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Want to volunteer for marine conservation in one of the world’s most biodiverse island nations? Our Travel Roots Marine Conservation Program in Madagascar places you right at the heart of coral reef protection, marine species research, and sustainable ocean stewardship.
Based along the pristine coastline of Nosy Komba, you’ll work alongside marine biologists and conservationists to monitor the health of coral reefs, study fish populations, and collect valuable data that contributes directly to long-term conservation efforts.
Become a guardian of the reefs
Madagascar’s coral reefs are under pressure from overfishing, climate change, and pollution. As a volunteer, you’ll take part in underwater surveys, reef cleanups, and biodiversity mapping, helping to protect these fragile ecosystems and ensure their survival for generations to come.Dive into hands-on learning and marine research
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete beginner, this program offers comprehensive PADI-certified training (if required), followed by guided research dives focused on fish identification, coral health, invertebrate tracking, and environmental monitoring. You’ll learn the methods used by real marine scientists and contribute to published research and community education.Live and learn in a remote island paradise
Your days will be filled with purpose, surrounded by warm ocean waters, white sand beaches, and tropical marine life. From sea turtle sightings to schools of reef fish and occasional dolphins, the underwater world here is as rewarding as it is beautiful.Support sustainable change in local communities
Beyond the water, your work supports grassroots conservation by sharing findings with local stakeholders and helping educate local schools and fishermen about marine protection. Conservation isn’t just about the ocean—it’s about the people who depend on it too.Key Activities:
Conducting reef monitoring surveys via snorkel or SCUBA
Identifying fish, invertebrate, coral, and benthic species
Recording data on reef health and biodiversity indicators
Assisting with underwater cleanups and marine debris collection
Participating in mangrove and seagrass research initiatives
Leading or supporting marine education workshops for local youth
Supporting data entry and species logging to contribute to ongoing research
Each activity is designed to balance learning, impact, and adventure. Whether you're documenting butterflyfish on a morning dive or teaching local students about ocean health, your contribution will ripple far beyond the shore. This program empowers you with ecological knowledge, field skills, and unforgettable experiences—both above and below the surface.
By volunteering on our Marine Conservation Program in Madagascar, you will:
• Help protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean
• Gain hands-on experience in marine research, diving, and reef ecology
• Collect real-world data used in long-term environmental monitoring
• Support grassroots conservation through local community outreach
• Develop fieldwork skills alongside marine biologists and conservationists
• Live on a tropical island surrounded by warm seas and vibrant reef life
• Explore Madagascar’s breathtaking underwater ecosystems and beachesWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Marine Conservation Volunteer
Every day on Nosy Komba begins with the sound of waves and the promise of discovery. As a marine conservation volunteer, your role blends purposeful work with tropical island life. Whether diving into reef surveys or helping educate the next generation about marine ecology, each day delivers hands-on impact and immersive learning.
Here’s what a typical weekday might look like at the Turtle Cove research base:
6:30 AM – Morning Wake-Up & Ocean View Breakfast
Start your day with a light breakfast overlooking the sea. Enjoy fresh fruit, local bread, and strong Malagasy coffee while the dive teams and snorkellers prep for the day.7:30 AM – Dive Team Briefing or Shore Activity Assignment
You’ll join your designated team—either for SCUBA diving, snorkelling surveys, or coastal-based marine research. Divers review safety protocols, equipment, and the day's objectives before heading out to one of several vibrant reef sites.8:00 AM – Marine Surveys or Reef Cleanups
Head into the water for coral health monitoring, fish/invertebrate counts, or marine debris collection. Shore-based activities may include seagrass assessments, mangrove mapping, or preparing materials for local education workshops.11:00 AM – Return to Base & Data Entry
Back at Turtle Cove, help record and upload your findings. Species counts, water conditions, and coral assessments are logged into long-term databases used for conservation strategy and reports.12:30 PM – Lunch & Midday Break
Recharge with a healthy, plant-based communal lunch. Then take time to relax—read in a hammock, swim at the beach, or explore the trails surrounding the camp.2:00 PM – Educational Workshops or Marine Awareness Projects
Afternoons are dedicated to skill-building and outreach. You might attend a marine biology presentation, help prepare educational materials, or assist in community workshops at nearby schools and villages.4:00 PM – Reef Restoration Projects or Free Time
Support coral planting or artificial reef development, depending on project needs. Alternatively, unwind with a beach walk, snorkel, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings of Nosy Komba.6:00 PM – Dinner & Evening Debrief
Gather for a hearty dinner prepared by local staff. Each evening includes a casual debrief or presentation, where teams reflect on the day and discuss the following day’s activities.Evenings – Optional Talks, Star Gazing, or Night Swims
Evenings are laid-back and social. Join a documentary night, learn about Madagascar’s marine megafauna, or take a night swim under the stars.Days Off
You’ll have two days off each week to rest, explore, or dive deeper into the island experience. Popular choices include snorkelling in Nosy Tanikely Marine Park, hiking volcanic trails, visiting nearby islands, or experiencing traditional Malagasy village life.Every day in the program is rich with meaning, nature, and connection—whether you're underwater with butterflyfish or teaching kids about ocean health, you're living each moment with purpose.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
Choosing to volunteer on our Marine Conservation Program in Madagascar is more than just an island escape—it’s a direct contribution to the protection of one of the most ecologically important marine regions in the world. Madagascar’s coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine species are under growing threat from climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing. Your time, energy, and passion will help shift that tide.
