Marine Biology Internships & Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Ever considered a career in marine biology?

While working in some of the world's most amazing ecosystems is a dream for many, breaking into the field can be competitive.

One of the best ways to support your journey is with hands-on experience through a marine biology volunteer project.

Our projects aren’t strictly marine biology internships; however, they will help you develop the same skills while also allowing you to explore the world independently.

You’ll also work alongside experienced marine biologists and conservationists, learning essential skills from them directly and helping you stand out in university or job applications.

Marine biology volunteering gives you the opportunity to:

support crucial coral reef preservation
learn first-hand from expert marine biologists and conservationists
explore unique ocean ecosystems
rescue and rehabilitate endangered marine life, like sea turtles and sharks
earn internationally recognised diving qualifications
help to clean up our oceans and remove harmful debris
develop transferable personal skills like confidence and independence

Our marine biology camps are available worldwide and run throughout the year. We also operate dedicated marine biology summer programmes for teenagers that take place during the school holidays!

Find out which of our marine biology projects is best for you below.

Something caught your eye?

If you’re interested in joining a marine biology internship abroad, get in touch with our Project Experts, and we can guide you through the process.

Diving & Coral Reef Protection in Thailand

Activities: Diving, wildlife surveys, coral restoration
Habitat: Coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand
Highlight: Special permission to work hands-on with the coral
Research fields: Marine ecology, coral propagation and ocean pollution
Local species: Coral, tropical fish, invertebrates, sea turtles

Dive around the tropical island of Koh Tao and learn how to conduct underwater biological surveys in Thailand.

You’ll work with professional divers to gather data regarding the biodiversity and abundance of life in the surrounding waters.

On this marine biology project in Thailand, you’ll have the unique opportunity to support the recovery of key coral reef ecosystems through detailed surveys and propagation. Our team has special permission to transplant coral around Koh Tao, and you’ll learn about the different stages of this process.

You’ll also obtain your SSI Advanced Adventurer diver certificate (equivalent to PADI Advanced Open Water Diver) during your first week of your marine conservation internship, greatly expanding your opportunities.

During your marine conservation internship in Thailand, you’ll also contribute to several land-based conservation activities. These projects span the themes of microplastic and litter pollution and play a fundamental role in influencing conservation strategy in the area.

Find out even more on our project page for this marine biology trip:

Shark Conservation Volunteering in Fiji

Activities: Shark dives, wildlife surveys, mangrove planting
Habitat: Pacific Ocean
Highlight: Sharing the water with the most endangered marine animals on Earth
Research fields: Shark ecology, coral reef restoration, and marine biology
Local species: Various shark species, tropical fish, coral

Shark conservation internships aren’t for the faint-hearted. But, if you’re a brave conservationist looking to gain a diving certificate and experience in cutting-edge shark research, this could be the project for you.

Our marine biology placements in Fiji carry out scientific research to address the sharp decline in shark populations. You’ll conduct research to identify sharks and marine species, studying their ecology, feeding habits, and behaviour.

This marine biology internship is ideal for developing your skills, filled with fascinating workshops, training opportunities, and shark dives (with a 100% safety record). When out of the water, you’ll conduct mangrove reforestation and support outreach efforts to discuss the importance of environmentally conscious living.

The marine conservation internship in Fiji is a unique opportunity to work with shark experts from the WWF and Project AWARE and learn how to conserve these crucial species. Click the links below to learn more:

Diving & Marine Conservation in Spain for Teenagers

Activities: Ocean clean-up, data collection, wildlife surveys
Habitat: Mediterranean Sea
Highlight: Cultural immersion just for teenage participants
Research fields: Marine biology and ecosystem protection
Local species: Saltwater fish, octopuses, seahorses, coral

Our first marine biology internship in Europe is the perfect blend of cultural immersion and conservation, exclusively for teenagers aged 14 to 18.

You’ll learn professional underwater research techniques and earn the internationally recognised Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS) diving qualification.

The Mediterranean waters around Barcelona host diverse marine life that faces unique challenges from pollution, coastal development, and climate change. Learn from expert diving instructors, clean up the seabed, and contribute to vital marine ecosystem protection.

This marine biology internship gives you the chance to learn diving techniques while supporting vital conservation efforts. The real skills you’ll learn include seabed cleaning, marine life monitoring, and data collection for scientific research.

Explore Barcelona's heritage on land and underwater for yourself:

Diving & Marine Conservation in Spain for Teenagers

Sea Turtle & Coastal Conservation in the Maldives for Teenagers (14 to 18)

Activities: Snorkelling, wildlife surveys, marine centre volunteering
Habitat: Coral reefs in the Indian Ocean
Highlight: Working at a dedicated marine centre to rehabilitate turtles
Research fields: Wildlife rehabilitation and coral health
Local species: Tropical fish, sea turtles, coral

Our marine biology project in the Maldives allows you to learn marine conservation skills from local experts, survey marine species, and volunteer at a marine centre.

Plus, you’ll get to snorkel through the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, famous for Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.

