Kuri Buri, Thailand
Thai Island Conservation: Protect sea turtles, mangroves, and reefs on a remote coast
Join a vital conservation project on a remote island in Southern Thailand. For nearly 30 years, this NGO has protected nesting sea turtles (Leatherback, Olive Ridley, and Green), mangroves, and coral reefs. This is a hands-on experience in paradise, working alongside a dedicated team to monitor beaches, survey reefs, and support local community education. If you're passionate about marine life and want to make a tangible impact, this journey is for you.
- Monica and Lory
- Worldpackers host since Dec/2023
Available group trips
Dec 01, 2027 - Dec 06, 2027
Coming soonMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Starting from
US$ 1,108
Requirements
- Beginner English or Intermediate English
- Reasonable Physical Fitness
- Reasonable Physical Fitness
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon
12:30 PM: Island Transfer from the Pier
Meet the boat at KuraBuri Pier. This sea transfer is your gateway to the remote island. Feel the adventure begin as you leave the mainland behind!
1:30 PM: Arrival at the Project Site
You've arrived! Step off the boat onto the shores of your new island home. Welcome to the conservation site, your base for the week.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Settle Into Your Bungalow
Grab your gear and check into your sustainable wooden bungalow. Drop your bags, meet your roommates, and soak in the rustic, off-grid vibe.
2:00 PM: Welcome Lunch
Time to refuel after your journey. Join the group for a light welcome lunch prepared by the local Thai chef. Get to know your fellow travelers.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Orientation Tour
Get the lay of the land. The project leader will guide you through the conservation center, common areas, and onto the stunning, protected beach.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Your Mission Briefing
This is why you're here. Gather for an essential briefing on the project's goals, your role, and the week's conservation activity schedule.
Evening
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Island Sunset Session
This isn't just any sunset. Find a spot on the sand, connect with the group, and watch the sky light up over the ocean. Pure magic.
7:00 PM: Community Dinner
Gather for a hearty, authentic Thai dinner served buffet-style. Share stories and get hyped for the week of impact ahead. The evening is yours.
Day 2
Morning
5:30 AM: Sunrise Beach Monitoring
Rise before the sun for your first critical mission. Walk the protected beach (approx. 15km) with the team to find and secure new sea turtle nests.
8:30 AM: Group Breakfast
After an active morning, join the group for a well-deserved breakfast. Enjoy the authentic Thai flavors and fuel up for the rest of your day.
9:30 AM: Environmental Data Collection
Become a field scientist. Join the team to measure and record essential weather patterns and tide levels, data crucial for conservation planning.
10:00 AM: Turtle Feeding Observation
Head to a hillside viewpoint to observe and record sea turtles feeding in their natural habitat. Your data helps track their behavior and health.
Afternoon
12:30 PM: Lunch Break
Gather with the group for a delicious, freshly prepared lunch. Take this time to rest and connect with your fellow travelers.
2:00 PM: Project Support Activities
Time to help where it's needed most! This could be a beach cleanup, helping at the museum, painting conservation signs, or project maintenance.
3:00 PM: Island Free Time
Your mission is done for the day. The afternoon is yours to explore! Go swimming, grab a kayak, or use the project's snorkel gear.
5:00PM: Project History Talk
Discover the inspiring story behind the project, from its humble beginnings to its impact on the community today.
Evening
7:00 PM: Group Dinner
Meet back at the base for your evening meal. Share the day's highlights with the group and relax under the stars.
Day 3
Morning
5:30 AM: Sunrise Beach Monitoring
Rise before the sun for your daily mission. Walk the protected beach with the team to find, record, and secure any new sea turtle nests.
8:30 AM: Group Breakfast
Enjoy a well-deserved breakfast after your morning patrol. Fuel up with authentic Thai food and chat with the group before the next activity.
9:30 AM: Environmental Data Collection
Back to field science. Join the team to measure and record essential weather patterns and tide levels for the project's research.
10:00 AM: Guided Snorkelling on the Reef
Join a specialist guide for a safe and educational snorkeling tour, observing exotic fish and learning about the reef's diverse ecosystem.
Afternoon
12:30 PM: Lunch Break
Gather with the group for a delicious, freshly prepared lunch. Take this time to rest and connect with your fellow travelers.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Turtle feeding Behaviour or Visit to the Conservation Museum
Depending on logistics, your host will lead either a turtle feeding session or a tour to the Conservation Community Museum in Lion Village.
Evening
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Reef Conservation Talk
After your snorkel, gather for an expert talk. Learn about the reef's complex ecosystem, its current conservation status, and the threats it faces.
7:00 PM: Group Dinner
Meet back at the base for your evening meal. Share the day's highlights and your underwater discoveries with the group.
