CORAL RESTORATION COURSE
It is our duty to share all knowledge collected along the way to have long-lasting impact. That is why we have designed courses that will empower nature warriors to create their own impact anywhere they go.
2025 Courses
21 April – 16 May | 30 June – 25 July | 3 November – 28 November
LET’S RESTORE THE REEF TOGETHER
Join our 4-weeks coral restoration course in Bira, Indonesia, designed for divers who are passionate about marine conservation and want to do their part in protecting this unique ecosystem. This immersive program includes coral and marine life identification, reef assessment, different coral planting techniques and reef restoration methods, and daily dives to put your knowledge into practice. During these 4 weeks you’ll also learn the proper maintenance technique to ensure the survival of the planted coral and you will take part in the removal of dangerous coral predators from the reef.
This course is ideal for anyone eager to actively protect our oceans, and combine practical restoration efforts with underwater photography to capture the stunning beauty of the reefs you are helping to restore. Whether you aim to start your own coral restoration initiative or want to help safeguard your local marine environment, this course is the perfect first step toward making a meaningful difference.
Guided by the Ocean Gardener syllabus, which draws on over 20 years of experience in coral restoration, you will engage in hands-on conservation acquiring the skills needed to become a committed ocean steward.
Location: Bira, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Course Duration: 4 weeks
Price: USD2750
COURSE STRUCTURE
In these 4 weeks, you will stay at Tevana House Reef, our own eco-lodge, while rebuilding existing damaged reefs. As one of our fundamental pillars, it is imperative to understand that we cannot create new reefs where they were not previously found. Each module is therefore specifically designed to provide you with conservation theory and techniques while immersing you in hands-on activities at our local reefs.
But it is not enough to learn in a vacuum focused only on our own actions. We aim to tackle the root of the problem by involving local communities, fishermen, boat captains and local schools in the solution. During this program, you will get to meet the growing supportive community of locals that are becoming protectors of their own homes.
Workshops are generally held early in the morning followed by water activities such as scuba diving or freediving, depending on weather conditions. Weekends and evenings are free to rest or find your own adventure! By the end of the course, you will receive a certification of completion that will unlock new exciting opportunities!
INTRO CORAL DIVER
Learn how to identify 12 hard corals and 6 soft corals species. Practice your spotting skills while fun diving!
2 Shore Dives
4 Boat Dives
6 Workshops
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn about equipment, photo capture, lighting, and editing on land and underwater. Includes photography equipment rental.
4 Boat Dives
3 Workshops
ADVANCED CORAL DIVER
Learn to identify an additional 10 hard and 5 soft corals. This course will allow you to identify 90% of coral species down to the genus level.
3 Shore Dives
2 Boat Dives
5 Workshops
REEF RESTORATION
Learn about underwater coral gardening and the different techniques used at 3 of our different coral nursery sites.
Gain knowledge about rope, spider, direct planting and coral cookie methods that are used to promote growth and diversity on our reefs.
4 Planting Dives
4 Maintenance Dives
SHARK ECOLOGY
Learn about shark biology, habitats, behavior and their critical importance for coral reefs
2 Boat Dives
1 SSI Specialty Certification
FUN DIVES
Learn how spot critters by studying their habitats and identifying key markers while enjoying the beautiful deep sea!
4 Fun Dives
1 Night Dive
(Advanced Open Water Cert. recommended)
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Interact with the community and have a sneak peak into the lives of the fishing village famous for their boat building and carpentry work.
Visit to Apparalang
Visit Phinisi Boat Building
Beach Clean Ups
additional courses
Eager to learn even more and stay with us longer? Check out additional courses you can add to your stay.
1 Day
TURTLE ECOLOGY
Learn about turtle biology, habitats, behavior and their critical importance for coral reefs.
USD135
2 Boat Dives
1 SSI Specialty Certification
1 Day
SSI MARINE BIOLOGY
Learn about marine life in coral reefs. Understand biology, habitats, behavior and critical dependence among species for a healthy reef.