You’ll support sea turtle rehabilitation, join beach and ocean clean-ups to remove debris and pollution from the area, conduct Coral Watch surveys to assess ecosystem health, and deliver outreach presentations to local schools.

You’ll work away from all the tourist spots, living on the island of Naifaru with a local population of about 5,000. That means you can engage with the local culture while working in this beautiful and unique environment. Plus, who doesn’t want to fly on a seaplane?

Feel the cool, white coral sand between your toes for yourself:

This project is also only available to teenagers aged 14 to 18.

Sea Turtle & Coastal Conservation in the Maldives for Teenagers

Giant Tortoise & Sea Lion Conservation in the Galapagos Islands (land-based)

Activities: Invasive species removal, breeding centre volunteering, wildlife surveys
Habitat: Coastal lowlands on the Galapagos Islands
Highlight: Support staff in the Galapagos National Park
Research fields: Coastal environmental protection and island biodiversity
Wildlife: Galapagos Giant Tortoise, sea lions, marine iguanas, various bird species

While not strictly a marine biology internship, we’re the only volunteer organisation allowed to work full-time with park rangers in the Galapagos National Park.

We’ve partnered with the Galapagos National Park Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to safeguard the delicate (and world famous) ecosystem of the islands to help native species thrive.

You’ll work alongside local conservationists to protect and preserve the endemic species on the island, including the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoise. Stay in the heart of the national park on San Cristobal, removing invasive species, reforesting areas with historical plants, and monitoring the flora and fauna of the island.

This is a unique opportunity to gain animal work experience abroad and learn directly from experts in the park and tortoise breeding centre. You’ll also take part in beach cleans as debris washes up on the island from the ocean currents.

Head to the famous islands where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution:

Sea Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka (land-based)

Activities: Nighttime beach patrols, caring for turtles and eggs, and community awareness
Habitat: Indian Ocean
Highlight: Releasing turtle hatchlings back into the ocean
Research fields: Sea turtle and coastal conservation
Wildlife: Green, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead & Hawksbill Sea Turtles

If sea turtle conservation is at the heart of your research interests, why not consider a marine conservation internship in Sri Lanka?

All species of sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered in Sri Lanka, and they are crucial members of the marine ecosystem.

On this project, you'll work with local experts to patrol the golden beaches of Balapitiya, where you’ll locate vulnerable turtle nests and relocate their eggs to a safe location, away from poachers and predators.

You’ll also volunteer at the Marine Conservation Centre, where you’ll help clean, feed, and care for turtle hatchlings and hand-feed any injured turtles.

Outside of experience at the center, you’ll take part in community beach cleans and run environmental outreach activities, helping raise awareness in the community of the importance of coastal conservation.

Feel the special feeling of watching a baby turtle escape into the sea for yourself:

Frequently asked questions about marine conservation internships

Can I do a marine biology project with no experience?

Absolutely! Our marine biology volunteer projects are open to everyone, regardless of your background. Whether you're interested in marine science volunteering or looking for structured marine biology work placements, we provide all the training you need.

You’ll work alongside professionals and like-minded peers, making it a perfect way to explore the world while contributing to vital marine biology projects.

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Are there marine biology volunteer opportunities for high school students?

Yes, we offer dedicated marine biology volunteer opportunities for high school students through our High School Specials. These marine biology summer programmes for high schoolers are fully supervised and designed for teenagers aged 14 to 18.

These experiences allow younger conservationists to earn diving certifications and gain hands-on experience during their school holidays. Use the links above to find the teen version of your favourite project.

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What support will I receive during my marine biology internship abroad?

From the moment you land, you’ll be met at the airport by our local staff and taken to your secure accommodation. We provide 24/7 support in every destination, meaning a member of the Projects Abroad team is always available to help, no matter what you need.

When doing marine biology project work, you’ll also be supervised by expert marine biologists and conservationists, ensuring your marine science volunteering experience is safe, structured, and impactful.

Our summer marine biology programmes for teenagers benefit from a heightened level of support. You’ll be supervised 24 hours a day, share rooms with other volunteers of the same gender and approximate age, and have a strict 1:8 staff to volunteer ratio.

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How does your work actually make a difference?

All our marine biology volunteering projects adhere strictly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Guided by local knowledge, we collaborate on targeted conservation initiatives around the world and carefully track our progress.

For example, in one year we were able to:

plant 5,730 mangrove trees
collect 1,170kg of waste from beaches
conduct 4,709 coral health checks
remove 123kg of debris from the water.

Our work doesn’t just benefit the planet, though. Our participants are also able to learn and develop while on their travels. We regularly survey our participants to find out about their experience, and have found that:

96% feel more confident interacting with people from different cultures
95% believe the work they did with us had a positive impact
93% are confident that the skills and knowledge they acquired will help them in future
91% feel more confident handling life’s challenges

Looking to keep your feet on solid ground?

Conservation isn’t just done below the surface. If you prefer to keep your head firmly above water, we also have wildlife conservation volunteering for you to take a look at.

You might find yourself monitoring giraffes in Kenya, studying rhinos in Nepal, or tracking endangered animals in Peru.