• Life Below Water

Sea Turtle Protection & Rainforest Preservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Learn more about the fragile marine ecosystem while helping to protect it
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living and working with the locals
  • Boost your resume with international volunteer experience
  • Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity and amazing landscapes
  • Broaden your horizon while immersing yourself into a new culture

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Volunteers have the unique opportunity to get involved in Sea Turtle protection and Rainforest Conservation in a Nature Reserve on the northern Pacific coast in Ecuador.

With this volunteer program you can combine your passion for marine life protection and rainforest conservation. Both ecosystems are highly sensitve and are home to an amazing number of flora and fauna. The local staff of this unique volunteer program has many years of experience in tropical forest ...

About the program

With this volunteer program you can combine your passion for marine life protection and rainforest conservation. Both ecosystems are highly sensitve and are home to an amazing number of flora and fauna. The local staff of this unique volunteer program has many years of experience in tropical forest and/or marine conservation. The project is located on the Galera San Francisco Peninsula in the province of Esmeraldas on the north coast of Ecuador. This is part of the Chocó Darién-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot and a true oasis for local wildlife and plants. Habitats include mangroves, estuaries, rocky reefs, coral areas, as well as tropical rainforests and dry forests with high levels of biodiversity.

Sadly, these wonderful ecosystems are threatened by overfishing, shrimp farming, habitat destruction, deforestation, pollution and uncontrolled development. The local population relies heavily on natural resources for their livelihood. Fishing, agriculture and forestry are the main sources of income.

The volunteer program raises awareness of the importance of respecting our planet and protecting forests and beaches through environmental education. Workshops and practical activities are done in local schools and with communities. In recent years, the volunteer project has successfully promoted regenerative agriculture, sea turtle protection, bioconstruction, ecotourism and handicrafts. 

Volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of meaningful tasks. 

1. Marine Conservation
2. Environmental Education
3. Regenerative Agriculture

Marine conservation clearly focuses on the sea turtles that come to nest on the beaches. This area was declared Ecuador's first continental marine protected area back in 2008. In environmental education, the top priority is to educate future generations about the urgency of conservation. Children and adults are trained in environmental protection through workshops and activities with a practical connection to nature. Another main concern is the preservation of the last pieces of tropical rainforest on the coast of Ecuador. This area has fascinating flora and fauna, but the rainforest is rapidly being destroyed to make way for livestock and agriculture. To counteract this phenomenon, the volunteer project promotes regenerative agriculture and permaculture in local communities.

Typical day

Volunteers spend a large portion of their time with field work, meaning you will spend most of the day outdoors. But any biological work also requires data entry and data analysis. Volunteers' help is also required to keep the rooms of the volunteer house and the research station clean and tidy.

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Typical day

Volunteers spend a large portion of their time with field work, meaning you will spend most of the day outdoors. But any biological work also requires data entry and data analysis. Volunteers' help is also required to keep the rooms of the volunteer house and the research station clean and tidy.

Volunteers can gain knowledge of sea turtle conservation as they will collect relevant information about nesting sea turtles, obtain audiovisual materials, identify and measure the size of sea turtle tracks and, last but not least, protect the nest. If the nest is in an obviously bad location the nest must be moved to the safe breeding station. Baby survival chances are top priority! Once the baby turtles hatch, it is necessary to record the total number of newborn turtles. This requires coordination to collect and record important data (number of hatchlings, photos and videos, following baby turtles to the water with a snorkel to continue recording underwater).

Peak sea turtle season begins in June and lasts until December. The first baby turtles begin to hatch in late August. Monitoring beaches for nesting sea turtles is truly exciting and a unique experience, even though it requires some physical fitness.

Plastic bags and ghost nets are a major threat to sea turtles. They can ingest plastic as food or become entangled in ghost nets. It is crucial that nesting beaches are kept as clean as possible to mitigate the impact on sea turtles (and all other marine species). 

Main activities in marine conservation and sea turtle protection:

  • Removing plastic waste
  • Helping with the waste management
  • Monitoring beaches to spot tracks of adult turtles
  • Identifying the exact nest location
  • Protecting the nest with natural materials, e.g. woods & stones
  • Follow-up monitoring until the hatchlings reach the sea

In the rainforest conservation project, volunteers help to monitor wildlife using camera traps, through observation (binoculars), jungle hikes, night monitoring. They also help to regenerate damaged ecosystems. In this area you can find the last remnants of this ecosystem in northwestern Ecuador, however, many agroforestry areas or in and around the rainforest. The restoration of biodiversity and the regeneration of old forests through reforestation are the primary goals. Many plant-related activities are carried out, such as working in the nursery, producing seedlings for the rehabilitation of degraded areas, tropical gardening (cocoa and tropical fruits), etc. 

Educational workshops are offered for school children and adult community members to increase environmental awareness. Volunteers also help with this important task.

The sun is out before 6 AM, so work days start and end earlier than you might be used to. Usually at 6 AM volunteers start their day with a healthy breakfast. At about 7 AM volunteers to beach monitoring and will be back at the station at around 11:30 AM. Lunch is served at 12:30 PM with a long siesta time until 2:30 PM. In the afternoon from 2:30 to 4 PM volunteers help in different kind of areas according to the description above. Work normally ends at 4 PM and dinner is served at 7 PM.
(This work schedule might change if night patrols to spot nesting turtles is required).

Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

Free-time activities

The Sea Turtle & Rainforest Conservation volunteer program is located in the province of Esmeraldas on the northern Pacific coast of Ecuador. This region is known for its exotic flora and fauna, a humid climate and its dream beaches. The beaches are fantastic surfing spots both for beginners and ...

Free-time activities

The Sea Turtle & Rainforest Conservation volunteer program is located in the province of Esmeraldas on the northern Pacific coast of Ecuador. This region is known for its exotic flora and fauna, a humid climate and its dream beaches. The beaches are fantastic surfing spots both for beginners and advances with excellent waves almost all year round. Surf rental can be found in almost every small fishing village.

The location of this project is as wonderful as its mission. It lies between the long sandy beaches and the stunning evergreen rainforest. 

Volunteers use their free time to visit places of interest in the closeby area. One of our volunteers' favorite places is undoubtedly the nice beaches in the marine reserve where they can swim, sunbath or surf. If you are lucky you can even observe humpback whales playing and jumping in the sea between July and October. Volunteer also love to visit local fishing villages, chat with locals and learn about local culture. A trip on a fishing boat or dugout canoe is also a wonderful way to learn more about local traditions and community life.

But it's not just the beach that invites you to spend your free time. There is also the jungle just right there at the doorstep. A hike through the rainforest is a amazing experience. You can do bird watching, spot a wide variety of wildlife, take a dip in the river, visit waterfalls, or climb breathtaking viewpoints on the hills and cliffs.

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) or Spanish (basic level)

Required Documents

Volunteer Questionnaire

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 07:30 - 15:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

  • Shared room in Volunteer House
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Advice from our experienced staff
  • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
  • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
  • Your placement in the volunteer project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Packing list
  • Country handbook
  • Intercultural guide
  • Orientation upon arrival
  • On-site volunteer coordinator
  • 24/7 emergency number
  • Advice on travel insurance
  • Certificate of participation

Accommodation

The project's facilities include two research stations close to the ocean and a tropical rainforest about 12 km away one from the other. Both stations have volunteer houses. There is room for up to 20 scientists and volunteers in both houses. The first station is located right at Galerita Beach, a significant sea turtle nesting site. It is surrounded by protected rainforest with restricted access to the public. The project supervisor and volunteer coordinator also live at this station. The volunteer house has a great view of the sea and is built simply but comfortably out of wood and bamboo. Running water, electricity, and an internet connection are available. A different house serves as the dining room, chill-out space with hammocks, and kitchen.

We would like to draw attention to the fact that the station also operates a small rescue facility for stray dogs. So, be prepared to live among a couple of dogs as well.

The second station also offers a stunning view of the forest and the Pacific Ocean. It is situated in the middle of an agroforestry area where numerous fruits are grown. This attracts exotic birds (including toucans, hummingbirds, and hundreds of tropical bird species) and is an excellent place for bird watching. The station has a dining room, a kitchen that is fully stocked, a dormitory, and a chill-out area with hammocks for relaxation. The home has internet access, electricity, and running water.

Food & Beverages

Three healthy meals per day are part of this eco-volunteer project. The majority of the ingredients, including sustainable fish, chicken, and eggs, are sourced from nearby organic farms. There are options for vegetarians and vegans.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Esmeraldas Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Esmeraldas Airport (ESM) in Esmeraldas. 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

Year round on any day of the week

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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 905€
3 weeks 1,074€
4 weeks 1,243€
5 weeks 1,412€
6 weeks 1,581€
7 weeks 1,750€
8 weeks 1,919€
9 weeks 2,088€
10 weeks 2,257€
11 weeks 2,426€
12 weeks (max. stay) 2,595€
Average fees 334€/week

Program fees

334€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

South America Inside

Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Marion

Spoken languages: German, English, Spanish

About the project

South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

Meet your organization

South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

Volunteer Work

Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

Why with us

There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

Our Insider benefits at a glance:

•  Regional Experience
Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

•  Multifaceted Offers
Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

•  Insider Advice
Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

•  Location
It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

•  Independence
South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

•  Multilingual Team

Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

•  Customer Service
Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

•  Gapless and Accurate Information flow
With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

•  Approved Program Places
Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

128 reviews · rating4.6

Die Zeit vergeht wie im Flug und die Hälfte ist schon rum. Ich hatte eine unvergessliche Zeit bis jetzt, da die Gruppe perfekt war und wir uns alle super verstanden haben. Nun hat es einen grossen Wechsel gegeben mit neuen und vor allem weniger Leuten. Wir haben 2 Wochenendtrips in verschiedene ...
Regina N. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
Alex S. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
Nathalie K. rating5

2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...
Stacey Garratt rating5

2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
Mattia Malfanti rating5

2024 at Countryside School Assistant

Very good location and people. Really good organization and people are really hospitable. Peumal is a really good alternative school. I sincerely advice if you want help in an alternative school to go ...

Location

Americas > South America > Ecuador > Quingue

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Contact Marion
  Very high response rate
German, English, Spanish

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