The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet. It generates the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, and provides us with food, medicine, transportation, and recreation. But, as humans, we don’t treat it with the respect it deserves.

We fill it with plastic, melt its ice caps, and drain it for every last resource we can. It’s a very self-destructive process; without the rich diversity of marine life, our very existence would be at risk.

However, we have dedicated marine conservation projects to help protect our oceans and the species who call them home. Whether you are looking for a career in marine conservation or simply want to fix some of the damage caused by others, here are the best marine conservation opportunities around the world in 2027.

1) Go scuba diving in Thailand to protect coral reefs

Join our Marine Conservation Programme on the stunning beaches of Koh Tao, Thailand, and dive beneath the waves to protect the unique coral ecosystem there. The best bit? You’ll get an SSI diving qualification as part of the project!

Once certified, you’ll dive into conservation activities, including:

Conducting marine surveys
Planting coral
Joining beach clean-ups
Raising awareness of ocean conservation
Earning globally recognised SSI diving qualifications

Coral propagation is a cost-effective method for preserving endangered marine species. It does this by reducing the strain on natural reefs. Normally, it is illegal to touch or move coral due to its delicate nature, but we have special permission from the Department of Marine & Coastal Resources in Thailand.

Our Marine Conservation Projects in Thailand:

2) Join shark conservation efforts in Fiji

As apex predators, sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. This project in Fiji is a chance to come face-to-face with sharks to contribute to local efforts to protect them and ensure their survival.

“It was insane that our first experience as newly certified divers would be shared with more than 30 bull sharks. I was amazed with all the work done through the shark dive. The team were amazing and made sure everyone felt safe and secure throughout the dive. I am itching to go back and experience it all again.” – Nina, Shark Conservation High School Programme in Fiji

For adventurers with a passion for the marine environment, this project offers exposure to cutting-edge research and hands-on conservation work. You’ll also support the planting of mangroves to protect shorelines from erosion while absorbing large amounts of carbon.

By volunteering with sharks in Fiji, you will:

Gain PADI diving certification
Collect marine wildlife data during survey dives
Plant carbon-absorbing mangroves along the coast
Run education campaigns in the local community
Plunge into thrilling shark dives (with a protective cage, of course)

Our Marine Conservation Projects in Fiji:

3) Whale & Dolphin Conservation in Tenerife

Support the protection efforts of two of our planet’s most majestic creatures on the island paradise of Tenerife. Consider it whale watching with a purpose.

You will work in Europe’s first designated Whale Heritage Site, collaborating with local marine biology experts from a dedicated research station. You’ll collect real data and information that will inform current and future conservation efforts in the area.

By joining this project, you will:

Survey marine traffic in Tenerife’s busy ports
Track, monitor, and identify whales and dolphins in the wild
Clean Tenerife’s idyllic beaches from waste
Attend several marine biology and conservation workshops

Our Marine Conservation Projects in Tenerife:

4) Sea Turtle and Coastal Conservation in the Maldives for Teenagers

When you describe a tropical island paradise, most people picture the Maldives. White sand beaches (made from the natural remains of coral reefs), crystal clear water, and a diverse selection of marine life.

Here, you can join a conservation project that fights to keep these ecosystems alive and rehabilitates the sea turtles that live there. Plus, you’ll get an awesome experience where you can soak up the island culture and snorkel in the clearest water you’ll ever see.

Join us in the Maldives and you will:

Survey coral health and variety
Remove invasive species and waste
Care for sea turtles at a rehabilitation centre
Educate the local community on environmental protection

This project is currently only available for teenagers, so grab your chance to make global friends with others your age!

Find out more about conservation in the Maldives >

5) Diving and Marine Conservation in Spain for Teenagers

Another teen-only project, this one in the Catalan cultural capital: Barcelona. Dive into the Mediterranean sea to support local protection efforts in the ecosystem, cleaning rubbish and surveying the wildlife.

In Spain, you will:

Earn a CMAS diving qualification
Participate in citizen science research projects
Remove harmful waste from the sea
Conduct marine biodiversity surveys

This project takes place in the same location as some of our other teen projects in Spain, meaning you will travel with and meet other participants from all over the world.

See more on our diving project in Spain >

BONUS: Protect marine animals in the Galapagos Islands

Channel your inner Charles Darwin and join this unparalleled conservation programme in the Galapagos Islands! Work to protect and rehabilitate the Giant Galapagos Tortoise and conduct crucial wildlife surveys in this historic hub of biodiversity.

As the only organisation with an official partnership with the Galapagos National Park, this is an opportunity you won’t find elsewhere.

On this project, you will:

Monitor petrel birds
Survey marine iguanas
Count sea lions
Care for giant tortoises
Clean beaches of hazards, restoring natural habitats

This vital work helps us track and preserve the rich and unique biodiversity of the islands.

Our Conservation Projects in the Galapagos:

A group of volunteers stands in a wooded, muddy area behind several giant Galapagos tortoises eating large green leaves. Some volunteers wear matching bright green t-shirts, while others wear dark green utility vests.

Love sea turtles instead?

We also offer several sea turtle specific projects that don’t involve getting wet, taking a bigger focus on the protection and release of sea turtles on beaches worldwide. If you’re interested, you can find out about those projects here:

Blog: How can we help save sea turtles from plastic pollution?