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Excellent 4.89rating (11)

Sea Turtle and Island Conservation Helper

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

Highlights

  • Fantastic wildlife conservation work on a remote island far away from western luxury
  • Discover Koh Phra Thong's exceptional wildlife while living on a tropical island.
  • Clean beaches while conducting scientific research on plastic pollution.

Highlights

  • Fantastic wildlife conservation work on a remote island far away from western luxury
  • Discover Koh Phra Thong's exceptional wildlife while living on a tropical island.
  • Clean beaches while conducting scientific research on plastic pollution.
  • Get to know the Thai culture by living closely to the locals on the island.
  • Visit mangrove forest, coral reefs, turtle feeding grounds and kilometres of undiscovered beaches

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join us on beautiful and remote Koh Phra Thong island and make an impact on Marine Life in Thailand!

    Naucrates, Sea turtle and island conservation project, where our volunteer program is at the heart of our mission to protect the precious sea turtles and diverse ecosystems of Phra Thong Island, Thailand. Our program is not just important; it's essential. We confront pressing social issues related ...

    About the program

    Naucrates, Sea turtle and island conservation project, where our volunteer program is at the heart of our mission to protect the precious sea turtles and diverse ecosystems of Phra Thong Island, Thailand. Our program is not just important; it's essential. We confront pressing social issues related to environmental conservation, habitat preservation, and community engagement. By volunteering with us, you become an integral part of our effort to address these challenges head-on.

    Our program centers around environmental conservation, with a primary focus on safeguarding sea turtles, their nesting beaches, and the surrounding living habitats. Volunteers play a pivotal role in our mission by helping monitor and protect long stretches of pristine beaches, contributing to cleaner seas and raising environmental awareness among tourists. 

    The Surroundings and Locations: Our volunteers will have the privilege of living and working in a breathtaking, remote tropical paradise on Phra Thong Island. Nestled away from the conventional tourist destinations, this secluded island offers a unique experience. You'll be surrounded by lush mangrove forests, vibrant coral reefs, serene seagrass beds, and picturesque beaches. It's a far cry from the typical tourist spots, offering a serene and untouched natural environment.

    Collaboration: Volunteers will work closely with our dedicated Naucrates staff and local communities. Together, we strive to protect the island's rich biodiversity and raise awareness about the significance of conserving these ecosystems. By joining our program, you'll not only contribute to vital research but also engage with local communities, supporting small-scale businesses, education, and conservation initiatives.

    Expectations: We welcome volunteers with a passion for wildlife and conservation, a sense of responsibility, and a willingness to learn. Volunteers are expected to actively participate in monitoring and conservation activities, as well as in community engagement. We provide the necessary training and guidance to ensure your contributions are effective and meaningful. While no special equipment is required, we recommend bringing your enthusiasm, a willingness to adapt to a remote environment, and a deep respect for the natural world.

    At our project, we value the life-changing experience our volunteer program offers. Many who have fallen in love with Phra Thong Island choose to return year after year. By participating in our program, you'll not only become a part of our dedicated team but also embark on a transformative journey away from the ordinary, embracing the beauty of a secluded tropical island, and actively working to protect the local nature. Your journey to make a positive impact in the world of conservation begins here, with Naucrates.



    Typical day

    The following description of a daily routine should be considered as a general example. There will sometimes be changes, due to the nature of the project. In fact, we should bear in mind that we are working on wild endangered species, in a foreign country in South-East Asia.

    • Around 9:00 AM: Weather ...

    Typical day

    The following description of a daily routine should be considered as a general example. There will sometimes be changes, due to the nature of the project. In fact, we should bear in mind that we are working on wild endangered species, in a foreign country in South-East Asia.

    • Around 9:00 AM: Weather condition measurements.
    • Late morning (around 9:30 AM): 'Observations from the rock.' Two volunteers will go to the rock near GBB resort to observe the sea, looking for sea turtles, dolphins, or other marine life. If you're not on duty for 'observation from the rock,' you might have free time for swimming or beach walks.
    • Once or twice a week, we embark on a boat trip to inspect Ko Ra beaches. Some of these beaches are monitored by walking, which entails jumping from the boat, swimming ashore, and returning to the boat.
    • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch
    • Afternoon: Engage in various small projects.
    • 2:30 PM: The second 'observation from the rock' shift begins. Two volunteers will head to the rock to observe the sea for sea turtles, dolphins, or other marine life.
    • At 7:00 PM: Dinner

    Additional on-site activities may include preparing materials for school programs, monitoring, setting up displays, creating or clearing paths, conducting guided tours for visitors, bird watching, giving turtle talks, and participating in reef surveys, among others.

