What is the Citizen Science Program on Koh Tao?

A 3-day introduction to marine conservation where you learn basic ecology, coral health monitoring using the CoralWatch methodology, and participate in hands-on guided surveys that contribute to ongoing reef research on Koh Tao.

What certifications will I receive?

You will receive the PADI AWARE Coral Watch Specialty Certification — a globally recognised citizen science credential that can be credited toward your PADI Master Scuba Diver rating — plus a Black Turtle Conservation Citizen Science Certificate of Participation.

Is this program suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. It is specifically designed for eco-conscious travellers, ocean enthusiasts, and families wanting to contribute to real conservation without a long-term commitment. No prior scientific or diving experience is required.

What is CoralWatch and why does it matter?

CoralWatch is a global citizen science programme developed by the University of Queensland using colour-coded Coral Health Charts to measure bleaching and reef condition. Data contributed by participants worldwide feeds into one of the largest reef health databases on earth.

Can the Citizen Science Program be combined with a dive course?

Yes. If you are not yet a certified diver, you can complete the PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses with us first, then join the Citizen Science Program during the same visit.

Citizen Science Programs in Koh Tao | Black Turtle Conservation

Start Your Marine Conservation Journey

Underwater citizen science reef survey dive focused on coral health monitoring and marine biodiversity in Koh Tao, Thailand.

Citizen science divers collecting underwater marine data during a reef monitoring dive in Koh Tao, Thailand.

Citizen science reef monitoring program icon representing underwater surveys and marine conservation data collection in Koh Tao.

The Citizen Science Program is a 3-day immersive experience designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of marine conservation in a practical, engaging, and accessible way.

Perfect for beginner divers, snorkelers, or ocean enthusiasts, this program allows you to experience real conservation initiatives, understand how marine ecosystems work, and contribute to ongoing monitoring projects around Koh Tao.

Whether you’re a diver, snorkeler, or simply curious about ocean conservation, this program offers the ideal first step to understand reef ecosystems and how your actions can help protect them.

What you’ll learn:

How to assess coral health using the CoralWatch global citizen science method
Fundamentals of marine ecology, food webs, and species interactions
Introduction to fish and invertebrate identification
The role of citizen science in global research and conservation
Essential buoyancy and low-impact diving skills for conservation diving
How to contribute to local and international conservation initiatives

This program is ideal if you want to:

Experience marine conservation in a short but meaningful way
Take action through citizen science and responsible diving
Build a foundation before joining longer courses or programs
Gain confidence underwater while contributing to real monitoring projects

Contact us

WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS

Change starts with awareness — and awareness begins with understanding.

Through this program, you will:

Learn why coral reefs are vital to ocean health
Understand the main threats affecting marine ecosystems
Practice responsible diving techniques to minimize impact
Collect real data used in reef monitoring initiatives
Become part of a global movement of citizen scientists

Even in just three days, you can contribute to reef protection and leave with a deeper connection to the ocean.

price

9,900 THB

DURATION

3 days

classes

3 classes

DIVES

4 training dives

CERTIFICATION

PADI Coral Watch Speciality

LEVEL REQUIRED

None

book now

* Not a diver yet? No problem! You can start your journey by learning to dive with us.
Our PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses are the perfect first step before joining our marine conservation programs.

START WITH A DIVING COURSE

Program Structure

The Citizen Science Program balances engaging classroom learning with hands-on conservation dives or snorkel — offering an inspiring introduction to data collection.

3 DAYS		Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Morning	07:00
Morning	09:00	Coral Watch	Study time/e-Learning	Marine ecology & monitoring
Lunch
Afternoon	12:00	Fluid Mechanics Dive	Citizen science initiatives	EMP Fish, Inverts or Substrate
Afternoon	14:00	Coral Watch dive/snorkel	Data review	EMP Fish, Inverts or Substrate
Evening	17:00

* Please note that the following schedule is indicative and may vary.
* Exact times for each session and dive will be confirmed before the course begins.

Day 1 – Introduction to Coral Health & Responsible Diving

Morning — CoralWatch Presentation

Learn how to assess coral health using the CoralWatch method and understand how environmental stress affects coral reefs.

