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Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation Volunteer Abroad Programs

Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation Volunteer Abroad Programs

Want to help protect our oceans and all the wonderful marine life that calls it home, while exploring a new country and culture? International Volunteer HQ’s Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation programs enable volunteers to support ocean conservation initiatives around the world, learn about fascinating marine species and enjoy an adventure overseas.

IVHQ offers affordable Marine Conservation volunteer programs and Sea Turtle volunteer opportunities on the world’s most beautiful islands and coastal destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

As a Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation volunteer, you’ll work on projects that protect threatened marine life and restore balance to vulnerable ecosystems, as well as educating and working with the local communities that depend on them.

  • Choose from 15 Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation programs across 14 destinations worldwide
  • Learn about marine conservation - no previous experience required

  • Help save our oceans and explore life below water in a responsible way

  • Affordable PADI or SSI diving certifications (either included in cost or available at a discounted rate)

See all Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation projects
What to expect from Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation volunteering abroadWhat to expect from Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation volunteering abroad

What to expect from Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation volunteering abroad

IVHQ has a diverse range of Marine Conservation volunteer programs, so wherever your conservation interests lie, we have a unique, impactful experience waiting for you. Here are a few of our top picks:

Sea turtles are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems but sadly endangered. So if you’re an animal lover, consider volunteering with sea turtles on IVHQ’s popular Turtle Conservation programs in Bali, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar to help protect this highly threatened species.

If you love being in the ocean and want to observe the underwater world, join one of IVHQ’s unique scuba diving volunteer opportunities. Volunteer in Belize and experience life on a private Caribbean island; help gather vital data on coral reefs in Madagascar; or tackle increasing ocean pollution in Portugal. On all of our scuba diving volunteer projects, you can gain PADI or SSI certification before you start your volunteer work, either included in the program fee or available at a discounted rate.

If you’re passionate about marine protection but prefer to work on dry land, consider a coastal conservation volunteer project, such as our volunteer projects in New Zealand and the Philippines. These projects give you the chance to support the restoration of key coastal habitats, take part in beach clean-ups and increase environmental awareness through community-led campaigns.

See more Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation volunteer opportunities abroad below.

Best Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation volunteer opportunities abroad

Showing 12 of 15 projects

Why volunteer for Marine Conservation or become a Turtle Conservation volunteer?

Why volunteer for Marine Conservation or become a Turtle Conservation volunteer?

The ocean is home to up to 80% of all life on earth, but sadly, marine life continues to suffer from the devastating effects of overfishing, plastic pollution and climate change.

Whether you want to gain real-world marine biology experience, volunteer with turtles or explore the underwater world, ocean conservation volunteer projects are a meaningful way to make a difference. As a conservation volunteer, your efforts will help preserve our waterways, protect coral reefs, restore sea turtle populations and more, all in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water.

IVHQ’s programs are available year-round and are well suited to active volunteers who enjoy being outdoors and by the ocean.

Looking for the best Marine Conservation volunteer programs for 2024 or 2025? Check out our blog!

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water

The ocean regulates and drives global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Marine biodiversity is critical to the health of people and our planet. Preserving threatened ecosystems, as well as tackling marine pollution and overfishing through conservation activities is key to saving our ocean.

Read reviews from IVHQ volunteers

”On my very first day in Costa Rica, I got to experience releasing a baby sea turtle into the world - watching it crawl into the ocean to live its precious little life! That's not something that everyone gets to experience in their lifetime and I am so proud that I have. I’d recommend the trip to anyone and everyone. Just make sure you are in it for the right reasons. You are there to work; that is your purpose there as a volunteer. Keep an open mind and heart, with a willingness to put in the time and effort your community needs, you will have a life-changing time too. I’m sure of it.”

Read reviews from IVHQ volunteers

How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!