Marine Conservation Volunteering in Zanzibar

There is a vital need for ecotourism on the island of Zanzibar, a highly sought-after tourist destination due to its incredible marine life. But it is one of the last remaining areas in the world with a dolphin population not governed by guidelines that limit the impact of tourism on their behavior. And, in Zanzibar, dolphin tourism is booming. Many tourists flock for the chance to swim with these friendly creatures. Unfortunately, many of these encounters are highly unethical, causing stress to the dolphins and ultimately pushing them out of their natural feeding areas, thereby depleting the population. This internship follows a holistic approach to creating sustainable solutions for all. As part of this project, you assist in: - Searching for pods and collecting data (by boat) on dolphin behavior, abundance, and distribution - Collecting data on coral reef health, including the progression or regression of coral bleaching - Educating local school children about the importance of the natural environment, ways to look after it, and the sustainable use of marine resources - This project is available from 1 May 2026 to 31 October 2026

Come and take part in this tropical island adventure in and around the white sand beaches of the matchless archipelago of Zanzibar, just off the Tanzanian coast in East Africa. Participants live in Jambiani and work primarily in Kizimkazi. With up to fourteen other volunteers, you will research and protect bottle-nose and humpback dolphins as well as fish, birds, whales (seasonal), and other marine life that live on and around the scattered islands. The focal effort of the conservation project is to monitor the human-dolphin interactions which play a large role in the amount of stress put on the dolphins and could potentially lead to a smaller dolphin population. The studies that volunteers carry out can advise the government to create the most ideal policies on how to regulate such tourist activities. The data collected by participants is fed into various studies and surveys conducted by the research and academic institutions of Zanzibar. The work and contributions that you will make as a volunteer are extremely crucial and much needed by the marine conservation efforts of Zanzibar.

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 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 abroad in Zanzibar with Go Volunteer Africa! Take part in a project that matches your skills and interests, from teaching English to children in primary schools to working on a marine conservation program. Common placements include hospitals, nursery schools, centers for street children, and care homes. You can even get involved in our Conservation and Environment project! Projects in Zanzibar are perfect platforms to gain professional experience and make a difference in the developing world. You will find the country and its people incredibly friendly and welcoming. Your time in a tropical archipelago includes sightseeing, trips, and excursions to pristine beaches and cultural attractions. You will also have the chance to check out historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from volunteering, you will see, smell, taste, hear, and feel the “Spice Island” that is Zanzibar. All of our volunteer programs in Zanzibar need volunteers who can bring new ideas, work with minimal supervision, and have a positive, self-starting attitude.

Eatl Tour offers a Volunteer package to all people around the world who want to volunteer in Tanzania in any field, As a team we organize the place where you will volunteer, you will be under Eatl safety the whole time of your volunteer service, and we organize the accommodation during you're staying and all transport means. The team also will help you to connect with different Organizations and other offices. Apart from that you will engage also in different community activities and cultural activities during your stay. Everyone is invited and welcome to Tanzania we will make your life simple and easy. You can contact us for the customization of your Volunteer service.