Afternoon — 2 Dives (or snorkel sessions):

Fluid Mechanics Dive — practice dive control and buoyancy for safe conservation diving.
CoralWatch Survey Dive — apply what you’ve learned to collect your first data.

Day 2 – Citizen Science & Ocean Action

Morning — Citizen Science Initiatives Lecture

Discover how individuals around the world contribute to research and conservation through simple but powerful monitoring tools.

Afternoon — Data Review & Marine Ecology Theory Session

Analyze your dive results, learn about reef ecology, species interactions, and the importance of ecosystem health.

Day 3 – Introduction to Ecological Monitoring & Field Techniques

Morning — Survey Methods Presentation

Learn how professionals monitor reefs using techniques from the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP).

Afternoon — 2 Dives:

Dive 3: Practice basic fish survey techniques.
Dive 4: Practice basic invertebrates survey techniques.

Certification & Debrief

Complete your journey with your PADI CoralWatch Specialty certification and Black Turtle Conservation recognition.

Contact us

Price:

9,900 ฿

BOOK NOW

Includes:

4 conservation dives (or snorkel)
PADI CoralWatch Specialty certification
Theory sessions & materials
Full scuba equipment + dive computer
Black Turtle Citizen Science Certificate
Maximum 4 students per instructor
Dive insurance & refreshments

Testimonials

      
 
 
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   Chee yen Wong 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
This dive shop is highly recommended!
The diving guide Isbella is very professional, enthusiastic and patient in explaining everything.
  
 
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   matthias p 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ich war jetzt bereits zum wiederholten Male tauchen bei Black Turtle Dive und bin begeistert. Der Service, die Hilfsbereitschaft & Professionalität sind überragend!

Vor allem meine Fun Dives mit den Dive Master Nils und Hailey waren perfekt.

Danke für diese tolle Erfahrung!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Burnett 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
If you’re looking to complete your PADI open water course, I could not recommend Black Turtle Dive more. We completed the 3 day course. Learnt so much about the ocean and the safety behind diving, that we can take forward to any future dives.
Our instructors Jaa and Arisa were so encouraging and patient when it came to learning new skills.
As well as the incredible dive locations they take you too.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Zoe Clark 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. The staff were so friendly and welcoming as soon as we stepped through the door.
Our instructors were more than perfect Jaa and arisa. Could not recommend them more. Hope to dive with them again sometime. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Alya F 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ich durfte meinen Open Water Diver hier absolvieren und war wirklich sehr zufrieden. Meine Tauchlehrerin war Nadine, sie ist wirklich mega super! Ich habe mich in der Ausbildung immer sehr wohl und verstanden gefühlt. Sie hat mich immer mit viel Geduld und Passion in meinem Lernprozess begleitet, VIELEN DANK Nadine!
Ich schätze generell bei Black Turtle die Professionalität und Hilfsbereitschaft sehr! Man merkt das sie viel Leidenschaft im Tauchen leben (das ganze Team) und ihnen Sicherheit beim Tauchen sehr wichtig ist. Ich habe mich vom Empfang bis zur letzen Ausbildungseinheit gut betreut und beraten gefühlt. Komme gerne wieder 🤟🏼
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Federico Bertorello 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hice el curso de open water, la atención de las chicas 10! Mi instructora Rhi excelente!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Toby 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If your looking for low cost, high quality dive school to do your scuba open waters and/or more through, black turtle is the place to go.  Ask around for an instructor named Naim and a soon-to-be instructor named Annie.  They were great company and even better instructors.  Strongly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Miriam schlenker 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Clarke 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chae was awesome. Super patient and helpful with the refresher course we did together.

I had some serious trouble equalising and he kept me calm, was really understanding, and managed to get me down for two great experiences.

Totally recommend him and the whole staff.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mats Lory 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing dive center, super professional and chill people!

Marine conservation citizen science dive with students participating in reef monitoring surveys in Koh Tao, Thailand.

Keep Learning

The Citizen Science Program is just the beginning of your marine conservation journey. What’s next?

Continue exploring conservation through short specialty courses:

Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring – Learn how to identify turtles and support real monitoring efforts
Shark Ecology & Population Studies – Understand shark behaviour and take part in research surveys
Plastic Pollution: Monitoring & Assessment – Become part of the solution by learning how to assess and reduce marine debris

If you’re already an Advanced Open Water Diver, you can take the next big step with the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) – a 4-day course that introduces scientific diving and monitoring protocols used in long-term reef conservation projects.

