With unrivalled beauty, sparkling coastlines, vibrant marine life and luxurious overwater bungalows, it’s easy to see why the Maldives is a dream destination for many. Water activities like snorkelling, swimming and paddleboarding will excite the ocean enthusiast within you, and the promise of whale shark, sea turtle and manta ray sightings will ensure you never want to leave. 

A dip beneath the ocean surface may also bring sightings of bottlenose, spinner and spotted dolphins. You might also encounter moray eels and, if you’re lucky, an octopus or two.

The ocean bed hosts over 180 species of coral, a playground for more than 1,000 different species of fish.

On the island of Naifaru, a friendly community awaits. Contribute to the protection and rehabilitation of sea turtles at our one-of-a-kind floating marine centre while living and working alongside members of the local community.

When you volunteer in the Maldives, you’ll actively support various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By engaging in initiatives such as turtle rehabilitation and marine conservation, we make a direct impact on SDG 14: Life Below Water. Furthermore, our educational programs play a crucial role in promoting SDG 4: Quality Education.

In the northern Maldives lies the island of Naifaru, which serves as the capital of the Lhaviyani Atoll and ranks as the fifth most populated island in the Maldives. This diverse landscape is home to more than 5,000 residents, primarily Maldivian, with a small expat community from Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.

Get to know Naifaru on a deeper level as you wander through its bustling streets. This is the perfect opportunity to socialise with local community members who can often be found engaging in spirited conversation, card games or listening to music.

Take your taste buds on a journey as you explore local restaurants, satisfying your cravings with traditional Maldivian cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Scattered across the island, you’ll also find a variety of shops, a post office and a bank with an ATM. 

The closest international airport is on the island of Male. A 35-minute flight from Naifaru, Male is the capital of the Maldives. The city is known for its colourful markets and historic sites like the Old Friday Mosque. 

In your downtime, head into the ocean to explore the famed turquoise waters of the Maldives. You’ll soon find yourself surrounded by a variety of diverse marine life, from whale sharks, to manta rays, sea turtles and over 1,000 species of fish. 

We offer two volunteer programs in the Maldives: one for sea turtle conservation and the other for early childhood development initiatives in the local community. As a participant in our sea turtle conservation program, you will be an integral part of our team, working closely with other ocean enthusiasts to ensure the protection of the local sea turtle population. 

Our unique floating marine centre is the first of its kind in the Maldives. Kept out at sea, this enclosure is 5 metres deep and 9 metres wide, giving turtles enough room to move around. The floating centre allows turtles to thrive in a natural environment that is less disruptive, allowing for quicker recovery. 

Here, you will assist our team of marine biologists in the care and rehabilitation of injured turtles and gain practical turtle husbandry skills, from cleaning and feeding to assisting with administering medical treatment alongside our on-site veterinarian. 

Additionally, you’ll play a significant role in raising awareness about marine conservation challenges in the Maldives, contribute to underwater marine surveys and help us monitor the health of our coral reef. 

Which languages are commonly spoken in the Maldives?

English is the main language spoken on the island. 

How can I prioritise health and safety?

Stay hydrated, bring reef-safe sunscreen and use insect repellent without DEET. Be cautious when consuming food from unhygienic sources to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. 

What is the weather like in the Maldives?

Expect hot weather with minimal sea breeze. Rainy season occurs from April to November. 

How can I stay in touch with people back home?

Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation and is suitable for messaging, emailing and basic internet use. We recommend downloading movies, series and music from your streaming platforms in advance as the Wi-Fi may not support streaming. 

What can I do in my free time?

In your free time you can participate in a variety of activities including snorkelling, volleyball, trivia, games and community events. Scuba-diving and paddleboarding is available at an additional cost.