At GVI, we understand the impact that ocean enthusiasts like you can have on our planet. 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 the illegal pet trade.

Working at our floating marine 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. 

After a rewarding day’s work, you can unwind at the volunteer house. Experience true island life as you get to know the Naifaru community. The house is just a two-minute walk from the beach – perfect for days when you feel like taking a relaxing sunset stroll. 

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 sea pen is 5 metres deep and 9 metres wide, giving the turtles enough room to move around. It allows experts 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, assisting in the administration of medical treatment to sick and injured turtles. 

As a participant in this program, you may be involved in the following activities:

1. Turtle husbandry: Help clean and feed rescued turtles and their tanks. Collect seagrass for our resident green sea turtles. 

2. Turtle rehabilitation: Take resident turtles on rehabilitation swims and participate in enrichment activities such as creating toys to exercise the turtles’ bodies and minds.

3. Beach cleans and marine conservation awareness: Join efforts to keep beaches clean while educating local youth about marine conservation through practical activities. 

4. Beach surveys: Contribute to the long-term conservation of beaches by collecting data to monitor the health of coastal ecosystems.

5. Community engagement: Raise awareness on environmental issues impacting sea turtles and educate resort guests on the importance of marine conservation. 

6. Fish surveys: Contribute to important research by assisting in underwater surveys to study marine biodiversity. This helps us monitor the health of our coral reef and identify any changes.

7. Marine centre improvements: Assist with enhancing our facilities through decorating and painting projects. 

8. Get creative with art projects: You can make art and jewellery out of ghost nets to sell and display to resort guests. Not only does this keep nets out of our oceans and trash, but it’s also a creative way to make a statement about sea turtle conservation.

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.

Species

The turquoise waters of the Maldives are teeming with marine life. Visitors have been known to spot majestic whale sharks year-round in the South Ari Atoll. These gentle giants are the largest fish in the sea. 

Manta rays also roam freely here, so keep an eye out for them when you go for a swim. 

Green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, loggerhead turtles, leatherback turtles and olive ridley turtles can also be spotted in these waters. That’s five of the seven sea turtle species!

Lookout for bottlenose, spinner and spotted dolphins, a variety of sharks, over 1,000 fish species and more than 180 species of coral. If you’re really lucky, you may even come across moray eels or an octopus! 

Free time

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.