CONSERVATION TRAINING / 1 day field course
Coral Ecology & Identification (level 1)
Learn about the fantastic animals that build coral reefs.
Often mistaken for rocks or plants, corals are actually animals—and they are the architects of some of the most complex ecosystems on Earth.
In this one-day introductory course, you’ll discover what corals are, how they live, how they grow and why they are so important to marine ecosystems.
The course combines classroom-based coral ecology with guided underwater observation, giving you the opportunity to develop your ability to recognize different coral types, understand their growth forms and observe their condition in the field.
1 day · Classroom + reef fieldwork · Scuba or snorkeling · Small groups
What you’ll learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Coral biology — discover what coral polyps are, how they function and where corals fit within the marine food web.
- Cnidaria — learn about the phylum to which corals belong and the other organisms related to them.
- Coral diversity — discover the different types of corals and how they differ in appearance and structure.
- Coral growth forms — learn how corals grow and recognize the different growth forms you encounter on a reef & understand their functions.
- Coral resilience — understand why some corals are more resilient to environmental stress than others.
- Field identification — practice recognizing coral types in their natural habitat and develop your observation skills.
- Coral conservation — understand why coral reefs are important and why protecting coral communities matters.
The emphasis is on ecology, observation and practical identification, providing the foundation for more advanced coral taxonomy.
Your day with CRCP
This field course is a 1 day session from 8am to 3.30pm with classroom session in the morning followed by in water session to complement the theory. Find below the approximate schedule:
- 08:00 — Classroom session
- Begin with an introduction of CRCP as an organization, the environmental work that we conduct & team on the field.
- Continue with the lecture introducing coral biology, ecology and conservation.
- You’ll learn what corals are, how coral colonies develop, their role in marine ecosystems and the relationships that allow coral reefs to function.
- Explore the major types of corals and learn how to recognize their different growth forms and characteristics.
- You’ll also discuss coral resilience and why different corals can respond differently to environmental stress.
- Learn about the signs we use to communicate about them underwater that we will use later on during the dive.
- 09:30 — Gear fitting
- Before heading into the water, let’s fit the gear (snorkeling or scuba diving) & make sure everyone is ready and comfortable.
- 10:00 — Guided reef session
- Put your new knowledge into practice during your first guided identification session of approximately an hour, either by scuba diving or snorkeling.
- Your instructor will help you observe corals in their natural habitat, recognize different growth forms and develop your ability to distinguish between coral types.
- 11:30 — Break and debriefing
- Warm up, drink some water, refuel with with fresh fruits / snacks while debriefing with your guide what you have seen in the water and what to expect next.
- 12:00 — Second guided reef session
- Further your knowledge and gain confidence in your skills during a second guided identification session.
- Your instructor will keep on showing you different corals while developing your ability to identify them. She might as well quiz you on some already seen during the first session to help you gain confidence and lock your newly acquired skills.
- 13:15 — Heading back to base + washing up
- Let us drive back to base, drop and rinse our gear
- 13:45 — Lunch
- Enjoy warming up with a plant-based lunch and snacks back at base made by our chef.
- 15:00 — Debrief & Closing Remarks
- Debrief with your instructor about what you have learned during the day between theory to underwater sessions, how confident you are with your skills and what are the next steps to keep building on this. Discuss what are the key takeaways from today and how to use them back home to support your own conservation journey.
- 15:30 — Course end
- The exact schedule and time may vary depending on the course date and field conditions. We will confirm the final schedule when you book.
Choose your format
The course is available as a scuba diving or snorkeling field course.
Scuba diving*
(Recommended)
Scuba allows you to spend more time exploring the reef and observing organisms at different depths.
The scuba format includes two guided identification dives with an instructor.
Requirements
- Valid Open Water certification or equivalent qualification (PADI, SSI, RAID, CMAS or equivalent).
- Minimum of 15 logged dives, including at least one dive during the current year; or buoyancy training with CRCP during the current year.
- You must be healthy and fit for shore diving.
- Good buoyancy control and comfort in the water are essential.
PHP 4,500
Snorkeling
(Available)
The snorkeling format provides a surface-based alternative for participants who do not scuba dive.
You will take part in guided snorkeling sessions focused on observing and identifying reef organisms in their natural habitat. Siquijor hosts shallow reefs and clear water which are great for snorkeling (upon favorable weather conditions)
Requirements
- Ability to swim comfortably without swimming aids.
- Previous experience using a mask, snorkel and fins.
- Good comfort in the water.
PHP 3,000
Why are our water requirements strict?
During this course, we work closely with small and fragile marine organisms. Good water skills, buoyancy control, precision and careful movement are therefore important—not only for your own safety, but also to minimize the risk of damaging the reef or disturbing marine life.
If you do not yet meet the requirements, contact us. Depending on your experience, we may be able to organize refresher training or additional preparation before the course.
