Family Volunteering In The Maldives
On this unique family volunteering holiday in the Maldives, you’ll get the chance to experience the islands like a local while giving back through meaningful conservation work. Guided by expert marine biologists and vets, your family will learn about marine ecosystems and contribute directly to sea turtle rehabilitation and care at the Atoll Marine Centre. From feeding and cleaning rescued turtles to supporting educational awareness, you’ll play a hands-on role in protecting marine life.
Outside of volunteering, there’s plenty of time to relax and soak in the beauty of Naifaru. Spend your days unwinding on pristine white sand beaches, snorkeling in the vibrant house reef, and exploring the island’s local cafés and shops. If you’re keen to dive deeper, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn to dive or enjoy recreational dives at some of the Maldives’ most breathtaking dive sites, where you can encounter an abundance of marine wildlife.
This balance of volunteering, relaxation, and adventure ensures that your trip is not only impactful but also unforgettable for the whole family.
You can join on date that suit school holidays as we operate year round. This program is for 1 to 2 weeks and ideal for parents with young children.
Family Volunteers in Maldives
Detailed Program Schedule
Our Family Volunteering Holiday in the Maldives is based on the beautiful island of Naifaru, the capital of Lhaviyani Atoll. Home to around 5,000 people, Naifaru offers an authentic glimpse into Maldivian island life with its white sand beaches, thriving house reef, local cafés, and small shops. Unlike a typical tourist resort, this island invites you to connect with the community, immerse yourself in daily life, and contribute to meaningful conservation work.
The highlight of your stay will be at the Atoll Marine Centre (AMC), a dedicated sea turtle rehabilitation and coral restoration center located on the island. The Maldives is home to five out of seven species of sea turtles, but sadly they remain under constant threat from poaching, captivity, ghost nets, and boat strikes. As a family, you will support conservation projects that focus on turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and awareness-building within the community. Here is what you will be doing if you join-
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
You’ll be greeted on arrival and transferred to Naifaru, the charming local island in Lhaviyani Atoll. Settle into your family accommodation and enjoy a welcome orientation followed by a guided walking tour of Naifaru, where you’ll discover its bustling harbor, shops, and local life.
Day 2 – Explore Marine Life
Your day begins with a tour of the Atoll Marine Centre, where you’ll meet the team of marine biologists and learn about the vital sea turtle conservation and coral restoration work. In the afternoon, enjoy your first snorkeling session on the house reef, a stunning underwater playground filled with tropical fish, corals, and possibly even sea turtles.
Day 3 – Volunteering & Marine Education
The morning is spent volunteering at the Atoll Marine Centre, where you’ll help with turtle care — cleaning enclosures, preparing food, and supporting daily husbandry tasks. In the afternoon, join a fascinating marine biologist or vet presentation to learn more about sea turtle health, threats like ghost nets, and marine conservation challenges in the Maldives.
Day 4 – Volunteering & Coral Restoration
Continue your conservation work in the morning with turtle husbandry tasks. Later, take part in an engaging coral restoration presentation, where you’ll learn about reef ecosystems, how coral nurseries work, and the importance of restoring damaged reefs to protect marine biodiversity.
Day 5 – Conservation & Island Adventure
Begin the day volunteering at the Marine Centre, strengthening your connection with the turtles in rehabilitation. In the afternoon, head out for a special excursion to an uninhabited island where you’ll enjoy pristine beaches, swimming, and time together as a family surrounded by untouched Maldivian beauty.
Day 6 – Volunteering & Sunset Relaxation
Dedicate your morning to helping at the Marine Centre, supporting ongoing turtle rehabilitation. In the evening, gather with other volunteers for a sunset beach experience, the perfect opportunity to reflect on your impact while soaking in the Maldives’ famous golden skies.
Day 7 – Departure
Say goodbye to the island and the team as you depart Naifaru, taking home unforgettable family memories and the knowledge that you’ve contributed to the future of marine conservation in the Maldives.
Some details
Family Volunteering Start Dates
Start Dates are suggested below. If you want to join us in 2025 you can email us.
We advise you to check with us about public holidays and festivals.
