Open Ocean
Protecting the Red Sea Through Action, Science & Community
At a time when "voluntourism" raises concerns about ethics, impact and authenticity, Open Ocean sets itself apart, quietly reshaping what it means to volunteer in marine conservation. A non-profit organisation with no employed staff, Open Ocean is entirely driven by passionate volunteers with vision. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a real, lasting impact on the ocean and in the community, this isn’t just another opportunity - it’s THE opportunity!
With well-established and inter-connected missions of Education, Research, Citizen Science and Conservation, Open Ocean provides the structure, supervision and purpose needed for volunteers of all ages, skill sets and levels of experience to make a tangible difference for the reef, the region and the future.
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Learn
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Volunteer
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Research
Open Ocean Volunteer
Join our residential volunteer programs and take an active role in marine conservation, citizen science, and community projects.
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Reef & Beach Clean-Ups
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Educational Workshops & Courses
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Scientific Data Collection
Take part in various Citizen Science initiatives with Turtle Watch, Shark Trust, Coral Watch and more.
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Community Programmes
Conservation Starts With Community
Open Ocean works closely with local communities, schools, and youth groups to raise awareness and inspire long-term environmental responsibility.
- Educational events & presentations
- Hands-on conservation work
- Community engagement programs
Open Ocean Marine Biology Courses
Courses developed with University of Glasgow, combining theory, fieldwork, and real research contribution.
Be Part of Real Marine Science
Open Ocean bridges the gap between researchers and the public through open-access, long-term marine data projects.
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Sea Grass Survey
Monitor new seagrass meadows and track aquatic
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Coral Monitoring
Monitor new seagrass meadows and track aquatic
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Fish Assemblages
Monitor new seagrass meadows and track aquatic
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Coral Recruitment
Monitor new seagrass meadows and track aquatic
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Red Sea Species Library
Monitor new seagrass meadows and track aquatic
Academic & Research Collaboration
Do you need Red Sea data for an academic or non-profit project? Open Ocean supports tailored research initiatives and collaborative conservation efforts.
Contact for Collaboration
Open Ocean Red Sea Field Station
Open Ocean offers a fully equipped field station with labs, classrooms, accommodation, and an on-site dive centre, supporting research and fieldwork in the Red Sea.
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Universities
Undergraduate and postgraduate research opportunities, field courses, and expeditions — including collaborations with the University of Glasgow that produce peer-reviewed publications and academic theses.
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Organisations & Individuals
Dedicated facilities and expert guidance for researchers and non-profits delivering marine science and conservation projects. Full support for high-quality data collection and impactful outcomes.
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Schools
Structured learning experiences for school groups in survey methods, data collection, and research skills through SCUBA or snorkelling, with meaningful opportunities for community engagement.