The Olive Ridley Project offers three sea turtle volunteer programs in the Maldives.
Volunteer With Sea Turtles, Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Join us for a 2, 3 or 4 week sea turtle volunteer program at the ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort in Baa Atoll. We promise you an unforgettable experience!
As a sea turtle volunteer, you will assist our Resident Turtle Vet. This involves all aspects of the operations of the Rescue Centre, but, most importantly, caring for the turtle patients. You will also learn lots about sea turtles, marine conservation and marine life in general. And you will make many new friends – humans as well as reptiles. All this whilst staying on the tropical island of Dhuni Kolhu and exploring the stunning land- and seascapes of Maldives.
The sea turtle volunteer program at the ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort in Maldives is open to anyone who would like to experience sea turtle conservation first hand. However, we do ask that volunteers are 18+, able swimmers and have a passion for sea turtles. This volunteer program ideally suits those wanting to learn more about sea turtle medicine and first aid, and to experience what it takes to work with these charismatic animals in the wild.
Find out more about volunteering with sea turtles in Maldives.
Sea Turtle Research Expedition, Haa Alif Atoll, Maldives
Join the ORP as a research volunteer on a three-week expedition in Haa Alif Atoll to explore a remote part of Maldives for sea turtles. Since this is a remote part of the Maldives where very little scientific work has been done, part of the adventure is not knowing exactly what we will encounter. Manta ray sightings are common in the area. During our previous expeditions, we saw lots of dolphins, sharks and stingrays, in addition to turtles.
The opportunity to volunteer with the ORP Sea Turtle Research Expedition in the Maldives is open to anyone adventurous interested in sea turtle research. However, we do ask that volunteers are 18+, able swimmers/snorkelers and have a passion for sea turtles and research. Your ‘home base’ is a tropical island, and therefore quite isolated. If you do not think you are particularly adventurous, then this expedition may not be for you.
Find out more about the Sea Turtle Research Expedition.
Visiting Veterinarian Program, Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, Maldives
The ORP Visiting Veterinarian Program provides a unique opportunity for qualified veterinarians specialising in exotic medicine. This is an exceptional chance to obtain hands on experience working with wild sea turtles in the wild. And also to explore the tropical beauty of the Maldives!
We welcome veterinarians from around the world who, for example, specialise in exotic medicine, are working towards a specific field that may benefit the veterinary care of sea turtles, or are able to facilitate the rescue centre’s continuous improvements. In addition, they must be willing to share their knowledge in key areas with our Resident Veterinarian in a CPD-like manner.
The Visiting Veterinarian Program runs from April to October. Visiting Vets can join us for a minimum of 10 days, up to a maximum of 21 days.
Find out more about the Visiting Veterinarian Program.