Scuba diver conducting an ecological monitoring survey along a transect line during the EMP marine conservation course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM

Prerequisites: AOW

The Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) introduces reef survey methods and scientific diving techniques. You’ll learn to assess fish, invertebrates, substrate, and coral health, and report your findings to an international database.

4 days 6 dives 11,900 ฿

Close-up photo of branching coral polyps used in the Coral Taxonomy I course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

Coral Taxonomy & Identification

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Learn to identify coral species based on skeletal and anatomical characteristics, both on land and underwater.

This course builds essential skills for research, restoration, and monitoring projects.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿

Sea slug (Costasiella sp.) photographed during the Sea Slug Ecology course at Black Turtle Conservation, exploring nudibranch identification and behavior in Koh Tao, Thailand.

NUDIBRANCH & SEA SLUG ECOLOGY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Dive into the world of nudibranchs and sea slugs, key indicators of reef biodiversity and water quality. You’ll explore their taxonomy and ecology while participating in an ongoing research project at Black Turtle Conservation.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿

Diver restoring corals by attaching fragments on artificial reef structures during the Coral Restoration course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL RESTORATION THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Explore the science behind coral restoration.

You'll learn about restoration strategies, site selection, coral health assessment, and attachment methods.

1 day 2 dives 8,000 ฿

Marine conservation divers assembling artificial reef modules underwater during the Artificial Reefs course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

ARTIFICIAL REEF THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Restoration

Artificial reefs help restore damaged habitats and provide alternative dive sites. You’ll explore the science behind their design and even create your own reef project as a classroom exercise.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿

Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), a major coral predator, documented during the Coral Predators course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL PREDATORS: POPULATION MANAGEMENT & MONITORING

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Identify and monitor coral predators such as crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails, and understand their impact on reef health.

This course teaches practical techniques for population control and long-term reef protection.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿

ADVANCED CORAL TAXONOMY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Expand your coral identification skills by learning to recognize more challenging and rare genera.

This course deepens your knowledge of skeletal and anatomical traits, strengthening your abilities for advanced research and monitoring.

2 days 4 dives 10,000 ฿

Bleached coral branch showing disease patterns used for training during the Coral Disease course at Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL DISEASES & COMPROMISED HEALTH

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Discover how to identify and record common coral diseases and signs of stress in reef ecosystems.

This course equips you with the skills to assess reef health and contribute valuable data to monitoring efforts.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿

Green sea turtle resting on a coral reef while snorkelers observe from the surface during the Sea Turtle Ecology and Identification course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

ADVANCED EMP

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy + Coral Disease + 3 Monitoring Courses

Gain experience using additional monitoring techniques, including quadrants, transects, and advanced survey methods. This course enhances your ability to collect accurate data and analyze long-term changes in reef ecosystems.

1 day 2 dives 6,000 ฿

Scientific diver performing advanced coral reef monitoring using quadrats during the Advanced Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) course with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

SEA TURTLE ECOLOGY & MONITORING

Learn about the ecology, behavior and threats facing sea turtles, all of which are endangered. Develop skills in turtle ID and data collection, allowing you to contribute to real conservation initiatives by recording sightings to support ongoing monitoring efforts in Koh Tao and internationally.

1 day 1 snorkel 6,000 ฿

Group of marine conservation divers studying shark behavior and population ecology during the Shark Ecology course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, Thailand.

SHARK ECOLOGY & POPULATION STUDIES

Sharks play a crucial role as apex predators, yet many species are now critically endangered. Explore their evolution, anatomy, and ecological role. Learn population monitoring techniques and how to contribute to local and global shark databases to aid conservation efforts.

1 day 1 snorkel 6,000 ฿

Coral Watch coral health chart being used to assess coral bleaching levels during the Coral Watch course with Black Turtle Conservation on Koh Tao, Thailand.

CORAL WATCH SPECIALITY

Learn how to assess coral health and contribute to a global monitoring effort using a powerful method developed by CoralWatch and supported by PADI AWARE. Gain insight into coral biology, bleaching, and climate change, while participating in real reef surveys.

