Ever wanted to become a marine biologist? In this course you will become a citizen scientist and fulfill your dream to help reefs!

Reef Check Eco Diver Course on Gili Trawangan

Start your marine conservation adventure with the Reef Check Eco Diver course at Manta Dive Gili Trawangan - The perfect course to learn the basics of the reef based on indicator species (fish, invertebrates and corals, sponges and more) and make a real impact!

Reef Check Course Schedule

This is the typical course schedule, which can be adjusted on the group’s needs.

Reef Check survey team at Manta Dive Gili Trawangan

About Reef Check

The Reef Check Foundation was founded in 1996 and developed an internationally recognized scientific monitoring method to assess the health of coral reefs around the world. By collecting standardized data on key marine species, reef substrates, and environmental conditions, Reef Check Eco Divers contribute to a global understanding of coral reef ecosystems. This valuable information supports conservation efforts at local, national, and international levels, helping marine park authorities, environmental organizations, and global institutions make informed decisions to monitor, manage, and protect our oceans.

At Manta Dive Gili Trawangan, you can become part of this global conservation effort by learning to conduct scientific reef surveys and contributing real data from the coral reefs of the Gili Islands.

Turtle on a coral reef surveyed on the Reef Check course, Gili Trawangan

What you’ll learn

Scientific survey methods
You will learn multiple ways of conducting scientific surveys and collect data contributing to a global database on coral reef health.
Fish, invertebrates and substrate identification
A bootcamp to learn fish families, invertebrates and their role on the reef, as well as understanding the difference between hard and soft corals and their neighbors on the reef: sea sponges, ascidians, zoanthids, anemones and many more.
Improved buoyancy and control
This course is the perfect way to practice buoyancy control - staying in one place, taking notes, rolling out transect tapes - Watch yourself making strides every day!

Reef Check Eco Diver Course Prerequisites

Age: 18+, Advanced certification + 20 logged dives
You need to be 18 years old and logged at least 20 dives. The Advanced certification or equivalent is a must, because working on coral reefs demands a basis of buoyancy mastery you only learn with time!
Missing dives or the Advanced certification?
No problem! We will be happy to arrange additional training for you before training starts.

What Course Comes Next?

The Reef Check Eco Diver course is part of the Manta Dive Marine Conservation programs. We offer a wide range of continuing education in marine conservation and ecology.

Whether you want to extend your stay and learn about coral identification, join courses on your favorite marine species like sea turtles or sharks, or dive deeper into research - We have the right course for you. Find our marine conservation programs below!

Diver exploring the reef on Gili Trawangan

More about our Marine Conservation Programs Find out more

Reef Check Eco Diver Course FAQs

What’s included in the Reef Check Eco Diver course on Gili Trawangan?

Your Reef Check Eco Diver course at Manta Dive includes:

Theory sessions and nine training dives.
Full scuba equipment during training, including a mask, fins, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, weights and tank.
Course materials, data-recording slates and survey equipment.
Reef Check Eco Diver certification on successful completion of the course.

You’ll combine classroom learning with practical experience on the reefs around the Gili Islands, putting your identification and survey skills into practice underwater.

How much does the Reef Check Eco Diver course at Manta Dive cost?

Our Reef Check Eco Diver course costs IDR 7,500,000. This includes your training, dive equipment, course materials and certification, as outlined above.

A one-time Marine Park Fee of IDR 100,000 is payable separately in cash on arrival.

What can I do with a Reef Check Eco Diver certification?

Your Reef Check Eco Diver certification prepares you to take part in reef health surveys and contribute data to marine conservation efforts. You’ll build your understanding of reef ecosystems, develop your marine identification skills and learn practical survey techniques you can use in further conservation training.

The certification is issued by Reef Check and is separate from SSI qualifications. It covers the region where you trained and can open up opportunities to get involved with Reef Check teams elsewhere. If you’d like to survey in a different region, you’ll need to meet Reef Check’s identification requirements for that region.

What are the requirements for the Reef Check Eco Diver course on Gili Trawangan?

To join our Reef Check Eco Diver course, you’ll need to:

Be at least 18 years old.
Hold an Advanced Open Water Diver certification, or an equivalent or higher qualification.
Provide proof of at least 20 logged dives.

You should also be comfortable controlling your buoyancy so you can focus on identifying marine life and recording survey data without disturbing the reef.

Not sure whether you meet the requirements? Get in touch with our team and we’ll help you plan any additional diving or training before your course.

Reef Check Eco Diver

Reef Check Eco Diver Course on Gili Trawangan

Reef Check Course Schedule

Introduction & Kick-start

Fish ID Day

Invertebrates ID Day

Reef Check Survey Day

Research Day