Day 4
Morning
5:30 AM: Sunrise Beach Monitoring
Wake up early for the daily mission. Walk the beach with the team to find and protect new sea turtle nests. This is vital work.
8:30 AM: Group Breakfast
After the morning patrol, join the group for a delicious breakfast. Enjoy the local Thai food and coffee.
9:00 AM: Environmental Data Collection
Back to base. Join the field scientists to measure and record the daily weather and tide data. Every entry helps the research.
9:30 AM: Ko Ra Island Expedition
Time for an excursion. The group will travel to the nearby island of Ko Ra to monitor its beaches for turtle activity and conservation status.
Afternoon
1:00 PM: Lunch Break
Gather for a freshly prepared lunch. Rest up and connect with the group after a busy morning of monitoring and data collection.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Mangrove Kayak Exploration
Grab a paddle! The group will kayak through the vital mangrove creek, exploring small islands and a hidden sea cave. A true adventure.
Evening
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Expert Turtle Talk
Gather for an in-depth talk on sea turtle conservation. Learn from the experts about the challenges, successes, and biology of these amazing animals.
7:00 PM: Group Dinner
Meet back at the base for your evening meal. Share the day's highlights from your Ko Ra and mangrove explorations with the group.
Day 5
Morning
5:30 AM: Sunrise Beach Monitoring
The daily mission continues. Walk the protected beach with the team to find and secure new sea turtle nests as the sun rises.
8:30 AM: Group Breakfast
Fuel up after your morning patrol. Enjoy a well-deserved breakfast with the group before heading out for the day's cultural tour.
9:00 AM: Thung Dap Village & Orchid Farm Tour
Time for cultural immersion. Take a car tour to the local Thung Dap village, explore its unique beach, and visit a beautiful local orchid farm.
Afternoon
1:00 PM: Local Lunch at Thung Dap
Enjoy an authentic Thai lunch hosted in Thung Dap village. This is a great chance to support the local community and taste regional flavors.
2:30 PM: Afternoon Free Time & Monitoring
Enjoy a short break after the village tour. At 3:00 PM, the group reconvenes for the day's second monitoring walk, focusing on Sections 2/3 of the beach.
Evening
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Fundraising Event
Time to get creative for a good cause. The group will help organize and host a turtle quiz or game for other guests as a fundraiser.
7:00 PM: Group Dinner
Meet back at the base for the group dinner of the day. Share highlights from your village tour and monitoring walks.
Day 6
Morning
5:30 AM: Sunrise Beach Monitoring
The daily mission continues. Walk the protected beach with the team to find and secure new sea turtle nests as the sun rises.
8:30 AM: Group Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast with the group after your morning walk. Fuel up for today's special boat expedition.
9:00 AM: Turtle & Dugong Boat Monitoring
All aboard! The group heads out on the water to monitor sea turtles and visit a dugong (sea cow) habitat. Keep your eyes peeled!
Afternoon
1:00 PM: Lunch Break
Back on land, gather for a freshly prepared lunch. Rest up and share highlights from the morning's boat expedition.
2:30 PM: Data Review Session
Time to check the numbers. Join the project team to review, verify, and organize the monitoring data collected so far.
3:00 PM: Afternoon Beach Monitoring
Head out for the afternoon's scheduled monitoring walk. The group will focus today on "Beach 2/3" to ensure full coverage.
Evening
7:00 PM: Group Dinner
Enjoy your evening meal. Celebrate the day's achievements, from the boat trip to the data review, with the group.
Day 7
Morning
5:30 AM: Final Sunrise Monitoring
It's your last sunrise mission. Walk the protected beach with the team, searching for and securing any new sea turtle nests.
8:30 AM: Group Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast with the group after your final morning patrol. Fuel up for a day of community engagement.
9:00 AM: Tapaioy Village & School Visit
Time for community immersion. The group will visit the local school in Tapaioy village to learn about the project's educational outreach.
Afternoon
1:00 PM: Lunch at Lion Village
Experience true local hospitality. The group will have lunch in Lion Village, supporting the community directly.
1:30 PM: Departure from the Island
Time to head home. The group will board the boat for the transfer back to the mainland (KuraBuri Pier), filled with new memories.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Beginner English or Intermediate English
- Reasonable Physical Fitness
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Sunrise Beach Patrols
Walk remote beaches at sunrise to find, measure, and protect vital turtle nests.
Turtle Spotting & Monitoring
Help us protect sea turtles! Observe feeding behavior and monitor nesting activity from the hill.
Coral Reef Guided snorkelling
Snorkel with purpose. Help our team survey the health of the vital coral reefs.
Environmental Data Collection
Learn to measure and record essential data like local weather, tides, and sea temperature.