    Activities are organized into daily schedules and shifts. The work is not strictly structured from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Volunteers should be adaptable, working for a few hours, enjoying some free time, and then working another two hours. This flexible schedule allows you plenty of time to enjoy the island's beauty. 


    Free-time activities

    During your free time on the island, volunteers can engage in a variety of enjoyable activities. You can explore the pristine coastal waters by kayaking or stand-up paddling, providing an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty. For a taste of local culture, visiting ...

    Free-time activities

    During your free time on the island, volunteers can engage in a variety of enjoyable activities. You can explore the pristine coastal waters by kayaking or stand-up paddling, providing an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty. For a taste of local culture, visiting the nearby village is a fantastic experience, allowing you to connect with the community and learn about their way of life. If you seek relaxation, swimming in the crystal-clear waters is always a delightful option. Additionally, for those interested in wildlife, we recommend wildlife sightseeing, where you can observe the fascinating flora and fauna that call the island home. For a more extensive adventure, consider a day trip to the Surin Islands, a captivating nearby destination that promises unforgettable experiences.


    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.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    *** We have special offers for long term volunteers, friends and families!***

    This includes:

    • Accommodation (shared bungalow) at local bungalow site
    • Drinking water
    • Training and guidance on the project about our conservation work.
    • Local transport on the island during the project activities.
    • Assistance to organize and plan transfer from/to the island.

    Not included:

    • Transportation to/from Khuraburi Pier by boat. This will cost 84euro’s paid cash on the island.
    • Food and beverage at the project site (EcoHorizon resort provides Thai meals, food is served all day. The price is about breakfast 200 baht, fried rise 150 Baht, fruit juice 60 B, beer large 120 B. Two other local restaurants and one pizza bar are also near the project location. It is not possible to cook inside the bungalow and food shop are not found in the area.
    • Airport Pickup at Phuket or Ranong International airport
    • Flight tickets
    • Travel insurance
    • Vaccines

    Accommodation

    We have two different locations for our project accommodation. Mainly we stay at a local bungalow/tents situated almost on the beach. Some days we can also stay in a local village at a homestay with local families, on request. The location of the accommodation depends on the activities of the week and the number of volunteers. Accommodation in both locations is basic, either in single, double or triple rooms. You might have to share room with other volunteers. Be prepared to use a bucket shower and sometimes a local toilet!

    Electricity is provided via generators and will be available, mainly during the evening. Wi Fi is available but it can be very slow and intermittent.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Phuket 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 Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. 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 Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Next season starts from the 10th of January 2026 until the 30th of March 2026. Volunteers are welcome at anytime between those day.


    Travel info
    There are different options to travel to Phra Thong Island.  You can fly to Bangkok and then to Phuket or Ranong and take a bus to Khura Buri.

    From Phuket, the bus will take about 4 hours to reach Khura Buri. When you arrive at Khura Buri, you will need to take a taxi or a moped to the pier. We can help you to organize your transport to the pier and to the right boat.

    From Phuket you can also take a taxi to Khura Buri. Please ask Naucrates about costs and travel arrangements.

    You can also take a bus from Bangkok (South Terminal) to Phuket and get off the bus in Khura Buri.. The bus trip will take about 11 hours and only the VIP bus is really worth travelling on! Travelling by bus is cheap.
    Or you can take a train from Bangkok, to Surat Thani, (half way to Khura Buri) and then take a bus to Khura Buri.

    At the Khura Buri pier there will be a boat waiting for you. This must be arranged with Naucrates well in advance. The cost of the boat is included in the project fee. It takes about 1 hour from the mainland to reach the Island.

    If you plan to come earlier and spend a night or two in Kura Buri village, you should make a reservation for a room in advance. Naucrates can do this for you, if you send a message at least three days before. There are only couple of options in Kura Buri as it is not a big town.

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

    Program Fees

    $527 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.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.89
    11 reviews

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Ko Phra Thong

    Meet your project coordinator

    Zoe
    11
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    1996
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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