If you're passionate about marine conservation, ocean protection and wildlife preservation, 2025 offers a wealth of volunteer opportunities that could see you traversing the surface and depths of the world with an important mission. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a marine enthusiast, these programs allow you to contribute to vital conservation efforts while experiencing some of the world's most stunning marine environments.
Why is marine conservation important?
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet and is a vital component of life on Earth; yet, it is under serious threat from human activities, including pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat disruption and destruction.
Marine conservation is critically important to preserve marine ecosystems that:
- Produce around 50% of the oxygen we breathe
- Absorb heat and carbon dioxide, regulating the climate
- Keep rising sea levels and storms at bay
- Provide food and livelihoods to billions
- Drive scientific advancements, including medical treatments
- Provide a home to 80% of all life on Earth
Conservation efforts aim to create long-term solutions to restore and protect these ecosystems. Some examples of these include establishing marine protected areas, implementing restoration projects, monitoring marine life behaviour, and educating the public.
How does marine conservation volunteering help?
Marine conservation volunteers play a crucial role in supporting hands-on restoration, data collection, scientific research, community education, and so much more!
Volunteers help to:
- Replant coral reefs, remove invasive species, and clean litter from beaches
- Monitor sea turtles, tag sharks, and record sightings of a variety of marine species
- Assist with data collection, underwater surveys, and biodiversity studies
- Educate local communities about conservation and promote sustainable tourism and fishing practices
- Inspire others by sharing experiences and advocating for ocean protection
If you want to make a real difference by ensuring the long-term health of our oceans and the incredible marine life that depends on them, joining a marine conservation project is an excellent choice.
The guide below outlines the best marine conservation volunteer programs in 2025 tailored to your interests, budget, and preferred destinations. From our own projects to those in corners of the world we've yet to work in, we're dedicated to finding the best marine conservation project for you!
1. Mozambican Marine Conservation Project
Best for Marine Megafauna | Best for Adventure
Organisation: The Great Projects
Duration: 13 - 84 nights
Cost: From £1,899
Join the Mozambican Marine Conservation Project in one of the world's richest marine hotspots! Dive or snorkel alongside whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, and even humpback whales, while helping protect these incredible creatures and their fragile coral reef habitats. With hands-on research, shark tagging, coral monitoring, and a special, seasonal humpback whale program, this adventure-packed volunteer experience offers the perfect mix of exciting ocean exploration and meaningful conservation work. Whether you're a certified diver or a beginner eager to learn or want to make your mark from the surface, you can make a real impact by joining this compelling marine conservation project.
2. Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Experience
Best for Activity Variety | Best for Active Volunteers
Organisation: The Great Projects
Duration: 7 - 84 nights
Cost: From £795
Situated on the stunning Pacific Coast, the Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Experience works to protect endangered sea turtles, along with a wide range of fascinating yet vulnerable jungle wildlife. Combining scientific research with hands-on conservation efforts, volunteers will patrol beaches, relocate turtle eggs and release (seasonal) hatchlings. While sea turtle conservation is the heart of this project, volunteers take part in a diverse range of activities, including crocodile monitoring, coral restoration, and wildlife tracking. This combination of coastal and jungle adventure is the perfect opportunity to learn from local experts in one of the world's most biodiverse regions and experience unforgettable wildlife moments.
3. Belize Marine Education & Conservation Project
Best for Hands-on Contribution | Best in Accommodation
Organisation: The Great Projects
Duration: 4–53 nights
Cost: From £1,095
Dive into the Belize Marine Education and Conservation Project, set on a private island along the breathtaking Belize Barrier Reef, the largest intact reef system in the Northern Hemisphere. Combine learning and action through daily presentations on coral reefs, marine life, and environmental threats alongside hands-on conservation activities such as biodiversity dives, beach clean-ups, and invasive lionfish removal. Gain valuable marine knowledge, help protect this fragile ecosystem, and earn your PADI certification while living the island life in one of the Caribbean's most stunning locations.
4. The Great Turtle Project – Sri Lanka
Best for Budget | Best for Families
Organisation: The Great Projects
Duration: 7 - 84 nights
Cost: From £795
Experience The Great Turtle Project in Sri Lanka and play a hands-on role in protecting endangered sea turtles on the beautiful shores of Kosgoda. Focusing on increasing hatchling survival rates and raising awareness of turtle conservation in local communities, this family-run project invites volunteers to help relocate turtle eggs to safe hatcheries, care for injured turtles, and release baby hatchlings back into the ocean (in season). Alongside this, volunteers help engage school and local visitors, teaching the next generation about marine conservation and how to mitigate the threats facing turtles today. Only around 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood. With your help, we aim to increase these numbers, ensuring the survival of the species as a whole.
5. Maldives Whale Shark Liveaboard Expedition
Best for Liveaboard
Organisation: Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme
Duration: 10 nights
Cost: Not stated
Play an active role in whale shark conservation in the stunning South Ari Marine Protected Area of the Maldives. As a volunteer aboard the research vessel, you’ll assist with hands-on data collection, measuring whale sharks, taking ID photographs, recording sightings, and contributing to vital baseline research on the marine environment. This is a meaningful, field-based opportunity ideal for nature lovers ready to work hard and contribute directly to marine science. With whale sharks present year-round, volunteers support ongoing efforts to protect one of the ocean’s most iconic species while gaining valuable conservation experience.
6. Research Assistant Program – Indonesia
Best for Dive Courses | Best for Coral Restoration
Organisation: Gili Shark Conservation
Duration: 21 - 56 nights
Cost: From £2315
Join the Gili Shark Conservation program in Indonesia, and work alongside marine scientists to support shark, turtle, and coral research in the Gili Matra Marine Recreational Reserve. Volunteers conduct underwater survey dives, perform photographic identification, monitor coral health, and participate in coral restoration efforts; assist with data entry and analysis; and engage in community outreach activities, including beach clean-ups and plastic pollution campaigns.
7. 5-Day Coral Conservation Dive Program – Thailand
Best for Short Durations
Organisation: Rocktopus Ecotrust
Duration: 5 days
Cost: £281 (Accommodation & food not included)
Participate in a 5‑Day Coral Reef Conservation Programme on Koh Tao in Thailand, and dive straight into reef research and restoration. Over an immersive week, you’ll learn about coral ecosystems, support data collection through reef health monitoring, and help implement active restoration methods. Volunteers take part in regular dive surveys, contribute to global reef health databases, and gain practical skills in underwater conservation. The programme offers an engaging introduction to marine ecology and hands-on fieldwork.
How to choose the right program for you
When selecting a marine conservation volunteer program, consider the following:
- Your Interests & Skills: Whether you're passionate about coral reefs, marine mammals, or community education, choose a program that aligns with your interests.
- Location: Consider the marine biodiversity and conservation needs of different regions. Why not choose a country that has always been on your bucket list?
- Duration & Cost: Projects vary in length and cost; ensure the program aligns with your schedule and budget.
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Training & Support: Look for projects that offer adequate training, especially if you're new to marine conservation or diving.
Final thoughts
Marine conservation volunteering is a rewarding way to contribute to the health of our oceans while gaining invaluable experience and creating lasting memories. Whether you're assisting in sea turtle conservation in Sri Lanka or removing invasive species in Belize, your efforts play a crucial role in preserving marine ecosystems. Ready to make a splash in marine conservation? Explore these programs and take the first step towards an unforgettable adventure in 2025!
Note: The programs not of The Great Projects listed above are based on information available as of 2025; we cannot guarantee their accuracy.
