Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Excellent 4.80rating (192)

Sea Turtle Rehabilitator

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles.
  • Have close encounters with the different species of Sea Turtles.
  • Educate the public in the interests of sea turtles and help in the promotion of humane and sustainable practices.

Highlights

  • Help rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles.
  • Have close encounters with the different species of Sea Turtles.
  • Educate the public in the interests of sea turtles and help in the promotion of humane and sustainable practices.
  • Great opportunity to view one of the seven wonders of the world- The Great Barrier Reef!
  • Great opportunity to view one of the seven wonders of the world- The Great Barrier Reef!

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join us and volunteer to Rescue, research and Rehabilitate different species of Sea Turtles at Australia's Amazing Great Barrier reef!

    Venture into Australia and help a Rehabilitation Centre treat injured and sick marine turtles that are brought in from the Great Barrier Reef and the Cape York Peninsula! Due to mostly human induced factors, the lives of these marine turtles are being seriously threatened including the Green Sea ...

    About the program

    Venture into Australia and help a Rehabilitation Centre treat injured and sick marine turtles that are brought in from the Great Barrier Reef and the Cape York Peninsula! Due to mostly human induced factors, the lives of these marine turtles are being seriously threatened including the Green Sea Turtles, Flatback, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Loggerhead Sea Turtles.

    To conserve these beautiful sea turtles and their habitat, this rehabilitation facility that was established since 2000, works closely with several conservation groups including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EPA National Park Rangers. Many of these turtles are victims of a disease called “Floaters Syndrome”, have been injured by boats and discarded fishing gear or have digested marine debris thinking it was food. The Rehabilitation Centre relies on volunteers and donations to keep the project going. The facilities include a pre-release holding facility on an island. Join the team concerned about saving the lives of these sea turtles by nursing them back to health and when they are well, releasing them back into one of the wonders of the world!


    Requirements, Guidelines & Policies

    • Required to commit to a minimum of 1 week

    • NO SMOKING is allowed on the property.

    • Strong work ethics are required: reliable, responsible, honest, good sense of humour, dependable, physically and mentally fit.

    • Age: 18+

    • No animal allergies

    • Extreme Weather (heat & cold) especially the heat in the summer.

    • A love for animals and some general experience of caring for an animal is a must!

    • Must read and agree to abide by guidelines and ethics

    • Good knowledge of the English

    Volunteer Benefits

    • Work along other concerned individuals and aid turtles that are sick and injured.

    • Expand your knowledge on animal care and help promote humane and sustainable practices in Australia!

    • Great opportunity to view one of the seven wonders of the world! 


    Typical day

    As a volunteer at the project you become part of team that nurse the sick and injured sea turtles on the island. The project receives no help from the Government and relies on volunteers and donations. Some of the tasks will not be glamorous but you will have a lot of fun. Please remember that the ...

    Typical day

    As a volunteer at the project you become part of team that nurse the sick and injured sea turtles on the island. The project receives no help from the Government and relies on volunteers and donations. Some of the tasks will not be glamorous but you will have a lot of fun. Please remember that the care of these Sea Turtles is your number one priority while at the project. You will travel to the island by boat and help out with several tasks which includes but not limited to:

    • Cleaning and feeding the sea turtles at the facility
    • Preparing the food for the turtles
    • Keeping the tanks clean
    • Cleaning the filter bags
    • Taking part in turtle releases
    • Assist in researches and treatment of the injured turtles.
    • You will learn a great deal about Sea Turtles in general.

    You will be required to volunteer at least 5 days a week. A typical day involves arriving at the island at 9am and work until lunch. Your afternoons are usually off unless there are other tasks to be done. You will then head back to the boat at 4:30pm. You have the weekends off or any other day you would like to tour once you inform the project in advance. 


    Itinerary & Details

    Day 1 - Arrive in Cairns, Australia;
    You will arrive in beautiful Cairns where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.

    For 1 week or more - Care for Sea Turtles in beautiful Cairns - For the coming weeks you will have a great time working directly with the team that cares for the sick and injures sea turtles.

    Your last day - you will fly back home or take the opportunity to travel through Australia. Our staff will gladly help you to book any tours to see more of this great country.


    Free-time activities

    Volunteers will have lots of activities to participate in on their leisure time however, this will be covered by the volunteers own expense.

    Area Famous For Known as the Gateway to The Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Sea Turtles, Wildlife watching, beaches, waterfalls friendly people.

    Cairn

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers will have lots of activities to participate in on their leisure time however, this will be covered by the volunteers own expense.

    Area Famous For Known as the Gateway to The Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Sea Turtles, Wildlife watching, beaches, waterfalls friendly people.

    Cairns has great opportunities to view wildlife which includes Sea turtles, Mahogany Gliders, saltwater crocodiles, Kangaroos and Green Possums, and much more!


    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 (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    CV, Resume, Letter of Motivation, Two pics and Signed Policies and Liability form (provided during application process)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Strong work ethics are required: reliable, responsible, honest, good sense of humour, dependable, physically and mentally fit. No animal allergies. A love for animals and some general experience of caring for an animal is a must! Must read and agree to abide by guidelines and ethics. Good knowledge of the English.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The fees include:


    • Dorm style accommodation at a hostel (6 in a dorm). You will have access to the self-catering kitchen, have free Wi-Fi, AC, Ensuite bathroom facilities, balcony or garden terrace, free Sunday night BBQ, free luggage storage, onsite laundry, free activities and comfy pillows and sheets included.
    • You will be picked up from Cairns Airport.
    • Ongoing service and on location emergency support

    Airport Pickup at Cairns Airport

    You will arrive in beautiful Cairns where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.

    Accommodation

    You will stay in a dorm style room that sleeps 6 persons. You will have big comfortable pillows and sheets, AC, ensuite bathroom facilities, access to a self-catering kitchen, free Wi-Fi, free luggage storage and Sunday night BBQ and many more activities. The hostel is in walking distances to grocery stores, the ocean boardwalk, shops, and the ferry that will take you to your project.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cairns Airport (CNS) in Cairns. We assist you to find cheap flights to Australia. 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 Australia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    There are no specific days for this project however, we recommend that you start on a Monday and depart on Monday! Book at least a month in advance and try to arrive on Sundays to start your work on a Monday.

    Minimum of 1 week. There’s no limit on how long you can volunteer.



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

    Program Fees

    $1,178 per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 8 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
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2025
    I volunteering here together with my friend Julia. We first traveled together from Melbourne and we went north. There we wanted to volunteer ...
    Mariele Peters

    Sea Turtle Rehabilitator

    2024
    Very nice place to to volunteer and I still can't believe how big sea turtles are! I made some great friends while volunteer and after we ...
    Olivia Baumann

    Sea Turtle Rehabilitator

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    192
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Dutch, 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

    Contact Patrick
      Very high response rate
    German, Dutch, English

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Patrick
    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