Maldives – Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation for Teenagers

Volunteer on a dedicated sea turtle and marine conservation program designed for teenagers in the Maldives. This structured two-week program combines practical volunteer work with supervised snorkeling and cultural activities created for ages 15–17. Participants support ongoing conservation initiatives while experiencing daily life on a local Maldivian island. With vetted staff and clear supervision, the program offers a safe and meaningful way for teens to contribute to marine conservation.

Program Highlights: 

• Learn about sea turtle care and species identification with the Madives’ leading marine NGO.
• Snorkel around house reefs, visit an uninhabited island and join a day trip to swim near wild sea turtles (conditions permitting).
• Participate in beach clean-ups and up-cycling projects that address waste management in the Maldives.
• Experience Maldivian culture through a cooking class, island tour and daily life on a non-resort island.
• Enjoy teen-focused social activities such as games nights, movie night on the beach and karaoke.
• Join coral-watch sessions and learn how coral and seagrass ecosystems support marine life.
• Stay in a beachfront guesthouse with air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and a rooftop dining area.
• Benefit from designated DBS/equivalent-checked staff, first-aid trained team members and 24/7 emergency support.
• Families stay connected through real-time WhatsApp updates, photos, and messages from the on-site coordinator.
• Good to Know: Groups can request their own dates and a customized schedule.

Your Schedule at a Glance (activities may change depending on weather, sea conditions, and local needs): 

• Day 1 – Arrive in the Maldives and transfer with staff to Naifaru Island. Settle into the guesthouse, receive a welcome briefing and enjoy an island tour.
• Day 2 – Visit the marine conservation centre for a tour and introductory session. In the afternoon, go on a guided snorkeling trip. End the day with a beach movie night.
• Day 3 – Take part in supervised volunteering tasks and join an up-cycling workshop focused on sustainability. Enjoy a fun games night.
• Day 4 – Join a morning beach clean-up on a nearby island. In the afternoon, participate in a Maldivian cooking class and enjoy a traditional dinner.
• Day 5 – Learn basic Dhivehi phrases and snorkel the house reef. In the evening, try a crabbing activity.
• Day 6 – Visit a local school for a cultural exchange. Later, experience traditional Maldivian fishing and enjoy a relaxed sunset evening.
• Day 7 – Attend a seagrass session and help collect seagrass when needed. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and a conservation documentary in the evening.
• Day 8 – Continue volunteering tasks at the centre. Join a “snorkel against debris” cleanup in the afternoon. Wrap up the day with karaoke.
• Day 9 – Take part in an island-hopping excursion to explore beaches and marine life. Enjoy a beach painting session. Optional dinner out (extra cost).
• Day 10 – Head out on a boat trip to nearby reefs. Join a beach yoga session later in the day and enjoy a bonfire under the stars.
• Day 11 – Support morning volunteering activities and take part in a community beach clean-up. Enjoy a beach picnic dinner while watching the sunset.
• Day 12 – Snorkel with sea turtles (conditions permitting) and spend the afternoon playing beach volleyball. Enjoy another group games night.
• Day 13 – Participate in a coral-watch activity and join group reflections on conservation. End the program with a celebratory final night.
• Day 14 – Transfer to the local airport with staff assistance for your journey home.

Location of the Project: Naifaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives

Project length: 2 weeks. 2026 Dates: March 29 – April 11 or August 14 – 27. Groups can request their own dates and a customized schedule.

Arrival Airport: Male Velana International Airport (MLE)

Volunteer Work: Sea turtle care, coral and seagrass learning, beach clean-ups, up-cycling projects and environmental education

Age:  15–17 years old

Number of Volunteers: 8 – 15 international volunteers

Important note for parents: This itinerary is designed specifically for teenage volunteers, offering a higher level of supervision throughout the program. GoEco also offers the convenience of flight booking services to assist in coordinating participants’ travel arrangements after registration and approval.

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared single-gender rooms (2–3 per room) with A/C and private bathrooms in a guesthouse.

Food: Three meals per day; vegetarian options available.

Airport Transfers:  Return transfers between Malé and Naifaru island, either by domestic flight or seaplane, are included in the program fee. We will provide further instructions this following your application.

 Orientation: Volunteers will meet online before traveling for a video orientation with the local tour leader. Upon arrival, they will receive an island tour and a program orientation on their first day of volunteering.

Support: Teen groups are supported by experienced, DBS-checked local staff and first-aid trained team members who accompany and chaperone the itinerary. Participants receive comprehensive pre-departure guidance, a live video-orientation before traveling, and access to GoEco’s 24/7 emergency hotline.

What’s not Included

• International Flights to and from Malé, visas (if required), travel health insurance, hotel in Malé for afternoon arrivals, cost of transfers between airport and hotel (if needed), snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins)