ECO EXPEDITIONS
Eco Koh Tao's eco expeditions are for those with a sense of adventure and a willingness to 'make a difference' on their vacations overseas. Our expedtions aim to provide environmental training to both snorkelers and divers and include marine acology training as part of your itinerary.
With the state of the world's coral reefs health a hot debate these days. you'll have the opportunity to contribute valuable data to scientific annals, enliven the local communites through which you will travel, and have fun while doing it.
Right now we only have one scheduled itinerary in Thailand but hope to expand in the future.
See below for more details...
Thailand Eco Expedition
15 Days Ex-Bangkok
Join local marine experts and Reef Check Scientist Kim Obermeyer for an Eco Expedition to both Thailand’s east and west coast.
- Dive in the Gulf of Thailand and Surin Islands
- Marine Conservation – Reef Check Ecodiver Training
- Volunteer Marine Conservation Project Involvement
- Make a Difference to the Underwater World
It is estimated that 25% of the world’s coral reefs have disappeared in the last 20 years and another 25% are severely threatened. We are increasingly becoming aware that the marine environment is a crucial part in guaranteeing our own survival on planet earth. Our expedition will join local marine experts on a journey to some of the country’s stunning reefs to collect scientific data and contribute to the future survival of coral reefs worldwide.
This Eco Expedition is designed to allow divers or non-divers the chance to delve into the beautiful waters of both Thailand’s east and west coast while learning extensively about marine ecosystems and their importance to planet Earth. This expedition is open to both divers and Snorkelers and if you are a non-diver but would like to dive, we can teach you to dive en route while discovering the intricacies of the reef environment.
In conjunction with Reef Check International our expedition will start in Bangkok where you will be met by our representative upon arrival. We may have some time to enjoy the vibrant districts of Bangkok in preparation for our journey south to our first destination, Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Tao is at the forefront of dive training in Thailand with more and more tourists flocking to its pristine blue waters and vibrant coral reefs. This influx has led to an upsurge in development of resorts and associated infrastructure on Koh Tao to cater for increasing visitor numbers growing needs. We are at a pivotal time in Koh Tao’s history and precedent has shown us that small changes in the local environment can have a devastating effect on reefs in a very short space of time. For Koh Tao it is important that we begin to develop a database of information so we can preserve the coral reefs.
Upon arrival in Koh Tao we will settle in and orient ourselves and have an introduction to our training schedule. Our first day on Koh Tao we will take to the waters for a discover local diving experience and for anyone who has not dived for sometime (more than 6 months) we will undertake a scuba review before diving just to refresh your skills.
The Reef Check Foundation was inaugurated in 1996 and provides the only worldwide standardised coral reef monitoring protocol on the planet. By collecting data using the Reef Check methodology you will be adding to the pool of information about the changing state of the world’s coral reefs.
On day 4 we’ll begin our Reef Check training which will usually involve a morning of theoretica training in the classroom followed by in water training in the afternoon.
Reef Check Ecodiver Course including Project Aware Specialty Course – The Reef Check course teaches you to collate scientific data using a standardised methodology that will help in monitoring the health of the reef so that trends can be identified. The course will train your focus on the health of the reef and the aquatic realm and will develop your knowledge of key indicator species from three areas of the ecosystem – fish, invertebrates & substrate. We will have classroom presentations followed by afternoon in water practice on each day. We will culminate our training by joining a team of qualified ecodivers to complete a full Reef Check survey on one of our local sites. The certification allows you to join volunteer teams monitoring coral reefs around the world which is just what we will do when we head to Thailand’s west coast.
We will also complete the Project Aware Specialty Course as an ideal juxtaposition for the Reef Check Ecodiver course.
Departing Koh Tao on a morning ferry we’ll return to the mainland for a 5 hour drive across the Thai Peninsula from where a short boat will take us to the rustic outpost of Koh Ra. We’ll be staying at the Koh Ra Ecolodge during our 6 days there, using the lodge as a base for our marine conservation projects.
The Koh Ra Ecolodge is located on a remote island off southern Thailand's Andaman Sea coast. The island is a proposed National Park and is one of the gems of this coastline, which is Thailand's largest stretch of intact coastal jungle (one of the oldest on earth), mangrove forests, mountains, and islands, all waiting for exploration. There are about seven other National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in the area. As of yet, Koh Ra has almost zero development except for a few scattered houses and one remote resort tucked into the jungle on a private bay and beach. There are many other islands in the area including the world famous dive sites of the Surin Islands National Park a group of offshore islands, with crystal clear seas and vibrant coral reefs. The Koh Ra Ecolodge is the closest resort to stay and dive the Surin Islands.
The goal of the ecolodge is to promote sustainability and conservation in the area while working with local communities and stakeholders to create a win-win situation for the people and nature of the area. A portion of the proceeds from the operation of the Ecolodge go to supporting local conservation and community projects, in addition to the hands-on work we will be doing there with your help.
One of the best things about a stay at the Koh Ra Ecolodge is dining in the open-air beachside restaurant where the staff at the ecolodge serve up some of the best Thai and fusion cuisine you can imagine.
Koh Ra has also been the base of a Reef Check conservation project there ans has now been running for about five years. We will be involved in Reef Check surveys for some our stay and one day we’ll head out to the some of the best diving in Thailand at the Surin Islands.
On day 15 we’ll make our way again back to the mainland before an overnight bus journey to Bangkok where our expedition will conclude. We’ll have days rooms to share in Bangkok to shower and change before you need to leave for your flight.
SCHEDULE
Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Day 2 Depart Bangkok by bus (6am) & hi-speed ferry to Koh Tao
Day 3 Scuba Review and discover local diving introductory dives (2).
Day 4 – 7 Reef Check Ecodiver Training (Or for non-divers who wish to undertake diver training, PADI Open Water Diver Course.
Day 9 Travel to Koh Ra on Thailand’s West Coast, Arrival, orientation/tour of Koh Ra Ecolodge
Day 10 – 12 Reef Check surveys and other conservation projects on Koh Ra
Day 13 Fun dives at Surin Islands
Day 14 Visit to Sea Gypsy village, departure late afternoon
Day 14 Depart Koh Ra for Bangkok
Day 15 Bangkok – Depart
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
All accommodation as listed in the itinerary on a twin share basis
Al transport as listed in the itinerary
All teaching materials (Dive course manuals, tables and other equipment as required)
All dive equipment rental required to complete your training.
Meals as listed in the itinerary
If you wish to purchase some your own equipment we can assist you with any equipment at very attractive rates. Contact us for more information.
Full Certification for listed courses including – Reef Check Ecodiver Course, PADI Project Aware Specialty Course
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
International Flights
Visas
Travel Insurance (Compulsory), Please ensure it covers you for diving
Items of a personal nature
Meals and drinks not included as part of your itinerary.
Arrival or departure transfers
For more information on details that may not be included above please email us at nath@ecokohato.com |
