Join us on the tropical island of Lombok, Indonesia, as a volunteer, intern or student, for hands-on marine conservation, real scientific research and ocean adventures you'll never forget.
Who We Are
SORCE - the Sustainable Oceanic Research, Conservation and Education Initiative - is a marine field centre on Lombok’s Sekotong Peninsula, amongst the Secret Gili islands.
We’re a working research and conservation centre. Long-term monitoring of the reefs and coastal habitats around us guides everything we do, from coral restoration and mangrove replanting to the science we publish with our research partners.
Education runs through all of it. We work alongside local communities and give people from all backgrounds the skills, knowledge and experience to protect the ocean for themselves.
Our expeditions help make all of this possible, and put you at the heart of it.
Learn more about usOur Expeditions
Eco-Venture
For adventurers and ocean lovers who want to dive in, explore, and make a difference under the water.
Conservation Research Assistant
For university students seeking practical training and field skill development whilst having a real-world impact.
Research Thesis Placement
For university students wanting to complete their dissertation or thesis at a working marine field centre, with expert marine scientists.
Scientific Field Placement
For graduates and early career professionals looking to build advanced skills and leadership experience.
Marine Science A-Level
Earn a full marine science A-Level from Cambridge in 16 immersive weeks, whilst living beside the ecosystems you're studying.
Conservation Divemaster
Gain your PADI Divemaster alongside hands-on conservation training and field experience, from coral restoration to reef monitoring.
Why SORCE?
Four reasons people choose to spend their weeks with us, and where to see the proof.
01Science-driven01 / 04
We work inside the GITA NADA Marine Protected Area and monitor it year-round. You can help that work through surveys, data and restoration.
Invited by the government to advise on managing the GITA NADA Marine Protected Area
Our research
02Educational02 / 04
Six expeditions to build your skills, qualifications and experience, from a Cambridge A-Level to postgraduate placements and the PADI Divemaster.
03Transparent impact03 / 04
Your fees fund the conservation, research and community outreach you take part in.
82% of every fee goes straight into the work: research, conservation, education and the field operations that make them possible
Where your fees go
04Unforgettable experience04 / 04
Live on the coast of Lombok beside the reef, with two to three dives a day on most expeditions and a Sunday Funday fun dive to end each week.
Top Rated for Safety, Go Overseas 2025
Life at the field centre
Recognised for how we work. Top Rated for Safety by Go Overseas in 2025, and a Green Fins Certified Silver Member for environmentally responsible diving.
Our Impact
Every expedition feeds directly into long-term marine monitoring and restoration.
45,000+
Coral fragments planted
150,000+
Mangrove trees planted
22,000+
Kilos of plastic collected
2,400+
Reef surveys conducted
Coral reefs and mangrove forests are vital for thriving oceans and a healthy planet, but they are being destroyed. With your support, SORCE is helping to protect and conserve them.
Stories
Every person at Sorce has turned my experience into something unforgettable, they are the heart of this organization.
Alexa MullerMarine Science A-Level, 2025
Hello! I’m Alexa and I did my Marine Biology A-Level course from January to May 2025.
These past few months have been incredible. Not only have I learned so many new things about marine life and its intricate balance, I also learned about the importance of having healthy thriving oceans and how it affects us. Going into depth, no only in theory but also in practice makes a huge difference. Here at Sorce we are surrounded by the things that are shown in our courses, we get to experience them first hand, and it gives a whole new perspective to our studies. We were able to do practical activities and excursions linked to our courses, and we were given opportunities to see things that are mostly inaccessible for most people.
Adding to our courses, we could also live the conservation part of Sorce, with the coral plantations and maintenance while diving almost every day, the super fun and muddy mangrove plantings, and the informative lectures that are given.
But for me the best part was not the beautiful calm beaches or the amazing diving, it was the people that I found here. Every person at Sorce has turned my experience into something unforgettable, they are the heart of this organization. At Sorce you can find yourself a new little island family :)
I spent a total of 12 weeks at SORCE and I felt like I was in paradise every day.
Tatiana von RheinbabenScientific Field Placement, 2025
I spent a total of 12 weeks at SORCE and I felt like I was in paradise every day. The nature is stunning both underwater and on land, and while I personally chose to stay mostly at SORCE the whole 12 weeks, you can definitely plan a lot of day trips on the weekends to explore more of Lombok.
I learned a lot about ocean conservation (especially corals, a bit about mangroves and seagrasses) and I did my own small seagrass project, all of which I am applying now during my master’s in marine biology.
The whole SORCE team is lovely (founders of SORCE, dive staff, instructors, boat crew, grounds staff, etc.). They are there to teach you as much as they can, support you with all your needs, and make your experience as worthwhile as possible! There is usually always something going on and/or you get a bit creative and come up with your own activities.
What I will say is that it is quite (too) pricey especially when I compare it to my master’s now, and in hindsight, I probably would have cut my stay to about 6-8 weeks to perhaps explore/dive in another area of Indonesia/Asia, yet I would have then (sadly) missed out on many great dives at SORCE.
My main tip would be the squeeze out the team members‘ brains: ask them to teach you as much as possible about anything ocean and conservation related and they are also quite open to new ideas and feedback.
Overall - as cliche as it may sound - you will make memories for a lifetime.
One of the best experiences of my life. I went out for a 5 week eco-venture and wish I could have stayed there much longer.