Each dive you take, every coral you monitor, and every species you log contributes valuable data to long-term conservation strategies. These insights don’t just sit in notebooks—they’re actively used in collaboration with government agencies, local communities, and international scientists to guide policy, shape education, and foster sustainable marine resource management.
But your impact goes beyond science.
Through your involvement in marine education initiatives and environmental awareness programs, you’ll help empower local youth and fishers to become stewards of their own ocean. By participating in reef cleanups and sustainable practices at the camp, you’ll live what you teach—showing that conservation starts with everyday choices.
You’ll also be contributing to something far greater: a global movement to protect our oceans. You’ll return home with field experience, conservation knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the fragile beauty of island ecosystems—ready to share that awareness with others.
Whether you're planting corals, teaching kids about turtles, or recording the presence of a rare fish, you are helping write the story of marine conservation in Madagascar—and your chapter matters.
Your Home on Nosy Komba
Set into the lush hillside of Nosy Komba with sweeping views across the Indian Ocean, your accommodation at Turtle Cove is rustic, communal, and designed for immersive island living. Built across multiple levels to blend naturally with the terrain, the camp sits above a coral reef and faces the breathtaking Lokobe Forest Reserve on nearby Nosy Be.
Sleeping Arrangements
Volunteers stay in traditional, locally built same-sex bungalows nestled among tropical gardens. Each bungalow houses 4–6 people in double bunks, with enough space to store your backpack and belongings. Lockable storage boxes are provided in each hut for small valuables, and volunteers are encouraged to bring a personal padlock.
Private rooms may be available upon request, at an additional cost of $210 per week, and are subject to availability.
What to Bring
You’ll need to bring:A mosquito net
Lightweight bedding or sleeping bag
Towel(s)
Solar charging kit or battery pack for small electronics
Facilities & Amenities
• 10 shared bathroom units with flush toilets and cold-water showers
• Separate kitchen and spacious dining area surrounded by gardens
• Solar-powered lighting throughout the camp
• No Wi-Fi or in-room electricity—perfect for a digital detox
• Charging stations for small devices available occasionally via generator
• Additional charging available in the local village of Ampang (30-min walk)The main house also serves as the daytime hangout and social area. Relax on the decks in a hammock or bean bag, meet with fellow volunteers, and soak in the uninterrupted ocean view—ideal for unwinding after a dive or marine workshop.
Meals & Dining
Three traditional Malagasy meals are served daily in the open-air dining area. Meals are predominantly vegetarian, with rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and occasional fish or meat dishes prepared by local staff. Fresh fruit, filtered water, and tea are always available, and the volunteer team eats together in a communal setting that fosters connection and shared experience.
Sustainable Living
Turtle Cove is fully solar-powered and water-reliant, meaning conscious living is essential. Volunteers are asked to:
Limit showers to once per day
Turn off lights and taps when not in use
Avoid charging high-wattage items (laptops, hairdryers, etc.)
Living off-grid on Nosy Komba is part of what makes this program so special. You’ll experience a peaceful, low-impact lifestyle close to nature—and discover how simplicity can be deeply fulfilling.
History
Established in 2013, our trusted local partner has become a vital hub for conservation, education, and community development along Madagascar’s northwestern coastline. With a fully government-approved research centre known as Turtle Cove, the organization has developed a strong foundation for hosting long-term environmental initiatives across both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Strategically located on Nosy Komba—an island known for its tranquillity, biodiversity, and roadless natural setting—the centre lies just across from the iconic Lokobe Forest Reserve and collaborates closely with the Centre National de Recherchés Océanographiques (CNRO). This partnership has enabled them to support some of the region’s most impactful marine biodiversity programs, contributing to international data networks and local knowledge-sharing.
Over the years, the team has welcomed volunteers from all over the world to join efforts in marine conservation, forest monitoring, sea turtle protection, and educational outreach. From reef health assessments to sustainable village projects, their grassroots impact is woven deeply into the communities and natural systems they serve.
Mission & Vision
The mission is simple but ambitious: to safeguard Madagascar’s unparalleled biodiversity through collaborative research, environmental stewardship, and local empowerment. By combining scientific monitoring with community-based education and sustainable development, the organization works to protect the fragile balance between people and nature.
