Sea Turtle Volunteer Programs in Madagascar
Sea Turtle Volunteer Programs in Madagascar give volunteers the opportunity to support sea turtle conservation on Nosy Komba and nearby islands. Run by the Madagascar Research Conservation Institute (MRCI), the programme focuses on protecting Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles through nesting-site monitoring, nest protection, hatchling releases and long-term research. During the nesting season from October to March, volunteers join night beach patrols, protect vulnerable nests, record turtle behaviour and monitor hatchlings. From April to September, the work continues through snorkel-based turtle surveys, facial ID photography, seagrass health assessments and community education. Volunteers also help reduce threats such as poaching, polluted beaches and habitat degradation. The programme includes field training, accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, boat transport to monitoring sites and 24/7 in-country support. It runs for 1 to 12 weeks, with 2026 costs starting from $720. Volunteers receive a certificate after completion.
The main objective of our Sea Turtle Monitoring Program is to collect and record species, nesting, and size-related data to estimate population dynamics and nesting distributions in north-western Madagascar. All turtle sighting and monitoring data is logged into the Internet of Turtles and In-water Turtle Sightings platforms.
What are MRCI's Sea Turtle Volunteer Programs?
MRCI’s Sea Turtle Volunteer Programs are designed to support year-round turtle conservation, research and community education in coastal areas around Nosy Komba. The programme responds to different stages of the turtle life cycle, with activities changing between the nesting and non-nesting seasons.
Volunteers work with MRCI’s conservation team and local communities to help protect breeding habitats, monitor turtle populations and improve awareness of the threats facing sea turtles in Madagascar. This approach supports both immediate nest protection and long-term marine conservation research.
The programme welcomes volunteers from age 18 through retirement, although most participants are in their early to mid-twenties. Volunteers must be able to speak, write and understand English. No previous conservation experience is required, but participants should be prepared for night patrols, outdoor fieldwork, snorkel surveys where assigned and basic island accommodation.
MRCI’s Turtle Cove research centre accommodates up to 54 volunteers across all programmes, with approximately 10 to 20 people usually participating in the Sea Turtle Monitoring Program at any one time
MRCI’s Sea Turtle Volunteer Program at a Glance
| Program Feature | Details |
| Location | Nosy Komba and the surrounding islands. |
| Seasonality | Nesting season : October – March Non-nesting season: April – September |
| Species Focus | Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles |
| Program Duration | 1 – 12 Weeks |
| Starting Price | From $ 720 |
| Conservation Impact | Safe nesting zones and Hatchling protection |
Sea Turtle Volunteer Program Costs
2026 Costs for Sea Turtle Volunteer Programs
- 1 Week - $720.00
- 2 Weeks - $995.00
- 3 Weeks - $1,270.00
- 4 Weeks - $1,545.00
- 5 Weeks - $1,820.00
- 6 Weeks - $2,095.00
- 7 Weeks - $2,370.00
- 8 Weeks - $2,645.00
- 9 Weeks - $2,920.00
- 10 Weeks - $3,195.00
- 11 Weeks - $3,470.00
- 12 Weeks - $3,745.00
What the Program Fee Includes
- Sleeping accommodation for the full programme duration
- Three meals per day, seven days per week
- Airport pickup and the first transfer by taxi or tuk-tuk and boat to Turtle Cove
- Orientation and health and safety briefing
- Supervision and training by programme staff
- Scientific survey materials, including GPS units, rulers and measuring tape
- Project equipment, materials and fuel
- 24/7 in-country programme support
What Is Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Visa costs
- Personal items and spending
- Health or travel insurance
- Transport back to the airport at the end of the programme
Volunteers are expected to purchase their own health insurance before travelling.
Volunteer Activities: A Year-Round Impact
MRCI’s Sea Turtle Monitoring Program now runs year-round, with activities shifting to match the biological needs of the turtles:
During the Nesting Season (October–March)
- Night Beach Patrols: Identifying nesting sites and observing behavior on remote islands.
- Nest Protection: Relocating at-risk nests and building protective barriers.
- Scientific Excavation: Analyzing nests post-hatching to assess success rates.
- Hatchling Monitoring: Documenting releases to ensure hatchlings reach the ocean safely.
