Marine Conservation in Thailand
Thailand is a beautiful place. The people, the food and the culture make it one of the most spectacular places on Earth, and this expedition will introduce you to the very best of Thailand’s cultural offering, while educating you about marine life, environmental issues and marine conservation.
Learn about coral reef threats, climate action, how to build and maintain artificial reefs and mooring lines, whilst diving, collecting data and protecting one of the most important ecosystems on our planet. Plus, you’ll further your knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals that align with this project, as well as gain a deeper understanding of your own social and environmental impact.
“My experience in Thailand pushed me out of my comfort zone in many different ways. The first week was enjoyable looking around the temples and trying different Thai foods, the guide was extremely helpful during this time. The elephant sanctuary was one of my favourite parts of the trip as it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to feed and swim with them. Koh Tao was an amazing place to wake up to every morning however during my time here I struggled with the diving and it took me a while to achieve my Open Water due to not being able to clear my mask however with support from the dive school, Brad and my group I successfully cleared my mask and gained my qualification. ”
On this epic 21-day expedition, you’ll experience the very best of Thailand whilst getting incredible hands-on conservation experience with elephants and marine projects.
This trip is about far more than seeing the sights of Thailand (although there’s plenty of that, too!); it’s about understanding the vitally important role marine conservation plays in safeguarding the future of the planet, and how the smallest of actions can contribute to huge improvements.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW:
Day 1: Arrive in Thailand
Day 2: Bangkok City Tour
Day 3: Ayutthaya
Day 4: Elephant project
Day 5: Kanchanaburi
Day 6 to 19: Marine Conservation Project - Koh Tao
Day 20: Bangkok
Day 21: Depart
About your adventure
Starting in Bangkok, you’ll be thrown in at the deep end of Thai culture, with sights, sounds and attractions that are unrivalled. You’ll travel by tuk-tuk, wander off the beaten-track to discover hidden gems, and explore incredible Thai temples too. You’ll also enjoy a Thai cultural show including dinner on a traditional teakwood rice barge along the River of Kings.
Heading out of the bustling capital, you’ll meet elephants at Kanchanaburi – something you will never forget. This ethical project rescues elephants from harmful and torturous lives in the entertainment industry, and you’ll experience first-hand the imposing presence these majestic creatures have. You’ll also visit an ancient capital of Siam, the Hellfire Pass memorial, and spectacular waterfalls in Erawan National Park.
The highlight of your Thailand expedition is participating in the marine conservation project on the island of Koh Tao, beginning with achieving your Open Water and Advanced Diving qualifications.
You’ll learn about climate change, threats to marine reef health, advanced artificial reef techniques, and coral and giant clam nursery techniques.
Your marine conservation experience will cover five core areas:
Coral/benthic fauna database and geographical distribution
Coral recruitment and larvae sponsorship
Functions of artificial reefs, building, deploying and maintenance
Assess and assist on sea turtle nursery programmes
Evaluating black tip reef shark populations around the island
Our trips are designed to help you develop a wide range of life skills and a deeper understanding of how you can help us work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Learn more ⟶
“Amazing experience that allowed me to achieve a lifelong goal (learning to dive)”
Marine Conservation itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Thailand
Upon arrival in Bangkok, you’ll be transferred, with your private guide and driver, to your hotel to check in. Depending on your arrival time (and how much sleep you got on the plane), you can chill out and relax at the hotel by the pool or begin exploring the sights and sounds of bustling Bangkok.
Meals: D
Day 2
Bangkok City Tour
Today you’ll be fully immersed into Thai culture with a day of sightseeing. Your tour will show you a unique side of the city, visiting temples and canals as well as hidden gems, alongside an English-speaking guide who knows everything there is to know about Bangkok! In the afternoon, you’ll relax before heading to your dinner boat cruise and cultural show along The River of Kings.
Meals: B, L, D
Note: during day 2, you will visit the Grand Palace and will need to comply with their dress requirements: please ensure you wear trousers/skirts that are ankle-length and a t-shirt, shirt or blouse and close-toed shoes (no flip-flops). The authorities will likely deny entry to the entire group if anyone is not dressed appropriately and may also deny entry if you do not bring your passport.
