North Minahasa Expedition

Expedition Duration: 2 weeks

Expedition Cost: From €1699

Join a 14-day mission-driven research expedition in North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, to gain unique experience in ecosystem restoration. This program allows you to contribute to vital data collection while immersing yourself in a community-led conservation action while pampered with the beauty of North Minahasa. Based in the village of Bahoi, you will work alongside local guardians to protect one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.

The Expedition Experience

Our expeditions are intimate and high-impact, limited to eight participants per period. You will stay in community-managed homestays, ensuring your presence directly supports the local economy. From your arrival at Manado airport, all logistics, including boat tours, traditional meals, and field equipment, are fully managed by our team.

Week 1: Welcome & First Steps in Conservation

Your expedition begins with a warm welcome in Bahoi village, North Minahasa. After airport pickup, participants settle into the village, receive an opening briefing, and join an introduction to how climate change is affecting the local ecosystem. A guided village tour offers the first glimpse into daily life and local culture before the team moves into hands-on conservation.

The first two days are dedicated to coral restoration, followed by a fun dive or snorkeling session to enjoy the reefs participants are helping to protect. The week then shifts to ecological surveys: monitoring seagrass meadows, deploying BRUVs, and using drone flights to spot megafauna such as Dugongs, Reef Sharks, Sea Turtles or Rays. To balance the pace, Week 1 ends with a rest day, a chance to relax or discover more of the area on a local tour.

Week 2: Deepening Conservation & Community Connection

In the second week, participants build on this foundation. Conservation efforts expand into neighboring villages such as Bulutui and Tarabitan, continuing surveys of seagrass health, reef conditions, and megafauna encounters. The team also supports mangrove restoration, strengthening coastal resilience.

Community immersion is a highlight of Week 2. Participants share meals with local families, visit schools, learn traditional cooking, join fishing activities, and explore innovative projects such as community-based spirulina farming. These experiences add meaning to both the scientific work and cultural exchange.

Impact and Professional Growth

This program blends rigorous science with cultural exchange. By the end of the 14-day expedition, you will have gained professional field skills and contributed to the conservation effort that protects the North Minahasa coast for future generations.