Protect and Rehabilitate Turtles

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Turtle husbandry: Help clean and feed rescued turtles and their tanks. Collect seagrass for our resident green sea turtles.
  • Turtle rehabilitation: Take resident turtles on rehabilitation swims and participate in enrichment activities such as creating toys to exercise the turtles’ bodies and minds.
  • Beach cleans and marine conservation awareness: Join efforts to keep beaches clean while educating local youth about marine conservation through practical activities.

Highlights

  • Turtle husbandry: Help clean and feed rescued turtles and their tanks. Collect seagrass for our resident green sea turtles.
  • Turtle rehabilitation: Take resident turtles on rehabilitation swims and participate in enrichment activities such as creating toys to exercise the turtles’ bodies and minds.
  • Beach cleans and marine conservation awareness: Join efforts to keep beaches clean while educating local youth about marine conservation through practical activities.
  • Beach surveys: Contribute to the long-term conservation of beaches by collecting data to monitor the health of coastal ecosystems.
  • Community engagement: Raise awareness on environmental issues impacting sea turtles and educate resort guests on the importance of marine conservation.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    By joining our sea turtle conservation program, you’ll get hands-on experience working alongside marine biologists at the Maldives’ first floating marine

    By joining our sea turtle conservation program in the Maldives, you’ll get hands-on experience working alongside marine biologists at the Maldives’ first floating marine Centre, helping to protect and rehabilitate sick and injured turtles. Connect with like-minded individuals and make a real ...

    About the program

    By joining our sea turtle conservation program in the Maldives, you’ll get hands-on experience working alongside marine biologists at the Maldives’ first floating marine Centre, helping to protect and rehabilitate sick and injured turtles. Connect with like-minded individuals and make a real impact on marine conservation.

    Five of the seven sea turtle species in the world can be found in the Maldives – green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, olive ridley turtles, loggerhead turtles and leatherback turtles! 

    These charming marine animals are an essential part of our ocean’s delicate ecosystem, yet they continue to face challenges which threaten their survival, like habitat loss, poaching, injury from ghost net entanglement and boat strikes as well as the illegal pet trade.

    Working at our floating marine Centre and land conservation Centre alongside experienced marine biologists, you will feed and care for resident turtles, with the goal of rehabilitating and ultimately releasing them back into the ocean where they belong. 

    The program
    The unique floating marine centre is the first of its kind in the Maldives, providing an exciting opportunity for future conservationists to gain career experience in the field. This floating marine centre is 5 metres deep and 9 metres wide, giving the turtles enough room to move around. It allows our vet and marine biologists to monitor and rehabilitate turtles in a natural environment, which is less disruptive to their healing process and provides a more enriching experience.

    You’ll snorkel out to this floating centre with our team of marine biologists as they care for resident sea turtles, taking them on rehabilitation ocean swims and engaging in activities that allow the turtles to exercise their minds and bodies. 

    At our marine centre on land, you will assist in activities such as sweeping and bleaching tanks. On most days you’ll also have the chance to work alongside our on-site veterinarian, watching and learning about the administration of medical treatment to sick and injured turtles.

    Location
    While participating in this program, you’ll live and work alongside the warm and welcoming residents of Naifaru Island. 

    Situated north of Male, Naifaru is the fifth most populated island in the Maldives and the capital of the Lhaviyani Atoll. This lively community is home to over 5,000 residents and is only a short walk away from the volunteer house in the village where you will stay. This immersive experience offers a taste of authentic island life. 

    You’ll have easy access to the project site and can explore the bustling town, grabbing a coffee at a local restaurant while soaking in the ocean view.

    Typical day

    • 8:30 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the local restaurant (buffet style) and then travel to the project site in the morning.
    • 9:30 AM: Upon arrival at the project, you will discuss your work for the day with your supervisor.
    • 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Assist with center duties such as sweeping tanks, bleaching tanks, ...

    Typical day

    • 8:30 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the local restaurant (buffet style) and then travel to the project site in the morning.
    • 9:30 AM: Upon arrival at the project, you will discuss your work for the day with your supervisor.
    • 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Assist with center duties such as sweeping tanks, bleaching tanks, snorkelling to the floating marine centre, collecting seagrass, food prep, and carapace cleaning. We also welcome any ideas or suggestions you have for activities.
    • 1:00 PM: We break for lunch where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine.
    • 3:00 PM: Afternoon activities such as a beach clean, snorkelling, or a presentation given by one of our marine biologists.
    • 4:30 - 6:00 PM: Once you arrive back at the accommodation there's time to go for a walk, visit a local cafe, or catch up with family and friends back home.
    • 7:00 PM: Dinner is typically served early evening, leaving the rest of the evening free for you to relax or enjoy social time with other participants.

