Marine Conservation Volunteer Programs in Africa

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Travel to South Africa and make a positive impact in the country with the top volunteer organization, African Impact. Participate in a life-changing journey in a country consistently rated as one of the best travel destinations in the world. We specialize in award-winning volunteer programs that collaborate with a broad range of charitable projects throughout the country. You could be researching Africa's Big 5 in the Greater Kruger, improving skills in wildlife photography, or doing a veterinary internship. Through African Impact's programs in South Africa, balance volunteer work with various experiences such as safaris in the world-famous Kruger National Park, shark cage dives, or a drive through the world-renowned Garden Route.

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and animal shelters. All of our programs are vetted and are in line with our ethical values - only ethical and supervised interactions are allowed. A few examples of our offers include working with rescued sloths in Costa Rica, rehabilitating vervet monkeys in Malawi, observing and collecting data on Africa's Big Five species and doing survey dives with whale sharks in Mozambique, just to name a few.

Volunteer abroad in Mozambique on this research and conservation project in Tofo, a beach town on the eastern shores of Inhambane Peninsula. This project collaborates with a few international marine research bodies, including the Ecocean global whale shark database. The Marine Research and Whale Shark Conservation Project provides hands-on experience in a range of activities, from coral reef monitoring to turtle nest surveys. Plus, take a PADI or SSI Dive course and have the opportunity to explore one of Africa’s best scuba diving destinations! If you already have this qualification, you may take an advanced open water diving course or an equivalent number of extra research dives. In order to carry out your duties effectively, you need: - To be a capable swimmer (swim 100 meters unassisted) - The ability to hold your breath to dive down (would be advantageous) - The ability to equalize your ear pressure and willingness to learn to scuba dive If you’re a beginner diver, you have to volunteer for at least 3 weeks to maximize your time on conservation volunteer activities.

Join the 6-month Gap Year, an extraordinary six-month journey of learning, adventure, and making a difference. This gap year program is the perfect blend of excitement and enrichment, offering a language and culture study course in Spain, environmental initiatives, and addressing social and economic issues in South Africa, turtle conservation in Sri Lanka, and a community preservation, building and gardening volunteering in Cambodia. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Broaden your horizons and nurture a deep sense of cultural appreciation that will extend beyond the end of the program. Visit our website and inquire today to get specific details about this program.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop extensive experience in marine conservation and a bank of practical skills in marine conservation. What’s more, you’ll get to live and work in a tropical paradise as you do. With this internship, you’ll work with a nonprofit based in the Netherlands committed to developing marine conservation in Zanzibar. They operate by partnering with and supporting local marine conservation initiatives and projects. They are engaged in numerous activities, including coral reef restorations, monitoring marine reef ecosystems, turtle hatcheries, coastal pollution surveys, and conservation education programs. Your role as an intern will vary greatly depending on your skills and interests. You’ll get the chance to engage with practical conservation work, gain insight into the day-to-day running of a conservation nonprofit, and develop skills in community engagement. On top of this, you’ll also get the chance to combine this program with training for a SCUBA Divemaster program.

The Sibuya Wilderness Experience welcomes participants from all walks of life. Volunteers, adventure-seeking travelers, gap year students, adults taking work sabbaticals... Anyone with a passion for nature conservation. This is the perfect Eco Volunteer Program if you are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity abroad that puts your passion for nature, environment, and wildlife to good use, trying to make a difference. Our unique itinerary runs on a two-week program, wherein the content is only covered twice in a month, making a four-week stay the perfect getaway to experience everything at least twice. Nowhere else in South Africa is a volunteer itinerary this diverse.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Travel to a country known for its equatorial climate and enter a year-round summer in Seychelles. Spend your days diving in the supreme clear waters of Mahe visiting different dive sites and islands. On your expeditions, you could see an array of marine life, such as dolphins, manta rays, octopus, whale sharks, varying fish species, coral reefs, and the endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. In collaboration with local partners and GVI staff, you’ll collect data, develop marine and environmental education programs, and survey for critical local governmental marine efforts. This is an opportunity to contribute to sustainable conservation efforts and level up your marine conservation knowledge and practical skills. GVI works alongside local partner organizations to ensure the successful outcome and longevity of all our programs. Use weekend trips to visit other islands and cities, explore botanical gardens and add recreational diving to your list. Start to better understand local traditional culture and meet fellow volunteers with varying national backgrounds.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid greens of rice fields and jungle forests, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities—this is the ultimate Southeast Asia semester. Each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself, and each faces the challenge of reconciling urban expansion and industrialization with indigenous land rights, free movement of nomadic peoples, and equal access to resources. This semester, walk among ancient temples, traverse mountainous jungles, and explore the clear blue water of Thailand’s beaches. You’ll explore tradition, globalization, and human rights against the backdrop of two of Asia’s most complex nations. Immerse yourself in community life through homestays and visits to remote villages. Emerge with your self-awareness and perspective forever altered. 2025: CLOSED Spring 2026: February 25 - May 6 Fall 2026: September 24 - December 4

