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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer as a turtle conservationist in the Maldives?
Our Travel Roots Turtle Rehabilitation program places you at the heart of a marine rescue centre working to save one of the ocean’s most iconic species—sea turtles.Located on a local island far from the luxury resorts, this experience gives you real insight into the environmental challenges facing the Maldives and how you can help address them.
You’ll work alongside resident marine biologists, caring for rescued turtles who were once trapped in ghost nets, injured, or illegally kept as pets. Some are permanent residents due to the severity of their injuries, while others are being rehabilitated for eventual release. Your daily efforts will contribute to their recovery, education of visitors, and long-term marine conservation goals.
This program is ideal for ocean lovers, aspiring marine biologists, and anyone eager to make a hands-on impact in a stunning tropical environment.
Key Activities:
Clean and feed rescued turtles, including specialised diets for green sea turtles
Maintain tanks and enclosures to ensure a safe, hygienic recovery space
Collect seagrass for feeding and enrichment
Accompany turtles on ocean swims to aid in their rehabilitation
Support marine awareness sessions with resort guests and school groups
Conduct beach surveys and cleanups to reduce marine debris
Help with fish surveys, data collection, and community engagement
Assist with creative projects to maintain a welcoming, inspiring centre
Project Site:
You’ll be based on a local island in the Maldives, away from commercial resorts and immersed in authentic island life. The marine centre is a community-supported initiative and relies heavily on volunteer contributions to operate and expand its conservation efforts.By volunteering on our Turtle Rehabilitation program, you will:
Care for rescued sea turtles recovering from injuries and trauma
Work alongside passionate marine biologists in a frontline conservation centre
Join ocean swims with turtles in rehabilitation (weather permitting)
Educate guests and locals on marine conservation and sustainable practices
Help protect the ocean through regular beach cleanups and marine surveys
Experience authentic island life in the Maldives beyond the resorts
Contribute to a program that directly improves survival outcomes for endangered turtles
What to Expect: A Day in the Life on a Turtle Rehabilitation Volunteer
Life on the island is refreshingly simple, purposeful, and inspiring. Each day you’ll balance hands-on animal care, conservation outreach, and time to enjoy your tropical surroundings.
7:30 AM – Wake-Up & Breakfast
Begin your day with a relaxed breakfast at the volunteer house, just a short walk from the marine centre.8:30 AM – Turtle Feeding & Tank Maintenance
Clean turtle enclosures, prepare fresh meals (like fish and seagrass), and monitor the turtles’ behaviour and wellbeing.10:30 AM – Seagrass Collection or Fish Survey
Venture out to collect natural seagrass or help conduct reef fish surveys as part of ongoing data collection.12:00 PM – Lunch & Midday Break
Enjoy a communal lunch and take time to relax—maybe journal, chat with fellow volunteers, or dip your toes in the sea.2:00 PM – Conservation Outreach or Beach Cleanup
Lead marine awareness sessions with visitors, assist with school presentations, or take part in a local beach cleanup.4:00 PM – Creative Projects or Turtle Swims
Help paint signage, decorate the centre, or—if weather permits—join a turtle on a guided swim as part of its rehab.6:00 PM – Dinner & Sunset Views
Return to the volunteer house for a group dinner. Evenings are free for stargazing, games, cultural chats, or relaxing by the shore.Days Off
Explore neighbouring islands, snorkel coral reefs, visit uninhabited beaches, or simply enjoy the island rhythm at your own pace.Your Impact as a Volunteer
Your time and effort have a direct impact on the survival of endangered sea turtles and the health of the marine environment in the Maldives. From cleaning tanks to leading conservation talks, your contribution is woven into every aspect of the centre’s success.
Every turtle you help feed, every beach you help clean, and every guest you educate plays a role in changing the narrative—from exploitation to protection. Many of these turtles have survived entanglement in ghost nets or years in captivity. Your care helps them heal, adapt, and, in many cases, return to the wild.
But your impact doesn’t stop with wildlife. By living and working in a local island community, you’re also supporting marine education, sustainable tourism, and environmental awareness in an area that faces real ecological challenges.
This is more than volunteering—it’s joining a ripple effect of positive change across sea, land, and community.
Your Home on a Local Maldivian Island
Volunteers stay on a welcoming local island—far from luxury resorts but full of authenticity, natural beauty, and warm community spirit. You’ll be based just a short walk from the marine centre and have the choice between two accommodation options to suit your comfort and privacy preferences.
Option 1 – Volunteer House
This is our classic shared accommodation for up to three people per room. Each room includes an en-suite wet room, and the house has a communal space and kitchen with a fridge/freezer, kettle, and washing machine. Please note that the volunteer house only has cold water and limited Wi-Fi—enough for messaging, but not suitable for video calls or streaming. We recommend downloading shows or movies in advance for evenings.Option 2 – Island Guesthouse (Optional Upgrade)
Situated closer to the centre and beachfront, this guesthouse offers more privacy and comfort. Each room includes hot water, a private fridge, TV, and laundry services, plus faster, more reliable Wi-Fi. It’s ideal for volunteers who’d prefer a quieter retreat at the end of each day. Although located closer to amenities, the entire island is walkable, and the volunteer house is just 10 minutes away.No matter which option you choose, you’ll be staying in a clean, safe, and welcoming space, surrounded by fellow ocean enthusiasts and the gentle pace of island life.