    Free-time activities

    You’ll have Saturdays off for off-island excursions, all included in the program. Excursion activities vary, but may include exploring uninhabited islands, snorkelling, and if you are lucky, spotting incredible marine life like manta rays, dolphins and sharks!

    Give in to your adventurous side and ...

    Free-time activities

    You’ll have Saturdays off for off-island excursions, all included in the program. Excursion activities vary, but may include exploring uninhabited islands, snorkelling, and if you are lucky, spotting incredible marine life like manta rays, dolphins and sharks!

    Give in to your adventurous side and go island hopping by ferry, take a trip to the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, known for its incredible biodiversity or visit the Maldives capital city, Male, and allow yourself to get lost in its colourful markets and rich history. 
    For an underwater dining experience like no other, book a table at the Ithaa Undersea restaurant, secured five metres below sea level. 

    And if you feel like taking a deep dive into the ocean, PADI courses and fun dives are available to participants through Aqua Dive Shop. Dives can be paid for on site.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 08:30 - 19:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by GVI

    Project work: Rehabilitation and husbandry work
    Accommodation: Shared dorm-style accommodation in a house in the village.
    Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    Airport transfer: You'll get collected form Madivaru Airport (MLE), and take a short boat ride to Naifaru.
    Comprehensive pre-departure support: Includes a dedicated support coordinator to answer your questions, an Essential Info Pack, and a webinar to learn more about your program.
    Comprehensive in-country support: Includes a welcome orientation, including safety, culture and environmental info. A Program Manager is there to support you.
    Mental health support: Receive support services provided by licensed professionals.
    Training: You'll receive an island orientation, welcome presentation and training from local staff.
    One excursion per week: One excursion per week (usually 4 hours approx) to explore uninhabited islands.
    Program inclusion: Additional inclusions specific to the program

    Airport Pickup at Male International Airport

    You'll get collected form Madivaru Airport (MLE), and take a short boat ride to Naifaru.

    Accommodation

    Participants will live at our volunteer house in Naifaru. The house is a two-minute walk from the beach and has a communal kitchen, but is not equipped with cooking appliances. 

    Rooms are shared, with a maximum of three participants per room. Each room comes with an en-suite bathroom. While there is no hot water available, the warm climate does compensate for this! Each room is also equipped with air-conditioning. 

    Other amenities include a common area for socialising and relaxing, laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi.

    An accommodation upgrade is available at a local guesthouse on the island. The guesthouse offers hot water and more reliable Wi-Fi. The upgrade comes with an additional cost, which can be paid on-site.

    Food & Beverages

    Meals Include
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    Dietary requirements can be attended to.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Male International Airport (MLE) in Male. We assist you to find cheap flights to Maldives. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Maldives provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Maldives you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Maldives. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    2025 dates:

    • 05 Jan 2025
    • 19 Jan 2025
    • 02 Feb 2025
    • 16 Feb 2025
    • 02 Mar 2025
    • 16 Mar 2025
    • 30 Mar 2025
    • 13 Apr 2025
    • 27 Apr 2025
    • 11 May 2025
    • 25 May 2025
    • 08 Jun 2025
    • 22 Jun 2025
    • 06 Jul 2025
    • 20 Jul 2025
    • 03 Aug 2025
    • 17 Aug 2025
    • 31 Aug 2025
    • 14 Sep 2025
    • 28 Sep 2025
    • 12 Oct 2025
    • 26 Oct 2025
    • 09 Nov 2025
    • 23 Nov 2025
    • 07 Dec 2025
    • 21 Dec 2025

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 2,695€
    4 weeks 4,145€
    6 weeks 5,495€
    8 weeks 6,795€
    10 weeks 8,495€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 10,145€
    Average fees 1,096€/week

    Program fees

    1,096€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    GVI

    Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 1998

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Bianca

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

    Meet your organization

    Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


    We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

    221 reviews · rating4.8

    I had the opportunity to do the virtual marine conservation internship with GVI, it was super good for my work experience and academic training as I learned a lot from the courses and I was able to explore my skills in data analysis which I had not explored so far, I highly recommend this internship ...
    Pam Parkes rating5

    2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

    I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
    Olivia Babbage rating5

    2024 at Teach English to locals

    3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...
    Mary Christensen rating5

    2024 at Community Development Internship

    GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
    GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
    Tashanna Reid rating5

    2024 at Marine Ecosystem Internship

    I did the U18s Tenerife volunteering which was such a great experience and I will definitely do it again! It was lovely meeting new people and making friends and the staff are very welcoming and fun. It had the perfect mix of relaxing and having fun while also doing the work required and exploring ...

    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > Maldives > Naifaru Island

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