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Passionate about marine conservation and want to protect one of the ocean’s most iconic species? Our Travel Roots Sea Turtle Monitoring Program in Madagascar offers a rare opportunity to work hands-on with nesting and foraging sea turtles along the beaches of Nosy Komba. With several threatened turtle species frequenting this coastline, your help is vital in safeguarding their future.
Protecting ancient mariners
Madagascar’s beaches are home to nesting green and hawksbill sea turtles, both of which are vulnerable to threats like poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. As a volunteer, you’ll support critical conservation work, including beach patrols, nest monitoring, and hatchling data collection to help improve survival rates and inform protective policies.Live, learn, and monitor in paradise
Your role involves daily walks along the shoreline to identify nesting activity, mark new nests, and track signs of turtle emergence. You'll help monitor the beaches both day and night, ensuring that nesting females are protected and hatchlings have the best possible start. With the turquoise Indian Ocean as your backdrop, your “office” is one of the most stunning environments imaginable.Contribute to vital research and long-term monitoring
You’ll gain experience in scientific data collection methods used by marine biologists, including tagging, GPS logging, and nest temperature recording. Your contributions feed into long-term data sets that are shared with marine science partners and government bodies across the region.Support education and community awareness
Beyond the beach, you’ll assist in developing and delivering turtle-focused conservation education in local schools and villages—empowering local communities to become long-term guardians of their coastal ecosystems.Key Activities:
Conducting beach patrols to locate and monitor turtle nesting activity
Recording nest locations, sizes, temperatures, and hatchling success rates
Supporting night-time monitoring to observe and protect nesting females
Assisting with hatchling release and predation prevention
Tagging and measuring turtles (when permitted by local authorities)
Logging all data into long-term marine databases
Supporting turtle-focused conservation education in local schools
Whether you’re watching a hatchling take its first steps or helping a mother turtle safely return to the sea, every moment in this program is a reminder of why ocean conservation matters—and how much of a difference you can make.
By volunteering on our Sea Turtle Monitoring Program in Madagascar, you will:
• Help protect vulnerable sea turtle populations along Madagascar’s coastline
• Assist in beach patrols, nest monitoring, and hatchling release
• Gain hands-on field experience in marine research and conservation
• Support local education efforts and promote turtle awareness in communities
• Live in a remote island paradise surrounded by coral reefs and natural beauty
• Contribute to long-term data collection used by marine scientists
• Witness powerful moments—like baby turtles hatching and heading to sea
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer
Life as a sea turtle volunteer is shaped by the rhythms of the tide, the rising sun, and the quiet magic of the coastline. Each day is a blend of hands-on conservation work, coastal adventure, and tranquil moments immersed in nature.
Here’s what a typical day might look like:
5:30 AM – Sunrise Patrol
Start the day early with a peaceful walk along the beach, scanning for fresh turtle tracks and checking previously marked nests. Record signs of activity, predation, or hatchling emergence. Early mornings are the best time to spot new nests before the sun heats the sand.7:00 AM – Breakfast at Camp
Return to base for a hearty breakfast. Enjoy tropical fruits, fresh bread, and Malagasy coffee while planning the day’s tasks with your team.8:00 AM – Nest Checks & Data Logging
Head back to the beach to inspect nest conditions and log data including nest temperatures, hatchling success rates, or erosion risks. You’ll also mark new nests and check protective barriers if needed.11:00 AM – Break & Midday Rest
With the sun high and temperatures rising, take a break to relax, swim, or read in the shade. This is your time to recharge before afternoon tasks.1:00 PM – Community Outreach or Turtle Workshops
Support educational activities such as preparing turtle talks for local schools, creating visual learning materials, or participating in marine awareness workshops. Some afternoons may include conservation-based games or visits to community partners.3:00 PM – Nest Maintenance or Beach Cleanups
Assist with repairing nest markers, reinforcing barriers, or cleaning debris from key turtle nesting areas. This work helps increase hatchling survival and keeps the beaches turtle-safe.5:30 PM – Dinner & Free Time
Return to camp for a shared meal with other volunteers. Meals are plant-based and served in a relaxed communal setting with ocean views.8:00 PM – Night Patrol (as scheduled)
On scheduled evenings, join a night patrol under the stars. You’ll walk the beach in search of nesting females—quietly observing, measuring, tagging, or protecting them as they lay their eggs. It’s a calm, magical experience that few ever get to witness.Days Off
Enjoy two days off per week to snorkel, explore nearby islands, hike forest trails, or simply relax on the beach with your fellow volunteers. Nosy Komba’s serene setting offers a perfect mix of rest and adventure.Whether you’re guiding hatchlings to the sea or recording data under moonlight, every day here is a reminder of your connection to nature—and your power to protect it.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
As a volunteer on our Sea Turtle Monitoring Program, your work will have a direct and lasting effect on the survival of endangered sea turtle species in Madagascar. These ancient creatures are increasingly vulnerable—threatened by habitat loss, illegal poaching, plastic pollution, and climate change. Your time, energy, and presence on the ground help turn the tide.
Every patrol you complete, every nest you record, and every hatchling you help guide to the sea contributes to long-term protection. The data you gather forms part of a growing knowledge base used by researchers, government officials, and marine conservationists to safeguard Madagascar’s coastal ecosystems and push for stronger environmental protections.
But the impact doesn’t stop at science.
Through your outreach efforts, you’ll also help educate local communities—many of whom rely on the sea for their livelihoods—on the importance of preserving sea turtle populations for future generations. By sharing knowledge and inspiring curiosity in local youth, you’ll help foster a culture of ocean stewardship that extends beyond your time on the island.
This is conservation in action. Whether you're watching a nesting female under the stars or releasing a tiny hatchling at dawn, you’ll know that your efforts are part of something much greater—a global mission to protect life beneath the waves.
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 (€)
2 weeks €9023 weeks €1,148
4 weeks €1,395
5 weeks €1,641
6 weeks €1,889
7 weeks €2,135
8 weeks €2,381
9 weeks €2,628
10 weeks €2,967
11 weeks €3,212
12 weeks €3,460
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 turtle conservation experience:
✅ Shared accommodation at our beachside Turtle Cove camp
✅ Three traditional Malagasy meals per day
✅ Airport pickup and boat transfer from Nosy Be
✅ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful info
✅ All turtle monitoring and marine conservation activities
✅ Expert guidance and training from local and international conservationists
✅ Flexible start dates and free date changes
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Marine Conservation & Your Future
This program is your opportunity to protect one of the ocean’s most endangered species while gaining valuable conservation experience in the field. From sunrise patrols to night-time nesting observations, you’ll make a meaningful difference while living in one of the most biodiverse coastal environments in the world.
Your program fees directly support:
• Nest monitoring and hatchling protection efforts
• Community education and marine awareness campaigns
• Employment and training for local Malagasy staff
• Ongoing research and data sharing with marine science networks
• Sustainable infrastructure at our eco-conscious beach campEvery euro you invest supports sea turtle conservation—and your growth as a global changemaker.
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 turtle monitoring, 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.
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