
In the afternoon, students will relax with a fun cooking class. This is a great way to learn more about traditional Thai cuisine while learning a new recipe to share with friends and family at home!
Day 9
Taking a break from diving, students will get hands-on experience as they take part in land-based work, preparing coral structures and conducting surveys.
Later on, they will take in the incredible local scenery with a coastal walk. The group will join conservation staff, exploring the island and visiting different viewpoints and bays around the island.
Day 10
Students will spend the morning watching a presentation about marine ecology, before taking part in two dives.
While in the water, the group will be surveying fish and invertebrates, taking notes and recording crucial data for conservationists to review later.
Day 11
Through a coral watch presentation, the group will learn more about corals and how to identify and record their health. They will then put this knowledge to the test as they head out into the water and collect data.
To wind down, everyone will enjoy a beach BBQ at the dive school!
Day 12
It's time for a beach clean-up! Students head to the shoreline and help to collect rubbish that has been left by humans or washed up from the sea. By keeping the beach clean, the group are helping to create a safe environment for both people and wildlife!
Students will then take part in a dive to remove further debris, fishing nets and debris on the sea bed or trapped around coral. These suffocate the coral and threaten sea life.
During these few days, volunteers will learn about microplastics, water quality, coral health, and recycling.
Day 13
In the morning, students will head out on their final two dives of the trip! Explore the coral reefs and take in the water for one last time.
After this, the group will take part in a micro-plastic survey and data collection, using their learning from yesterday.
The final night is a chance to celebrate the amazing work that’s been completed. Volunteers gather on the beach for one last barbecue, savouring the delicious flavours and thanking the staff for their support. Relaxing by the beach and watching the sunset is the perfect way to end the trip.
Day 14
Students pack up and take the boat back to the mainland again with Projects Abroad staff. Transfer to the airport and the flight home with many tales to tell of their underwater adventures.
Arrival by plane at Koh Samui Airport, where the group will be greeted by the local Projects Abroad team and taken by bus to the port to catch a ferry across to Koh Tao island and the conservation camp.
After settling into the accommodation, the group is given a tour of the camp and will run a safety briefing and Projects Abroad staff will lead a discussion over the aims and achievements of the initiative.
Students will then be led on a walk around the island to familiarise themselves with the environment.
Days 2 – 3
Open Water PADI Diving Course - the group will embark on theory classes and their first underwater experience in a pool.
The course comprises classroom learning on some of the science behind scuba diving along with safety matters and basic skills. Before getting in the pool the group will familiarise themselves with the kit and how to set up their equipment. Once in the pool, they will practice breathing, dealing with problems and buoyancy control.
Day 4
Today is the group's Open Water Final Exam! Reflecting on all they have learned during their first few days here, students complete a classroom-based exam.
In the afternoon, students head out into the open water on the dive boat for the first time. Observe life underwater and explore the
Day 5
Continuing to practice their new-found diving love for diving, the students will explore coral reefs while improving their buoyancy abilities and other key skills.
After lunch, the group will complete the first of three certifications they will be awarded during this trip!
Day 6
Working towards their next certification, students head back to the classroom for some more theory lessons.
Their afternoon will be spent taking part in two dives, testing their buoyancy skills. This is an important skill, as conservation work requires accuracy and control of movement. To do this, the group will visit an underwater obstacle course to challenge themselves in different settings!
On completion, students will receive their Peak Performance Buoyancy Certification.
Day 7
For their third and final certification, the Advanced Open Water Certification, students will spend the morning completing the theory class, before taking part in two advanced open water dives. The Advanced Open Water PADI requires 4 dives in the sea. This can include a night dive if chosen as a specialisation. Navigate using only torchlight at night to see nocturnal sea life!
Day 8
This morning, students will hit the open water for two more advanced dives. Students will learn to dive to deeper depths of up to 30 metres, which can include a wreck dive if chosen as a specialisation. Explore one of the three shipwrecks around the island, and see schools of fish swimming in and out of the ship.
In the afternoon, students will relax with a fun cooking class. This is a great way to learn more about traditional Thai cuisine while learning a new recipe to share with friends and family at home!
Day 9
Taking a break from diving, students will get hands-on experience as they take part in land-based work, preparing coral structures and conducting surveys.
