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Atoll Volunteers is a young and vibrant organisation run by local and international volunteers on Naifaru island in the Maldives. We are run through our parent NGO Naifaru Juvenile, which was founded in 2000 by three local Maldivians, and has grown over the years to include a number of volunteer programmes, including Marine Conservation, teaching and medical placements.
They are dedicated to securing the most exciting and beneficial projects for our volunteers while still making sure that as much attention and funding as possible is funneled directly into our community. Most importantly, we believe that volunteering does not need to be all work and no play, and that the most rewarding of volunteer programmes allow you to enjoy your placement, at the same time as giving back to our community.
The community is desperate for your help in so many ways, but in return, they promise to welcome you into our lives as a friend, show you the best that the “real” Maldives has to offer, and be on hand to support you in any way we can. We may not be able to offer you the luxuries of the 5 star hotels, but the natural beauty of the Maldives is not limited to resorts – idyllic beaches, uninhabited islands and some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs teeming with marine life of every colour are yours to explore. We provide accommodation in our volunteer house, Aqua Inn, which is simple, but modern and clean, similar to what you would expect to find in a European beach resort.
Volunteer in the tropical island that is The Maldives.
Work and help protect the the iconic species the Sea Turtle.
A choice between 9 superbly crafted programs.
Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.
You will develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.
Take part in community education & fundraising projects.
Experience day off adventures and embrace the local culture, sights & attractions that The Maldives has to offer.
Their mission is to ensure that you leave the Maldives having experienced the warmth and friendliness of our people, explored our islands, been amazed at the beauty of our marine life, made a real difference to our community, and hopefully come to love the little island that we call home.
We endeavour to provide the best volunteering experience that the Maldives has to offer, and have a range of customised placements which have been planned in cooperation with our Marine Centre, schools, hospitals, sporting teams and local community of over 6000 people.
So come and join us for the chance to live the ultimate experience in island volunteering, knowing that you will help make a real difference in our community!
Naifaru balan aadhey!
See you in Naifaru!
As a volunteer you will have a choice between 9 extraordinary projects.
Everything from Marine Conservation, Medical Projects or Community Teaching. Depending on your interests you will work closely with resident marine biologists, medical professionals and/or teachers. You will gain hands on experience, and create long lasting positivity on the people and wildlife of The Maldives. Whichever program you decide, you will still have many opportunities to experience all sectors if you wish to.
9 extraordinary projects to choose from
Turtle Rehabilitation
Coral Restoration
Vet Student Internship
Teacher
Teaching Assistant
Sport Instructor
Sport Assistant
Community Development
Medical Placement
Please note: The Coral Restoration program is aimed at qualified divers (minimum PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent). However, we do offer PADI courses at our partner dive shop that the volunteer will be able to fulfil prior to their volunteering start date at an additional cost.
Details
This program is a great chance to get involved in marine conservation and work closely with sea turtles. Sea turtles are brought to the marine centre after being kept as pets, or rescued from the ocean where they get trapped in ghost nets. Here, they are rehabilitated and kept in the centre until they are ready to be released, with some of our patients being permanent residents as they are sadly nonreleasable. The program is run by our resident Marine Biologists, allowing you to learn from and work with other ocean enthusiasts.
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, with this island giving you a good insight of what some of the issues in the Maldives are when it comes to waste management and environmental awareness.
Our marine program is extensive and relies on volunteer support to help us achieve all our project aims. Simply put, without our amazing volunteers we would not be able to ensure the upkeep and continued operation of Atoll Marine Centre.
Volunteer Tasks
As a volunteer, you will have the unique opportunity to work closely with our dedicated resident marine biologists, gaining hands-on experience in marine conservation and rehabilitation. Your daily tasks will be diverse and impactful, ensuring a holistic learning experience. Here are some of the activities you can expect to engage in:
- Cleaning and Feeding Rescued Turtles: Assist in the daily care of our rescued turtles by cleaning their enclosures and providing them with nutritious meals.
- Tank Maintenance: Help maintain the cleanliness and health of our tanks, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for the turtles.
- Seagrass Collection: Gather seagrass for our resident green sea turtle, contributing to their dietary needs and overall well-being.
- Education and Communication: Educate visiting resort guests about marine conservation, sharing your knowledge and passion for protecting our oceans.
