Login
  • Life Below Water
Reopening soon

In-Water Sea Turtle Conservation

location
2 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • You will have direct contact with the wildlife in Brazil in the search for sea turtles in their habitat and captures of them in the water as well as monitoring their interactions with fisherman
  • Also you will discover the natural beauty of the region and its marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins and sea lions.
  • Be able to experience the Brazilian way of life and immerse yourself in its culture, from its food, music and dance, also with the opportunity to see Brazilian shows every weekend.

Highlights

  • You will have direct contact with the wildlife in Brazil in the search for sea turtles in their habitat and captures of them in the water as well as monitoring their interactions with fisherman
  • Also you will discover the natural beauty of the region and its marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins and sea lions.
  • Be able to experience the Brazilian way of life and immerse yourself in its culture, from its food, music and dance, also with the opportunity to see Brazilian shows every weekend.
  • Promote environmental education amongst the locals and build friendships with volunteers from around the world.
  • Learn and develop the different techniques for sea turtle research and live a greener life which we promote and apply as a group.

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Search for sea turtles and have direct contact with wildlife in Brazil!

    About the Program

    The main objective of this programme is to evaluate and assess the occurrence of Green Sea Turtles in the breakwaters of “Molhes de Barra”. When doing so you will assess the relationships of the turtles which such activities like fishing and tourism, to help the conservation of ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    The main objective of this programme is to evaluate and assess the occurrence of Green Sea Turtles in the breakwaters of “Molhes de Barra”. When doing so you will assess the relationships of the turtles which such activities like fishing and tourism, to help the conservation of this species. This is done by 3 main methods:

    1 - Sighting sea turtles from a fixed point and recording data.

    2 - Monitoring the artisanal fisheries.   

    3 - Capturing the sea turtles to perform biometrics, sampling and marking in two different regions “Molhe Oeste” in Rio Grande Municipality.

    Your Role as a Volunteer

    In order to achieve these goals volunteers must develop their skills and perform their activities effectively. Volunteers will be monitored to ensure that all data has been collected correctly. Volunteers can benefit from the opportunity of being trained by one of the most experienced groups in intentional capture of sea turtles in Brazil.  Enjoy natural landscapes still little known and valued in South Brazil (as Molhe Oeste, "Refúgio da Vida Silvestre do Molhe Oeste", "Estação Ecológica do Taim" and "Capilha"). The house of Caminho Marinho’s main place of work is on the beach of “Praia de Cassino” . Instead of commercial centres, for the small beaches of brazil in “Praia do Cassino” there are handicraft shops, clothing stores, drugstores and supermarkets, where over 40,000 residents visit per year and 1 million people over summer (Dec-Feb).

    About the Molhes da Barra

    There are two 5km long breakwaters at the mouth of Lagoa dos patos that protect from wave action and natural silting giving access to the estuarine environment. The “Molhes de Barra” moorings are the only large rock structures along the entire coast of Rio Grande do Sul (except the Torres in the extreme North of the state) and they play a fundamental role in the ecology of several species. As these structures provide protection for the habitat of communities, such as mussels, groupers, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, sea birds and sea turtles.

    Typical day

    Every day the volunteers will cycle (5km) to the “Molhe Oeste” to carry out monitoring activities, such as:

    • Sighting sea turtles from a fixed point (Molhes de Barra)
    • Teams will take turns to go to the breakwaters by bike or foots to observe for two hours, and rest for 30 minutes per sighting. They ...

    Typical day

    Every day the volunteers will cycle (5km) to the “Molhe Oeste” to carry out monitoring activities, such as:

    • Sighting sea turtles from a fixed point (Molhes de Barra)
    • Teams will take turns to go to the breakwaters by bike or foots to observe for two hours, and rest for 30 minutes per sighting. They will record the number of animals sighted, oceanographic and meteorological data and some other measurements.
    • Monitor of amateur and artisanal fishing in the Breakwaters of Barra de Rio Grande.

    As well as sighting animals, volunteers will follows amateur and artisanal fishing activities and record the number of fisherman using each type of fishing gear (holding net, net, line and rod, etc). They will interview the fishermen socioeconomic questions and receive the sea turtles caught incidentally by the fishermen partners of Caminho Marinho. If turtles are captured, the volunteers will manage the captured animals following Caminho Marinho’s correct protocol.

    Twice a week, when the conditions are safe and good, the volunteers will go to intentionally captured sea turtles in Molhe Oeste to carry out biometrics, sampling and tagging. To intentionally capture green sea turtles, we use a waiting gill net (50m length, 3.2m height, 30cm mesh).

    The turtles that are captured are characterized by the presence or absence of tumors and epibionts, obtained biometrics, skin, blood and carapace collection, then are later tagged and released.

    In order to raise awareness about turtle protection issues and conservation of the environment some of these releases will take place in the presence of local tourists and residents. This will promote interaction between the community and the activities of Caminho Marinho.

    Free-time activities

    Rio Grande is a city known for musicality, with several local artists of Brazilian and international music (Thursday to Saturday gigs).

    Rio Grande has several museums with the most known being those linked to the sea: oceanographic museum, nautical museum, eco-museum Polvora Island, and a visit to ...

    Free-time activities

    Rio Grande is a city known for musicality, with several local artists of Brazilian and international music (Thursday to Saturday gigs).

    Rio Grande has several museums with the most known being those linked to the sea: oceanographic museum, nautical museum, eco-museum Polvora Island, and a visit to the Center for Marine Animal Rehabilitation (CRAM).

    Although limited to climatic conditions, there are diving and swimming spots in the breakwaters, as well as hiking through different places in the city as Ilha dos Marinheiros, Capilha and Taim. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    The program intends to give opportunity to all who have health conditions to carry out the activities.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 20:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    With the payment, the volunteers have the right to accommodation, professional training and participation in all activities of the Caminho Marinho, combining expenses with land and water transportation (fishery boat).
    Volunteers are entitled to use a bicycle, being responsible for the maintenance and safety.

    Accommodation

    Caminho Marinho's house is large with two dorm rooms. The room can be shared with up to 4 volunteers.
    The organization of the house is collective, and the volunteers are responsible for the organization and cleanig of the house.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Salgado Filho International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) in Porto Alegre. We assist you to find cheap flights to Brazil. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Brazil provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Brazil you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Brazil. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Caminho Marinho offers accommodation service in the Cassino Beach, which consists of a house with 2 bedrooms, bathroom, living room and kitchen, equipped with internet. The organization is collective between the trainees and volunteers to maintain the good living environment. Bed linen (sheets, blanket and pillow) and bath towel and for the field are the responsibility of the volunteers.

    The project is located in the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul. The nearest international airport is located in Porto Alegre (Salgado Filho Airport). By bus, the volunteer arrives from Porto Alegre to Rio Grande in a trip of 5 hours and 27 dollars of cost.

    The Project region has four seasons of the year well marked and therefore the luggage of the volunteer must be adapted according to the period of their participation. The project works throughout the year - however, the climate changes every season. Although sea turtles are present all year round, they become much less abundant between July and September.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $201 per week 2 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 20 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    4.91
    ・
    11 reviews

    Location

    Americas > South America > Brazil > Rio Grande

    Meet your project coordinator

    Thayana
    11
    reviews
    4.91
    Outstanding
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in Brazil
    Contact Thayana
      Good response rate
    English

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Thayana
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details