What’s Included:
Shared or private rooms (depending on chosen option)
Ensuite or shared bathrooms with Western-style toilets and showers
Fans or air-conditioning
Communal dining and lounge areas
Wi-Fi access (island-wide connectivity may vary)
Three fresh meals per day, including vegetarian options
History
Our partners on the ground in the Maldives have been active since 2000, when a group of passionate locals launched a grassroots effort to support their island community through youth programs, education, healthcare, and marine conservation. What started as a local initiative has since grown into a vibrant, international volunteer platform that connects global changemakers with meaningful, community-led projects.
Today, their marine centre is one of the region’s most impactful operations for turtle rehabilitation and ocean awareness, supported by both local and international volunteers. Every project they offer is deeply rooted in their island culture and designed to meet real needs while creating life-changing experiences for those who come to help.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is to create lasting positive impact through community development and environmental conservation. By aligning local needs with global support, they ensure that every volunteer hour contributes to something meaningful—whether it's rehabilitating injured turtles, teaching English, or assisting in medical outreach.
They believe that volunteering should be both purposeful and joyful. Their vision is a world where helping others goes hand-in-hand with adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable connection. Volunteers are welcomed not just as helpers, but as friends, and invited to experience the “real” Maldives—idyllic islands, vibrant reefs, and a community ready to share its heart.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Turtle Rehabilitation Program Fees
Duration Total Fee (€) Weekly Equivalent
2 Weeks €1,455 €728/week
3 Weeks €2,067 €689/week
4 Weeks €2,705 €676/week
6 Weeks €3,941 €657/week
8 Weeks €5,100 €638/week
10 Weeks €6,247 €625/week
12 Weeks €7,419 €618/week
Upgrade to the guesthouse option is available at an additional cost: €42/week (solo) or €52/week (shared).
What’s Included
✔️ Accommodation in the volunteer house (or optional guesthouse upgrade)
✔️ Three nutritious meals per day
✔️ All project materials and turtle care resources
✔️ Domestic return transfer from Malé to your island base
✔️ 24/7 volunteer support and program orientation
✔️ All scheduled conservation activities and excursions✔️ Expert training and guidance from experienced field professionals
✔️ Welcome pack with all the essential and helpful information
✔️ Certificate of completion at the end of your placement✔️ Full support before, during, and after your program
✔️ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✔️ And so much more...
Your Investment in Marine Life, Education, Global Impact and Yourself.
Your program fees directly support the rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term care of sea turtles, as well as vital marine education, community engagement, and ongoing conservation research.
Every euro helps sustain the marine centre’s operations, cover your accommodation and meals, and ensure you’re fully supported every step of the way.
But this isn’t just an investment in wildlife—it’s an investment in yourself. Through this experience, you’ll develop real-world, transferable skills in marine biology, project coordination, environmental education, data collection, and cross-cultural collaboration. Whether you’re building a career or seeking personal growth, this program equips you with tools for life.
Where You’ll Be – A Real Island Experience in the Maldives
Your journey takes place on a local island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, far from the polished luxury of resort life and deeply connected to the everyday rhythms of Maldivian culture. Here, you’ll be surrounded by turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a welcoming island community that invites you to experience the Maldives as it truly is—beautiful, raw, and inspiring.
The marine centre is located just minutes from the beach, where you’ll see turtles swimming in the lagoon, locals fishing at sunrise, and kids playing in the sand after school. While the island is small, it’s full of life—local shops, schools, cafés, and colourful homes painted in tropical hues. You’ll be living where the work matters most.
About the Maldives
The Maldives is a breathtaking island nation made up of over 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Famed for its turquoise lagoons, thriving marine life, and palm-lined beaches, it’s also one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world—making conservation efforts here more important than ever.
Beyond the postcards, the real Maldives is a place of contrasts. Traditional fishing villages meet rising sea levels. Coral reefs bloom beside coral bleaching. But through it all, there’s a strong sense of community, resilience, and connection to the ocean.
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Wake up to the sound of waves and the call of reef herons
Live in a safe, tight-knit island community
Explore snorkelling spots, hidden beaches, and colourful coral gardens
Learn about traditional Maldivian life and its deep ties to the sea
Witness both the beauty and fragility of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems
Your downtime is just as meaningful as your volunteer hours. When you're not working hands-on with turtles or supporting marine outreach, you’ll have the chance to explore the magic of island life in one of the most stunning regions on Earth.
Snorkelling Coral Reefs
Swim among parrotfish, eagle rays, reef sharks, and vibrant corals—some of the best snorkelling in the world is just a few fin-kicks from shore.
Island Hopping Excursions
Join boat trips to nearby islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, to experience local life, remote beaches, and untouched sandbanks.
Night Fishing with Locals
Try your hand at traditional handline fishing under the stars—an authentic and peaceful way to connect with the culture.
Cultural Evenings & Events
Take part in Maldivian music and dance nights or help cook traditional dishes like mas huni and coconut roshi.
Sunset Beach Walks
End your day with a walk along the shore—watch fruit bats soar overhead and bioluminescent plankton light up the water after dark.
Scuba Diving Add-Ons
Optional PADI courses are available through a trusted local dive shop, allowing you to explore reefs and wrecks beneath the surface.
Turtle Releases
If you're lucky, be part of a turtle release day—watch your hard work come full circle as a rehabilitated turtle returns to the ocean.
