Reef conservation has an image problem that actually works against it. The image of the heroic diver planting coral in clear blue water is compelling and real. But it creates the impression that if you do not dive, there is nothing you can do. That is wrong, and it keeps a lot of talented, motivated people on the sidelines of a cause that desperately needs them.

Dive Volunteer Roles

Reef Rescue Diver

Field dive volunteers join our Reef Rescue missions in Cebu and assist with coral nursery maintenance, fragment transplantation, and reef health monitoring under the supervision of our Director of Dive Operations. This is hands-on, underwater conservation work in one of the most biodiverse reef systems on the planet. Every mission you participate in is filmed and published publicly. Your work will be seen.

Requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification. Minimum 30 logged dives. Prior experience with reef check methodologies is a plus. You are responsible for your own travel and accommodation in Cebu. We connect you with our field team and provide all briefings, equipment, and documentation support.

Underwater Photographer and Videographer

Every Reef Without Borders mission needs to be filmed from entry to coral planting to exit. If you are a certified diver with experience using underwater camera systems, your footage becomes part of the permanent Reef Archive and the published mission reports that go to all donors. Camera housing experience required.

Non-Dive Volunteer Roles

Marine Education Volunteer

Support the Coral and Kin ocean literacy program, which brings Philippine reef science to Filipino-American youth in Houston and school communities in Cebu. Education volunteers help develop curriculum, facilitate workshops, and connect young people to the ocean their heritage comes from. No dive certification required. Can be done remotely or in person in Houston or Cebu.

Communications and Content Volunteer

Help us tell the story of the reefs. We need writers, social media support, graphic designers, and video editors who can contribute to our content calendar, donor communications, and public education materials. This role is fully remote and can be done from anywhere in the world. No dive certification required.

Grant Writer

Environmental grant writing is a specialized skill and we need it. If you have experience writing for foundations such as NOAA, National Geographic Society, PADI AWARE, or similar environmental funders, your expertise is directly applicable to our grant pipeline. Fully remote.

Data and Tech Volunteer

The Reef Archive requires ongoing data management, web development, and database work. If you have skills in WordPress, database management, GIS mapping, or data visualization, we have meaningful work for you. Fully remote.

How to Apply

There is no formal application form. We are a small team and we believe in conversations over paperwork. Send an email to info@reefwithoutborders.org with a brief description of who you are, what skills or experience you bring, and which volunteer role interests you. We respond to every inquiry within five business days.

Clarisa Strohmeyer is the Founder and Executive Director of Reef Without Borders, a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to coral reef restoration in the Philippines and across the Indo-Pacific. Learn more at reefwithoutborders.org/