Best marine conservation volunteer projects in 2025

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.

Without the rich diversity of marine life, our very existence would be at risk.

However, plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change are impacting the health of marine animals and their habitats.

Wish you could help? We’ve got some of the best marine conservation volunteer projects anywhere in the world.

We are not an environmental charity but we take our impact seriously.

Keep reading to learn how you can get involved in marine conservation. These experiences could be your opportunity to learn more and contribute to solving a global problem.

Plus, take your first steps towards a degree or career in marine conservation.

Quick picks: Top marine conservation volunteering in 2025:

Before we dive into these marine life volunteer opportunities in detail, here are some conservation FAQs.

A marine conservation volunteer programme is an initiative designed to involve individuals in the active protection and preservation of our ocean ecosystems.

These programmes aim to address the critical issues affecting marine habitats and species, such as plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

Conservation volunteers engage in activities like:

• Scuba diving to monitor coral reefs
• Participating in beach clean-ups to remove harmful waste
• Assisting in wildlife conservation efforts
• Contributing to marine biology research

These programmes also provide educational opportunities. As a marine conservation volunteer, you’ll receive training in marine science and conservation techniques.

Becoming a marine conservation volunteer could launch a career in marine biology. Even if you’re not pursuing this profession, it’s no doubt a rewarding way to spend your time.

By volunteering to protect sealife, you’ll experience:

Few opportunities are quite as enriching as exploring the world, protecting vulnerable animals as you go.

Launching a career in marine biology can have a huge impact – both on you and the planet.

Whether you’re a budding biologist, concerned about climate change, or just adore animals, here’s how to get started:

Want to protect marine habitats, but don’t know where to start? These are our top three marine conservation projects!

1) Go scuba diving in Thailand to protect coral reefs

Join our Marine Conservation Programme on the stunning beaches of Koh Tao, Thailand.

It’s a chance to get Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification while protecting this idyllic island ecosystem.

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

• Conducting marine surveys
• Planting coral
• Restoring mangroves
• Joining beach clean-ups
• Raising awareness of ocean conservation

Coral propagation is a cost-effective method for preserving endangered marine species. It does this by reducing the strain on natural reefs.

Meanwhile, mangroves protect shorelines from erosion while absorbing large amounts of carbon. This forms part of our commitment to sustainability.

Our Marine Conservation Projects in Thailand:

• Diving & Coral Reef Protection in Thailand for 15 to 18-year-olds
• Diving & Coral Reef Protection in Thailand for over 16s

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 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 Special in Fiji

For adventurers with a passion for the marine environment, this project offers exposure to cutting-edge research and hands-on conservation work.

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

Your work will make a real impact on reducing the number of sharks killed by humans each year. By raising awareness about the importance of sharks to the planet, this impact will remain long after you leave.

Our Marine Conservation Projects in Fiji:

• Shark Conservation Volunteering in Fiji for 15 to 18-year-olds
• Shark Conservation Volunteering in Fiji for over 16s

3) Protect Marine animals in the Galapagos Islands

Channel your inner Charles Darwin and join this unparalleled marine conservation programme in the Galapagos Islands!

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.

The Galapagos are a hotbed of biodiversity. Immerse yourself in it and help protect it for years to come.

Our Conservation Projects in Ecuador:

• Conservation in the Galapagos for 15 to 18-year-olds
• Conservation in the Galapagos for over 16s
• Conservation & Community in the Galapagos for over 50s