Turtle Volunteer Programs

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Greece Turtle Conservation Volunteers

Become a Greece turtle conservation volunteer and play an active role in protecting endangered sea turtles through hands-on fieldwork. As a conservation worker, you’ll monitor nesting beaches, conduct beach patrol surveys, tag turtles, and assist in hatching rescues. This meaningful experience combines research and conservation, allowing you to adopt established scientific methods while making a real impact. Discover the rewarding opportunity to contribute when you volunteer in Greece.

Background to the Turtle Conservation Conservation Program

Kefalonia, with its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, is home to a variety of fauna and threatened species. Among these, the loggerhead sea turtle is one of the island’s most fascinating and at risk inhabitants. As the only marine turtle nesting in the entire Mediterranean, Kefalonia plays a crucial role as a breeding ground for this remarkable species.

Sadly, the loggerhead turtles face numerous threats that edge them closer to extinction. Both human and natural factors damage and destroy many of the eggs laid on the island’s beaches. Additionally, turtles often fall victim to hazards such as accidental boat strikes, plastic pollution, light disorientation, and entanglement in fishing gear. These challenges not only affect loggerheads but also endanger other turtle species like green and leatherback sea turtles globally.

Loggerhead turtles are easily recognised by their large heads, reddish-brown shells, and yellow-brown skin. They are also one of the world’s oldest species. The aim of this sea turtle conservation project is clear: to study and protect the endangered loggerhead turtles of Kefalonia and their habitats.

Each year, sea turtles migrate to Kefalonia for foraging and reproduction. Females nest on the island’s beaches up to five times in a single breeding season, primarily at night during the summer months. Each nest contains around 100 eggs, which hatch approximately two months later. Hatchlings emerge at night to make their way to the sea, minimising predation risks. During this time, you and fellow volunteers will focus on safeguarding sea turtle nests from accidental damage.

PMGY’s Greece turtle conservation volunteer program provides an incredible platform to make a meaningful impact. As a volunteer, you will help protect the loggerhead turtles through conservation efforts and field research. The work demands energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to ensure the conservation goals are met effectively.

Volunteering with turtles in Greece offers a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife preservation while gaining valuable experience. Greece is PMGY’s sole European destination offering a wildlife conservation program, making it a distinctive and rewarding choice for conservation enthusiasts.

Turtle Conservation Volunteer Placement Examples​

Sea turtles nest along the southern coast of Kefalonia, and to maximise monitoring efforts, two field stations have been established at separate coastal locations. Your volunteer work in Greece will take place at one of these locations, which are only a 30-minute ferry ride apart. The specific location of your placement as a Greece turtle conservation volunteer will depend on the start date of your program.

Argostoli – If your program begins on a Sunday, your placement will be in Argostoli, the capital town of Kefalonia. While Argostoli covers several kilometres, the field station is set around a 15 minute drive from the centre. The setup is close to several nesting beaches and offers a beautiful stretch of coastline with narrow sandy bays and striking cliffs. These beaches, which vary in size, are critical nesting habitats for sea turtles. The field station here covers eleven beaches ranging from 100 metres to 1 kilometre in length. Volunteers will work in sub-teams to conduct morning beach surveys, ensuring all locations are monitored.

The bay of Argostoli, which merges into the Koutavos Lagoon, is another focal point of conservation efforts. During the summer, its warm waters attract several sea turtles, often visible in the harbour. Volunteers and tourists alike have the chance to observe these turtles up close, making Argostoli a unique conservation setting.

Lixouri – If your program begins on a Tuesday, your placement will be in Lixouri, the main town on the Paliki peninsula. Lined with long, south-facing beaches, this area is a nesting hotspot for loggerhead sea turtles. Some beaches are particularly unique, featuring red sand and clay cliffs, each presenting distinct challenges and risks for nesting turtles.

As part of the sea turtle conservation project in Lixouri, volunteers patrol the beaches in the morning to identify tracks left by female turtles during the previous night. These tracks help pinpoint the location of nests, which are then marked and protected. Volunteers also work alongside field assistants to collect vital scientific data to ensure the safety of the nests. During hatching season, volunteers monitor for hatching tracks and conduct nest inventories to assess the success of hatchlings.

