Reef Buddy: Marine Conservation & Community

Reef Buddy:

From Carriacou’s reefs to Dauin’s shores, Reef Buddy connects divers and communities to protect vibrant underwater worlds.

A group of divers planting coral fragments on a vibrant reef in Carriacou under clear blue water.

Join Us In Carriacou

Smiling local divers from the Philippines and Caribbean sharing stories on a boat with reef restoration gear.

Two Locations

One Philosophy

Join Us In Dauin

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.

To Find Out More About

Reef Buddy

Projects

From Carriacou's reefs to Dauin's vibrant waters.

Carriacou Impact

Restored reefs and trained local divers.

Dauin Expansion

Connecting dive communities across oceans.

Coral Regeneration

Reef Surveys

Predator Monitoring

Invasive Species Cleanup

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

I had three amazing weeks, collaborating with wonderful people, doing varied, fun, interesting and meaningful work! The program had an excellent balance between theory and practical work, with qualified and knowledgeable instructors, always meeting you with a smile. I have learned so much about the coral ecosystem, and have been inspired to keep working on improving it and spreading awareness of this amazing and beautiful ecosystem.

While the program was incredible, the people were even better! Before going on the trip, I would never imagine being welcomed the way I was. I instantly felt safe and included in the group, and I would never guess that it was possible to make such good friends in such a short period of time.

Mathilde - Go Overseas

This was my fourth project volunteering abroad and the communication and service was the best of all! If you add hurricane Beryl to that fact, it is even more impressive. They managed to keep in touch with me even right after Beryl hit. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Their flexibility made for a conservation program with activities like Coral Watch and lionfish hunting, combined with additional activities like cleanup dives (getting galvanise roofs out of the water!) and restoring coral nurseries.

All of this made my holiday even more special and rewarding. We had nice dinners together, I was offered some fantastic fun dives on the side, and I even got an island tour on my no dive day. The guesthouse were I stayed was also very nice with great meals and again, super friendly service. Carriacou is an amazing island that you have to discover! Don’t hesitate – go there!

Anique - Working Abroad

★★★★★

What People Have Said About Us

Get in Touch

Reach out to join our reef-saving community.

A diver gently planting coral fragments underwater with vibrant reef life around.