2027 Dates
2 weeks – 20 June – 03 July
2 weeks – 04 July – 17 July
2 weeks – 18 July – 31 July
4 weeks – 20 June – 17 July
4 weeks – 04 July – 31 July
6 weeks – 20 June – 31 July
The Hoga Island marine centre is located in the heart of the Wakatobi Marine National Park, widely recognised as a global hotspot of marine biodiversity. It hosts the largest number of marine biologists of all our sites, meaning you have the opportunity to learn a greater range of marine survey techniques. In your first week, you have the opportunity of completing a PADI Open Water dive training course. If already dive trained or snorkelling, you will complete the Indo-Pacific reef ecology course with practicals.
For the second week those who have completed their dive training then do the Indo-Pacific reef ecology course, with two dive based practicals each day. Upon completion of this course you will then move onto learning specific marine biodiversity survey techniques including stereo-video surveys of reef fish, video surveys of benthic transects, 3D mapping of coral reefs, coral regeneration, invertebrate belt transects, photogrammetry for 3D mapping, seagrass surveys, marine plastics surveys, and have a chance to get involved in many other science projects.
The Coral Triangle is a marine region that spans Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. This region is recognised for having the highest diversity of marine species anywhere on the planet. At the very heart of the coral triangle, at the epicentre of biodiversity, lies the Wakatobi Marine National Park, the location of Opwall’s marine research base in Indonesia. The Hoga Island Marine Station has been the centre for Opwall’s Indonesian marine research programme for nearly 30 years. During this time, teams of international and Indonesian scientists have worked at this site during the Opwall survey seasons and as a result have produced more than 200 peer-reviewed papers. The research outcomes and discoveries from these studies have had local, national and international significance.
For the last 15 years, Opwall has also been running an extensive monitoring programme around Hoga and eastern Kaledupa for macroinvertebrates, fish communities, coral cover and community structure. In 2026 the long-term monitoring programme will continue, however there will a new research focus introduced. Like many coral reefs globally, the Wakatobi has experienced recent changes in benthic community structure and a reduction in the size and abundance of many reef fish species. Our ultimate goal is to develop an ecosystem model to represent the current dynamics of the marine ecosystems in the Wakatobi to help support future management decisions. To support this goal, work in the regions will focus on understanding the consequences of these changes in benthic community structure to the productivity of coral reefs in the Wakatobi and the resources these reefs provide to local communities. In 2026 research projects will focus on describing the extent of shifts from coral dominated states to reefs dominated by other groups including sponges, ascidians and soft corals, and the potential of deep reefs to provide refugia for sharks, rays and other predatory fish.
Building on nearly three decades of research at the heart of the Coral Triangle, reef conservation efforts at Hoga Island now include active restoration work to support long-term reef resilience. Since 2019, the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) has been implemented at selected sites, using steel “reef stars” to stabilise rubble and encourage coral growth. Ongoing monitoring has provided valuable insights into how restoration structures influence coral survival, habitat complexity, and overall reef health. In 2026, students will contribute to research examining how these restoration efforts can enhance biodiversity and ecosystem function, complementing the long-term ecological monitoring already in place. These conservation initiatives are vital to protecting the rich marine life of the Wakatobi and ensuring the continued ecological value of one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet.
Most of our volunteers fundraise for their expedition costs. Find out more.
Climate
At the marine sites during the day, the weather is normally sunny and warm (around 30 degrees Celsius), and the night temperatures drop to around 20-25 degrees Celsius. Being on the coast means there is often a pleasant breeze so it does not always feel this hot. It rains rarely, but when it does it tends to be very heavy for short periods of time.
Fitness level required
Low-Moderate. Some fitness is required for in water activities, but conditions are relatively easy.
Creature comforts
The Hoga Island Marine Station is an established facility that lies within the Wakatobi Marine Park of eastern Indonesia. The station was rebuilt in 2016 and supports a dive centre, lecture theatre, class room spaces, data analysis labs, as well as a large dining room and kitchen facility. Simple huts owned by members of the local fishing community surround the station and serve as guest accommodation. The island supports reliable phone signal that allows limited internet access.
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