Day 3
Historic City of Ayutthaya
On day 3, you’ll head out of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a UNSECO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, a Buddhist Temple constructed by King U-Thong in 1357 AD, before heading west to Kanchanaburi on the famous River Kwai.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4
Elephant project
Today is a day you’ll never forget: meeting elephants. At this ethically-run project, you’ll learn about the planet's largest land mammal, prepare their food, walk with them at their own pace as they forage through the jungle, and swim with them as they play in the river. These elephants have been rescued from living a harmful and torturous life in the entertainment world and various unethical tourist trades.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5
Kanchanaburi
Leaving Kanchanaburi, today you’ll head to the Hellfire Pass memorial, built to honour the Allied POWs and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Burma-Thailand ‘Death Railway’. Next, you’ll travel to Erawan National Park to explore some awesome waterfalls, before heading back to Bangkok for the evening.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6
Koh Tao Island
Today, you’ll travel south from Bangkok to the islands. Once you arrive in Chumphon you’ll board your catamaran and take the beautiful ride out to Koh Tao. You’ll also pass through Ang Thong National Marine Park, a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Here, you’ll settle in and relax ahead of your marine conservation project. Explore the island and enjoy the food, the people, the beach and the sunset.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7-19
Marine Conservation Project
Now, you’ll dive head first into marine conservation. Depending on your experience, you’ll start with an Open Water diving qualification, before completing your Advanced certificate, including Peak Performance Buoyancy. You can also choose between Underwater Naturalist, Photography, Wreck and Night dives. You’ll gain incredible hands-on experience in marine conservation and learn about marine habitats and conservation methods.
Outside of marine conservation, you’ll have plenty of time to relax. You can explore the island, try Muay Thai, work on your trapeze skills, cook Thai food, or relax with a traditional Thai massage.
Meals: B, L, D
Note: for those looking to collect data for dissertation or thesis projects, please speak to us and we can share our dissertation titles with you and discuss the range of potential areas you can study.
Day 20
Bangkok and Farewell Dinner
On your penultimate day, you’ll make your way back to the mainland by ferry and then head up to Bangkok for your last night and farewell dinner. Explore Koh San Road one last time and the hustle and bustle that brings Bangkok to life.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 21
Depart
Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance to chill out by the pool or grab some last-minute souvenirs. You’ll then take your private transfer back to Bangkok International Airport, recalling the incredible moments that you shared in one of the best dive spots in the world, all whilst protecting, marine life.
Meals: B
What’s included
NOTE:
Visas, vaccinations, personal expenditure, tips for leaders, guides and drivers and any other services not listed above are not included. Please note that the accommodations vary but all align with being clean, authentic and basic. Please also note that the itinerary may change due to a number of circumstances such as, weather, ferry and transfer times.
Important notes
Once you’ve booked your Thailand adventure you will be sent a kit list specifically for your trip and the time of year you are going. You will also receive further information about the adventure itself and the daily activities as well as further detail around what you can expect to learn. This includes your pre-departure conservation and sustainability workshops, as well as your impact surveys and reports. If you have any questions about the trip please get in touch. If you have any questions about Flooglebinder’s educational adventures please take a look at our FAQs page.
VACCINATIONS
Please check the FCO site for Thailand for the latest COVID restrictions, vaccination policy and entry requirements.
Please check with your local GP to find out which vaccinations you require for any adventure that you decide to book. These are a guide; a full consultation is necessary to establish individual risk and suitability of vaccines. There may be instances where more than one appointment is required to assess whether a vaccine can be offered.
Recommended vaccinations:
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Hepatitis A
Vaccinations to be considered:
• Typhoid Fever
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Tuberculosis (TB)
Thailand is a malaria-infected country.
INSURANCE
Please check if your school/college provides insurance and if not we will require your policy number and details 8 weeks before departure. Flooglebinder has public liability cover of £5million but participants must arrange their own travel insurance for all other levels of cover (e.g. cancellation, curtailment, loss of personal belongings etc.). Please feel free to contact us for any advice or recommendation.
Your safety is our number one priority on all of our educational adventures. All of your finances are protected through our Financial Failure Insurance recommendationsand each programme adheres to British Standards (BS8848). If you have any questions about our safety and security measures, please do get in touch.
VISAS
Please check the FCO site for Thailand.
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