Snorkeling Nusa Penida: Restore a Coral Reef

You'll fragment a coral cutting and anchor it to a rope so it can grow.

Snorkel a restored coral reef in Nusa Penida with a local marine biologist, learning coral biology and restoration techniques before entering the water to help fragment corals for the nursery. The 4-hour activity starts with a presentation on how the reef was damaged and revived, includes all snorkeling gear, and requires a minimum of two people. Your participation supports ongoing restoration work and the local fishing community.

The experience

The reef here was destroyed by boat anchors and seaweed farming until local fishermen partnered with Ocean Gardener to replant it. You start on shore with a presentation covering coral biology, the difference between hard and soft corals, and how restoration actually works: what threats reefs face, how corals reproduce, and the mechanics of farming and replanting. Then you gear up with snorkel and fins and swim out to the nursery during low tide, no boat required. Your guide, a local Indonesian marine biologist, points out specific corals as you move through the shallow site.

In the water, you work directly with your guide to fragment a coral cutting from a donor colony and attach it to a rope so it has something to anchor to as it grows. The ropes go back into the nursery. Ocean Gardener monitors your colony over time, and when it's large enough, they outplant it to restore the surrounding reefs. You're not watching restoration happen. You're doing a piece of it.

All snorkeling equipment is provided, so you arrive ready to learn. The activity suits beginners and runs 4 hours starting at 9am. A minimum of two people is required to book.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• presentation on coral biology and reef restoration.
• hands-on coral fragmentation and anchoring in the nursery.
• guide services from a local marine biologist.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Under 16: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We will meet at 9am at Nuansa Pulau.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ocean Gardener

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a small group experience where you're actively doing restoration work, not just observing it. The minimum of two people keeps the group intimate, and your guide's attention stays on teaching and supporting your participation in the reef work itself.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What exactly is the coral restoration site like when I get there?

The restoration site is a shallow reef filled with colorful Acropora corals and a thriving fish community. It's the result of years of work by Ocean Gardener and the local fishing community to revive a reef that was damaged by boat anchors and seaweed farming.

Do I need snorkeling experience to do this?

No. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels and designed for beginners. Your guide is a marine biologist who leads you through the process, and you swim from shore in shallow water during low tide.

What will I actually do in the water?

You'll work with your guide to fragment a coral cutting from a donor colony and attach it to a rope so the coral can anchor and grow. The rope is then placed back into the nursery for monitoring and eventual replanting to restore the surrounding reefs.

Is the snorkeling gear included?

Yes. All snorkeling equipment is provided, so you just bring yourself and your readiness to learn.

How long does the whole activity take?

The activity runs 4 hours total, starting at 9am. This includes the presentation on shore, gearing up, and the time in the water working with corals.

Who leads the snorkeling and what language is it in?

A local Indonesian marine biologist leads the activity in English, teaching you about coral biology and guiding you through the restoration work in the water.