Every activity contributes to real conservation outcomes. The data collected helps monitor reef health and feeds into our ongoing turtle ID database and study, while debris removal and recycling reduce waste entering the ocean. This exclusive program offers the chance to learn, dive, and make a genuine impact on the marine environment that makes Mabul so special.
Volunteer Programme
Coral Conservation
Volunteers will be introduced to coral reefs through a presentation covering what corals are, how they grow, and the conditions they need to survive. You’ll then learn how to identify different coral types and take part in CoralWatch surveys — a citizen science programme that uses coral colour as an indicator of reef health.
During surveys, volunteers record coral colour data and submit it to the CoralWatch database, helping track changes in reef health over time and contributing to broader monitoring efforts around Mabul.
Turtle Conservation
Volunteers will learn about sea turtle biology, life cycles and the threats they face through an introductory presentation. The core hands-on activity is turtle identification diving, where volunteers are trained to photograph turtles correctly for identification purposes and learn how these images are used to track individual turtles over time.
When nesting or hatching events occur, volunteers may also observe hatchery work, including nest relocation and post-hatching data collection, gaining insight into how hatchery monitoring supports turtle conservation on Mabul.
Marine Debris
Marine debris is a significant issue around Mabul and a core focus of our conservation work. Volunteers will begin with an introduction to marine debris, exploring where it comes from, how it impacts marine ecosystems, and the ways it can be reduced and managed.
Hands-on activities include marine debris dives and weekly beach clean-ups alongside staff and guests. During these activities, volunteers collect and record debris data, contributing to ongoing monitoring efforts that help us better understand waste sources and inform future conservation actions.
Community engagement
Community engagement is central to our conservation work. Volunteers can join our regular outreach sessions with a local school on Mabul, supporting environmental education through interactive lessons and activities.
Volunteers will also work alongside the Mabul Eco Youth on our plastic project, helping to process plastic waste and turn it into reusable products. These activities directly connect conservation with community involvement, skills development and long-term impact on the island.
Upcycling
Volunteers will spend a day working on the plastic project, alongside the Mabul Eco Youth, taking part in the day-to-day running of the initiative. Activities include sorting and preparing plastic, operating the recycling machines, and helping turn waste into usable products.
Through hands-on involvement, volunteers gain insight into small-scale waste management on a remote island and support a community-led solution to reducing plastic pollution on Mabul.
Waste Management
Prevention is better than cure! Clean-ups help today, but they don’t tackle the root cause of the problem. If we hope to get to a point where we no longer need to do clean-ups then we must cut non-essential plastics out of our lives – single-use plastic bags, water bottles, straws, sachets, etc. As an organisation we try to lead by example and encourage others to do the same. For example, we have purchased and distributed reusable shopping bags, tupperware containers and water bottles to the local staff at Scuba Junkie’s Mabul Beach Resort.
Coral Conservation
Volunteers take part in our Coral Watch program, contributing to long-term reef monitoring around Mabul. The afternoon before, they attend a presentation introducing corals — what they are, how they grow, what they need to survive, and the challenges they face. The session also covers how to identify different coral types and how to conduct citizen science coral health surveys.
The following day, volunteers complete two dedicated Coral Watch dives, assessing coral health using standardised survey methods. In the afternoon, they enter their data into the database, contributing to ongoing monitoring efforts and helping track changes in reef condition over time.
Turtle Conservation
Volunteers take part in our Turtle Identification program, contributing directly to long-term turtle monitoring. The afternoon before, they attend a presentation covering turtle biology, evolution, conservation challenges, and the purpose of photo identification. They also learn how to capture clear images underwater and exactly what is required in each photo — including facial scale patterns and identifying markings.
The following day, volunteers complete two dedicated Turtle ID dives, photographing turtles encountered on the reef. In the afternoon, they review their images using our Turtle ID database, comparing scale patterns to determine whether each turtle is a new individual or a resighting. This hands-on data work helps us monitor site fidelity and population trends in the area.
Marine Debris
Unfortunately, marine debris is a significant issue in this area and forms a core part of the work carried out here. The afternoon before, volunteers attend a presentation to learn more about marine debris, where it comes from, its impact on marine ecosystems, and practical strategies to address it.
The following day, volunteers complete two dedicated marine debris dives, collecting and weighing the trash recovered from the reef. In the afternoon, they conduct a brand audit, categorising and recording the items collected to identify common sources and patterns. Volunteers also take part in a weekly beach clean with staff and guests, gathering debris from the shoreline and contributing to ongoing data collection efforts.
community engagement
Community outreach is an important part of our work, recognising that long-term conservation depends on local engagement and education. We collaborate with a local school to deliver environmental sessions focused on marine conservation, plastic pollution, and reef protection. Volunteers are welcome to join these sessions and take part in the afternoon games and activities, helping reinforce key conservation messages in a fun and engaging way. Participation is encouraged but optional, allowing volunteers to be involved as much as they feel comfortable.
