Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation Volunteer in Maldives
Join our Sea Turtle Conservation Program in the Maldives, based in Naifaru, and help protect endangered sea turtles and marine life in the Indian Ocean. As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in rescuing turtles caught in the illegal pet trade or injured by ghost nets, supporting their rehabilitation, and assisting in their safe release back into the wild.
Daily tasks include turtle husbandry activities such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health, and assisting with basic medical treatments under the guidance of marine biologists. You’ll also contribute to vital community education and awareness campaigns, teaching locals and tourists about the importance of marine conservation and turtle protection.
This program is perfect for anyone passionate about ocean life — from animal lovers who want to work hands-on with sea turtles, to aspiring conservationists seeking practical field skills in marine biology. You’ll also have the chance to immerse yourself in true island life in the Maldives, working closely with a team of local and international marine enthusiasts.
We also run a coral reef restoration small-scale project at a local dive facility in the Maldives. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside experienced marine conservationists to help rebuild coral populations on a nearby house reef, contributing directly to the protection of one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.
Your role will include assisting with coral transplantation, monitoring reef health, and supporting daily conservation activities run by our partner NGO. This project is ideal for budding marine biologists, conservation students, or ocean enthusiasts who want to learn practical skills and engage with reef ecosystems in a sustainable way.
Volunteer in Maldives Gallery
Sea Turtle and Coral Restoration activities
As a Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer in the Maldives, you’ll work closely with our dedicated local marine team to rescue, rehabilitate, and release turtles back into their natural habitat. Many turtles are saved from the illegal pet trade or found injured after entanglement in ghost fishing nets, boat strikes, or ingesting plastic.
Daily volunteer tasks may include:
Hands-on turtle husbandry such as cleaning and feeding rescued turtles
Assisting with basic medical care and treatment under supervision
Helping turtles swim in the ocean as part of rehabilitation sessions
Supporting turtle release programs back into the wild
Organizing or assisting with community beach cleans and marine awareness sessions
This program gives you the chance to work directly with marine conservationists and ocean enthusiasts committed to saving turtle populations in the Maldives. You’ll learn about threats such as ghost nets and buoyancy syndrome, while actively participating in the recovery and release process of these incredible creatures.
Beyond turtle care, you’ll also engage in community education and outreach, raising awareness among locals, schools, and tourists about the importance of turtle and marine conservation. No diving is involved for our Sea Turtle Program.
As a coral restoration volunteer, your activities may include:
Working on coral nurseries and artificial reef structures
Participating in Coral Identification workshops above and below water
Learning and practicing coral data collection and monitoring techniques
Assisting on an active coral restoration project with measurable conservation impact
Joining weekly Dive Against Debris clean-ups with other conservationists
You’ll also have the chance to earn additional qualifications, such as the Reef Guru Coral Restoration Diver course. Optional certifications are also available, including PADI Fish ID, Dive Against Debris, and Coral Watch specialties.
This program is perfect for divers, ocean lovers, and aspiring marine conservationists who want to gain practical coral reef restoration experience while living in one of the world’s most breathtaking island destinations.
Join us in the Maldives for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a real impact in with sea turtles or marine conservation, while experiencing island life in one of the most idyllic locations in the world.
Some details
Volunteer in Maldives Start Dates
Start Dates are suggested below. We advise you to check with us about public holidays and festivals during which projects will run with limited capacity and at times closed.
We advise you to arrive to Male, Maldives a day before your start date.
We can be flexible with start dates for this program.
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 5, 12, 19, 26
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 in Maldives Program Fee
Below you can find all the program fees in USD $ per person.
Sea Turtle Center (No Diving)
- 2 Weeks
- 3 Weeks
- 4 Weeks
- $2500
- $999
- $4200
Coral Reef Restoration Conservation work (Includes Diving/Snorkelling)
- 2 Weeks
- 3 Weeks
- 4 Weeks
- $3500
- $4300
- $5100
Volunteer in Maldives Inclusions
- What’s Included
- Not Included
- Pre-departure guide – to prepare you for your trip
- Domestic Flight from Male to the local island
- Project placement
- Accommodation: Air Conditioned shared room with ensuite bathroom and Wifi, Washing Machine
- 3 Meals a day- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Experienced bilingual local staff team to support you on the island 24/7
- Location orientation – a walk around the local island
- Coral Restoration volunteers get 5-6 in water (snorkelling or diving) sessions every week
- Not Included
- Flights to the program destination
- Medical and travel insurance
- Accommodation in Male on arrival and departure
- Airport Pick up in Male
- Private rooms
- Excursions
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 in a shared volunteer house which is basic, but clean and comfortable. You will likely be in a shared room of 2-3 people (same sex) with an en-suit bathroom and AC. The volunteer house also has a small sitting room and kitchen with access to a washing machine, kettle, and WiFi. Private accommodation is also available for additional cost. All rooms are en-suite and come equipped with a private bathroom. The 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!
What your first week looks like
Arrival day
Your arrival weekend will be relaxed. Depending on your time of arrival, our team will meet you and give you a local orientation so you can get to know the area you are living in. You will be given health and safety briefing and project training before we take you in for your program.
Weekdays
Weekend
Weekend activities
Snorkelling
Weekend activities
BBQ Parties
Weekend activities
Private Island Visits
Weekend activities
Boat trips
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