This program is a great chance to get involved in marine conservation and work closely with the amazing sea turtles. Sea turtles are brought to the turtle rehabilitation center after being kept as pets or after being found in the wild injured/sick, these turtles will then be rehabilitated and kept in the center until they are ready to be released. The program is run by our resident marine biologist, allowing you to learn from and work with other ocean enthusiasts. You will also take part in coral gardening in an attempt to restore the degraded reefs. There is an opportunity to learn and take part in reef monitoring, to record the health of the surrounding reefs.
You will be given the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture and experience the 'real' Maldives. The Maldives is far more than just luxury resorts (although you will get chance to experience the luxurious resorts too).
Volunteers will work closely with our resident marine biologist. Daily tasks are varied and may include:
• Cleaning and feeding the rescued turtles
• Conducting reef surveys on atoll islands
• Cleaning the coral frames/assessing coral health
• Organizing community beach cleans/marine awareness sessions
Marine turtle conservation in Huvadhoo Atoll is vitally important for maintaining the ecological balance in the costal, seagrass, coral reef, and oceanic habitats that local communities depend on to maintain their health and livelihoods. Only seven species of marine turtles currently exist, and they are all under serious threat of extinction.
Coral reefs need to be regularly monitored as they play a very important role in the Maldives. They are necessary for many species of fish and invertebrates as they provide a safe habitat and protection from predators. They also help to protect coastlines from tropical storms and effects from waves. For the Maldives in particular, the coral reefs are what attracts thousands of tourists every year, making tourism the leading contributor for income. Without the reefs the Maldives would suffer, so the work you would be carrying out as a volunteer will help the resident’s long term!
DDay 1 (Saturday) Arrive in the Maldives
Day 2 (Sunday) Orientation, tour around the island, and visit to uninhabited island
Day 3 (Monday) Introductory session on sea turtle rehabilitation, turtle feeding & have beach diner party
Day 4 (Tuesday) Turtle feeding, coral gardening & BBQ
Day 5 (Wednesday) Trip to sandbank/uninhabited island & turtle rehabilitation
Day 6 (Thursday) Coral reef surveying, turtle rehabilitation & Night fishing
Day 7 (Friday) Trip to uninhabited island, turtle rehabilitation & & BBQ
Day 8 (Saturday) Turtle rehabilitation, cultural and language exchange and sports with locals
Day 9 (Sunday) Turtle rehabilitation, coral reef surveying and cultural night
Day 10 (Monday) Turtle rehabilitation & Coral gardening
Day 11 (Tuesday) Relaxation on unique uninhabited island & coral reef surveying
Day 12 (Wednesday) Madaveli Island tour & turtle rehabilitation
Day 13 (Thursday) Turtle rehabilitation, coral gardening & Beach party
Day 14 (Friday) Free day, Optional activity; Day visit to tourists resorts with a minimum fee to cover transport and access. Discounts available on food and other services
Day 15 (Saturday) Coral reef surveying, turtle rehabilitation and sports with locals
Day 16 (Sunday) Turtle rehabilitation & free time
Day 17 (Monday) Uninhabited island trip & turtle rehabilitation
Day 18 (Tuesday) Turtle rehabilitation, dolphin watch and Movie night
Day 19 (Wednesday) Turtle rehabilitation & planting & coral gardening
Day 20 (Thursday) Snorkeling & farewell party
Day 21 (Friday) Coral reef surveying, and getting ready for departure
Day 22 (Saturday) Goodbye Maldives
As it is a small island there are limited activities to do in your spare time, however, you can go to local café designated or take a walk to the beach and watch the breathtaking sunsets. You can also spend your spare time enjoying some of the many activities on the island. Locals are huge fans of football, volleyball and Bashi – a traditional Maldivian women’s sport. If you are a person who loves water activities then you are in the right place. The ocean plays the role of a big playground.
Our volunteer program is ran entirely by Huvadhoo Aid, an NGO based on island of Huvadhoo Atoll. This not-for-profit set up ensures that the entirety of your fee is spent on the costs of your placement. This means that your entire fee goes back into aiding the community.
· Three meals and Accommodation
· Domestic travel and airport transfers
· Volunteer activities, program development
· Trip to uninhabited islands, snorkeling trip, fishing trips, and other excursions
· Group leader and local guide
· 2GB of WiFi will be provided, additional data requires a fee
· Airport taxi
Our transparent policy ensures that our volunteers know exactly where their money goes. You will be able to see precisely what your money is being spent on and if you have any questions or issues at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Airport transfers are included in the cost of the program. At Male international airport you will either be taken to the domestic flight terminal or if necessary, to stay overnight in Male, taxi fare to and from the hotel will be paid for. However, if you require an overnight stay in Male you must stay on your own in a hotel which we can help arrange upon request, but you will be charged extra for your stay. You will be taken by speedboat from the local airport to the island and from the island to the airport on departure.
Campus accommodation based on rooms of three to six person occupancy. Volunteers need to share a room (same sex only) and the rooms are air conditioned and big enough to accommodate three or six volunteers if necessary. All rooms have a shared en suite with hot water available, and rooms are cleaned.
Three meals will be
provided every day in a local café as per itinerary and menu agreed. If individual meals sum
greater than USD 7, then you will be required to pay the extra amount.Drinks:
When visiting Maldives, it is best to stick with bottled water as this is safer and when in doubt, always ask. As the islands are an Islamic nation, the population does not drink alcohol, however, it is available in most resorts. Locals instead prefer to drink sai or coffee and soft drinks
Starting dates for 2020 are
28th March
6th June
27th June
18th July
8th August
29th August
19th September
10th October
31st October
21st November
12th December
This program is paused due to COVID-19
Marine conservation & Adventure
Gain hands on experience in a marine environment with incredible animals such as sea turtles! Gain knowledge and experience in coral reef monitoring and coral gardening
$867/week
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