Sea Turtle & Tropical Rainforest Conservation Program

5.0
(20 reviews)20

The experience

Gain hands-on experience in sea turtle conservation—monitor nesting beaches, protect eggs, and combat plastic pollution. Learn about tropical permaculture and help conserve vital rainforest ecosystems. We are also involved in environmental education activities at local schools. Be part of real impact in a critical biodiversity hotspot.


What you offer

30 hours of help per week

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 25 Per day

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers and Materials for volunteer activities

Description: Esta cuota se destina a cubrir gastos de alimentación, mantenimiento de los espacios, camas confortables (proporcionamos sábanas, almohadas y mosquiteros), Internet alta velocidad Starlink, herramientas, transporte entre las comunidades de la península Galera - San Francisco.


What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Permaculture Course: Take part in our Permaculture course for free.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely


Requirements

Intermediate English or Intermediate Spanish

Over 18 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Travel insurance


What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa


Program Details

Be part of a real impact in a critical biodiversity hotspot.

We are the only local nonprofit dedicated to conserving Ecuador’s last coastal Chocó rainforests and the threatened species of the Galera-San Francisco Marine Reserve—with a special focus on sea turtles. Volunteers are the heart of our project—without them, our work wouldn’t be possible. We’re a multicultural, passionate team of conservationists with years of experience in tropical rainforest and marine protection. Together, we take direct action to safeguard and restore these critical ecosystems.


Activities & Shift

Fieldwork (70-80%) – Monitor nesting beaches, protect sea turtle eggs, collect plastic waste, and assist in reforestation efforts.

Data Work (10-20%) – Logging and analyzing biological data—a crucial part of conservation!

Maintenance Tasks (10%) – Help keep the research station, volunteer house, and equipment clean and organized.

Schedule & Free Time:
Work Shifts: Morning (7:30 AM - 11:30 AM) or Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM).

Weekends Free – Explore nearby beaches, surf towns, and rainforest trails!

Important Notes:

Fieldwork depends on weather, tides, and logistics (like fuel availability). Flexibility and patience are key!

Living in a remote area means adapting to limited resources—but it’s all part of the adventure.