- Rehabilitation Ocean Swims: Accompany our resident turtle on rehabilitation swims in the ocean, weather permitting, to aid in their recovery process.
- Beach Clean-ups: Organize and participate in beach clean-up activities, helping to reduce pollution and protect marine ecosystems.
- Marine Awareness Sessions: Lead sessions aimed at raising awareness about marine conservation and the importance of preserving our oceans.
- Beach Surveys: Conduct beach surveys to monitor and document the local marine environment and its inhabitants.
- Creative Projects: Contribute to the aesthetic appeal of our marine center by creating decorations and painting, fostering a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere.
- Fish Surveys: Perform fish surveys to gather data on local fish populations, aiding in research and conservation efforts.
Additional Opportunities:
- Data Collection and Analysis: Assist in the collection and analysis of data related to marine life and conservation efforts, gaining valuable research experience.
- Community Engagement: Work with local communities to promote sustainable practices and educate them about the importance of marine conservation.
- Innovative Projects: Participate in innovative projects that seek to find new solutions to existing marine conservation challenges.
- Networking: Build connections with marine biologists, conservationists, and like-minded volunteers from around the world, expanding your professional network.
- Skill Development: Develop a wide range of skills including marine biology, project management, public speaking, and environmental stewardship.
- Personal Growth: Experience personal growth and fulfillment as you contribute to meaningful conservation efforts and witness the positive impact of your work.
By joining us, you'll not only contribute to the preservation of marine life but also gain invaluable skills and experiences that will enrich your understanding of marine ecosystems and conservation strategies. Your dedication and hard work will play a crucial role in our mission to protect and rehabilitate marine life, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable ocean for future generations.
Accommodation
You will have the choice between 2 accommodation options:
Option 1- Our Volunteer house. Sleeps up to three people per room. Each room includes an en-suite with a wet room. The volunteer house only has cold water, and wifi, however the wifi is not always strong enough for streaming our video calls. We recommend downloading some movies or series to watch when the wifi is struggling. The volunteer house also includes a communal space and a kitchen with fridge/freezer, kettle, and washing machine, but no other appliances.
Option 2 – On the Island guesthouse. An addition cost of $45 one-person private room upgrade, $55 for two people sharing one room. The guesthouse is situated closer to the centre and restaurant where we eat our meals. The guesthouse is also closer to the beach; however, the island is very small and the volunteer house is only approximately a 10 minute walk away. The guesthouse boasts hot water and faster, more reliable wifi. Each room includes a fridge, TV, and laundry services.
Starting Price
2 weeks Only = €1245
All 9 programs requires you to commit to a minimum of 2 weeks. Price will vary depending on project.
Additional Info
Additional Information
Lhaviyani
Atoll Volunteers operates the majority of its volunteer placements within Lhaviyani Atoll. There are a total of 54 islands in the atoll of which only 4 are inhabited, namely Naifaru, Hinnavaru, Kurendhoo and Olhuvelifushi. Naifaru is the capital of the atoll and the base of Atoll Volunteers.
Naifaru Island
Atoll Volunteers beautiful island of Naifaru is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, in the north of the Maldives. The island lies approximately 142 kilometers (88 miles) north of the capital, Malé, and is approximately 53 hectares (53 km²), which includes an area of recently reclaimed land. Within this reclaimed area there are a lot of construction projects planned during the next few years, which will see Naifaru grow, meaning your help as a volunteer will be crucial in the future development of the island.
They have a vibrant community, of just over 6000 people currently registered on the island, with the majority being Maldivian, as well as a small number of expatriate workers from countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. Their island is the capital of Lhaviyani Atoll, and whilst you probably we are still a small island community, we have everything you could need. There is a post office and a bank (with an ATM) at your disposal as well as a number of restaurants, coffee shops and stores selling everything from hardware to tailoring services.
Naifaru has a few main streets which form a grid within which you will find a maze of intricate side streets and alleys, perfect for exploring. Both the main streets and side streets are always filled with people of all ages, sitting around talking, playing local card games or even playing Maldivian music in the street. Naifaru is a vibrant island full of life and friendly people, a great place to make new friends to last a lifetime.
Given the relatively small size of the island, everything is within easy reach – From the volunteer house you can walk to any of our projects in less than ten minutes. Or you might walk down to one of the island’s four restaurants and enjoy the cool evening breeze with a cup of coffee and a view of the Indian Ocean and the Naifaru ‘skyline’.