Days
2025
- Jan 4,11, 18, 25
- Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
- Mar 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Apr 5, 12, 19, 26
- May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- Jun 7, 14, 21, 28
- Jul 5, 12, 19, 26
- Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Sep 6, 13, 20, 27
- Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
- Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Dec 6, 13, 20
Days
2026
- Jan 3,10,17,24,31
- Feb 7,14,21,28
- Mar 7,14,21,28
- Apr 4,11,18,25
- May 2,9,16,23,30
- Jun 6,13,20,27
- Jul 4,11,18,25
- Aug 1,29
- Sep 5,12, 19, 26
- Oct 3,10,17,24, 31
- Nov 7, 14, 21, 28
- Dec 6, 13, 20,27
Days
2027
- Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
- Mar 6, 13, 20, 27
- Apr 3, 10, 17, 24
- May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Jun 5, 12, 19, 26
- Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- Aug 21, 28
- Sep 4, 11, 18, 25
- Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Nov 6, 13, 20, 27
- Dec 4
Volunteer Program Fees
- 1 Week
- 2 Weeks
- 3 Weeks
- 4 Weeks
- 5 Weeks
- 6 Weeks
- 7 Weeks
- 8 Weeks
- $1650
- $2650
- n/a
- n/a
- n/a
- n/a
- n/a
- n/a
Family Volunteer Program Fee Inclusions
Below covers what is included and not included in our program fee
- What’s Included
- Not Included
- Pre-departure guide to Maldives
- Domestic Flight Transfer
- AC Shared Room at the guest house
- Al meals – B, L and D
- Location orientation
- Project training
- Project Placement
- Weekly group activities
- 24/7 Daily ground support as required
- Flights to the program destination
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Arrival airport pickup
- Arrival stay at Male hotel
- Extra activities beyond what is mentioned
- Insurance
Volunteer in Maldives Location details
This program is based in Naifaru Island, Maldives
Naifaru is an island in the Maldives 141 km north of the capital, Malé. It is the capital and most populous island of Lhaviyani Atoll. During your free time on the island, we encourage volunteers to get in the sea as much as possible and take photos of the marine life and islands. Volunteers can snorkel around the island’s reefs most afternoons, play cards, play volleyball, go crab catching, have movie nights, and through it all, make lifelong friends. There is a wonderful little community here and there are some fantastic sights and scenery to take in as you walk around the island.
Volunteer in Maldives Nearest Airport
- The main international airport is Male International Airport MLE.
- All foreign nationalities will need a visa. We will apply for your Business Visa which allows you to volunteer if you are coming for over 4 weeks
- Travel and full Medical Insurance is compulsory on this program.
- Snorkel insurance and Dive insurance – mandatory in the Maldives but can be purchased on arrival.
- We recommend you to book flexible flights.
Related links
Volunteer in Maldives Accommodation, Meals and Setup
You will be staying at a guest house on the island. Your room will be an en-suit bathroom and AC. The guest house also has a small sitting room and kitchen with access to a washing machine, kettle, and WiFi. The guest house soon feels like home, a great place to relax after a rewarding day of volunteering! Your accommodation is included in the programme fee.
Volunteers are provided with 3 meals a day in a restaurant next to the marine centre. There is a variety of food available, including options to suit restricted diets such as vegetarian or vegan. Typical dishes on the menu include curries and rice, local flatbread (roshi) with traditional breakfast foods, sandwiches, burgers and chips, pasta, and lots more!
All projects are walking distance and you will be walking to the Turtle Center everyday.
What your first week looks like
Arrival day
You’ll be greeted on arrival and transferred to Naifaru, the charming local island in Lhaviyani Atoll. Settle into your family accommodation and enjoy a welcome orientation followed by a guided walking tour of Naifaru, where you’ll discover its bustling harbor, shops, and local life.
Weekdays
The morning is spent volunteering at the Atoll Marine Centre, where you’ll help with turtle care — cleaning enclosures, preparing food, and supporting daily husbandry tasks. In the afternoon, join a fascinating marine biologist or vet presentation to learn more about sea turtle health, threats like ghost nets, and marine conservation challenges in the Maldives.
Excursions
Our local team will organise a special excursion to an uninhabited island where you’ll enjoy pristine beaches, swimming, and time together as a family surrounded by untouched Maldivian beauty.
Weekend activities
Snorkelling
Weekend activities
BBQ Parties
Weekend activities
Private Island Visits
Weekend activities
Boat trips
Volunteer Abroad Video Reviews
Medical Electives in Sri Lanka
Our Medical Elective Program in Sri Lanka is based in the coastal city of Galle, in Southern Sri Lanka. Medical students will be placed in one of our partner public teaching hospitals, a prestigious institution with a wide range of clinical departments.
Teaching In Vietnam
Join our Teaching Volunteer Program in Vietnam and inspire the next generation of young learners. With your help, children in Da Nang can improve their English, gain new skills, and dream bigger for their future.
Medical Electives in Cambodia
Join out Medical and Nursing Electives or Internships in Camdodia where you will be given a placement in large hospitals. Learn about healthcare, learn about the culture in Cambodia and make memories of a lifetime.
Volunteering Abroad
Volunteering Journeys is for the go-getters, adventure seekers, and travelers looking for immersive volunteer abroad experiences. Our programs let you explore a country from the inside out while making a real impact.
Medical Electives in India
Join our medical internship programs in Kerala, India, designed for medical students seeking global experience. Gain exposure to procedures and surgeries rarely seen back home while learning in local hospitals. These medical electives abroad are ideal for final-year and 5th-year medical students looking to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills.
Safety in India
Safety is often a concern for young travelers, especially female volunteers in India. In this review, our volunteers share their first-hand experiences of volunteering in India safely, from daily life to cultural immersion. They also provide helpful insights on what to expect with Indian food during your stay.
Volunteer with Sea Turtles in the Maldives
Make a difference in marine conservation by volunteering with sea turtles in the Maldives, where you’ll help rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured turtles back into the wild.
Over 50s Volunteer in Kathmandu
Linda from Scotland joined our disability volunteer program in Nepal, supporting children and adults with special needs. In her volunteer review, she shares how this volunteering abroad experience in Nepal has been both rewarding and life-changing.