1 day 1 snorkel or 2 dives 6,000 ฿

PLASTIC POLLUTION: MONITORING & ASSESSMENT

Learn about the scale and impact of plastic pollution in the ocean. Gain hands-on experience monitoring microplastics and help protect reef ecosystems by removing macroplastics.

1 day 1 beach clean up, 1 snorkel or 2 dives 6,000 ฿

Open Water Diver training session in clear tropical waters, ideal conditions for learning safe and controlled scuba diving in Koh Tao.

Grow Your Skills with Our Conservation Programs

All our marine conservation programs begin with the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP), providing a solid foundation in scientific diving and hands-on conservation.

From there, you can continue learning through our carefully designed programs, which follow a progression we’ve developed to maximize learning and practical experience. Each course builds on the last, helping you
develop your skills step by step while contributing to meaningful conservation projects.

Whether your goal is to specialize in coral restoration, turtle research, or broader reef monitoring, our programs guide you along a clear path, so you can grow as a marine conservationist while enjoying every step of the journey.

CORE CONSERVATIONIST

EMP
Coral Taxonomy

1 week 19,900 ฿

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

EMP
Coral Taxonomy
Sea turtles
BTD Sea slugs

2 weeks 33,000 ฿

Diver inspecting coral restoration structures during the Reef Conservationist four-week program with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand.

REEF SPECIALIST

Coral Restoration
Artificial Reefs
Coral Taxonomy III
BTC Marine Pollution

+ 2 weeks 30,000 ฿

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

Giant Clams
BTD Cleaning Stations
BTD Coral Predators
Sharks

+ 2 weeks 30,000 ฿

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

Image J
Coral Disease
Advanced EMP

+ 2 weeks 30,000 ฿

Learning Pathway

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →

courses

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers

Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring
Coral Watch Speciality
Shark Ecology & Population Studies
Plastic Pollution: Monitoring & Assessment

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required

Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)

Coral Taxonomy & Identification
- Advanced Coral Taxonomy
- Coral Disease Monitoring
Nudibranch & Sea Slug Ecology
Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques
- Artificial Reefs Theory
Coral Predators Monitoring & Mgmt

Advanced
EMP

programs

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers

3 days

CITIZEN SCIENCE

Coral Watch Speciality
Citizen Science Initiatives
Marine Ecology

This infographic shows the progression of the different marine conservation courses and programs we offer at Black Turtle Conservation.

Developed in collaboration with Conservation Diver, PADI AWARE, and our own in-house certifications, these courses and programs provide hands-on opportunities to learn, dive, and actively contribute to real conservation and research efforts.

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required

1 week

CORE CONSERVATIONIST

EMP
Coral Taxonomy I

2 weeks

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

EMP
Coral Taxonomy I & II
Sea Turtles
BTD Sea Slugs

+ 2 weeks

REEF SPECIALIST

Coral Restoration
Artificial Reefs
Coral Taxonomy III
BTD Marine Pollution

+ 2 weeks

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

Giant Clams
BTD Cleaning Stations
BTD Coral Predators
Sharks

+ 2 weeks

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

Image J
Coral Disease
Advanced EMP

pro

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

Dive Master Required

RESEARCH
ASSISTANT

INSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
COURSE (IDC)

EMP
INSTRUCTOR

EMP

SPECIALITY
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥5 courses

MASTER
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥10 courses

INSTRUCTOR
TRAINER

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →

Contact us

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Citizen Science Program in marine conservation on Koh Tao?

The Citizen Science Program is a 3-day introduction to marine conservation where you’ll learn basic ecology, coral health monitoring techniques, and participate in hands-on conservation dives. You’ll gain practical insight into how scientists collect data underwater and earn the PADI Coral Watch Specialty certification.

Do I need to be a certified diver to join the Citizen Science Program?

No! The Citizen Science Program is open to both scuba divers and snorkelers. You can choose to participate in the water sessions either diving or snorkeling, depending on your certification level and comfort in the water.

There are no scuba diving prerequisites — the only requirement is that you feel comfortable swimming or snorkeling.

If you’re not certified, you can join snorkel-based activities or consider starting with a diving course at Black Turtle Dive before joining.

