I spent one month at the Marine and Turtle Conservation project in the Maldives and it was a really positive…
© 2022 GOECO | All rights reserved
Develop & Design | Msite
Join a dedicated team of marine conservationists in the Maldives and contribute to restoring coral reefs on a stunning island in Lhaviyani Atoll. Volunteers help maintain and expand a coral garden and support various reef conservation initiatives. You’ll gain hands-on field experience while learning about coral ID, monitoring techniques, and restoration diving. Whether you’re an aspiring conservationist or simply passionate about ocean life, this program offers a meaningful and unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful marine settings.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):
Arrival day, Wednesday: Arrive at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (MLE) and take a domestic flight to Madivaru Airport or a seaplane to Atmosphere Kanifushi. From there, a short boat ride (5 minutes from Madivaru or 20 minutes from Atmosphere Kanifushi) will bring you to Naifaru Island, your home for the duration of the project. If you arrive in the afternoon, you’ll join a welcome presentation, receive an introduction to the marine center, and enjoy a brief tour of the island.
Day 2: Take part in a coral ID presentation and workshop, followed by a snorkel tour of the house reef and coral garden.
Days 3–5: Complete the Reef Guru Coral Restoration Diver Course, including a buoyancy clinic, coral ID, garden maintenance, data collection, and attaching coral fragments.
Day 6: Learn how to conduct a Coral Watch snorkel survey and submit your data, followed by a Fish ID workshop.
Saturday (Day Off): Saturdays are usually days off, often spent exploring the atoll on a fun group excursion.
Weeks 2+: Apply your skills through coral gardening, reef surveys, and clean-up dives. Each week will combine conservation diving and monitoring activities. Volunteers departing will head back to Male on a Wednesday morning via a domestic flight or seaplane.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Naifaru is the main island of Lhaviyani Atoll in northern Maldives, home to around 6,000 residents. The island is surrounded by thriving coral reefs and is known for its firm sense of community. Volunteers can enjoy turquoise waters, relaxing beaches, and vibrant marine biodiversity right at their doorstep. Naifaru has a laid-back local charm, complete with grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and even a gym and hospital. The surrounding atoll offers an excellent opportunity to explore some of the Maldives’ most picturesque and ecologically important marine areas. Excursions and leisure time offer an enriching blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.
About the Organization
A local NGO runs the project in partnership with a dive facility that manages the island’s house reef. Their goal is to rehabilitate coral sections damaged by warming events and careless anchoring while training Maldivian youth in reef‑care careers.
About the Volunteer Work
Volunteers take part in every step of the restoration process, from learning coral identification and propagation techniques to maintaining coral nurseries and conducting underwater surveys. Throughout the experience, you’ll gain practical marine conservation skills while diving or snorkeling with trained professionals.
Key Volunteer Tasks
A Typical Day
Mornings include dive or snorkel-based restoration tasks, such as maintaining the coral garden or collecting data. After a lunch break, afternoons may include workshops, surveys, or additional dives. Some evenings are free for rest or optional community interaction. Saturdays are excursion days to explore the atoll.
Community outreach
Even though it may have bright turquoise waters and white sand beaches, Naifaru Island is not a resort. Local island life is very different and reflects the huge wealth disparity in the Maldives. In Naifaru, many issues have arisen because of this disparity. For example, living conditions can be basic and the island’s waste management is very poor. As a result, there is a large amount of litter on the island, as well as incomplete construction projects where money has run out.
The local NGO’s work stems far beyond our marine conservation efforts. As a volunteer, you may also work with the community in many areas to educate, support and campaign for a better Naifaru. Whether it’s improving sports facilities, hosting beach clean-ups or protecting the marine environment. This work contributes to a happier and more thriving Naifaru!
Please note: Weather can affect your activities, and bad weather may keep you out of the water for several days.
Volunteer program minimum requirements:
Volunteers staying less than 29 days in the Maldives will just need a tourist visa. Volunteers staying longer than 29 days will need to apply for a business visa.
Business Visa Requirements
All applications to volunteer longer than 29 days in the Maldives need 4 weeks in advanced notice to apply for the visa. We will cover the cost of the business visa application by the programme fees. However, any additional costs required to get the documents listed below are not included.
Please note that we will provide you with further information and help after your application to and acceptance on the program.
The project staff organizes weekly excursions for all volunteers – selected excursions are included in the project fee. Activities range from exploring uninhabited islands and specific snorkeling trips to dolphin watching, fishing, and searching for manta rays. All excursions are weather and season-dependent.
Other Travel Highlights
© 2022 GOECO | All rights reserved
Develop & Design | Msite