Turtle Conservation Talks
Join regular evening talks to learn about sea turtle biology and conservation challenges.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Conservation Centre Support
Help restore, maintain, and give tours of our community museum and conservation center.
Community & Fundraising
Help run the local eco-shop or organize fun fundraising activities for our cause.
Coastal Beach Cleanups
Make a direct impact. Help us keep these pristine beaches clean and safe for wildlife.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Sea Kayaking
Grab a paddle! Explore the stunning coastline by kayak in your free time.
Extra cost to be paid on the island.
Savanna Exploration Tours
Explore the island's unique and surprising savanna ecosystem on a guided tour.
Extra cost to be paid on the island.
Relaxing Thai Massage
Treat yourself. Unwind with a traditional Thai massage.
Extra cost to be paid on the island.
Free-Time Snorkeling
Grab a mask and explore the beautiful underwater world right off the beach.
Extra cost to be paid on the island.
Cooking class
Cook, eat, and enjoy authentic local dishes.
Extra cost to be paid on the island.
Daily Yoga Sessions
Find your flow. Join daily yoga classes on the island (costs vary).
Extra cost to be paid on the island.
Videos
Jenny
United Kingdom
Alessandra was the best host ever. The second I stepped off the truck I was made to feel welcome! She was so kind and funny throughout my time. She made sure I knew everything I needed to complete the daily tasks and was trusted with them. I was able to paint some signs for the project after Ale knew I enjoyed painting. Ale's knowledge on everything turtles was amazing - I learnt so much. You truly feel like you're making a difference and the island itself is absolutely stunning.
9 months ago
Accommodation options
Shared Bungalow
The group will stay in sustainable wooden bungalows just a 3-minute walk from the project base and the sea. Rooms are set up as mixed-gender dorms, housing up to 4 travelers, and feature single or double beds, mosquito nets, and a balcony with seating. Each bungalow includes a private bathroom with a cold-water shower, toilet, and sink. Towels are provided. Electricity (and electric sockets) is available from 6:00 PM until the following morning, offering an authentic, off-grid island experience.
- Fixed-price laundry service
- Internet (under 50 Mbps)
- Dedicated Workspace
Meals
All meals are included and prepared by a local Thai chef, offering an authentic taste of Southern Thai cuisine. Dishes are served buffet-style, featuring fresh, local ingredients. The kitchen team is experienced in catering to dietary needs and can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free restrictions. Please note that travelers will not have access to a kitchen for personal use, as all meals are provided.
Arrival orientation
The group's journey begins with a 2.5-hour taxi ride from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to the KuraBuri Pier, the meeting point for the boat transfer. A project representative will be waiting at the pier holding a sign with the project's name. Travelers will then be taken directly to the island project site. Upon arrival and settling into the bungalows, the project leader will host an induction meeting to explain the project, activities, and traveler responsibilities.
About the project
Your host is an established Italian NGO dedicated to tropical island conservation in Thailand since 1996. They collaborate closely with the Phuket Marine Biological Center and the National Research Council. With over 23 years of experience hosting travelers, they are deeply integrated into the local community, employing residents as cooks, boat operators, and guides. Their work focuses on scientific research, conservation strategies, and educational programs to protect the region's vital marine ecosystems against habitat destruction and population decline.
About the destination
The experience is set on Koh Phra Thong, a remote, beautiful island in Southern Thailand. This location is an escape from mass tourism, offering a true immersion in nature. The island itself is characterized by savanna landscapes, mangrove forests, and quiet beaches. Be prepared for an off-grid lifestyle: amenities are basic, and services are limited. The nearest small shop is an hour's walk away, and major facilities like hospitals are on the mainland (a 1.5-hour boat ride). This remoteness is key to the conservation work and the authentic experience.
Impact & Purpose
This project is a direct response to the depletion of sea turtle populations and habitat destruction. Travelers are essential to its success, providing the workforce for monitoring, research, and educational activities, while also helping fund the conservation. The group will engage directly with the local community by participating in joint beach monitoring, attending cooking classes run by local chefs, and supporting education efforts. This model creates a positive impact by providing local employment (boat drivers, cooks, cleaners).
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Life below water
Travelers directly contribute by monitoring sea turtle behavior in their feeding grounds, conducting reef surveys via snorkeling, and monitoring the health of vital sea grass beds. The team also collects daily data on fishing boat activity to support marine protection strategies.
Responsible consumption and production
The project champions this goal by actively implementing recycling programs and organizing beach cleanups. Furthermore, it creates sustainable livelihoods by employing local people in conservation and tourism roles, offering viable alternatives to fishing.
Life on land
The group's work involves daily monitoring of beaches for new turtle nests, protecting existing nests, and measuring environmental data like tide and temperature. Activities also include beach cleaning, path clearing, and supporting the conservation center’s educational museum.
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