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Marine Conservation Volunteering in Nosy Komba Madagascar

Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.5 / 5Overall Rating
6Reviews
2007Year established

Program Overview

Help protect coral reefs and marine life through hands-on conservation work and scuba diving research. You will assist with reef surveys to monitor biodiversity, coral health and fish and invertebrate populations.

Other activities may include turtle and marine animal monitoring, snorkel surveys, data entry and environmental education of the local community about sustainable marine practices. The work supports long-term conservation of fragile marine ecosystems and contributes to important ecological data collection efforts.

This program suits volunteers who are confident swimmers and hold or are willing to obtain open water and advanced dive certifications. You do not need previous marine research experience because training is provided on site. What matters most is respect for nature, a willingness to learn, environmental awareness and a strong interest in protecting marine biodiversity.

During free time you can enjoy the tropical island lifestyle, explore beaches and forests, meet locals, learn about Malagasy culture and immerse yourself in a unique marine environment while making a real contribution to conservation.

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Program Highlights

Programs start every first and third Monday of the month. Duration 4 to 12 weeks
Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation in open-air huts, meals, and 24/7 in-country support
Volunteer up to 6 hours per day diving or snorkelling to help with reef surveying, underwater clean-ups, coral health monitoring and debris removal
Tasks also include building artificial reefs, maintaining coral nurseries, data collection and entry, beach cleans and community environmental education
Opportunity to gain marine conservation experience, contribute to protection of coral reefs, marine life and endangered turtles, and immerse yourself in Malagasy nature and culture

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Nosy Be, Madagascar

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some high school, no diploma

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

4.5
6 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
3
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Day to Day Life
5.0
Volunteer Placement
4.8
Program Administration
4.8
Living Situation
4.8
Community Engagement
4.7
Health & Safety
4.7

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-6 of 6 reviews

Hanna MauckUnited States · January 2019

Good fun

I spent 7 weeks living/working with IVHQ Madagascar, and I would recommend this trip to anyone. The Housing and outdoor living was good, it was like camping, with comfy beds. The Nightlife was so full of life if you like to dance you will love it there. I had the most incredible time ever and met some of the coolest people ever. The staff was always helpful and cautious when it came to our safety. The food provided was delicious especially for the vegetarian option I thought. Madagascar is an experience I'd recommend to anyone and IVHQ is your best option when it comes to travel.

Response from provider

Thanks for your review Hanna! It is great that the memory is still so vivid in your mind, and that you enjoyed every aspect of your program. Claire - IVHQ Program Manager.

Morgan difalcoUnited Kingdom · July 2018

Madagascar

Volunteering in marine conservation in Madagascar for one month was an incredible experience. The support before, during and after my trip was impeccable. The IVHQ staff got back to me ASAP with all of my questions answered. They made me feel much less scared and more prepared. Whilst in Madagascar, the activities carried out were very well organised and well thought out in order to help the marine environment. I achieved my open and advanced open water fortifications whilst out there, both of which were completed quickly and thoroughly. I now feel like a confident diver and I feel as though I can carry on using my skills in order to further help the ocean. This trip has changed me as a person, helped me to grow and to become more independent.

Photos

Karen GVancouver · August 2014

2 months wasn't long enough!

I got the opportunity to start this program as one of the first groups brought into camp and I have had an even better experience than I thought I thought I would have. I didn't come into it with the highest of expectations but I was blown away. Obviously you aren't going to have the same luxuries as you would at home but thats why you travel... To be able to see how other people live and whats it's like in there society and culture. When I was there, the camp wasn't completely built to what I'm sure it looks like now but I loved it. I felt like I got to be apart of something and give my ideas to help make the camp better for the next group of volunteers. The accommodation is beautiful and you quickly become a family with all the volunteers there. Thats the best part about being in situations like this... You instanly bond with people from all over the world. In the marine program you get to go on at least 2 dives a day and also get the opportunity to learn about something that many people don't get the chance to. I gained so much knowledge about the marine life that is there (which is unreal). The instructors there do a great job at making you feel safe and comfortable with diving as I was a little nervous in the beginning since I had never dived before this trip. I was never once worried about my safety there because I knew that someone was always looking out for me. I gained a lot of confidence through my 64 dives I got to do in 2 months, and even got to lead some survey dives which was a rewarding experience. You go through quite a lot of training for the research part of it, which helps you collect better data and it becomes second nature after awhile. You get to go out on fun dives as well, where you get to explore the reef. You end up knowing your way around underwater like you would walking through a city. You can really see your impact instantly too because when I was there we were starting to do weekly beach and reef cleans. The local people there are amazing... and everyone is so friendly towards you. A lot of people don't speak much english so its cool to get the opportunity to learn some Malagasy and French. My experience was one I'm never going to forget... I can't wait until I get to return. There is so much of Madagascar to explore!