Their vision is to create a future where Madagascar’s unique ecosystems—both underwater and on land—are preserved for generations to come. Through consistent long-term data collection, international partnerships, and hands-on local engagement, they aim to inspire global responsibility and local pride in protecting one of the world’s most ecologically important island nations.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee
Duration Fee (€)
4 weeks (Min. Stay) €2,2885 weeks €2,660
6 weeks €3,032
7 weeks €3,404
8 weeks €3,776
9 weeks €4,149
10 weeks €4,521
11 weeks €4,893
12 weeks €5,265
Payment Terms
• Program fees are due 30 days before your start date
• If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of confirmationWhat’s Included
Your program fees cover everything you need for a safe, enriching, and impactful experience:
✅ Shared accommodation at Turtle Cove eco-camp
✅ Three traditional Malagasy meals per day
✅ Airport pickup and boat transfer from Nosy Be
✅ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful info
✅ PADI Open Water training (if required & with PADI Course Fees)
✅ All conservation activities, surveys, and workshops
✅ Expert guidance and training from marine conservation professionals
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ Flexible start dates and free date changes
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Conservation, Community & Yourself
Volunteering on our Marine Conservation Program isn’t just a trip—it’s a meaningful investment in your future and the planet. You’ll gain real-world field experience, develop transferable ecological and scientific skills, and leave knowing you contributed to the protection of one of the world’s most threatened marine ecosystems.
Your program fees directly support:
• Long-term reef and marine species research
• Local education and awareness campaigns
• Sustainable development in Nosy Komba communities
• Training and employment for Malagasy staff
• Ongoing improvements to our eco-conscious camp and resourcesThis program empowers you to make a difference while growing personally and professionally in one of the most beautiful island settings on Earth.
Where You’ll Be – Nosy Komba, Madagascar
Your volunteering base is Turtle Cove, nestled into the steep, forested slopes of Nosy Komba—also known as “Lemur Island.” Just six miles from Nosy Be (where the international airport is located), this peaceful volcanic island is a paradise of biodiversity and tranquillity. With no roads or vehicles, life on Nosy Komba flows at a slower pace, deeply connected to nature and traditional Malagasy rhythms.
From your multi-level eco-camp, you’ll overlook turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, with views stretching all the way to the Lokobe Forest Reserve on neighbouring Nosy Be. You’ll be surrounded by dense tropical forest, ocean breezes, and the distant sound of waves breaking on coral reefs.
Despite its off-grid charm, Nosy Komba offers the essentials for a comfortable stay—including nearby villages, hiking trails, and access to traditional markets just a short boat ride or hike away. It’s the perfect blend of seclusion, safety, and cultural immersion.
Madagascar – An Island Like No Other
Madagascar is one of the most unique and biologically rich countries on Earth. Over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else, including iconic lemurs, chameleons, baobab trees—and in the ocean, an equally impressive array of coral, fish, turtles, and reef invertebrates.
This East African island nation boasts an astonishing range of landscapes: from highland rice terraces and dry spiny forests to lush rainforests and vibrant coastal reefs. The marine environment in particular—especially around Nosy Komba and Nosy Be—is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral ecosystems, and rare marine species.
The culture of Madagascar is equally captivating. Influenced by African, Asian, and French heritage, the Malagasy people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and deep connection to the land and sea. Traditional fishing villages, handmade crafts, and sacred customs all form part of the daily life you’ll experience.
The climate in this region is tropical—expect hot, sunny days, cooler evenings, and the occasional refreshing rainfall. With its balance of biodiversity, beauty, and peaceful island living, Madagascar offers the ideal environment for volunteers seeking purpose, learning, and unforgettable adventure.
When you're not diving into reef surveys or logging marine data, Madagascar offers endless ways to explore, unwind, and connect with nature and culture. From hiking volcanic peaks to swimming with sea turtles, your time off is just as rewarding as your volunteer work.
Island Adventures & Nature Experiences
• Snorkelling in Nosy Tanikely Marine Park – Just a short boat ride away, this protected reserve is home to vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, and dazzling reef fish.
• Hiking on Nosy Komba – Explore volcanic trails through lush tropical forest, spot wild lemurs, and reach breathtaking viewpoints above the sea.
• Boat Tours to Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia – Visit white sandbar islands, swim in turquoise lagoons, and enjoy a day of island-hopping bliss.
• Whale Watching (seasonal) – From June to September, you might spot migrating humpback whales as they pass through local waters.
Cultural Activities & Village Life
• Visit the local village of Ampang – A scenic 30-minute hike brings you to this charming community where you can shop for handmade crafts, charge electronics, and engage with local life.
• Traditional Malagasy Cooking Classes – Learn to make dishes like coconut rice, smoked fish, or banana fritters with the local team.
• Market Trips to Nosy Be – Head across the water for vibrant markets, delicious street food, and a taste of Madagascar’s urban island culture.
• Craft Workshops – Try your hand at weaving, wood carving, or dyeing fabrics with natural plant-based colours.
Relaxation & Downtime at Camp
• Lounge in a hammock with a book and ocean view
• Swim or snorkel just steps from your bungalow
• Join a yoga session on the deck
• Stargaze from the beach after dinner
• Watch bioluminescence in the water at night
Whether you're chasing adventure or simply soaking in the peaceful pace of island life, your free time in Madagascar will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the land, sea, and culture that surrounds you.