Nursing Internship in Nepal
Some of our students from France joined the Nepal Nursing Program, gaining hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics. This nursing volunteer abroad opportunity is perfect for students who want to develop clinical skills, learn from international healthcare systems, and experience life in one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Family Volunteering In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for family volunteering abroad. Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” it offers breathtaking landscapes — lush jungles, pristine beaches, national parks — together with rich culture, warm communities, and wildlife. For families seeking volunteer opportunities, Sri Lanka delivers not just impact, but also adventure, learning, and connection.
Over 50s Volunteer in Nepal
Linda from Scotland joined our disability volunteer program in Nepal, supporting children and adults with special needs. In her volunteer review, she shares how this volunteering abroad experience in Nepal has been both rewarding and life-changing.
Career Break Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Meet Chris from Alaska, who joined our career break volunteer program in Sri Lanka. Over four weeks, he dedicated his time to teaching English to Buddhist monks, gaining cultural immersion, meaningful experiences, and the chance to give back while traveling abroad.
Family Volunteering in Kerala
Experience meaningful travel through our family volunteering abroad programs. Join exciting adventures where you and your children can give back while exploring new cultures. Kids learn to appreciate diversity, grow more mature, and become globally aware citizens. As a family, you’ll make a positive impact together.
Dental Volunteer In Nepal
Join our dental internship abroad in Nepal designed for dental student groups. Work alongside local dentists in community clinics, assist with basic procedures, and gain valuable international experience while making a meaningful impact on oral healthcare in underserved communities.
Medical Interns In India
Join our Medical Elective Program in India and gain clinical experience in hospitals. This medical internship abroad allows you to learn about India’s healthcare system, observe diverse patient cases, and network with medical professionals while developing essential clinical skills.
Volunteer In India, Kerala
Thinking about joining a volunteer abroad program in India? Watch this video to see what volunteering in India is really like. Discover volunteer experiences, cultural immersion, and the impact you can make in this beautiful destination.
Teaching English In Maldives
Watch our over 50s volunteer share her inspiring story of teaching English in the Maldives. Her experience as a volunteer teacher abroad was life-changing, combining cultural immersion with meaningful impact through our teaching volunteer program in the Maldives.
Family Volunteering In South Africa
Our Family Volunteer Program in South Africa focuses on community upliftment. Families with children can take part in a variety of meaningful activities. This family volunteering abroad opportunity is ideal for parents who want to combine travel with giving back and creating lasting memories together.
Sports Volunteer In South Africa
Our Surf & Sports Volunteer Program in South Africa is perfect for those passionate about sports and youth development. Volunteers work with local children, leading activities such as swimming, boxing, spike ball, surfing, and skateboarding. This sports volunteering abroad opportunity combines outdoor adventure with meaningful community impact.
Nursing Placement In Sri Lanka
A group of final-year nursing students from France joined our nursing internship program in Sri Lanka, gaining valuable clinical experience in hospitals. Under the guidance of expert nursing teams, they rotated across departments and practiced essential procedures. Beyond their hospital placement, the students also explored Sri Lanka.
Dog Care Volunteer In Sri Lanka
Our volunteer from Canada joined our Dog Care Volunteer Program in Galle, Sri Lanka during his gap year. He was supporting a local dog shelter dedicated to the welfare of stray dogs in southern Sri Lanka. This animal care volunteering abroad opportunity is perfect for dog lovers who want to make a real difference while gaining meaningful experience in animal welfare.
Engineering Internship In Nepal
Two friends from Norway joined our Engineering Placement in Nepal. They worked alongside local engineers on structural design projects and supported community development. This engineering internship abroad gave them valuable real-world experience, strengthened their resumes, and taught them how to adapt to the challenges of working with limited resources.
Women Empowerment In India
Two friends from the UK joined our Women’s Empowerment volunteer program in Kerala, India. They taught English and life skills to women in Fort Kochi, helping to build confidence and opportunities. By living and working alongside locals, they experienced authentic Indian culture, explored Kerala, and made a meaningful contribution to the community.
Medical Internship In Nepal
A group of medical students from the University of Newcastle, Australia, joined our medical electives placement in Nepal. Over four weeks, they rotated through various hospital departments, gaining exposure to patient cases rarely seen back home. This medical internship program provided valuable hands-on experience and learning in an international healthcare setting.
Family Volunteering In India
The Stoddart Family from Canada joined the India Family Volunteer Program. With children aged 10 and 7, they spent two weeks volunteering on our kindergarten teaching project in Kerala. Supported by our local team, the family balanced meaningful volunteer work with cultural exploration, creating unforgettable memories together.
Explore Other projects
Teaching Volunteer in India
Our volunteer teaching programs in Kochi, Kerala are designed to support under-resourced schools while giving you a chance to immerse yourself in local culture. Volunteers are not only teachers but also mentors and role models who create a ripple effect of positive change.
Explore Other projects
Special Needs & Disabled Care in India
Explore Other projects
Teaching English Volunteer Program in Cusco, Peru
Explore Other projects
Teaching Volunteer in Sri Lanka
