5 Best Sea Turtle Conservation Programs

Here are some fast sea turtle conservation facts: There are seven species of sea turtle, six of which are endangered. In nature, most sea turtle hatchlings never make it to the sea due to predatory birds who catch them while on their way. The ones that do make it to the sea face adjusting to warm water temperatures and the threat of eating plastic, or getting caught in carelessly discarded fishing nets. We can bet at least a few of these things are why you’re interested in sea turtle conservation programs, right?

Sea turtles are grazers, and it’s this characteristic that makes them so vital to the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds. These ecosystems serve as houses for many species, such as clownfish. Without sea turtles to graze and maintain these healthy habitats, there will be a decline in other marine species as well. So it’s no exaggeration when we say we need to #savetheturtles.

Sea turtle rescue volunteer opportunities are also a chance to volunteer for entire marine ecosystems! Are you ready to make a difference?

What is it like to volunteer with sea turtles?

There are different types of sea turtle conservation programs and volunteer tasks. Sea turtle conservation volunteers may be involved in patrolling the beaches at night, deterring poachers, and protecting nests. Volunteers may also be involved in building physical barriers to protect these nests, which is no easy task when combined with very little sleep. Beach cleans are also a common task, as they help prevent plastic and waste from getting into the ocean and threatening the turtles that are released.

Some programs are specifically geared toward sea turtle rescue volunteer opportunities. These centers often take in injured turtles, provide them with first aid and general care, and then release the then-healthy turtles into the sea when possible. Typical tasks include cleaning the turtles, cleaning their tanks, weighing the turtles, and feeding them.

Working in a hatchery is another common placement for sea turtle volunteers. Participants here look after nests in the safety of the hatchery and may provide care for the hatchlings until they are a few weeks old, before releasing them into the sea.

So, which sea turtle conservation volunteer programs should you be considering?

5 best sea turtle conservation programs

Editor’s note: This information on turtle conservation volunteer projects was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Maldives – Sea Turtle Conservation with GoEco

This program, located in the breathtaking Maldives, is truly one of the most unique sea turtle rescue volunteer opportunities! This program takes in injured and illegally kept turtles, rehabilitates them, and releases them when possible.

The unique point about this specific program, however, is that the turtles are first released into a protected area in the sea, where they can readjust to the saltwater and waves of the ocean. Once the local team feels they are ready, the turtles are taken out of the gated section, and released into the open sea. Extra steps like this is what makes some sea turtle rescue centers really stand out.

Sea turtle conservation volunteers are involved in typical rehabilitation tasks, such as cleaning the turtles, applying first aid cream, weighing the sea turtles, feeding them, and cleaning tanks. Another unique point about this program, however, is that volunteers may get to be involved in rehabilitative swims! These take place when turtles have injured flippers, or have lost their flippers and are unable to dive on their own.

2. Indonesia – Bali Sea Turtle Rescue with GoEco

Volunteers who are dreaming of a top-rated, tropical destination that includes working with sea turtles should look no further! This program works alongside the local fishermen, who collect vulnerable eggs and bring them to the turtle center for protection against poachers.

Daily tasks include cleaning the turtles and their tanks, preparing food and feeding the turtles, collecting crabs, performing beach clean-ups, spreading conservation awareness, making turtle toys, and monitoring the progress of the turtles currently in the center.

During hatching season, volunteers feed and care for the hatchlings until they are strong enough for release into the sea.

3. Turtle Nest Monitoring Volunteer in Galapagos with Intercultural Outreach Initiative

Turtle conservation volunteer projects and the Galapagos Islands just go hand-in-hand. In addition to being home to giant tortoises, the Galapagos are also home to small sea turtles!

Volunteers on this program will be studying nesting patterns and protecting nests in the sand. Hawksbill and green sea turtles will be identified as participants collect data along a five-kilometer coastline each day. This program only takes place during nesting season, which is December-May in the Galapagos.

4. Great Barrier Turtle Conservation in Australia with Love Volunteers

What better place is there to care for sea turtles than the Great Barrier Reef, home to the largest coral reef system in the world? Volunteers on this program will have the opportunity to work with injured or sick turtles in a rehabilitative center in Cairns.

The turtles that are brought in are often suffering from being caught in fishing nets or from ingesting plastic. Many of the turtles are unable to feed or dive on their own due to buoyancy. Volunteer tasks include applying medicine, feeding the turtles, and cleaning the tanks.

5. Costa Rica – Sea Turtle Conservation with GoEco

In Costa Rica, sea turtles are everywhere! Volunteers on this program will be placed at one of three different beaches (two on the Pacific Coast and one on the Caribbean Coast) to protect Green, Hawksbill, and/or Leatherback turtles.

Volunteer tasks include nighttime nest patrols, conducting morning nest surveys, bringing vulnerable eggs to a nearby hatchery, conducting beach cleans, and releasing healthy hatchlings into the sea. Live the pura vida and give back to nature in one of Central America's top destinations.

What’s the difference? Compare these programs side-by-side (for FREE!) with MyGoAbroad

Don’t pick up that straw! Find turtle conservation volunteer projects instead

Turtle conservation volunteer projects make all the difference (even if he looks unimpressed)!

Get sandy and get to work, turtle lovers! Sea turtles around the world are in need of conservation, so it’s time to take on the unique opportunity of being a sea turtle conservation volunteer. Tasks may be physically difficult, but the feeling of watching healthy sea turtles being released into the sea is more than worth it.

Whether you are treating injured turtles, cleaning the beach, building protective barriers around nests, or collecting data on turtle behavior, you can be sure you’ll make a positive impact. Gain experience in wildlife and marine conservation, enjoy tropical beaches, and do your part in protecting an endangered species!

Explore ALL Conservation Volunteer Programs on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from GoEco, who was named a Top Volunteer Abroad Organization of 2018 by GoAbroad, and a Best Sustainable Tour Operator finalist by the Global Youth Travel Awards. One of GoEco’s programs in Belize was named a finalist for Most Innovative New Volunteer Program of 2018 by GoAbroad.