Keen to combine a vacation with community and charity work?
Check out our list of amazing islands around the world where you can do more than just sightseeing and give back...
1. Borneo
With lush jungles, exotic beaches and stunning wildlife Borneo is on our list for a reason. This island located off the coast of Malaysia and Indonesia is simply amazing.
Local people are very friendly and there are so many different experiences available. How does the idea of going to volunteer with orangutans in Borneo sound?
You can turn this into a reality. There are also lots of turtle conservation projects which have been set up to preserve beaches and prevent poachers from stealing eggs. Search volunteer programs in Borneo today.
2. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
One of the most underrated destinations on our list and possibly somewhere you have never heard of. This tiny island off the Eastern coast of Malaysia is amazing. This is also one of the best places to learn to scuba dive in Malaysia. There are lots of marine conservation volunteer programs in Malaysia which can be joined here.
3. Bali & Lombok, Indonesia
One of the most popular volunteer abroad destinations and it is easy to see why! Bali is spectacular with some of the best beaches, food and sunsets in the world. There are various community, conservation and wildlife volunteer programs in Indonesia available to join all year round.
4. Hawaii
Possibly one of the most famous and well known islands on our list, Hawaii is famous for big surf and beautiful bays. The location of Hawaii puts off a lot of potential volunteers but if you are willing to endure the long flight you will be rewarded.
5. Madagascar
Ever watched the motion picture Madagascar? Keen to help wildlife and conservation? You can apply to volunteer in Madagascar and help monkeys, exotic lemurs and other animals. These trips are amazing for anyone looking to visit a pristine paradise or take a gap year in Africa with a difference.
6. Greek Islands
Keen to volunteer in Europe? Looking to explore amazing islands like Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Mykonos, Paros or Ios?
These are some of the most popular destinations to visit with millions of tourists heading here every year. Summer seasonal-jobs-working-holidays in Greece are very popular but a lot of people do not realise you can actually spend time working as a volunteer here?
How does helping with turtles and dolphins sound? Several charities and local organisations offer these types of projects which can be booked all year round.
7. Maldives
The Maldives might seem like an unrealistic dream destination but if the idea of going to volunteer in Asia appeals to you, don't discount this country.
By volunteering in the Maldives you will get accommodation included in the package which means you can enjoy luxury at a fraction of the price. Trying to find the best beach will be one of the best things you will do here.
8. Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos is one of the most exotic places to volunteer in South America where you can see prisine islands and beautiful species of animals. Located off the coast of Ecuador, this is not the easiest place to get to, or the cheapest due to its remote location.
Most people usually fly into Ecuador and then catch a boat or cruise to the islands. You could also combine experiences by going to volunteer in Ecuador, there are projects with people and animals which are extremely rewarding.
Volunteer programs in the Galapagos Islands are a great way to be more than your average tourist and experience one of the most spectacular locations on the planet.
9. Ibiza, Spain
Keen to escape the party scene, or mix partying and doing something rewarding? Summer volunteer programs in Spain are very popular and there are opportunities on the Baleric islands and Ibiza!
10. Boracay, Philippines
Ask anyone who has been to Boracay and the chances are they will all say the same thing... it is beautiful! The Philippines is blessed with beautiful islands including Cebu but Boracay is something else and one of the best places for nature and scenery on our list.
We highly recommend applying to volunteer in the Philippines and seeing Boracay with your own eyes. A lot of people after participating then stay and teach English in the Philippines - this country is hard to leave!
11. Viti Levu, Fiji
Possibly one of the most laid back destinations in the world, going to volunteer in Fiji will leave you awestruck. The peaceful culture, friendly locals, sunny weather and incredible beaches will make you not want to leave. You will also get lots of free time to explore other islands like Beachcomber island.
12. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is simply spectacular and due to its quite remote location off the coast of Asia a lot of people choose to volunteer in India and other destinations but don't be that person! Sri Lankan culture in amazing and although the country looks small on a map there is so much to do here. Volunteer in Sri Lanka and experience the highlights for yourself.
13. Thai Islands
The Southern Thai Islands are incredible and there are so many to choose from including Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Chang, Phi Phi and Koh Phanyan just to name a few.
Thousands of people volunteer in Thailand every year and there are so many reasons why you should also. You could work with elephants as seen in the image above - this will be a life changing experience.
A lot of people could also combine experiences and learn to scuba dive in Thailand and help marine projects in Koh Tao.
14. Zanzibar
When looking to volunteer in Africa a lot of people choose popular destinations like South Africa and Kenya but have you ever seen images of Zanzibar? The beaches are spectacular whilst this is one of the hottest places in the world.
15. Tasmania
Keen to visit or take a gap year in Australia? How does the idea of applying to volunteer with kangaroos sound? Well turn that dream into a reality by going to volunteer in Australia. Tasmania, off the coast of Melbourne in Southern Australia is very remote but also spectacular and well worth visiting.
16. Iceland
One of the most unique places on our list, Iceland, you probably wouldn't consider it to be a beautiful place to volunteer in comparison with other islands like the Maldives.
Iceland might not have white sandy beaches and a year round warm climate but it is one of the most unique places with incredible nature, waterfalls and hotsprings. If the idea of volunteering in Iceland appeals to you will find lots of community and nature based options.
17. Caribbean
There are so many islands you can volunteer in the Caribbean it is hard to recommend just one. Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are all countries which attract thousands of international volunteers every year. You will get to escape the big tourist resorts, mix with local people and do something memorable.
If you need any help arranging a program please contact us.
