Join an Expedition
Apply to join an expeditionWhether you are an early career marine scientist or simply just passionate about the ocean, working with Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience and do something meaningful for our blue planet.
We look for expedition participants who are enthusiastic, competent swimmers and ready for engaging in all aspects of data collection including searching for whale sharks, documenting photo IDs in the water and inputting this pivotal data which allows us to create research outputs.
We welcome people of all ages, professional and educational backgrounds. MWSRP values an interdisciplinary approach to research and conservation, finding that the diverse skills can create a positive impact on the Programme.
Overview of boat based expeditions
Arrive in Velana International Airport where you’ll be met and taken to board MV Felicity, ready to cross to South Ari atoll where we will anchor in Dhigurah Falhu lagoon. From our base on Felicity (2025) and Akoya Pearl (2026), we’ll take daily survey trips out on the dhoni through the largest Marine Protected Area of the Maldives, South Ari Marine Protected Area. This area is scientifically significant due to it being a year round aggregation of whale sharks with the highest known residency rate in the world. When your expedition comes to an end you’ll make the return journey to Male’ in time for your flight home.
Apply to join an expedition
To participate with MWSRP, you must fill out and submit an application form.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive a response within 2 weeks. Make sure you check your SPAM folder too! If you have any questions that have not been answered in the FAQs section on this page, please do not hesitate to contact us at volunteer@maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org.
For the Expeditions from August 2025 onwards, Secret Paradise Maldives will be your main point of contact for all booking-related matters, allowing MWSRP to concentrate on what we do best—research, data analysis, and the citizen science platform – sales@secretparadise.mv.
Dates
Based in South Ari atoll, we are offering positions during the following research periods:
Dates 2025
December 1st – 11th December (10 nights) BOAT BASED – MV Felicity
Dates 2026
- January 5th – 15th (10 nights)
- April 19th – 29th (10 nights)
- May 17th – 27th (10 nights)
- June 28th – July 8th (10 nights)
- Sept 28th – October 8th (10 nights)
- November 1st – 11th (10 nights)
- December 23rd – January 2nd (10 nights)
Fees
Participant fees are an important part of helping to keep MWSRP in operation by conducting research and conservation initiatives. These fees go towards covering the rental of the research dhoni (boat) + “mother” boat (when boat-based expeditions), accommodation, food, fuel, and project-related expenses. MWSRP does not own a research vessel or have staff/volunteer accommodation; therefore, we have to partner up for the Expeditions.
Included: food and water, accommodation, research vessel, guiding
Not included: international flight, travel insurance, snorkelling equipment
More information: volunteer@maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org
FAQs
MWSRP has been running a participatory science programme for Maldivians and overseas nationals for over a decade and is accredited as a trusted organisation under Animondial.
Yes, you must be over 18 years of age. However, in some cases, we do consider applications from 16 and 17-year-olds if accompanied by a guardian.
Anyone with a passion for conservation and a willingness to roll up their sleeves. Many of our participants are professionals looking to do more than just sit on a beach. We have had a range of participants: from university and graduate students to lawyers, IT consultants and students on their gap year. Any one group is often an eclectic mix of ages and nationalities.
As MWSRP is a registered charity, you can carry out some fundraising activities to help contribute toward the cost of your trip. While participants have used a wide variety of resourceful events to help them reach their goals in the past, we simply request that if you are planning your own fundraising to help you join the MWSRP that you adhere to our core values and partake in volunteering services which benefit your community or the environment rather than any self-serving adventures!
English. All of our documents and scientific data sheets are in English.
It is Dhivehi, which is still used on the local islands. However, many Maldivians can speak English and have a great working knowledge of the language.
We have a maximum of 12 positions available, but often, the average is between 5 and 9.
Upon arrival into the country for the expedition, participants are given thorough presentations and training sessions regarding our work. Regardless of the flow of whale shark sightings, there is generally always some form of work in which participants can engage with.
We have an application form that all interested individuals are required to fill out in its entirety. We try to understand your competencies, qualifications, personal goals for the trip and what you feel you can contribute. It is a completely non-discriminatory inquiry. Due to a limited number of spaces, we are looking to select the best person for the skills and competencies needed.
Yes. If you do not know how to swim then we encourage you to learn before applying. We recommend you seek out qualified swimming instructors to help you gain this invaluable skill, then come back to us.
No, but we encourage you to have some experience with it. Our staff will help familiarise you with the necessary snorkel equipment and duck diving techniques.
Due to the nature of the research and the animal we study, we spend a lot of time at and in the sea. The work requires lots of rapid water entries, swimming with equipment, and climbing ladders onto boats. There are, however, many aspects to our work and not all of them are physical.
During our boat-based expeditions, we schedule either a half or a full day off depending on the amount of sightings. Other activities can be arranged, which include snorkelling, scuba diving and maybe something uniquely Maldivian, like a sandbank visit. Please note that you will have to pay separately for any activities you do which are outside of your time with the MWSRP.
There is no official accreditation for participating with us however we can of course make a reference-like document detailing the completion of the expedition.
Yes. We are now unable to provide masks, snorkel or fins so it is essential that you bring your own equipment. We recommend you try everything out before you come.
You will have the ability to see a professional doctor and will have access to basic medication. In an emergency, evacuation to a hospital in Malé would be arranged. MWSRP staff are qualified to respond in the face of an emergency and we always have first aid kits available. If you have any pressing ailment, it is best to inform us ahead of time so that we can ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on the team.
