If you’ve ever dreamed of diving in Bali and becoming part of the coral reef solution, you’re going to want to know about the Earthwatch Institute‘s plans. This amazing 50-year-old organization is organizing to send groups of volunteers to Bali in 2025 and 2026 to assist scientists studying the effects of artificial reefs in the wild.
They have invited Out Scuba members to “participate in the Restoring Coral Reefs in Bali research expedition, a hands-on reef restoration project based in North Bali, Indonesia. Led by scientist Dr. Zach Boakes, this expedition empowers divers to contribute directly to marine science by assessing the efficacy of artificial reef units in mimicking the structure and function of natural reef communities. Participants play a critical role in this effort through surveying fish populations and benthic communities, deploying underwater video units, and analyzing the photo and video data collected,” according to expedition advisor Sierra Moore.
While it’s a little bit large for us as a club, we definitely know that some of you might want to participate. You can print or share the flyer for quick reference. They have one expedition team left this year (September 21 – 27, 2025; enrollment ends soon) and several 2026 teams available for sign-up on their website. “Your community’s passion and expertise would be a powerful addition to this important research and conservation effort,” she said.
“In 2026, our target is to have 36 volunteers sign up for this research project over the course of three teams,” Moore added. “This year, we have already had two volunteers join this project (though they were snorkelers, not divers) and we hope to recruit at least two more volunteers for the September team by July 18th!”
If you’re asking yourself if you’re eligible, their website has some pretty clear guidance. Of special note for Out Scuba members is that divers must have a minimum Advanced Open Water certification, have completed at least one dive in the past year, and have DAN insurance or the equivalent. Please see the complete list of eligibility requirements if you’re interested.
We asked about the safety of LGBTQIA+ travelers to Bali, and this is how she responded: “The safety and well-being of all Earthwatch participants is extremely important to us, and we conduct comprehensive risk assessments for every location where we operate with particular attention to the safety of vulnerable or marginalized groups. With that said, I do want to bring your attention to the U.S. State Department’s country information page for Indonesia, which provides the following guidance:
“LGB status or conduct is not illegal in Indonesia, though local authorities may tolerate harassment or take legal action against LGB individuals. Some regional governments have laws that criminalize same-sex relationships. Same-sex marriages or civil unions recognized in other countries are not legally recognized in Indonesia. The revised criminal code, which will take effect in January 2026, includes penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage, although details about its implementation remain unclear.”
She continued: “Due to the limited information currently available regarding how this new law will be enforced, we don’t yet have additional guidance beyond what the State Department has shared. I’ve reached out to our Director of Risk Management to explore whether any further considerations or updates can be provided. I’ll be sure to follow up with you as soon as I learn more. Please know that Earthwatch remains committed to creating inclusive and safe environments for participants of all identities. We will continue to welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and conduct careful risk assessments to support informed and safe participation across all of our expeditions, including those scheduled in Indonesia this year and next.”
Unfortunately, your author cannot go, but we hope one of you will sign up and give us a detailed dive report with lots of photos when you come back!