Volunteer Abroad Maldives: Whale Shark Protection

This project gives you the opportunity to make a contribution to species conservation work as a voluntary helper and devote yourself to endangered whale sharks in the Maldives. You will get a unique insight into the natural paradise of the Maldives as part of a team of international volunteers, and are bound to have an unforgettable experience. Are you enthusiastic about species conservation? Do you want to experience the beauty of nature? Then take this opportunity to contribute to this special project in one of the most outstanding places on earth.

During this trip, you will join a dedicated species conser­va­tion project in the Maldives, live on board of a research vessel and roam the Indian Ocean, become involved in the protec­tion of endan­gered whale sharks, swim together with whale sharks – the largest living fish on earth.

The whale shark project usually begins on a Sunday. Your team will contain up to ten volunteers. Don't presume that you will have a small role to play because you are a volunteer. You will be significantly involved in the whale shark conservation project. For five to six days a week you will be involved in looking out for whale sharks and other marine animals together with the other volunteers.

From your base on MV Felicity, you and your team will take daily survey trips out on the so-called dhoni along the famous South Ari Marine Protected Area. Your group will be responsible for checking population levels, taking photos and measuring the whale sharks. Whale sharks may look intimidating, but they pose no danger to humans! In addition to monitoring the animals, you will also get to grips with data entry. The information that you gather on your excursions have to be sorted and entered into a database.