Welcome to
dauin!
Our chosen home for Reef Buddy Philippines.
Nestled along the southeastern coast of Negros Oriental, this coastal gem offers unrivaled access to world-class shore diving just steps from the black volcanic sands. Unlike many dive destinations requiring boat trips, Dauin’s house reefs teem with life from the moment you stride in—making it the perfect classroom and laboratory for hands-on marine conservation.
Reef Buddy:
From the Caribbean to the Coral Triangle
Reef Buddy began its journey in the Caribbean back in 2014, founded by Matt Rideout with a bold vision: to inspire people through hands-on, immersive experiences that deepen their connection to marine life and ignite a passion for ocean conservation.
For over 12 years in Carriacou, Grenada, Caribbean Reef Buddy has welcomed volunteers, students, and researchers from around the world—building thriving coral nurseries, tackling invasive species, and training the next generation of ocean advocates. This track record of impact and credibility has shaped a community of conservationists who carry our mission forward.
Now, in 2026, we are bringing that same insight, passion, and proven expertise to Dauin in the Philippines—right in the beating heart of the Coral Triangle. Here, Reef Buddy Philippines will expand the legacy of Caribbean Reef Buddy, offering new opportunities to learn, contribute, and protect one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet.
Together, we’re not just growing coral—we’re growing a global family of ocean guardians.
Two Locations
One Philosophy
to find our more about reef buddy caribbean...
Why Dauin, Negros Oriental?
We selected Dauin for its exceptional biodiversity and conservation potential. Apo Island, a short 20-minute bangka ride away, stands as one of the Philippines’ oldest community-managed marine protected areas, boasting over 650 fish species and 400 coral types. Closer to shore, the Dauin Marine Sanctuary network protects macro hotspots where pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and nudibranchs thrive—ideal for citizen science surveys and coral restoration projects that volunteers can reach without leaving the coastline.
Dauin’s unique combination of accessible shore sites and proven local stewardship creates a scalable model for reef recovery. With established no-take zones, active fisherfolk partnerships, and minimal bleaching impact compared to northern reefs, every dive here directly contributes to measurable conservation outcomes. This is where global expertise meets Philippine resilience—turning volunteers into lifelong reef guardians.
Our mission
Reef Buddy Philippines is a marine conservation programme operating out of a PADI 5-Star dive centre in Dauin, Negros Oriental. The macro diving capital of the Philippines and heart of the Coral Triangle. We protect and restore coral reef ecosystems through internationally standardised Reef Check survey methodology, active coral restoration, and apex predator research. Volunteers join us for 2 to 12 weeks, gaining real field science experience in one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments.
Conservation
Running reef surveys to Reef Check standards, cultivating coral nurseries for active reef regeneration, and monitoring sharks and rays in Dauin's waters using baited underwater cameras.
Education
Community
raining volunteers and local community members in reef ecology, species identification, and internationally recognised survey methodology — building genuine scientific understanding of what's at stake.
Working with Dauin's fishing communities and local government units to translate reef science into better-informed decisions about coastal management and marine protection.
Ocean Conservation
The Trinity Of
To achieve our Mission, Reef Buddy employs a Trinity Model to frame all the work that we do. These three core components ensure successful delivery of our vision
Our Trinity Focus
How we turn reef science into lasting conservation outcomes.
Research:
Transform:
Develop:
Turning monitoring data into action — guiding where coral nursery cultivation and reef transplanting are most needed, and sharing findings with local government units to inform coastal zone and fisheries management decisions. We train volunteers in the same field methodology used by professional researchers, so the skills and scientific understanding leave Dauin with them when they go.
Monitoring reef health across Dauin's marine protected areas using internationally standardised Reef Check methodology — fish, invertebrate, and substrate surveys that produce data comparable with reef sites worldwide. We also track apex predators using baited underwater cameras and build 3D photogrammetric models of reef structures to measure changes in complexity over time. Every survey adds to a long-term dataset that didn't exist before we started.
Engaging Dauin's fishing communities, school groups, and local dive operators in understanding the pressures facing the reefs they depend on. Through our Research Buddy and Research Assistant programmes, we connect international volunteers with local conservation efforts — building the kind of sustained, community-rooted support that reef protection actually requires to work long term.
Our office
Reef Buddy Philippines operates from the grounds of the Sierra Resort and partnered with The Dive Hub in Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines. It's right in the heart of the world-renowned Coral Triangle and right on the beach too...
Address
Lipayo, 6217, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Republic of The Philippines
Hours
8am - 4pm
Phone/WhatsApp
+63 917-779-8761
Info@reefbuddyphilippines.org