Join a meaningful turtle conservation project along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and make a real impact while living just steps away from the beach. This project focuses on protecting endangered sea turtles on two of the country’s most important nesting beaches (Belek and Kızılot) in the beautiful Antalya region.
Why it matters:
Belek is Turkey’s largest nesting beach for sea turtles, stretching 29km and home to one of the biggest turtle populations in the Mediterranean. Both beaches are also popular tourist spots, so conservation work here is vital to protect the turtles’ habitat.
What you’ll do:
You’ll be out in the field doing hands-on conservation work, learning loads about wildlife protection, and gaining real research experience. No science background needed, just enthusiasm and a love for the environment!
Your tasks might include:
After a full week of hands-on training, you’ll be placed into a team that covers a section of the beach. You'll be supported by experienced team leaders, camp managers, and other volunteers.
Field work team (Main crew):
Start around 3am to get to the beach before sunrise. Patrol, check nests, and gather data till around 9-11am, depending on the workload. You’ll then head back to camp for lunch, input data, and have the rest of the afternoon to chill.
Reserve crew:
If you're not on the field, you might help with meal prep or camp cleaning. You may also jump in for afternoon work like cage building or nest protection.
Night shifts:
During the nesting season, some teams head out at night (9pm–3am) to monitor turtles laying eggs. This is a magical experience that you don't want to miss!
Free time & days off:
You’ll get downtime most afternoons, and at least one full day off each week to explore, swim, or just relax.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something bigger, meet likeminded people from around the world, and help protect one of the planet’s most iconic sea creatures.
Working hours depend on which team you’re in on a given day, as outlined above.
The number of volunteers can vary between 15 and 40, depending on the project site (around 15 in Kızılot and around 30 in Belek).
We usually have 1 to 4 staff members at the project sites who were once long-term or returning volunteers. Each site has at least one Field Coordinator.
Field Leaders are volunteers with prior experience on the project or long-term volunteers (preferably staying from start to finish) who are trained to assist Field Coordinators with planning, volunteer training, and monitoring data collection and activity quality in their assigned areas.
The working language for this project is English.
This project is closed during the winter months (it runs until 21st September).
Our campsite is about a 15-minute walk from the beach, right next to the Kadriye police station and just 5 minutes by car from Belek town centre.
Accommodation: Dormitories with bunk beds (shared with up to 14 people) and tents (depending on needs and preferences, decided by project leaders).
Washing machine
Hot showers
Wi-Fi
AC in the dorms
Hotels in the Belek region provide our daily meals, staple foods (used to prepare breakfast and snacks), and our basic cleaning and hygiene supplies. As we don’t have additional staff for daily tasks, we are responsible for maintaining and cleaning the facilities ourselves.
Two main meals:
Breakfast after fieldwork with the whole team, around 12:00-1:30pm
Dinner delivered by hotel restaurants (timing depends on the hotel’s delivery, usually by 10:00pm when the containers are washed ready for the next day)
*Meal content depends entirely on the hotel’s daily menu!
There are always basic groceries available for volunteers to prepare snacks before and during morning shifts. Communication with hotels in Belek is managed by BETUYAB (Belek Tourism Investors Union), a long-standing major sponsor of our project. BETUYAB also helps ensure the campsite’s security and supports various other needs.
Volunteers stay with the local team at the project campsite, located within the Manavgat Public Beach Facility complex.
Accommodation: Tents
Washing machine
Hot showers
Wi-Fi
Hotels in the Kızılot region provide our daily meals, staple foods (used to prepare breakfast and snacks), and our basic cleaning and hygiene supplies. As we don’t have additional staff for daily tasks, we are responsible for maintaining and cleaning the facilities ourselves.
Two main meals:
Breakfast after fieldwork with the whole team, around 12:00-1:30pm
Dinner delivered by hotel restaurants (timing depends on the hotel’s delivery, usually by 10:00pm when the containers are washed ready for the next day)
*Meal content depends entirely on the hotel’s daily menu!
There are always basic groceries available for volunteers to prepare snacks before and during morning shifts.
Cars are available when needed.
Pickup service is available from Antalya Airport (AYT) to the campsites, and return transport on the first and last days of your volunteer period.
Check out some of the optional trips to explore all the amazing things you can do in your downtime! You’re in such a stunning part of the world, why not make the most of it and see a bit more of the country?
Kerem has been working with sea turtles for over 25 years.
He started as a volunteer with the same team and went on to become a Field Leader and Project Assistant, Field Coordinator. He’s now been the Field Coordinator for the Belek Project for more than 20 years and is also responsible for the International Volunteer Programme. He’s happy to answer any of your questions about the program or sea turtles, and will personally train new volunteers in Belek and assist as needed with the Kızılot project site.
Sea Turtle Conservation Project - Kefalonia, Greece.
For the Sea Turtle Conservation Project on the beautiful island of Kefalonia, Greece, we’re looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who want to contribute to the protection of sea turtles. This project offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife research and conservation, and to become part of a passionate team committed to safeguarding these incredible animals.
This project is suited to young volunteers aged 18+ as well as those aged 50 and over.
Passion for Conservation
An interest in and enthusiasm for protecting wildlife, especially sea turtles.
Physical Fitness
You need to be comfortable riding a bike and walking long distances on the beach, even in the heat.
Flexibility and Adaptability
You should be open to working in varying conditions and living in shared accommodation.
Communication Skills
Able to work well with local staff, fellow volunteers and visitors, and to communicate information clearly.
Team Spirit
Willing to collaborate and contribute to a close-knit team.
Minimum Age
18 years and older.
As a volunteer with the Sea Turtle Conservation Project on Kefalonia, Greece, you can expect a diverse and rewarding experience. Your daily tasks may include protecting new nests, conducting behavioural research on sea turtles, contributing to educational programs for the local community and visitors, and helping keep the beaches clean.
Your shifts will vary, including morning and evening work, and sometimes night patrols. This variety allows you to experience many aspects of conservation. Support from experienced staff and field assistants ensures you’ll be well-prepared for your role and continuously learning and growing.
You’ll be staying in shared accommodation, which is a fantastic opportunity to form friendships and collaborate with like-minded volunteers from around the world. Outside of work, you’ll have the chance to explore the island, enjoy the stunning natural surroundings, and relax on beautiful beaches.
This project not only allows you to make a meaningful contribution to sea turtle conservation, it also supports your personal and professional development. You’ll gain hands-on experience in field research and conservation, learn about the legal and social context of conservation work, and build key skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
If you’re passionate about conservation and ready to take on a rewarding challenge, this project on Kefalonia is the perfect fit. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the protection of these beautiful sea turtles and their habitat.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
Average cost for a 5 week stay = $449
1 week of volunteering: $749
2 weeks of volunteering: $1429
3 weeks of volunteering: $1787
Each additional week: $229
*All prices are in AUD.
Before departure
Online introduction meeting
Info pack with details about Turkish culture and customs, as well as a checklist for everything you need to prepare, including travel insurance, money matters and other travel tips
Pre-departure training
Assistance with applying for a Police Check
Access to the online community
Help booking your flight (on request)
During your trip
Airport transfer to the project, including a hotel stay on arrival
Transfer from the project back to the airport
On-site introduction
Ongoing guidance and support throughout your stay
Accommodation in either a hotel or at the volunteer camp
After your trip
Evaluation session
Certificate (on request)
The chance to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Airfare
Vaccinations
Visa
Police Check
Travel insurance
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