Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteering with MRCI in Madagascar starts at $720 for a one-week placement. Prices vary based on the specific project and duration

You can volunteer in Madagascar for anywhere from 1 to 12 weeks. MRCI offers year-round start dates, making it flexible for gap year students, summer abroad travelers, or professionals taking a career break.

Yes, all international volunteers require a visa to enter Madagascar. Depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay, you can typically obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport or apply for an e-Visa online in advance. For longer stays or specific project requirements, our team provides detailed assistance with visas, paperwork, and preparation during your onboarding process to ensure you have the correct documentation before touching down on Nosy Komba.

Routine vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are highly recommended for traveling and volunteering in Madagascar. Since you will be living and working in tropical environments like the Sambirano forests or participating in marine conservation, antimalarial medication is also standard. We advise all volunteers to consult a travel clinic or health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. MRCI provides a comprehensive pre-departure gear and preparation list to help you get ready.

No prior experience is required for most of our volunteer programs. Our staff provides all necessary training upon arrival, whether you are monitoring sea turtles or teaching English. However, a passion for conservation and community well-being is essential.

Your program fee goes directly toward supporting our long-term sustainable research, conservation, and community projects. It covers your oceanfront accommodation at Turtle Cove, all daily meals, project-specific training, field equipment, and your airport pickup. It does not include international flights, mandatory travel insurance, visas, or personal weekend spending

Volunteers live communally at our oceanfront headquarters, Turtle Cove, on Nosy Komba. Accommodation consists of shared, traditional Malagasy-style bungalows. Three fresh meals a day are prepared by our local on-site cooks, focusing on nutritious, locally sourced ingredients to give you an authentic taste of Malagasy culture while keeping you fueled for your project work. 

While safety varies by region, Madagascar—and specifically the island of Nosy Komba where MRCI is based—is widely considered one of the safest and most welcoming destinations for international volunteers. Our base at Turtle Cove offers a secure, inclusive, and supportive community environment. With over 13 years of experience and 3,500+ volunteers welcomed, our staff is on-site 24/7 and accompanies you from your initial airport pickup through your entire placement.

Yes, Turtle Cove is equipped with solar power for charging phones, cameras, and laptops, alongside designated times for electricity usage. While the remote island setting means internet connectivity can be intermittent, local SIM cards with data bundles can be purchased upon arrival, allowing you to stay in touch with family or share your journey if you are part of our Content Creation program.

The minimum age to join our volunteer programs is 18 years old (though we welcome families and groups by custom arrangement). Our placements are highly flexible to fit a gap year, summer abroad, or career break, with program durations ranging from 1 week up to 12 weeks and start dates running year-round.