Where Can I Volunteer to Clean the Ocean?

The Earth’s oceans are vital to life on the planet, providing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, supplying food, regulating climate and weather, and more. It’s more imperative than ever to protect the ocean environment and the ecosystems and biodiversity that lives within it, so you’re not alone if you’re asking yourself, where can I volunteer to clean the ocean?

While many efforts are being made to keep our oceans clean, climate change, plastic pollution, and overfishing are very real threats. Chemical and trash pollution are particularly damaging, leading to “dead zones,” harm to all organisms, and the detriment of societies and economies worldwide.

The good news? Volunteer opportunities to clean up the ocean are widely available and impactful. Anyone can volunteer to help clean the ocean or work toward other ocean-related causes—all you need is a passion for conservation and willingness to learn more.

8 best countries for ocean clean up volunteering

Where can you find ocean clean up volunteering? Volunteering of this type can be found locally and internationally. You don’t have to search far and wide to volunteer to help clean the ocean—there are most likely opportunities in your home country! Here are some of the best places to go to make a big difference:

1. Seychelles

• Why? There is an abundance of marine life in the small island country of Seychelles. An archipelago of over 100 islands, there is no better place to focus conservation efforts. The diversity of animal and plant life, the glorious weather year-round, and the many conservation efforts already in place make the Seychelles a great place to learn about and contribute to meaningful projects.
• While making a positive impact you could also earn your diving certification! You’ll also learn about the local culture, meet people from all over the world, and have the chance to explore places further inland in your free time.
• Recommended program: Marine Conservation Expedition in the Seychelles by GVI

2. Australia

• Why? Australia is home to many world wonders. Perhaps the most famous is the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO world heritage site and the largest coral reef system in the world.
• The reef is made of living organisms and is home to a wide array of other marine life, which you can play a large part in saving as an ocean clean up volunteer. Not only will you help to clean and conserve the reef and other waters around Australia, you’ll learn more about the issues and threats facing Australian oceanic life and be better prepared to tackle those issues from your own local community.
• Recommended program: Australia - Great Barrier Reef Conservation by GoEco

3. Costa Rica

One look at Costa Rica’s beaches will have you inspired to volunteer.

• Why? Costa Rica is known worldwide for its biodiversity, beauty, and conservation efforts. However, tourism often plays a hand in taxing natural wonders and resources, including the coastline.
• By volunteering to clean local waters and beaches, protecting wildlife like the sea turtle, and contributing to the education of locals and tourists alike, you’ll be making sure the wonders of Costa Rica last for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. Additionally, you’ll get to experience the pura vida lifestyle, and even pick up a bit of Spanish!
• Recommended program: Turtle and Marine Conservation in Costa Rica by Kaya Responsible Travel

4. Mozambique

• Why? A journey to Africa is unforgettable! Programs in Mozambique include the opportunity to travel sustainably—some programs even offer zero-waste accommodations designed to blend with the surrounding environment.
• Mozambique has protected national parks and marine areas that offer a unique opportunity to study marine ecosystems. It’s also home to Africa’s first permanent Ocean Observatory! A program in Mozambique may include scientific marine expeditions where you’ll get the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing dolphins, whales, manta rays, and sea turtles while diving or on a boat.
• Recommended program: Marine Science And Environmental Conservation in Mozambique by African Impact

5. United Kingdom

• Why? The UK is a great place to volunteer in marine conservation and participate in ocean cleanup. With its marine protected areas and universities dedicated to conservation efforts, the UK makes it easy for you to find a meaningful program that looks great on your resume!
• From internships to short-term volunteer experiences, the UK offers great options for those who may want an international experience, but aren’t looking for one similar to a tropical vacation. On a volunteer experience in the United Kingdom you’re sure to make international connections that can lead to future volunteer and work opportunities.
• Recommended program: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide by Volunteer World

6. Thailand

Famous for its gorgeous beaches, Thailand makes the perfect place to volunteer to help clean the ocean.