While both field stations share a common goal, there are key differences in their conservation approaches. In Lixouri, volunteers patrol the main nesting beaches at night to spot, measure, and tag nesting female turtles. This practice is not feasible in Argostoli due to the scattered nature of its smaller beaches, making it difficult to predict nesting locations.

In Argostoli, observation shifts in the harbour focus on monitoring the feeding and behaviour of adult turtles, which are frequently seen in this area. In contrast, turtle sightings in the Lixouri harbour are less common, although their numbers are increasing yearly. Harbour shifts in Lixouri primarily involve spotting turtles when they do appear.

Despite these differences, your daily tasks on the Greece volunteer program will remain largely similar. Tasks include patrolling nesting beaches, monitoring turtle activity, and collecting data to support conservation efforts. In your free time, you can take the short ferry ride between the two locations to experience and understand the unique environments and challenges at each field station.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day​

As a Greece turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll play an active role in protecting the endangered sea turtles of Kefalonia and preserving their ecosystems. Your work will involve practical measures such as surveying nesting beaches, safeguarding nests, monitoring the health of the population, identifying threats, and engaging in public awareness campaigns.

Your fieldwork will begin the day after your arrival and orientation. The first few days will focus on training and development, guided by experienced field assistants. Through workshops and practical sessions, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed for all aspects of the animal volunteering project.

Beach Surveys – A key part of your fieldwork will be morning beach patrols. You’ll walk along nesting beaches to identify and protect newly laid sea turtle nests. This involves marking and measuring the nests to track their progress through incubation and hatching. Nesting season runs from mid-May to late August, making this the primary period for beach surveys. Your efforts will help prevent accidental damage and ensure successful hatching.

Hatching Rescue & Nest Protection – The hatching season begins around two months after nesting, typically running from mid-July to late October. During this time, you’ll monitor nests closely to ensure they remain safe. As the hatchlings emerge, you’ll help guide them safely to the sea, removing obstacles like light pollution that could disorientate them. You’ll also conduct nest inventories to assess hatching success.

Light Pollution Surveys – Light pollution is one of the greatest threats to sea turtle nests, second only to natural factors like storms. Bright lights from nearby areas can disorientate hatchlings, causing them to crawl away from the sea. You’ll conduct environmental studies to measure light pollution, identify its sources, and implement strategies to mitigate its impact. Raising public awareness and engaging with the local community will also be an important part of your work.

Turtle Tagging – During the mating season, from April to May, you’ll assist with tagging adult loggerhead turtles. This process involves measuring the turtles, assessing their health, and attaching tags to track their movements. By gathering this data, we can better understand population dynamics and overall health, helping to guide long-term conservation efforts.

Other Activities – Your role will also include a variety of other tasks. You’ll monitor sea turtles in the harbour, observing and recording their behaviour. Night shifts may involve guarding nests and assisting with hatchling releases. Additionally, you’ll support data entry, contribute to public education efforts, and raise awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation.

Field leaders will provide a weekly schedule, giving you a clear understanding of your daily tasks and shifts. To ensure a varied experience, you’ll rotate through different activities, building your skills across multiple areas of conservation and becoming familiar with diverse research methods and fieldwork techniques.

Mornings typically involve an early start, with volunteers cycling to the beaches for monitoring and surveys. Afternoons are free for relaxation, exploring the local area, or escaping the heat. Conservation work resumes in the early evenings, with occasional night shifts. Volunteers work six days during their first week and five days in subsequent weeks. Daily transport to your fieldwork site, whether by bicycle, on foot, or by minivan, is included in the program.

Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Volunteers

As a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in protecting and rehabilitating sea turtles while also supporting local community development projects. With many turtle species at risk of becoming endangered, your efforts will contribute to crucial wildlife conservation. From raising awareness about plastic pollution to caring for injured and disabled turtles, you’ll help make a real difference. One of the most rewarding moments is releasing newly hatched baby turtles back into the wild, giving them a safer start away from natural threats and local poachers.

Background to the Turtle Conservation Program

Sri Lanka is home to five species of turtles that you might encounter during your time as a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer. These include the Green Turtle, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback. The Green Turtle is the most common species, and you are likely to see these frequently during your volunteer experience. On the other hand, the Loggerhead Turtle is the rarest in Sri Lanka and is more commonly found along the East Coast of the United States.

