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Great 4.42rating (74)
  • Life Below Water

Sea Turtles Conservationists

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Increase your knowledge in wildlife conservation.
  • Develop your interpersonal skills while exploring new places.
  • Experience a new culture and make lifetime friends.

Highlights

  • Increase your knowledge in wildlife conservation.
  • Develop your interpersonal skills while exploring new places.
  • Experience a new culture and make lifetime friends.
  • Become a member of a great community.
  • Visit Kefalonia as one of the most beautiful Greek islands with amazing beaches.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Participate in our Sea Turtle conservation to help save Sea Turtles from extinction.

    The main focus of this project is the conservation of of sea turtles, the protection of forest ecosystems and natural regeneration areas. It is the most important national beach marine turtle nesting alone, this means that there are spawning of different species throughout the year. El Refuge ...

    About the program

    The main focus of this project is the conservation of of sea turtles, the protection of forest ecosystems and natural regeneration areas. It is the most important national beach marine turtle nesting alone, this means that there are spawning of different species throughout the year. El Refuge includes 3km of beach and straight from the sea, 200 meters inward, embracing an extent of 243 hectares of land. What protects and what the shelter is? In nesting beach four of the seven sea turtle species that exist in the world, these are the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), (Eretmochelys imbricata), black (Chelonia midas agassizii), all these declared endangered. At the Refuge, nesting records more frequent are the Kemp's ridley and a much smaller proportion of the leatherback, black and tortoiseshell.

    Project Focus - This program emphasizes conservation activities rather than a traditional gap year or volunteer travel experience. It involves a 5-day workweek with the potential for early-morning starts or night shifts on the beach. There is ample downtime, but the team expects punctuality and full participation in all assigned shifts. A strong passion for marine conservation should be the main motivation for joining the trip. Most participants have a wonderful experience, though a small number may find the program lacking the cultural and travel balance offered by our other destinations.

    Cycling - The fieldwork covers nesting beaches across a wide area. The easiest way for volunteers to move between locations is by bicycle, especially in Lixouri, where the distance from the main town to the nesting beaches is about 8 km. Therefore, volunteers must be comfortable cycling on hilly terrain and able to walk the beaches on hot days. You will always cycle as part of a team at scheduled times. Additionally, you can use your free time to cycle further and explore the local area.

    Observation shifts in the harbour of Argostoli focus on monitoring the feeding and behaviour of adult turtles. Turtles congregate here regularly, allowing you to team up with fellow volunteers to observe this endangered species. In contrast, harbour shifts in Lixouri focus on spotting turtles in a harbour where they are less common. The number of turtles seen in the Lixouri harbour seems to be increasing each year.

    Typical day

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 5-8 hours per day, Monday to Saturday. You will be taking exciting night patrols along the beaches to observe rare turtle species and monitor their habits and behaviors. Working hours are split into shifts, ...

    Typical day

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 5-8 hours per day, Monday to Saturday. You will be taking exciting night patrols along the beaches to observe rare turtle species and monitor their habits and behaviors. Working hours are split into shifts, and volunteers should be prepared to have late night or day shift. It is important that you stay flexible.

    A typical day could be:
    07.30-08.30 am:  breakfast
    09.00 - 11.30 am: volunteer task
    afternoon off 
    or
    02 - 04 pm: volunteer task
    night shift:
    00-02.30am

    Free-time activities

    During your two day-offs a week you have the opportunity to explore the island. The beach is near to the accomodation and you can enjoy the sea. 

    Free-time activities

    During your two day-offs a week you have the opportunity to explore the island. The beach is near to the accomodation and you can enjoy the sea. 

    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)

    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 and Friday from 04:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accomodation in shared rooms
    • Trained field leaders with 24-hour support
    • Cookware and research equipment
    • Airport pick-up
    • 12/7 emergency number

    Airport Pickup at Kefallinia Airport

    You have a few options to get to Kefalonia. The easiest one is a Non-Stop flight to Kefalonia (EFL). If this is not possible, you also have the opportunity to fly first to Athens (ATH) and afterwards to Kefalonia (EFL) – it´s an one hour flight to Kefalonia from Athens. The last possibility is the following: first flying to Athens (ATH) and then taking bus/ferry. This ride is going to take you 7 hours from Athens to Kefalonia. Doesn´t matter if you arrive with a ferry or by plane – we will either pick you up at the airport or at the bus station. 

    Starts depending on selection: Sundays and Tuesdays between May and September

    Accommodation

    In both of our two Field Stations, you will be staying in apartments. You will share a room with your teammates and have free access to a kitchen with cookware, utensils and a shared fridge. The shared bathrooms have hot water.

    W do not offer any kind of meals, but you are able to (shop in local grocery stores and use the project facilities for your own mean preparation).

    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 Kefallinia Airport (EFL) in Kefallinia. We assist you to find cheap flights to Greece. 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 Greece provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    In Argostoli you can start on every second Sunday in a month. In Lixouri on every second Tuesday in a month.

    This project is only available from May to September!

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

    Program Fees

    $596 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 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
    4.4
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Greece > Argostoli

    Meet your project coordinator

    Angela
    74
    reviews
    4.42
    Great
    2012
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: French, German, Spanish, 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 Greece
    Contact Angela
      Good response rate
    French, German, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details