What is included?
Your course fee includes:
- Classroom learning – One classroom session covering coral reef ecology, biodiversity and conservation.
- Guided field sessions – Two identification-focused reef sessions with a CRCP instructor.
- Equipment – Scuba or snorkeling equipment and applicable marine fees.
- Lunch & snacks – Plant-based lunch and snacks are included. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Course fee
| Format | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scuba diving | PHP 4,500 |
| Snorkeling | PHP 3,000 |
| Online – Theory only | PHP 1,500 |
A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
Filipino participants
Filipino participants receive an automatic 20% discount as a way to promote local participation. Simply let us know when you enquire so we can apply the discount.
CALENDAR /
Upcoming dates
We run this course in small groups to allow participants to receive close guidance from our instructors.
In 2026
- September 9 & 22, 2026
- October 7 & 20, 2026
- November 11 & 24, 2026
In 2027
- January 13, 2027
- February 3 & 16, 2027
- March 3 & 16, 2027
Additional dates may occasionally be available, particularly for online participants. Contact us if you have a preferred date or need another option.
Small groups · Advance booking recommended
Places are limited and courses can fill quickly. Bookings close one month before each scheduled course date.
Learn from conservation practitioners
This course is delivered by our environmental NGO Coral Reef & Rainforest Conservation Project (CRCP), as a mean to promote environmental literacy and uplift the community of marine lovers in the Philippines with environmental skills and good practices.
Our training programs connect education with real conservation work. Rather than learning about coral reefs only from a textbook, participants are introduced to the ecological concepts, observation skills and conservation approaches used in the field.
You learn in the environment we are working to protect.
Your training support our conservation efforts
For CRCP, At CRCP, education is a critical part of our conservation work.
Through our learnwithCRCP programs, we share knowledge, develop practical conservation skills and encourage individuals to become more active stewards of the natural environment. Through this, we share our passion. Participation in our training programs also helps support and fund CRCP’s wider research, monitoring and conservation activities. It as well as a source of funding for our research & conservation efforts. By joining a CRCP course, you are not only investing in your own knowledge, you are helping us continue our work to better understand and protect our local ecosystems.
Learn. Explore. Understand. Protect.
FAQ
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course is designed as an introduction to coral ecology & identification and does not require previous knowledge of marine biology. For the scuba format, however, participants must meet the diving requirements above.
Do I need to be a diver?
No. You can participate through the snorkeling format.
We also offer an online theory-only option for people who cannot participate in the field activities.
Is scuba diving recommended?
Yes. Scuba allows you to spend more time observing the reef and provides greater access to the underwater environment. However, snorkeling participants receive the same core ecological and conservation theory. While Siquijor hosts beautiful shallow reef that can be great for snorkeling, their access is however more variable depending to weather conditions (waves, wind and visibility). Allowing to go beyond the surface, scuba diving is less subject to these variables.
What happens if I don’t meet the scuba requirements?
Contact us before booking. Depending on your experience, we may be able to organize refresher or buoyancy training with CRCP before the course.
Can I request a different date?
Yes. We occasionally organize additional sessions, particularly for online participants. Contact us with your preferred date we might have a session planned within that 2-3 days timeframe.
Can i come alone or is this for groups only?
You can come alone absolutely, most of our participants do. But if you prefer joining with your friend or partner, that works too. Our sessions are organized in small groups only so that everyone meet and quickly feels comfortable.
What should I bring?
For field sessions, bring your swimwear, towel, reef-safe personal sun protection, drinking water and anything else you normally require for a day outdoors.
We will provide the diving or snorkeling equipment included in the course. If you already have a mask, snorkel and personal fins, bring them in for extra comfort (it’s always nicer in your own).
Where is the course conducted ?
We host this field course in our base in Siquijor Island. Regarding, the dive / snorkeling site, we pick the site depending on season and weather for the most favorable conditions.
Ready?
Schedule your training with us
Our other conservation training programs
1 DAY CLASS:
MARINE OR TERRESTRIAL
Would you like to learn about marine or terrestrial ecosystems but you only have 1 day to spare ? This is for you. Pick and choose your preferred topic and come for an adventure. Each class is composed of 1 ecology and conservation lecture followed by field activity guided by one of our local expert. All levels welcomed!
1 WEEK PROGRAMS
Come immerse in environmental conservation for a 5 days / 6 nights with a team of experts on the field. Take a break from daily life, reconnect with nature, immerse in forests and pristine coral reefs and learn about how to protect them. We offer various types of 1 week programs, from broad to specialized.
LONGTERM & PROFESSIONAL COURSES (4wks min)
Are you interested in growing skills to take a bigger step from your daily life and actually help local scientific research and conservation work? Field work require skills but everything can be learned with time and efforts. If this is you, we offer long term development and mentorship programs.