During the Non-Nesting Season (April–September)
- Active Turtle Surveys (ATS): Conducting snorkel-based surveys to monitor resident populations.
- Facial ID Photography: Capturing scale patterns to track individual turtles over time.
- Seagrass Health Assessments: Monitoring the vital foraging grounds that sustain these species.
- Community Education: Engaging in school teaching and anti-poaching awareness campaigns.
Volunteers also conduct dry turtle watches from the research centre and record turtle sightings around Turtle Cove. The programme uses these observations to assess visit frequency, species composition and seasonal or long-term population changes.
Why Sea Turtle Volunteer Programs Matter?
Sea turtles in Madagascar face serious threats, including egg poaching, harvesting for the souvenir trade, polluted beaches, and habitat degradation. With naturally low survival rates for hatchlings, even small conservation efforts make a measurable difference.
Sea turtle volunteer programs provide essential support through:
- Monitoring turtle populations
- Protecting vulnerable nests
- Collecting research data
- Promoting conservation education
This work is critical for improving population resilience and ensuring the future survival of these species.
What Volunteers Gain From the Program
During the program, volunteers gain:
- Practical experience in wildlife conservation fieldwork
• Training in turtle species identification and research techniques
• Hands-on data collection used in real scientific studies
• Exposure to marine ecosystem monitoring and habitat protection
• Experience working alongside conservation scientists and local communities
Species Spotlight: Protecting Turtles in Madagascar
| Conservation of the Hawksbill Turtle | Conservation of the Green Turtle | |
| Status | Critically Endangered | Endangered |
| The Threat | Populations have declined by up to 80% in the past decade. | Nesting females have decreased by 67% over the last three generations. |
| The Role | They are vital for reef health, eating sponges that would otherwise outcompete corals. | As the “lawnmowers” of the ocean, they maintain seagrass beds, which are essential carbon sinks. |
Why Choose MRCI for Sea Turtle Volunteer Programs?
Madagascar Research Conservation Institute (MRCI) is an award-winning, government-approved organisation dedicated to scientific leadership and sustainable conservation. When you choose our sea turtle volunteer programmes, you are joining an organisation that prioritises scientific integrity and community-led protection through:
- Evidence-Based Research: We drive conservation initiatives across marine and forest ecosystems to protect critical habitats and endangered species.
- Global Strategic Partnerships: We foster strong national and international collaborations to ensure our research has a global reach and scientific impact.
- UN Sustainable Development Goals: Our work is strictly aligned with SDG #14: Life Below Water, striving to safeguard marine ecosystems and protect underwater biodiversity.
- Sustainable Ocean Health: We promote long-term sustainable practices to preserve the health of our oceans for future generations.
Our Achievements in Sea Turtle Conservation
At MRCI, our mission is backed by measurable results. In 2025 alone, our sea turtle volunteer programmes achieved record-breaking milestones in field research and habitat protection:
- 742 Individual Turtles Identified: Expanding our database via facial recognition technology.
- 88% Hatchling Success Rate: A record high for our monitored “Safe Nesting Zones.”
- 50+ Community Workshops: Direct engagement with local elders to reduce poaching.
- 12 New Protected Sites: Established a dozen new Safe Turtle Nesting Zones across the region.
Partnerships of Our Volunteer Programs
We ensure our data makes a global impact through strategic collaborations:
- CNRO (Centre National de Recherches Océanographiques): We partner with Madagascar’s national oceanographic center.
- Internet of Turtles (IoT): MRCI is a proud contributor to this global database using AI to track population trends.
- University Partnerships: We serve as a field-study hub for international universities and students.
What Should I Bring?
You don’t need any specialist equipment, as all research gear is provided. Pack lightweight clothing suitable for a tropical climate, sturdy walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a head torch, toiletries, and your travel documents. A mosquito net, sheet, pillow, and a thin sleeping bag (June–August) are also recommended for a comfortable stay.
Typical Day
The programme generally includes morning and afternoon field activities, with additional night patrols during turtle monitoring periods. After dinner, the team meets to review the day’s findings and prepare for the next day’s activities. Daily schedules may change depending on weather, turtle activity, and project priorities.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:00–07:00 | Breakfast |
| 06:00–08:00 | Morning project activities |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Afternoon project activities |
| 16:00–17:00 | Field activities finish |
| 18:00 | Dinner |
| 18:45 | Team briefing for the following day |
Accommodation and Camp Life
Volunteers stay in locally built bungalows at Turtle Cove, usually sharing with four to six other volunteers. Bungalows contain bunk beds, and volunteers bring their own bedding and towels. Bathroom facilities have running water, flush toilets and cold-water showers.
