Marine conservation & Adventure

Gain hands on experience in a marine environment with incredible animals such as sea turtles! Gain knowledge and experience in coral reef monitoring and coral gardening.

This program is a great chance to get involved in marine conservation and work closely with the amazing sea turtles.  Sea turtles are brought to the turtle rehabilitation center after being kept as pets or after being found in the wild injured/sick, these turtles will then be rehabilitated and kept in the center until they are ready to be released.  The program is run by our resident marine biologist, allowing you to learn from and work with other ocean enthusiasts.  You will also take part in coral gardening in an attempt to restore the degraded reefs.  There is an opportunity to learn and take part in reef monitoring, to record the health of the surrounding reefs.

You will be given the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture and experience the 'real' Maldives. The Maldives is far more than just luxury resorts (although you will get chance to experience the luxurious resorts too).

Volunteers will work closely with our resident marine biologist. Daily tasks are varied and may include:

• Cleaning and feeding the rescued turtles
• Conducting reef surveys on atoll islands
• Cleaning the coral frames/assessing coral health
• Organizing community beach cleans/marine awareness sessions

Marine turtle conservation in Huvadhoo Atoll is vitally important for maintaining the ecological balance in the costal, seagrass, coral reef, and oceanic habitats that local communities depend on to maintain their health and livelihoods.  Only seven species of marine turtles currently exist, and they are all under serious threat of extinction. 

Coral reefs need to be regularly monitored as they play a very important role in the Maldives. They are necessary for many species of fish and invertebrates as they provide a safe habitat and protection from predators. They also help to protect coastlines from tropical storms and effects from waves. For the Maldives in particular, the coral reefs are what attracts thousands of tourists every year, making tourism the leading contributor for income. Without the reefs the Maldives would suffer, so the work you would be carrying out as a volunteer will help the resident’s long term! 

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