HONOLULU ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hands-on Reef Science in Honolulu: Becoming an Ecological Diver with Ocean Alliance Project
A focused classroom-and-dive program in Honolulu that trains participants in ecological survey methods, culminates in a Conservation Diver certification, and connects graduates to a global conservation network.
Hands-on Reef Science in Honolulu: Becoming an Ecological Diver with Ocean Alliance Project.
Join an immersive ecological monitoring program led by the Ocean Alliance Project in Honolulu that blends classroom instruction with practical diving to teach coral-reef ecology, fish and invertebrate identification, substrate surveys and other ecological survey techniques, and that concludes with a formal Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Certification.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Classroom-to-reef training in reef ecology and identification
Mornings deliver concentrated classroom sessions covering coral-reef ecology, Hawai‘i fish identification, substrate composition and invertebrate abundance so that afternoons on the water are disciplined scientific practice rather than casual dives.
Eight practical dives focused on ecological surveys
The program includes eight dives during which participants apply survey methods—fish counts, invertebrate identification and substrate surveys—alongside training in buoyancy and navigation to ensure data-quality fieldwork.
A Conservation Diver certification and a path to advanced training
Participants complete practical and written assessments to earn the Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Certification, with the option to add a PADI Advanced Open Water credential as part of the program.
What the day feels like
What the program feels like
Days alternate between concentrated classroom instruction and hands-on afternoons in the water: mornings break down reef ecology and identification, afternoons put those lessons to work with dive training, substrate and species surveys, and a schedule of eight total dives that build toward practical and written certification assessments.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
All necessary dive gear is provided as part of the program; participants should still confirm personal items and any comfort gear with the operator beforehand.
The program includes ecological monitoring training and the Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Certification, and allows an add-on for the PADI Advanced Open Water Certification as part of the package.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the program?
Program materials reference both a 4‑day course and a 5‑day Ecological Monitoring Program in different summaries; confirm exact scheduling with the operator at booking.
How many dives are included?
The program includes a total of eight dives during which participants conduct ecological surveys and survey training.
Is dive gear provided?
Yes—eight dives with all necessary gear provided are included in the program.
Do I receive a certification at the end?
Participants who pass the practical and written assessments receive the Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Certification; there is also an option to add the PADI Advanced Open Water Certification.
What does a typical day look like?
Mornings are classroom sessions on reef ecology and species identification, and afternoons are spent applying those lessons in supervised dive training and surveys.
Will I be part of a larger network after completing the course?
Graduates are connected to a global network of certified ecological divers and can continue contributing to marine conservation efforts worldwide.