Saving the seas

Sub-aqua tours with a conscience

Trinidad & Tobago

The coral-monitoring, non-profit Reef Check operates a facility at ERIC (Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville) where openwater divers can learn to conduct their own surveys. A one- or two-week EcoDiver course involves daily research dives, information from which will fuel a global database on reef health. The resulting certification enables divers to join surveys and contribute to conservation work. From US$450 (£325) for two to three days. eric-tobago.org

Mexico

Fancy yourself as a marine biologist? PADI Dive Center Dive Ninja Expeditions in Baja California has research trips based on striped marlin and the mobula ray migration. This year, it’s releasing new expeditions on mako sharks, silky sharks and grey whales. Guests stay on the shores of the Sea of Cortez and can join regular Dive Against Debris days. Don’t miss the Ocean Stories free web series, with talks on everything from free-diving to shark photography. From US$1,850 (£1,340). diveninjaexpeditions.com padi.com

Portugal

Join an eco-dive school that’s doing its bit to help clear Lisbon’s reefs of fishing gear, plastic and other assorted debris. Some of the waste is recycled while any functioning gear is returned to local fishermen. Oyster Worldwide has options that range from one to four weeks with daily dives in the Atlantic. Shared villa accommodation in a leafy Lisbon suburb includes a pool and free yoga thrown into the mix. One week from £1,379, flights excluded. oysterworldwide.com

Indonesia

Beyond the coast of Bali rises Nusa Ceningan, a small tropical island where divers can specialise in marine conservation. Join

PADI Dive Resort Ceningan Divers’ resident marine biologist in maintaining the mangrove nursery. The programme includes dives, conservation workshops and PADI specialities such as manta awareness. Last year, the resort also launched a collection of free online conservation workshops.

From £1,407 per week. ceningandivers.com