Later on, they will take in the incredible local scenery with a coastal walk. The group will join conservation staff, exploring the island and visiting different viewpoints and bays around the island.
Day 10
Students will spend the morning watching a presentation about marine ecology, before taking part in two dives.
While in the water, the group will be surveying fish and invertebrates, taking notes and recording crucial data for conservationists to review later.
Day 11
Through a coral watch presentation, the group will learn more about corals and how to identify and record their health. They will then put this knowledge to the test as they head out into the water and collect data.
To wind down, everyone will enjoy a beach BBQ at the dive school!
Day 12
It's time for a beach clean-up! Students head to the shoreline and help to collect rubbish that has been left by humans or washed up from the sea. By keeping the beach clean, the group are helping to create a safe environment for both people and wildlife!
Students will then take part in a dive to remove further debris, fishing nets and debris on the sea bed or trapped around coral. These suffocate the coral and threaten sea life.
During these few days, volunteers will learn about microplastics, water quality, coral health, and recycling.
Day 13
In the morning, students will head out on their final two dives of the trip! Explore the coral reefs and take in the water for one last time.
After this, the group will take part in a micro-plastic survey and data collection, using their learning from yesterday.
The final night is a chance to celebrate the amazing work that’s been completed. Volunteers gather on the beach for one last barbecue, savouring the delicious flavours and thanking the staff for their support. Relaxing by the beach and watching the sunset is the perfect way to end the trip.
Day 14
Students pack up and take the boat back to the mainland again with Projects Abroad staff. Transfer to the airport and the flight home with many tales to tell of their underwater adventures.
What size groups do you cater for?
All group sizes of 5 or more. Free staff place with every 9 students.
Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?
Disabled facilities can be offered on request.
Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Visitors with special educational needs can be catered for on request.
Anything else?
Projects Abroad provide an individualised service and schedule planning which is backed up by excellent pre-departure preparation and by a dedicated and highly experienced local team in each destination.
We aim to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for every student which promotes self-belief, resilience, leadership, teamwork, reflection, and a new perspective on the world.
Please contact us so we can support you with your trip planning.
We aim to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for every student which promotes self-belief, resilience, leadership, teamwork, reflection, and a new perspective on the world.
Please contact us so we can support you with your trip planning.
Who are Projects Abroad?
Set on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, this programme offers a stunning tropical location with excellent diving conditions and huge biodiversity.
The programme encourages a long term view of the conservation of its incredible ecosystem; collecting data, producing reports, advocating, educating and taking practical steps to reduce direct human impact.
Students are involved in all aspects of the conservation programme, learning and practicing techniques while also developing a knowledge of the way the marine ecosystem works and the threats to it.
The first step is teaching the students to dive to PADI Open Water standard, a globally recognised qualification. This usually takes three days and includes theory and in water training.
Once the students have qualified and are ready to undertake underwater tasks, their activities will include:
Survey dives - diving with the local conservation professionals they will be identifying species and examining the reef for indicators which describe the reef's health. They will learn fish identification and underwater measurement techniques. They will also clear manmade debris such as nets when found, testing their diving skills and using them for a worthwhile purpose.
Planting and maintaining artificial reefs - to encourage more marine life to colonise the area and to increase populations in areas which are conducive to reef growth, students will sew new reefs, build on exiting ones and monitor their success in attracting coral growth and other organisms.
Beach cleans and plastic workshops - interacting with the community and physically clearing the debris washed up and left behind. This demonstration of commitment to cleaner beaches allows us to set an example and build on this with educational programmes for community groups and children. Much of the debris is plastic and we work with organisations to repurpose it and students can be involved in the process, learning about waste management and upcycling.
In addition to these activities, the conservation team will run presentations on aspects of marine life and Thai culture. In their spare time students can explore the island, snorkel or just relax under a palm tree.
Projects Abroad will organise extra curricular activities as part of the programme, a trip back to mainland to visit national parks for example.
This project allows a flexible programme and can be extended to three or four weeks.
This is a highly practical, scientific and physical project in an incredible setting. The activities are varied, practical and meaningful. This is a challenging programme which holds great rewards for your students.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition Providers Association
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