• Why? Thailand is the perfect place to focus on marine conservation efforts and be an ocean clean up volunteer! By choosing a sustainable program, you’ll be ensuring you’re leaving a positive footprint (or no footprint at all!).
• Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is home to white sand beaches, coral reefs teeming with life, and floating villages, perfect examples of the positive relationship between the ocean and Thai people. Learn about Thai culture and daily life while learning to scuba dive, learning about conservation efforts already in place, and exploring the stunning countryside.
• Recommended program: Thailand Marine Conservation by Gapforce

7. United States

• Why? You don’t have to travel far from home to make a positive difference. The world’s oceans are connected, and it’s an international effort to keep them clean. Volunteer opportunities to clean up the ocean range in scale and location—you can most likely find local programs in your community which will have a far-reaching impact.
• Coastal states and islands in the U.S. have programs related to reforestation, mangrove protection, plastic waste clean up, and more that you will find rewarding and cost-effective. You may also find that after a program in the United States, you’re prepared to advocate for conservation efforts, taking action on a local, state, and national level.
• Recommended program: USA for Older Teens: Hawaii Service & Marine Conservation by Travel for Teens

8. Tanzania

• Why? Tanzania receives many visitors interested in the pristine waters and wildlife. Programs related to ocean clean up volunteering include marine life research and preservation.
• You could monitor human interaction with dolphins in Zanzibar or collect coral reef bleaching data. Learn Swahili while teaching students about the importance of looking out for the environment. You’ll be contributing to lifelong, sustainable change.
• Recommended program: Zanzibar: Dolphin Research & Marine Conservation by Marine Impact

6 things you can do at home to prevent ocean pollution

Taking some simple steps at home can have a big impact on oceans across the globe.

In addition to volunteering to clean and preserve the ocean, there are things you can do without leaving home to make an impact! Consider making small changes in your lifestyle to reduce plastic waste, which is harmful to the ocean and life within it:

• Avoid using single-use plastic items: Many single-use plastic items are non-recyclable and unnecessary. There are alternative ways to package and deliver goods to consumers to avoid overflowing landfills, which then trickle over into waterways. Support businesses that make an effort to be sustainable and plastic-free.
• Shop local and bring some totes: By shopping local you can support your community’s economy and more easily cut out plastic use. Bring reusable tote bags and choose items without plastic packaging. You may also be able to advocate for less (or no) plastic use more easily in a local store.
• Purchase items you need second hand: By purchasing used items, you’re cutting down on the plastic packaging that may come with new products and the materials used for the product itself. You’ll also be saving old items from ending up in a landfill!
• Choose items made from recycled materials: Help create a demand for items made from recycled materials. This will also reduce the demand for plastic materials, making companies consider new methods of production.
• Share or borrow rather than buy new: Not only will you feel good about saving some money, you’ll be reducing your waste and conserving energy and resources. Plus, it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors!
• Minimize cleaning products: Think shampoo bars instead of bottles or reusable cloths instead of wipes. Every change you make will be one step toward a cleaner ocean and brighter future.

Once you put these strategies for cleaning the ocean from home into practice, share your techniques with others! Knowledge is power when it comes to conservation, and you’ll be playing an important role in bringing efforts from a local level to a national or even global scale.

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 conservation volunteer programs—it’s free!

Follow your passion for saving the oceans

It’s time to find your answer to “where can I volunteer to clean the ocean?” and sign up for your dream program.

By saving the oceans, you’ll be helping to save the planet. Carl Sagan, an American astronomer and astrophysicist, once described Earth as a pale blue dot. The ocean’s blue waters cover approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, and it’s humanity’s duty as custodians to take care of it—if not for the other living beings on the planet, for loved ones and for future generations who will depend on it. By volunteering to help clean the ocean, you’ll be a part of something much bigger, the preservation of the place we call home.