Win a place on a SCUBA diving coral reef expedition

This is your chance to win a place on a unique citizen science SCUBA diving coral reef conservation expedition

Reef Check

The deadline for this competition was 1 September 2025.

In partnership with the Reef Check Foundation, Biosphere Expeditions is offering a free place on its SCUBA diving expedition to the Maldives.

You have to be a qualified diver (minimum PADI Open Water or equivalent). You also have to be prepared to muck in on a hands-on conservation project, not a luxury dive holiday. If this is you, then tell us who you are, why we should take you on and what you think you can contribute to the diving expedition.

About us

Biosphere Expeditions empower people to contribute to wildlife research and conservation through our non-profit wildlife conservation volunteering expeditions. The expeditions unite citizen science, ethical volunteering and hands-on wildlife conservation. We are a non-profit, visionary and award-winning conservation volunteering organisation that succeeds - the creation of protected areas on four continents is just one example.

The Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical coral reefs and temperate kelp forests. With headquarters in California and volunteer teams in more than 40 countries and territories, Reef Check’s mission is to lead citizen scientists who promote stewardship of sustainable reef communities around the globe. All Biosphere Expeditions' diving projects follow the Reef Check methodology of collecting and analysing data on reef health.

Prize

The winner will take part in the Maldives expedition from 11-17 October 2025 (the 4-10 October group is not available).

The prize includes free participation in the expedition as described on the Maldives expedition page. It does not include travel to the assembly point in Male'. This has to be arranged by the competition winner at their own cost (more information about this is here, in the FAQ section).

Apply

The deadline for this competition was 1 September 2025.

You have two options of putting in an application:
1. Send us an essay (max. 100 words)
2. Submit a video clip (max. 1 minute) - see 7 free and fast ways to share videos privately

Whichever option you go for, we would like to you who you are, why we should take you on the expedition and what you think you can contribute to it. Note that Biosphere Expeditions is a research & conservation NGO, not luxury or sports or party holiday company. With this in mind our competitions are no "Pop Idol"-style castings events where you need to sing, dress up or otherwise make a fool out of yourself. We would like to get to know you as much as possible within the above remit, so just be yourself!

Terms

Entry is open to anyone 18 years or over except employees of Biosphere Expeditions and Reef Check, and their immediate families. Applicant data will be shared amongst the three partners, but not with anyone else. There is no cash alternative in whole or part and prizes are not transferable, nor do they include travel arrangements to the in-country assembly point. The judges' decision is final. By participating in the competition, you accept these terms & conditions.