Response from provider

Hi Karen, It sounds like you had an incredible time! Thank you for sharing your experience volunteering in Madagascar with IVHQ and we hope to have you back on another of our programs in the future.

Matt DAugust 2014

Marine Research

Loved my time at MRCI, met some amazing people in an amazing location. Diving in the area is beautiful with the experiences I have gained allowing to enjoy my diving all the more. Camp life is in a relaxed environment with friendly staff.

Response from provider

We love hearing about our volunteers experiences on our programs. Your experience sounds idyllic and it’s great to hear that you shared your time in Madagascar with some of our other amazing IVHQers. We hope to have you volunteer with us again in the future.

AlexAugust 2014

Love it!!!

I absolutely loved my time at MRCI, the location of the camp was absolutely breathtaking and the people amazing. I spent two months there volunteering with the Marine Conservation program, and I couldn't recommend it enough! I absolutely fell in love with the area, and I can't wait to go back!!

Response from provider

Hi Alex, we can’t wait to have you back!! Thank you for sharing your experience volunteering with IVHQ in Madagascar on our Marine Conservation program.

AlyssaAugust 2014

My Amazing Volunteer Experience in Madagascar

I absolutely LOVED my 2 months with MRCI (through IVHQ) in the marine conservation program. Though I was in the second intake of volunteers and the program was brand new, I felt like everything was already well organized. Accommodations were very rustic and basic: open bungalows with solar power and water fresh out the mountain for showers... it really was island living and what more could you ask for? Diving twice a day, gathering data on sea life, doing beach cleanups, working towards the awareness and conservation of the ecosystem of Madagascar; I was living the dream. The facilitators Chloe, Liz, & Kyle were awesome and definitely knew their stuff. When choosing this program, please remember you will be living basic island life, doing amazing work for the beautiful country of Madagascar, and you won't want to leave!

Response from provider

Hi Alyssa, It’s great to hear about your experience volunteering with IVHQ on our Marine Conservation program earlier year. It does sound like a dream volunteer experience in the incredible Madagascar - thank you for sharing.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What is the Marine Conservation volunteer program in Nosy Komba?

This program enables you to work in the marine environment around Nosy Komba, assisting conservation and research to help protect coral reefs, marine life and local communities.

  • Reef surveying, monitoring fish, invertebrates and coral health.
  • Beach-cleanups, reef restoration and community engagement tasks about sustainable marine use.
  • Training is provided in identification of marine species and conservation methods in a remote island setting 

When does the program start and how long can I volunteer?

There are regular start dates and a minimum duration required to allow meaningful participation.

  • The programme starts every first and third Monday of each month.
  • Duration options range from 4 to 12 weeks.
  • Typical volunteering is up to 6 hours a day.

What qualifications and requirements do I need?

Due to the nature of the work, specific fitness, certification and documentation requirements apply. 

  • Must have Open Water and Advanced Open Water dive certifications (or must complete them on arrival) and must be competent swimmers. 
  • Must be at least 18 years old (or 16-17 years with parent/guardian) on the program start date and must have travel/volunteer insurance.
  • Volunteers aged over 18 must provide a criminal background check before departure.

What will I be doing during the program?

Your tasks will involve both fieldwork underwater and community/outreach work to improve marine ecosystem health. 

  • You’ll conduct reef surveys, coral health monitoring and invertebrate/fish monitoring underwater. 
  • You’ll assist with reef regeneration projects and beach-clean-ups collecting debris data. 
  • You’ll help in local community education on marine conservation, sustainable marine resource use and may assist with data entry and analysis.

What are the accommodation and living conditions like?

You will stay in a basic, island-based camp setting in Nosy Komba and should be prepared for a rustic experience. 

  • Volunteers stay in open-air huts shared with other same­-gender volunteers; bedding is provided. 
  • The terrain is hilly or rugged; moderate fitness is recommended. 
  • Facilities are basic and utilities may vary; expect a remote island lifestyle with fewer modern comforts.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

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