Iain RoseEco-Venture, 2022 & 2025
One of the best experiences of my life. I went out for a 5 week eco-venture and wish I could have stayed there much longer. I experienced so many new and exciting things and also learned so much. Everyone there was absolutely lovely and made every day unique and exciting.
I’d never scuba dived before I went but really enjoyed learning there, so having little or no scuba experience shouldn’t be a barrier to going.
Would 100% recommend going even if it’s just for 2 weeks, will definitely broaden your horizons and be one of the best things you’ve ever done. Hope I can go back at some point!
…a marine conservation haven that offers a unique and meaningful experience. This is the place to go if you want to mix diving and conservation.
Katie GoodburnEco-Venture, 2023
Sorce Conservation Diving in Lombok is a marine conservation haven that offers a unique and meaningful experience. This is the place to go if you want to mix diving and conservation.
Their focus on nurturing sea corals and planting mangroves is truly commendable. At Sorce, you'll get hands on experience with cleaning coral nurseries, fragging coral and replanting into Mars blocks using epoxy. Additionally baited remote underwater videoing, debris dives identification dives and of course fun diving! Education is also a key part of the experience, with afternoon lectures that teach you about coral conservation and the identification of fish, invertebrates, coral and more.
Beyond the diving, Sorce offers an amazing overall experience. When I stayed at Sorce I spent a lot of time with Sudar, Rajah and Brilly - these guys are super friendly and high energy - they made my stay so memorable. I also got to dive with Georgia - she is very knowledge and knows a lot about the marine life she could always answer my questions! The dive equipment is all well serviced and in great condition.
The accommodation is very comfortable, with locally built bungalow rooms that provide what you need. The locally made food means you get to experience traditional Indonesian dishes and familiar favourites.
Each day comes with different tasks (this was one of my highlights - some days you could dive up to 4 times) but there is also time to chill with 1 dry day a week you can visit the nearby Gilli island with friends.
My time went so fast on the island, could not recommend this place more highly. Hope to be back one day. Thank you to the team at SORCE.
I loved the sense of community with the staff and other volunteers - they truly feel like family.
Lauren JealousMarine Science A-Level, 2025
I did the A-level course in 2025 here which was an amazing experience. I loved the sense of community with the staff and other volunteers - they truly feel like family. The projects were thoughtfully designed and really made a difference in understanding and protecting our ocean's health. As someone passionate about environmental conservation, I appreciated SORCE's dedication to scientific research and education. I got to participate in a range of projects that contributed to a better understanding of our marine ecosystem. If you're interested in ocean conservation and want to make a hands-on impact, I'd definitely recommend checking out SORCE.
Simply one of the best places to both dive and get involved in the world of Oceanic and marine sciences.
Hunter GlassfordEco-Venture, 2024
Simply one of the best places to both dive and get involved in the world of Oceanic and marine sciences. The facilities here are incredibly well maintained, the huts are great, the food is great, and the people are incredible. The sense of comradery and friendships you can build during your time here with other visitors and the staff are unmatched. They are also extremely accommodating to pretty much any need or concern you have and any of the extra cost food options are made very very clear and are not over priced. The dive activities you complete make you feel like you're making a difference to better the surrounding marine ecosystem and the diving itself is incredible, with many unique flora and fauna you can't find anywhere else. Cannot recommend this place enough if you are looking to get more involved in marine and Oceanic sciences, either recreationally or professionally. SORCE is the best, stingrays forever!
The staff and scientists were absolutely lovely and made my 3 weeks so fun.
Teagan DuffResearch Thesis Placement, 2024
Had the most amazing time this summer learning and studying about fish species for my uni dissertation for Oxford Brookes University. The staff and scientists were absolutely lovely and made my 3 weeks so fun. Thank you Raja for helping me with my fish ID and research and Coral for teaching me to Dive 💙🐠✨Hope to come back one day!
Insightful, educational but most of all fun to be a part of a team that puts their heart into the conservation work on their coral reefs and mangrove plantations, even if just for such a short period of time.
Dorian AndrzejewskiConservation Research Assistant, 2025
Coral planting, reef checks, mangrove planting and debris diving – just an outtake of what our month at SORCE as marine conservation research assistants looked like! I’ve gained a new admiration for all the conservation and education work done by SORCE to further protect and improve the ecological wonders of the native mangrove and marine life of Lombok.
Insightful, educational but most of all fun to be a part of a team that puts their heart into the conservation work on their coral reefs and mangrove plantations, even if just for such a short period of time. I can definitely recommend anyone interested in a more hands-on approach for their holiday or remote work options to look into what SORCE has to offer, or any other conservation work in that regard.
Once more, a shout out to the amazing team running SORCE who provided us with such a memorable experience! Can’t wait to go back, do more coral planting and see how the house reef has developed over time!
…living beside the ocean in villas creates a close community that becomes family. I would recommend this to anyone considering!! 11/10
Karley FeatherMarine Science A-Level, 2022
I had the most incredible time at SORCE while completing my marine science A-level. Not only did I get phenomenal teachers for my book and exam learnings, I also had vital hands on experience. We had the opportunity to do field work and research while conducting coral, seagrass and mangrove restoration. While also inviting you to experience one of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the world. Getting the opportunity to be introduced to new species on every dive! On top of this living beside the ocean in villas creates a close community that becomes family. I would recommend this to anyone considering!! 11/10
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