Recycling
Volunteers take part in our Plastic Project, transforming collected waste into usable products. They learn how to clean, sort, shred, and mould plastic, gaining an understanding of the full recycling process and the challenges of managing waste on an island. Volunteers can keep two of the items they create. They can then choose a design they would like to make, and members of the Mabul Eco Youth will teach them how to weave their own upcycled product, turning ocean-bound plastic into something practical and meaningful.
Practicalities
A Typical Day
- 5:15am – 7:30am – Start the day early with breakfast at the resort.
- 8:00am – Meet on the jetty to load the boat and prepare for the morning dives.
8:30am – 12:30pm – Morning dive session, supporting ongoing marine conservation work.
1:00pm – 2:00pm – Lunch break and a well-earned post-dive shower.- 2:30pm – Afternoon data entry and project updates.
From 4:00pm – Free time — with the exciting possibility of baby turtle releases or nest excavations, depending on the season.
Practicalities
A Typical Day
- 5:15am – 7:30am – Start the day early with breakfast at the resort.
- 8:00am – Meet on the jetty to load the boat and prepare for the morning dives.
- 8:30am – 12:30pm – Morning dive session, supporting ongoing marine conservation work.
- 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Lunch break and a well-earned post-dive shower.
- 2:30pm – Afternoon data entry and project updates.
- From 4:00pm – Free time — with the exciting possibility of baby turtle releases or nest excavations, depending on the season.
Accommodation
During your internship, you will stay at the eco-friendly Mabul Beach Resort, operated by Scuba Junkie. The internship package includes accommodation in a mixed-gender 8-bed fan dorm. If you wish to upgrade to one of the other accommodation options at Mabul Beach Resort, this may be available at an additional cost — please enquire for availability and rates.
Food And Beverages
All meals as well as snacks twice a day are included, with additional drinks and snacks available for purchase from the bar. The restaurant makes an effort to accommodate allergies and special diets upon request, and vegetarian options are available for all meals. As a conservation practice, a sustainable seafood policy is implemented and as being able to confirm sustainable fishing practices no seafood is served.
Choose Your Experience
Volunteer Diver
Ideal for certified divers or those looking to get certified while contributing to meaningful conservation work.
Volunteer Snorkeler
Perfect for ocean lovers who want to get hands on in marine conservation without scuba certification
I spent almost 2 weeks at Scuba Junkie Mabul diving school and resort. I was able to combine a personal holiday together with volunteering at SEAS. What a great experience it was. I felt that this is a place that cares for the environment and the locals. Tourism will always be there and that's why most of us come here - but SEAS does the extra with the community and environmental issues. Either coming here for leisure or joining SEAS, you won't regret it. You'll go back home full of experiences and energised. Not to mention the amazing sipadan diving sites and food! (vegan options available and diverse).
Miguel – Portugal
Country
I spent a week with Scuba Junkie SEAS and loved every second of my time with the team, and the turtles! Every member of the team was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the work they were doing; the whole experience felt very professional. I learnt so much about their turtle conservation efforts, and was able to put my new diving skills to good use! SEAS’ strong support for and empowerment of the locals on Mabul Island is what made me want to volunteer with them in the first place so it was a privilege to finally witness the meaningful impact SEAS was having on both the marine environment and the local community. Working in the turtle rehab centre and hatchery was an added bonus. The team allowed us volunteers to be very hands-on - helping to clean and feed the turtle patients, taking part in turtle nest excavations, and releasing hatchlings into the sea. There were a lot of underwater activities such as data collection, coral health monitoring, turtle ID, and an underwater clean-ups, so it was a jam-packed week, but the team were always flexible and mindful about breaks. Scuba Junkie kept us well fed too! It was truly a privilege to support and work with Rachel and the gang on Mabul Island, and I’ll never forget this incredible experience.
Aroosah – UK
Country
We would honestly say the SEAS Volunteer Programme is one of the best volunteer experiences we’ve ever had. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list adventure, beautifully packed into a single programme—experiences, people, knowledge, Mabul island, new horizons, dives, amazing food, and plenty of fun. We had hands-on opportunities to be involved in real marine conservation work, including TurtleWatch and CoralWatch, turtle hatchery work, plastic projects, beach clean-ups, and even engaging with local schools through games and activities. What we really loved was that the programme never felt crowded—every volunteer felt seen, included, and genuinely part of a family by the end of it. We left with a deeper respect for the ocean, a stronger sense of responsibility, a happy heart and honestly, as better and more mindful divers. Psss...still miss the donuts!!
Yi Thing and Yi Chen – Malaysia
Country