Make a meaningful impact while gaining international experience with Connect-123’s Human Rights internship program. With placements available in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney, you’ll have the chance to contribute to organizations working on some of today’s most pressing human rights challenges. Our network includes watchdog groups, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, lobby groups, and think tanks. Depending on your placement, you may help develop educational workshops for immigrants, conduct peer education training, monitor and evaluate community-based initiatives, research political or gender rights issues, or contribute to reports on human trafficking, child labor, and other critical topics. Each internship is tailored to your background and interests, giving you the opportunity to build practical skills, expand your global network, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

Tanzania is renowned for its safari experiences and indigenous cultures. On our programs, immerse yourself fully in nature and remote village life, learning about the language, environmental conservation efforts, and the local lifestyle. Observe resident mammals, like zebras and gazelles, and snorkel amid coral reefs off the coast. Learn how to make an arrowhead and see how members of a nomadic tribe live. Our Tanzania programs are packed with these types of learning opportunities. Options include: Culture and the Crater: Dive into infrastructure projects in rural communities where you learn to appreciate access to amenities like clean water and formal education. Visit one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes and learn their click language and daily lifestyle. Wrap up the program with an unforgettable safari outing. African Wildlife and Environmental Conservation: See why Tanzania is an amazing destination for animal lovers. Work on habitat restoration efforts and learn about sustainable agriculture. Dive into reef recovery projects while snorkeling amid the coral. And then search for elephants, zebras, gazelles, and other wildlife while on safari!

Volunteer in Mozambique on the Marine Research Project and help with hands-on whale shark research and monitoring of various wildlife – coral reefs, humpback whales, and populations of reef fish and larger species such as manta rays and leopard sharks. Plus, explore one of Africa’s best scuba diving destinations. Our project coordinator, an experienced marine biologist, will lead educational presentations about various species that you're likely to encounter and the threats they face. Then, we'll head out into the ocean to search for the specific marine life that we monitor. You will also get involved in beach cleanups and data collection for an international survey on the presence of microplastics in coastal areas. As part of the project, you will complete an internationally recognized dive qualification, along with 4 or 5 ocean activities (ocean safaris or research dives) each week. If you are already a certified diver, inquire about reduced fees without the dive course. Accommodation is in shared dorm rooms in a beautiful beachside lodge with a pool. All meals are included. The location, Tofo Beach, is fun and lively, with plenty to keep you busy on weekends.

Help protect the local marine ecosystem, turtles and other marine life, and the coral reef off the coast of the stunning island of Nosy Komba. Training Volunteers undergo thorough training to equip them for research and data collection activities in our marine program. This training includes the identification of marine wildlife and plants, such as turtles, fish, corals, invertebrates, and macroalgae surveys. You’ll learn various transect surveying methodologies, a crucial skill in marine conservation used globally to monitor coral reefs and better understand our marine environment. All marine program volunteers must be at least PADI AOW certified (or equivalent). Project Tasks: Underwater surveys Data entry Beach cleans Community education Coral watch

The Mother Nature Conservation Camp in Zanzibar includes: • Marine Turtle Conservation in the mangroves of southern Zanzibar and at the beaches and lagoon in the north • Environmental Education for children at schools and at the Forest Camp • Recycling and upcycling activities • Assisting a local community eco-tourism initiative • Sustainable farming of fruits and vegetables • Supporting community projects (e.g., building wells and improving the school) Under professional guidance, you can join ALL of these activities or focus on just your specific interests. You will stay and volunteer at two fascinating locations: in the tropical rainforest around Jozani Forest National Park, where accommodation is at our comfortable Forest Camp, and in Nungwi Beach, where you will stay at our exclusive turtle bungalow directly on the beach. There is a volunteer shuttle every Wednesday, connecting the two locations at no extra cost.

Volunteer in this whale shark and marine conservation project in Mozambique. Earn an international diving certification, too! Contribute to sustainable tourism, work with professionals, and experience the natural wonders of Tofo, a beautiful town on the Indian Ocean. Engage in various activities, from research and data collection to beach cleanups and underwater photography. Potential tasks include whale shark observation and photography, data collection, coral reef monitoring, identifying endangered species, whale and sea turtle observation, and beach cleanup. These tasks can change slightly depending on the time of year; humpback whales, for example, can only be seen from June to October. Your program begins with a 4 to 7-day PADI diving training, should conditions allow. This certification involves dives of up to 18 meters deep. Already PADI certified? You can opt for more advanced training. Afterward, you can begin the project! On weekends, you have time to explore the stunning beach of Tofo, relax, swim, or surf! You may also take Portuguese lessons and join historical tours when you are not in the water.