Become a certified PADI Divemaster while specializing in marine conservation.
At Ankay Conservation, we believe professional dive training and reef protection should go hand in hand. Our Eco Divemaster Program combines world-class PADI leadership training with hands-on conservation experience — preparing you not only to lead divers, but to actively contribute to reef preservation.
Enter the vibrant world within the waters of Bocas del Toro. No PADI diving qualifications? No problem! This program is beginner-friendly. Our skilled diving instructors will take you all the way from an Open Water qualification to a Divemaster in a matter of weeks.
You’ll enhance your diving skills, deepen your understanding of safety protocols and dive theory, while contributing to daily operations and conservation efforts. A perfect combination for those who want to get a head start on the conservationist track.
Each dive brings with it the exciting opportunity to encounter incredible marine life. Keep an eye out for rays, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, a variety of tropical fish and over 120 species of sea sponge sprinkled between the vibrant coral!
All participants complete:
PADI Open Water & Advanced Open Water (if not already certified- 1 week)
PADI Rescue Diver & Emergency First Response (if not already certified- 1 week)
PADI Divemaster training (3 weeks)
This forms your foundation as a professional dive leader.
Ideal if you are short on time but want hands-on conservation experience.
Learn how active reef restoration projects operate and participate directly in coral rehabilitation work.
You will learn:
Coral nursery techniques and maintenance
Coral fragmentation and outplanting methods
Safe coral handling practices
Reef restoration tools and protocols
Principles of reef resilience and recovery
Outcome:
Graduate as a certified Divemaster with practical reef restoration experience — ready to support restoration projects worldwide.
For those who want deeper scientific and ecological training.
Gain a strong foundation in reef ecology and learn standardized monitoring methods used in conservation programs globally.
You will learn:
Coral reef ecosystem fundamentals
Substrate classification and survey techniques
Coral health assessment methods
Data collection and underwater survey protocols
Data entry and reef health reporting
Outcome:
Graduate as a certified Divemaster with coral monitoring and reef survey training — prepared for research and long-term conservation initiatives.
Our most comprehensive conservation track.
Includes:
Reef Restoration Pathway (1 week)
Coral Ecology & Monitoring Pathway (2 weeks)
Outcome:
Graduate as a fully specialized Eco Divemaster with both restoration and reef monitoring certifications — the highest level of conservation training we offer.
Every conservation diver has different goals and timeframes.
Our pathway system allows you to tailor your training — whether you want hands-on restoration experience or in-depth reef science expertise.
No matter which track you choose, you leave as a fully certified PADI Divemaster with meaningful conservation experience and recognized specialization training.
It will depend on the conservation pathway you choose but it will be:
Enquire for your particular case!
Breakfast, lunch and dinner offered Monday through Saturday.
We can cater to most allergies (please give us notice about any serious allergies prior to arrival). There is a vegetarian menu option. For any more complex dietary regimens, we can offer that you cook for yourself in our kitchen.
Sunday is an off-day for our staff and for yourself where you can prepare your own food in our kitchen or go into town for lunch and or dinner.
Breakfast
We begin our day with a self-served continental breakfast consisting of cereal and milk, bread, cheese, butter, jam, fresh fruits and of course tea and coffee.
Lunch
A typical lunch will have a protein (fish, chicken or a vegetarian option) , rice, beans and salad. We have lunch after we come back from diving.
Dive Snack
We offer granola bars (or similar) and water for the dive surface interval.
Dinner
Dinner is served around 7pm and everyone eats together. Participation isn’t mandatory, and if you wish to go out and try something else for a change you’re welcome to do so. Our cook prepares and serves a variety of local specialties.