What certification will I get after completing the Citizen Science Program?

You will earn a PADI AWARE Coral Watch Specialty certification, an internationally recognized citizen science qualification that allows you to contribute to global coral health monitoring initiatives and our Citizen Science certification.

What conservation skills will I gain during the program?

You will learn how to:

Assess coral health using the Coral Watch method.
Understand basic marine ecology, species roles and interactions.
Identify key fish and invertebrate species.
Apply scientific diving techniques.
Contribute to conservation and citizen science projects locally and globally.

Is the Citizen Science Program suitable for beginners?

Yes. This marine conservation program is designed for beginners, eco-conscious travelers, and divers or snorkelers who want to join real conservation efforts without committing to a longer training course.

What is included in the Citizen Science Program on Koh Tao?

3 theory sessions
4 conservation dives (or snorkel/beach sessions)
PADI Coral Watch Specialty Certification
Full scuba equipment rental & dive computer
Black Turtle Dive Citizen Science certificate
Logbook & study materials
Small groups (max. 4 students per instructor)

What is Coral Watch and why is it important in conservation?

Coral Watch is a global citizen science method used to monitor coral health using a colour chart. During the course, you’ll apply it underwater to measure coral bleaching levels and contribute your data to a worldwide research database.

What can I do after completing the Citizen Science Program?

Many students choose to continue with short conservation courses such as:

Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring
Shark Ecology & Population Studies
Plastic Pollution: Monitoring & Assessment

If you’re a certified Advanced Open Water diver, you can progress to the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) — the next level in scientific diving and data-driven conservation.

Why take the Citizen Science Program with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao?

At Black Turtle Conservation, we combine high-quality training with real conservation action. All our programs are led by marine biologists and Conservation Diver Instructor Trainers, and you will actively contribute to ongoing environmental monitoring projects around Koh Tao. Our approach is science-based, practical, and designed to inspire responsible divers and ocean advocates.

Still have questions?

contact us

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAM

3 days

3 classes

4 dives (or snorkel sessions)

Start Your Marine Conservation Journey

What you’ll learn:

This program is ideal if you want to:

WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS

Through this program, you will:

price

DURATION

classes

DIVES

CERTIFICATION

LEVEL REQUIRED

Program Structure

Day 1 – Introduction to Coral Health & Responsible Diving

Morning — CoralWatch Presentation

Afternoon — 2 Dives (or snorkel sessions):

Day 2 – Citizen Science & Ocean Action

Morning — Citizen Science Initiatives Lecture

Afternoon — Data Review & Marine Ecology Theory Session

Day 3 – Introduction to Ecological Monitoring & Field Techniques

Morning — Survey Methods Presentation

Afternoon — 2 Dives:

Certification & Debrief

Price:

Includes:

Testimonials

Keep Learning

Prerequisites: AOW

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Restoration

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy + Coral Disease + 3 Monitoring Courses

Grow Your Skills with Our Conservation Programs

Learning Pathway

courses

ANY LEVEL

ADVANCED DIVERS

programs

ANY LEVEL

CITIZEN SCIENCE

ADVANCED DIVERS

CORE CONSERVATIONIST

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

REEF SPECIALIST

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

pro

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

RESEARCHASSISTANT

INSTRUCTORDEVELOPMENTCOURSE (IDC)

EMPINSTRUCTOR

SPECIALITYINSTRUCTOR

MASTERINSTRUCTOR

INSTRUCTORTRAINER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Citizen Science Program in marine conservation on Koh Tao?

Do I need to be a certified diver to join the Citizen Science Program?

What certification will I get after completing the Citizen Science Program?

What conservation skills will I gain during the program?

Is the Citizen Science Program suitable for beginners?

What is included in the Citizen Science Program on Koh Tao?

What is Coral Watch and why is it important in conservation?

What can I do after completing the Citizen Science Program?

Why take the Citizen Science Program with Black Turtle Conservation in Koh Tao?

Still have questions?

RESEARCH
ASSISTANT

INSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
COURSE (IDC)

EMP
INSTRUCTOR

SPECIALITY
INSTRUCTOR

MASTER
INSTRUCTOR

INSTRUCTOR
TRAINER