The Hawksbill, famous for its striking shell, and the Olive Ridley, the smallest of the sea turtles, are also harder to spot. The Leatherback, the largest of the five species, is critically endangered, with all three facing significant threats to their survival due to human activity.

Fishing, a major industry in Ambalangoda, directly impacts these turtles. The location of the volunteer work in Sri Lanka is close to the local fisheries port, where turtles are often accidentally caught in fishing nets. Many suffer severe injuries, such as limb loss, leaving them disabled and unable to survive in the wild. Local fishermen frequently bring these injured turtles to the sanctuary for rehabilitation and care.

Everyday human choices also affect marine life significantly. Millions of microplastics, straws, and bottles litter the seas and beaches worldwide. Plastic pollution has become a growing global crisis, and as a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you will play an essential role in combating this issue.

Volunteering with turtles in Sri Lanka as part of our wildlife conservation program offers you the chance to protect and care for these remarkable creatures. At the same time, you’ll get to experience the beauty and culture of a country that is truly unforgettable.

Turtle Conservation Volunteer Placement Examples

Ambalangoda Turtle Conservation Sanctuary – As a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll work at a sanctuary in Ambalangoda dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of disabled turtles. This sanctuary, part of the Sri Lanka volunteer program, focuses on providing daily care to turtles and aims to release healthy ones back into their natural habitats. The sanctuary also protects turtle eggs that have been stolen by local poachers, ensuring the survival of these endangered species.

From the very start of your placement, you’ll gain extensive knowledge about turtle conservation. This includes learning how to nest eggs, identify different species, monitor hatching processes, treat injured turtles, and safely return them to the sea. You’ll gain firsthand experience while making a real difference.

Beach Cleans – Female turtles only lay their eggs on beaches they consider safe, making beach cleanliness critical for nesting. As part of the Sri Lanka turtle conservation program, volunteers play an active role in cleaning local beaches, removing litter and dangerous debris.

With climate change and plastic pollution worsening at an alarming rate, this task is vital. Each Sri Lanka animal volunteer contributes to raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts through our wildlife volunteer program.

This core task aims to collect up to 200 kilograms of rubbish daily from the beaches. Volunteers are the driving force behind this impactful initiative, directly supporting coastal conservation efforts.

Turtle Hatchery & Baby Turtle Release – Volunteers also assist in nesting, monitoring, and caring for turtle eggs brought to the hatchery. These eggs are often relocated from unsafe areas where human activity or poaching poses a threat, including locations near tourist hotels.

Across Asia, there’s a long-standing myth that consuming turtle eggs and meat increases lifespan, leading to the illegal sale of these eggs on the black market. At the hatchery, eggs are safely nested and monitored according to National Wildlife Department guidelines. With the help of each Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, the baby turtles are released back into the wild, giving them a strong start in life.

This unique opportunity allows you to support the survival of endangered species while contributing to the protection of Sri Lanka’s stunning coastal ecosystems.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day

As a PMGY Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll spend your days by the beach caring for rescued sea turtles at the project site. You’ll also take part in regular beach cleans to maintain a safe and clean environment for the turtles and their nests. The volunteer abroad program runs from Monday to Friday, typically between 9am and 12pm. On beach clean days, sessions may be shorter due to the high heat and humidity when working without shade. Each morning, you’ll travel to your project site by tuk-tuk or minibus, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

Your typical responsibilities as a volunteer in Sri Lanka will include:

• Preparing fresh food and assisting with daily turtle feeding
• Cleaning the project premises and surrounding beach areas
• Maintaining the nesting area
• Regular beach cleans and patrols
• Cleaning and refilling the turtle tanks
• Administering medication and monitoring turtle health
• Cleaning the turtles’ shells
• Safely counting and burying turtle eggs
• Designing educational boards around the sanctuary
• Participating in marine conservation sessions
• Releasing hatched baby turtles into the sea
• Collecting sand to prepare nests for eggs

As a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll work closely with the local staff to understand daily tasks and expectations. Your role will involve both teamwork and individual responsibilities. Participating in the wildlife volunteering abroad project also gives you the chance to contribute to the fight against global plastic pollution. Cleaning beaches where turtles lay their eggs is crucial to their conservation and well-being.

