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Excellent 4.89rating (22)

Protect Marine Wildlife & Surf

location
3 - 30 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Save sea turtles and restore beaches – Work at a coastal wildlife center and help relocate nests with Ecuador's Ministry of the Environment, giving hatchlings a second chance.
  • Waves every day – Enjoy the Pacific waves with two-hour lessons synchronized with the tides, perfect for beginners or wave-hungry professionals.
  • Work with diverse animal species such as penguins, dolphins, sea turtles, palicans, and many others. Afterwards, relax by the sea or surf.

Highlights

  • Save sea turtles and restore beaches – Work at a coastal wildlife center and help relocate nests with Ecuador's Ministry of the Environment, giving hatchlings a second chance.
  • Waves every day – Enjoy the Pacific waves with two-hour lessons synchronized with the tides, perfect for beginners or wave-hungry professionals.
  • Work with diverse animal species such as penguins, dolphins, sea turtles, palicans, and many others. Afterwards, relax by the sea or surf.
  • Spanish immersion – We include a 20-hour Spanish course in the first week, and then you can practice with locals who rarely speak English.
  • Volunteer house near the sea – Share a place with other volunteers with a pool, kitchen, and jacuzzi... or you can stay in a bamboo hut just minutes from the waves.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Protect sea turtles and ride waves on Ecuador’s Pacific Coast, join our Surf Camp for Marine-conservation volunteering, including Surf sessions and Spanish lessons.

    Wake up to Pacific waves, spend your mornings rescuing sea turtles, then paddle out for an afternoon Surf and Learn Spanish. 

    Ready to dive into marine conservation while catching waves on one of the most beautiful coastlines in Latin America? At the Surf & Suport Marine Wildlife, you’ll join a ...

    About the program

    Wake up to Pacific waves, spend your mornings rescuing sea turtles, then paddle out for an afternoon Surf and Learn Spanish. 

    Ready to dive into marine conservation while catching waves on one of the most beautiful coastlines in Latin America? At the Surf & Suport Marine Wildlife, you’ll join a unique volunteer experience that blends purposeful action, unforgettable moments by the sea and an immersion in the Spanish language.

    This program invites you to protect marine wildlife, support sea turtle conservation, participate in beach cleanups and recycling efforts, and raise environmental awareness in local communities. From assisting injured animals at a marine wildlife center to helping teams rescue and relocate sea turtles, your days will be filled with meaningful work that truly matters for that animals.

    But there’s more beyond the work. When you’re not working on conservation, you’ll take part in daily surf lessons with expert instructors and Spanish language classes that help you connect more deeply with local culture. It's the perfect blend of learning, giving back, and living fully.

    Volunteers typically commit to 4 hours of work per day, Monday through Friday. Tasks vary depending on the season and needs, and may include:
    • Feeding and caring for rescued marine animals
    • Assisting with habitat design and repair
    • Helping with medical treatments and turtle hatchling releases
    • Supporting educational workshops for children and families
    • Collecting and documenting project data, photos, and reports
    You don’t need to be a marine biologist or a pro surfer—just bring your enthusiasm, adaptability, and a basic level of Spanish, as English is not widely spoken at the site. This is a chance to step out of your comfort zone, learn about sustainable development, and connect with nature and community in a powerful way.

    We are waiting for you to show the hero you have inside! 
    They need your help!
    Be part of the change!

    Typical day

    Your rhythm shifts as you progress through the camp, but the flow is easy to follow:

    Week 1 – Spanish + Surf:
    07 : 30 – Breakfast at the volunteer house
    08 : 00 – 12 : 00 – Intensive Spanish class or a two-hour surf session, depending on the tide schedule
    13 : 00 – Lunch break

    Typical day

    Your rhythm shifts as you progress through the camp, but the flow is easy to follow:

    Week 1 – Spanish + Surf:
    07 : 30 – Breakfast at the volunteer house
    08 : 00 – 12 : 00 – Intensive Spanish class or a two-hour surf session, depending on the tide schedule
    13 : 00 – Lunch break
    13 : 00 – 17 : 00 – Second block of Spanish or surf (whichever you didn’t do in the morning)
    19 : 00 – Dinner, followed by free time—join fellow volunteers for sunset volleyball, a stroll along the malecón, or the “Parrifiesta” a barbecue party.