The camp uses solar-powered lighting. There are no standard volunteer charging facilities, so a solar panel and battery pack are recommended. Limited charging may be available from the staff generator or in the neighbouring village of Ampang, approximately a 30-minute walk away.
Wi-Fi is not available on camp. Volunteers can purchase a local SIM card and data in Hellville, and mobile data is available in most areas of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, including the camp. Wi-Fi is also available in Ampang.
During extended field trips, volunteers may camp or stay in basic bungalows on remote island beaches.
Food and Dietary Requirements
Three meals are provided every day. Meals are based mainly on rice, beans, vegetables and seasonal produce, with occasional fish, seafood, chicken, eggs or zebu. A vegetarian option is available at every meal.
Because of the limitations of the remote setting, MRCI cannot provide a full vegan option. Volunteers with strict diets, allergies or other dietary needs should inform MRCI in advance and may need to bring supplementary food.
What Previous Volunteers Have To Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to join?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, or 16+ with parental consent, be in good health, speak, write and understand English, and be able to adapt to camp life. No previous conservation experience is required.
How many hours do volunteers work?
Volunteers generally work four to six hours per day. Activities may take place in the morning, afternoon or at night, depending on turtle activity, weather and project needs.
Do I need a visa to volunteer in Madagascar?
Yes, all volunteers require a tourist visa to enter Madagascar. For most nationalities, it is best to purchase a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Madagascar. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa online or at a Malagasy embassy in your home country. MRCI guides the process to ensure a smooth arrival.
What are the requirements to be a volunteer in Madagascar?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (or 16+ with parental consent), in good health, and able to adapt to camp life. No prior conservation experience is needed. A passion for volunteering and turtle conservation is the most important requirement.
Do I need previous experience to volunteer with turtles?
No prior conservation experience is required. All volunteers in Madagascar receive training in survey techniques, turtle identification, and conservation methods. The program is open to beginners, students, and experienced conservationists alike.
When is the best time to join the Sea Turtle Monitoring Program?
The nesting season runs from October to March, when turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. This is the most active period for sea turtle volunteers, with opportunities to patrol beaches, monitor nests, and witness hatchling releases. From April to September, the program continues with in-water turtle surveys, seagrass monitoring, and education projects.
What date & time should I arrive in Madagascar for my program?
Programs start on the first and third Mondays of every month. Volunteers should plan to arrive in Nosy Be the weekend before their start date. MRCI staff provide detailed arrival instructions, including pick-up arrangements and travel guidance to Nosy Komba.
What kind of work will I be doing as a sea turtle volunteer?
As a sea turtle volunteer, you’ll patrol beaches, record nesting activity, relocate vulnerable nests, monitor hatchling success, and support community awareness campaigns. During the non-nesting season, activities include snorkel surveys, facial ID photography, seagrass assessments, and reef/beach clean-ups.’
What vaccinations should I have before traveling?
Madagascar does not require any vaccinations to enter the country. Commonly recommended vaccinations for Madagascar include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Malaria prevention medication is also advised. Always check with your doctor or a travel clinic before booking flights.
What impact will my volunteering have?
By joining the sea turtle monitoring program in Madagascar, you help protect endangered turtles, reduce poaching, and contribute to long-term conservation research. Your work supports both marine ecosystems and local communities that depend on them.
When do I pay for my volunteer program? Can I pay in installments?
You secure your place in the program with a deposit upon booking. The remaining balance is separated into two installments of 50% each, which are due 16 and 10 weeks before your program start date. If you book your program within 10 weeks of your desired start date, you will be required to pay the fees in full.
Is it safe?
Yes, our camp is a secure site with 24/7 staff support.
What is not included?
Flights, visa costs, personal items, insurance and the final transfer back to the airport are not included.
Apply Today
Ready to make a meaningful impact?
Join our sea turtle volunteer program and help protect Madagascar’s marine life for future generations.
