Welcome to GBR Tours’ Volunteer Program, an exciting opportunity to extend your adventure on the Great Barrier Reef while contributing to our daily operations. As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy free meals, accommodation, and diving or snorkelling sessions in exchange for helping our crew with various tasks. This program is perfect for those who love the ocean and want to immerse themselves in the vibrant life of the Reef. Read on to learn more about how you can join and make the most of this unique experience.
How Long Can You Stay?
After starting as a paid guest, you will transition to a “Volunteer” at approximately 2:00 PM on the second day of your trip. If you stay as a guest for 2 days/1 night, you can volunteer for an additional 2 nights. For a stay of 3 days/2 nights as a guest, you can volunteer for an additional 3 nights (subject to bookings). Demonstrating a good work ethic and cooperating well with our crew and guests may allow you to extend your stay further.
What Is Included?
This is not a paid position. You do not need a work visa. As a volunteer, you will receive:
- Free chef-prepared meals
- Free accommodation (in crew quarters)
- Opportunities to dive or snorkel each day (Volunteers can participate in up to 2 dives or water sessions per day, provided all allocated duties are completed.)
If you booked for snorkeling as a guest, you may snorkel as a volunteer (diving will not be included). Certified divers may continue to dive or snorkel. Introductory divers may continue with introductory dives, provided an instructor is available.
What Is Expected?
While we understand you are on holiday, volunteers are expected to work. Duties include:
- Kitchen duties: kitchen hand, waiting, and setting tables
- Housekeeping duties: stripping and making beds, cleaning bathrooms
- Laundry duties: loading washing and drying machines
- Baggage handling: transferring guest luggage to and from the transfer vessel and into staterooms
- Other duties as required
You must also purchase one of our Volunteer/Hostie t-shirts ($20) to wear while performing onboard duties. This helps identify you as a non-guest and is a great memento of your time on the Great Barrier Reef!
Will You Get Free Time?
Absolutely! You will have free time as long as you complete all the assigned tasks. Some parts of your day will be busier and require more effort, but hard work is rewarded with ample time to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef – your new backyard!
How Can You Book?
If you are interested in the Volunteer Program, please call or email us before booking to confirm availability on our Volunteer roster. You can then call to make your booking and mention your interest in the Volunteer Program or book online and use the comments section to specify your additional nights’ stay.
The Volunteer Program is valid for 1 year from when you first booked as a guest and joined as a volunteer. Participation is subject to availability and at the discretion of the crew onboard.
For more information or to book, contact us at [email protected].