Wallacea Expeditions

North Minahasa Seagrass Expedition

During the full expedition, you’ll learn key techniques to monitor seagrass health, contribute to the North Minahasa seagrass database, and support conservation efforts. You’ll also experience local life, working alongside the community and possibly picking up some Bahasa Indonesia. The program covers methods like seagrass spot-checks, Seagrass Watch, ReefCheck, and BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video), which help gather critical data to analyze ecosystem trends over time.

Expedition Duration: 3 weeks

Expedition Cost: €2550

Special 40% Discount for early volunteers for participating in our soft launching. Expedition cost is all inclusive of all meals, accommodation and diving equipment. Participants will be responsible for all costs prior to joining the expedition at Manado. 80% of expedition costs are spent locally, and 10% of expedition profit is directed to conservation initiatives.

North Minahasa Seagrass Expedition Schedule

Please note that the intended schedule may need to be adjusted in cases of bad weather, participant illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

Week 1

Your journey as a volunteer for marine biology research in Southeast Asia begins when we pick you up at your hotel or airport in Manado. with a warm welcome to the coastal village of Bahoi. Following an insightful expedition briefing and village orientation, you’ll be ready to embark on the marine conservation adventure of a lifetime. On Day 2, dive into hands-on training with our expert team as you learn BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video), seagrass watch, underwater transect, and seagrass spot-check methods, adapted to the day’s weather conditions. These crucial skills will prepare you for the fieldwork ahead. During Days 3 and 4, you’ll engage in gathering valuable data through BRUV and seagrass spot-check surveys. Day 5 and 6 will be focuses on Seagrass Watch monitoring and concludes the end of the week. If you’re lucky, you might see a dugong here!

Week 2

Kick off Week 2 with two exciting days of coral reef underwater transect data collection, where you’ll explore vibrant marine ecosystems and contribute valuable data to ongoing research. Then, from Day 3 to Day 6, embark on an unforgettable excursion to Gorontalo, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to enjoy fun dives and potentially encounter the majestic whale sharks that frequent the area.

Week 3

Start Week 3 with two days dedicated to data interpretation and management, turning your collected fieldwork into actionable insights. From Day 2 to Day 4, you’ll work on report writing and present your findings to YAPEKA, contributing to real-world conservation efforts. The week wraps up with Day 5 and 6, where you’ll enjoy fun activities around the beautiful Minahasa region—a perfect way to relax and celebrate your journey with fellow volunteers.

Optional activities

On your days off, you’ll have the chance to dive deeper into local culture and adventure! You can enjoy a fun dive, try your hand at gleaning, explore the village, trek through lush landscapes, or paddleboard across serene waters. You can even learn Bahasa Indonesia or volunteer by teaching English to the local community if you’re up for it.

For a change of scenery, we can take you to nearby villages like Budo, where you can experience the magical mangrove night park, or to Gangga Island and Talise Island for light hiking, diving, or simply soaking in the island vibes. These experiences offer a perfect balance of adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation, making your expedition truly unforgettable.