USD135
2 Boat Dives
1 SSI Specialty Certification
included
The base fee of USD2750 includes:
- Dorm rooms at Tevana House Reef (upgrades available)
- Daily vegetarian breakfast
- Lunch on diving days
- 1 Return Airport Transfer
- 10 Adopted Corals
- 1 Mythical Beings NFT (allows access to future courses, internships, retreats at a 15% discount)
- 2 GaiaOne t-shirts
- All course materials listed in the Course Structure section
- Course certification by Ocean Gardener which will enable dive instructors to teach the Intro Coral Diver course anywhere in the world
not included
- Flight Tickets
- In country spending money
- Visa Fees (please apply online for ease)
- Dinner Meals (can start from IDR30k per meal)
- Travel and Dive Insurance
- Fees for any additional dives outside that is provided in the Programme
- Fees for any additional courses
- Motorbike rental (IDR1.100k a month)
life at GAIAONE BIRA
We are looking forward to welcoming you! GaiaOne is more than a conservation project or an eco-resort; it’s a global community of passionate conservationists who share a deep love for nature. We feel blessed to continually meet unique and inspiring people from whom we learn every day. One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is that we are all a work in progress, which is why open minds and hearts are at the core of a successful stay with us. With a positive attitude, a hunger to learn, mutual respect, and open communication, you’ll wake up during your last week wishing you had four more weeks with your newfound friends!
Scroll through the carousel to get a glimpse of what life will look like during the four weeks you’ll spend with us. We hope to meet you soon!
Additional in-depth information available in our Pre-Arrival Handbook
STAY AT TEVANA HOUSE REEF
Tevana House Reef will be your home away from home during this hands-on educational journey! Tevana is an eco-resort providing all the goodness of Mother Nature – from bath necessities to the healthy, organic and fresh foods. Created by a family who loves scuba diving and cares for the environment, Tevana House Reef is a space to experience the gardens and incredible sea views. Our minimalist rooms incorporate unique elements of traditional Phinisi wood building technique – the Heritage of Tanjung Bira.
DORM ACCOMODATIONS
You will stay in our 2-person dorm rooms, which share one bathroom. With only two dorms available, a maximum of four people share the bathroom. Upgrades to private rooms are also available.
We provide electricity and 5G Wi-Fi 24 hours a day, so you can charge your devices and stay connected with loved ones. But don’t forget to disconnect occasionally and enjoy the beauty of our island!
HOW TO GET TO BIRA
Bira is located in South Sulawesi – a province on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Direct flights to the nearest airport (Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport) are available from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Manado. Duration of these flights ranges from 2-3 hours depending on the departure city. Once you arrive, our driver will pick you up and take you to our beautiful paradise. Car ride ranges from 4-5 hours.
DINING EXPERIENCE
Tevana Vida, our on-site restaurant, is open from 7 AM to 9 PM, offering a vegan-first dining experience to reduce our environmental impact (meat and fish options are also available).
Breakfast is included daily to fuel your restoration journey. Lunch is also provided on diving days, typically during the surface interval after the first dive. Dinners are not included, encouraging you to explore nearby restaurants and local cuisine.
NO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC
Please avoid bringing single-use plastic to our eco-resort. Our team cleans the beaches daily, but we need to address the problem at its source. Filtered water dispensers are available at multiple locations throughout the resort for refilling your reusable water bottles. If you’re in the mood for something special, our restaurant offers fresh juices, beers, milk, and more!
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Every day is FUNDAY with GaiaOne! Course workshops and dives are scheduled from Monday to Friday. Our days start between 8 and 9 AM with theoretical workshops, followed by two dives. Lunch aligns with the surface intervals between dives.
Saturdays and Sundays are rest days—sleep in, freedive, fun dive, explore caves, or simply go where the wind takes you!
DURING YOUR FREE TIME
While Bira is a small town, there’s plenty to do! If the week’s conservation work isn’t enough, you can always join us for beach clean-ups to earn a refreshing lemonade and contribute to a cleaner ocean!
For adventure seekers, explore our local dry and wet caves, or spend more time in the ocean freediving, paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling.
On dry days, enjoy our collection of board games, visit the local gym, read a book from our library, explore the local food market, wander around Bira, or relax with a movie!
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest airport?
The closest airport to Bira is Makassar
How long does it take to get there?
There are direct flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Makassar. From there, it takes 4-5 hours by private car.
