Join
International Volunteer HQ, the world’s leading volunteer travel organization, and support the
Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring volunteer project in the Galapagos Islands.
Program Information
International Volunteer HQ’s Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the protection of sea turtles in the Galapagos Islands. You’ll be part of the conservation effort on Isabela Island by collecting data, patrolling beaches, monitoring nests, and much more!
Most volunteers will be accommodated in a homestay with a local family, but there is also the option of a small volunteer house.
This project is only available during the nesting season from January to the end of May and ranges from 2-12 weeks.
Your fully-hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals, and 24/7 support. Detailed pricing information for your duration is available
on our website.
Your Impact
As a sea turtle nest monitoring volunteer, the data that you collect will assist the local team in collecting important baseline nesting data that the Galapagos National Park will analyze and apply in the management plan of their beaches. This will allow Galapagos National Park to continue the protection and management of these sea turtles that are in a critical state of conservation at a global level. Please note, you should not expect to have any direct physical contact with turtles on this project.
Volunteer work duties may vary but generally include:
- Clearing and preparing of nesting area along the beach
- Beach patrols looking for nests and signs of sea turtles
- Monitoring of already registered nests
- Baseline data collection on nests, nest sizes, and beach conditions
- Documenting nesting patterns observed and help determine hatching success when nest excavation occurs
- Practicing conversational English with the guides of the reserve
- As you walk the beach, picking up rubbish and debris to keep the beach clear for the turtles
- Removal of Kikuyo (a highly invasive plant that chokes out nature plants) from the turtle nesting area (3 hours per week)
- Assisting with monthly beach profiling to measure beach erosion to determine the current beach profile
Program Highlights
IVHQ’s Galapagos programs are available year-round, starting every Monday.
IVHQ provides the most affordable and
top-rated programs. Detailed pricing available for your duration
on our website.
You’ll be joining a global network of 127,000+ volunteers backed by the world’s leading team of volunteer travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record.
Support impact-driven volunteer projects run by locals within your host community.
Academic credit available for all experiences with 45 hours or more, through our School of Record partnerships with University of Montana and Warren Wilson College, that you can apply towards your degree at your home institution.
Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence.
How to Apply
Apply for free: Complete an online application form via the IVHQ website.
- Select your start date & duration: This IVHQ volunteer programs is available from January to May each year, and you can choose to volunteer for durations on this program ranging from 2 to 12 weeks.
- Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Registration Fee.
- Pay your Program Fee: This is only due 30 days before your program starts.
Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 14 days before you start.