While beach cleaning may seem like a mundane task, its impact is immense. The Wildlife Department recognises and appreciates the hard work of volunteers, and it’s not unusual to collect up to 20 bags of litter in a single session. Your efforts make a tangible difference in protecting Sri Lanka’s marine environment and its endangered sea turtles.

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

Your arrival airport and date are dependent on the specific destination you are joining us in:

🇬🇷 Kefalonia – To join the turtle conservation volunteer abroad project on our Greece volunteer program, you should book your flights to Kefalonia International Airport on the selected start date. The airport code is EFL. Volunteers in Greece can arrive within the designated pickup windows on their start date.

🇱🇰 Ambalangoda – To join the turtle conservation volunteer abroad project on our Sri Lanka volunteer program, you should book your flights to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo on the Saturday start date. The airport code is CMB. Most volunteers can arrive at any time on their designated Saturday start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local teams, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer opportunities we offer overseas.

🇬🇷 Kefalonia – The turtle project on our Greece volunteer program is located in Kefalonia, a stunning island just a short distance from the island’s main airport and approximately 6 hours from Athens on mainland Greece. Often referred to as the gem of the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia is renowned for its lush green mountains, breathtaking beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The project is based in Argostoli, the vibrant capital of Kefalonia and one of its most popular towns. With its lively atmosphere, beautiful harbour, and rich history, Argostoli provides a perfect base for your conservation efforts and island exploration.

🇱🇰 Ambalangoda – Our sea turtle conservation project on the Sri Lanka volunteer program is based in the charming coastal town of Ambalangoda, located on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast. The project is approximately 2.5 hours from Colombo Airport, offering volunteers easy access to this tranquil destination. Ambalangoda is a traditional fishing community but is perhaps best known as the major production centre for Sri Lanka’s famous demonic wooden masks. Its serene ocean-side setting and cultural heritage make it an inspiring and rewarding location for sea turtle conservation work.

PMGY’s turtle conservation volunteer abroad programs are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local teams. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a turtle conservation volunteer abroad program. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference as a turtle conservation volunteer.

When you arrive for your chosen turtle conservation volunteer abroad program, you’ll be welcomed with a detailed orientation provided by our friendly in-country team.

The orientation day is typically divided into two parts:

Theoretical Overview: The first part of the day focuses on key information to help you settle in, including cultural ‘dos and don’ts,’ safety advice, an overview of your project, and team introductions. This session ensures you feel confident and well-prepared before starting your placement.

Practical Introduction: The second part introduces you to your local area. The team will guide you to essential locations such as shops, ATMs, and transport hubs. They will also assist with practicalities such as arranging money exchange and securing a local SIM card. Please note that the exact orientation schedule may vary by country, but rest assured that our local teams will make sure you’re ready for your volunteering journey.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our turtle conservation volunteer abroad programs as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local teams, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve turtle conservation placements and volunteer opportunities. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local teams cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local teams work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience as a turtle conservation volunteer abroad.

🇬🇷 Kefalonia – On the turtle project within our Greece volunteer program, the cost of your project transport is included in your Program Fee. Some project locations are within walking distance of the Shared Apartment, while others are not. To make your commute easy, the local team will provide you with a bicycle, allowing you to travel to and from fieldwork locations that are not accessible on foot. For sites requiring extended travel or for transporting heavy equipment, you will travel by minivan, ensuring you can efficiently and comfortably reach your fieldwork setting.

🇱🇰 Ambalangoda – On the Sri Lanka volunteer program in Ambalangoda, the cost of your project transport is also included in your Program Fee. Transport to your turtle project will typically be by tuk-tuk, though private cars may occasionally be used. Travel times generally range from 10 to 45 minutes each way, depending on the specific project you are assigned to as a volunteer in Sri Lanka.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

For volunteers in South America, we recommend speaking a reasonable level of Spanish before your trip. While there are no specific language requirements to join the program and beginners are welcome, the ability to speak Spanish—and a passion for learning more—will significantly enhance your experience. English is generally not widely spoken, so our programs in South America should be viewed as broader language immersion experiences. If you do not speak Spanish, you may find it challenging to communicate, which could lead to frustration. We strongly encourage participants to prepare for this aspect of their trip.

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our turtle conservation volunteer abroad programs, please visit our Application Process.