    Week 2 onward – Marine-Conservation Volunteering:
    07 : 00 – Breakfast
    07 : 30 – Bus to the Marine Wildlife Center or a partnering Ministry beach site
    08 : 00 – 12 : 00 – Hands-on work: feeding injured turtles, relocating nests, beach clean-ups, or habitat repairs
    13 : 00 – Lunch back at base
    Afternoons – Free for surfing, diving, yoga, or simply relaxing in the hammock; and sometimes a quick debrief with your project leader
    19 : 00 – Dinner and downtime with the crew.

    Weekends are yours to explore, catch bigger breaks up the coast, hop to a mangrove estuary, or join an optional whale-watching trip. The timetable flexes with tides, rescue call-outs, and community events, so bring a can-do attitude and be ready to roll with the Pacific breeze.

    Free-time activities

    After volunteering, dive straight into coastal fun.
    Surf or do yoga at sunrise, play beach volleyball, ride horses on the sand, or go paragliding. From July to September, take a boat to Isla de la Plata for Whale watching or take a short scuba diving course and you can see a Manta Ray. Longer breaks ...

    Free-time activities

    After volunteering, dive straight into coastal fun.
    Surf or do yoga at sunrise, play beach volleyball, ride horses on the sand, or go paragliding. From July to September, take a boat to Isla de la Plata for Whale watching or take a short scuba diving course and you can see a Manta Ray. Longer breaks allow you to swap the beach for volcano treks, Amazon tubing, canyoning, or downhill mountain biking in the Andes.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Respect for marine life and natural ecosystems Willingness to live simply and sustainably Adaptability to climate, tides, and flexible routines Cultural empathy with the local surf-town community Curiosity and presence to learn from the context Collaboration and proactive mindset

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 12:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Your fee keeps the project alive and running!
    • Your stay at the beachfront volunteer hostel;
    • The first week’s Spanish course and a week of surf lessons (equipment included);
    • Expences for the Marine Wildlife Center; Turtle rescue supplies and other animals, beach cleanup equipment and more;
    • Salaries for local staff, surf instructors, and 24-hour coordinators;
    • Transportation for the coordination team to Marine Wildlife Center, as well as transfers to the rescue site;
    • A small safety reserve that also funds microgrants for community beach cleanups and impact monitoring.

    Accommodation

    Staying at a

    beachfront hostel on Ecuador’s coast means embracing the relaxed, communal rhythm of tropical life. The space blends comfort and connection, featuring a pool, a fully equipped shared kitchen, cozy shared dorms, and the option of a private room. A spacious social area brings together travelers and volunteers from around the world, creating a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, always accompanied by the sound of the ocean.

    Internet Access

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

    Add-ons & Experiences

    Airport Pick-Up
    When you arrive, our driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to the volunteer hostel.

    Before your departure, you’ll receive instr

    $119 / once

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Jose Joaquin de Olmedo 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 Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. 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 Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Start Dates
    Programs kick off every Monday. If those dates don't fit, you will have to wait until the next Monday to start, but that is not a problem

    Arrival and instructions 
    When you arrive, our driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to the volunteer house.
    Before your departure, you’ll receive instructions covering everything you need to know before your arrival, including local customs and emergency contacts, so you can land fully prepared and stress-free.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $375 per week 3 - 30 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    3 - 30 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
    22 reviews

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Guayaquil

    Meet your project coordinator

    Felipe
    22
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    2023
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish
    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.

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    Contact Felipe
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    English, Portuguese, Spanish

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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