from 1,095€

Brilliant 4.7rating (194)
  • Life On Land
Reopening soon

Turtle Conservation and Research

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Study endangered sea turtles at The Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Centre.
  • Live in scenic Ban Nam Khem, renowned for its dramatic beauty, mangroves, limestone cliffs and white-sand beaches.
  • Contribute species and conservation data to citizen science databases like eBird, iNaturalist, Green Fins and Clean Swell.
  • Learn species identification, survey techniques, and assist in collecting data for a biodiversity inventory in Phang Nga.
  • Assist with animal care, enrichment studies, morphology research, and tank maintenance.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Travel to Thailand to support endangered green turtle conservation and research along with a team of international volunteers. 🐢

Six species of sea turtles are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN Red List as threatened or endangered. The green sea turtle, specifically, is classified as endangered. This volunteer program in Thailand, in partnership with The Royal Thai Navy’s Sea Turtle ...

About the program

Six species of sea turtles are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN Red List as threatened or endangered. The green sea turtle, specifically, is classified as endangered. This volunteer program in Thailand, in partnership with The Royal Thai Navy’s Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, focuses on conserving endangered green sea turtles. 
Tasks include cleaning tanks, providing treatments, and conducting research to enhance understanding of the species. The program aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Climate Action, Life below Water, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals. Participants have a unique opportunity to actively support green sea turtle conservation in Thailand.
You’ll live and work in Ban Nam Khem, a village in Southern Thailand’s Phang Nga province. The area features varied landscapes, from mangroves to pristine white-sand beaches. Phang Nga stands out with its limestone cliffs and scenic coastlines, making it a unique place for your experience.

Typical day

Contribute to impactful projects, from morning hikes to afternoon workshops. Wrap it up with fun activities or just chill with your fellow participants.
Example of a typical day:
06:30 Have breakfast with the team, followed by the daily update.
07:00 Hike through the nearby forest to gather data on key ...

Typical day

Contribute to impactful projects, from morning hikes to afternoon workshops. Wrap it up with fun activities or just chill with your fellow participants.
Example of a typical day:
06:30 Have breakfast with the team, followed by the daily update.
07:00 Hike through the nearby forest to gather data on key species and biodiversity.
12:30 Group lunch with delicious Malagasy meals prepared by a local cook.
13:00 Attend training on conservation or communities.
15:30 Continue project tasks, conduct environmental workshops, or teach English to the local community.
18:00 Share a meal, discuss the day’s work and its impact on the environment and local community.
19:30 Time to Wind down, socialise with new friends, or take part in nocturnal surveys.

Free-time activities

In your free time, island hop, snorkel among the many reefs or visit sacred Buddhist sites. Explore excellent diving and snorkelling at Similan and Surin islands. Alternatively, Phi Phi Islands provide year-round attraction with distinctive limestone cliffs at Viking Cave. For beaches and dining, ...

Free-time activities

In your free time, island hop, snorkel among the many reefs or visit sacred Buddhist sites. Explore excellent diving and snorkelling at Similan and Surin islands. Alternatively, Phi Phi Islands provide year-round attraction with distinctive limestone cliffs at Viking Cave. For beaches and dining, Khao Lak is a tourist hub with expansive coastlines and serene spas. Venture into jungle experiences at Khao Sok National Park, home to diverse wildlife and the ancient Cheow Larn Lake for jungle treks and kayaking. Discover the charm of Krabi Province, the popularity of Phuket, the uniqueness of Railay Beach or the iconic Phang Nga Bay. Experience the mountainous landscapes of Chiang Mai or the dynamic vibe of Bangkok with its temples, the Grand Palace and bustling markets.

Every four weeks, you can enjoy cultural immersion through GVI Experiences. These are included in your program at no extra cost.

Examples of activities may include: 

  • Learn to make traditional Thai and Burmese food.
  • Visit the Buddhist temples of Takuapa.
  • Practise a traditional Thai warrior massage.
  • Master Muay Thai self-defence techniques.
  • Raft along the Sok River.
  • Hike to hidden waterfalls.
  • Visit an untouched mangrove island. 
  • Sleep in a floating river bungalow.

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)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Medical form and Copy of Passport

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

No specific skills required, all training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self paced training materials.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to alumni services and discounts
  • Airport pickup (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary pre-departure training conducted online 8 weeks prior to arrival in country:

    • PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)

    • PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1 - 5 hours)
    • OPTIONAL: MARINE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Welcome meeting

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Police or background check
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Phuket International Airport

Airport pickups can be arranged from 12:00 AM - 06:00 PM the day before your start date, please request this from the GVI office. 

From Phuket Airport you can find several hotels that are within a 5-minute walking distance. Our recommended hotel, Phuket Airport Place offers free airport pickup that you need to book at the time of booking the room. Please note that we will not be able to provide transport if you book in Central Phuket, Phuket Town or Patong Beach. Please stay near the meeting point which is near the airport.

Accommodation

Your accommodation, a comfortable dorm-style setup, is conveniently located just ten minutes from the beach and fifteen minutes from thevillage centre, offering daily access to local markets and shops. For those preferring more privacy, an upgrade to a nearby guest house is available, providing double beds, air conditioning and a workspace.

Food & Beverages

Get ready to enjoy the flavours of authentic Southern Thai cuisine during your program. Local cooks prepare Thai and Burmese lunches and dinners from Sunday to Thursday, adjusting spice levels to your liking. Fridays and Saturdays offer options to cook on base, order from local restaurants or dine out (at your expense). Dietary needs are easily accommodated – simply inform your support coordinator.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. 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 Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2024

  • 06 Jan 2024
  • 20 Jan 2024
  • 03 Feb 2024
  • 17 Feb 2024
  • 02 Mar 2024
  • 16 Mar 2024
  • 30 Mar 2024
  • 13 Apr 2024
  • 27 Apr 2024
  • 11 May 2024
  • 25 May 2024
  • 08 Jun 2024
  • 22 Jun 2024
  • 06 Jul 2024
  • 20 Jul 2024
  • 03 Aug 2024
  • 17 Aug 2024
  • 31 Aug 2024
  • 14 Sep 2024
  • 28 Sep 2024
  • 12 Oct 2024
  • 26 Oct 2024
  • 09 Nov 2024
  • 23 Nov 2024
  • 07 Dec 2024

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 1,095€
2 weeks 1,395€
4 weeks 2,195€
6 weeks 2,895€
8 weeks 3,345€
10 weeks 3,895€
12 weeks (max. stay) 4,445€
Average fees 732€/week

Program fees

732€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

1 - 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 GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Brilliant 4.7 rating (194 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

194 reviews · rating4.7

Jasmine Barrett-Young rating4.8

2023 at Turtle Conservation and Research

This was an incredible experience that I will never forget. It let me step outside my comfort zone and meet some incredible people that I know I have found life long friends in. Being able to experience this opportunity is something I will always be grateful for and I would love to do it all over ...
Catriona Cameron rating5

2023 at Turtle Conservation and Research

I had an amazing time volunteering on an under 18s program in Thailand and would so strongly recomend GVI under 18 programs. The staff on the trip were very nice and did a very good job working to make the trip flow well and make sure everyone was okay. I did so many fun activities and felt very ...
Iman Hafeez rating5

2023 at Turtle Conservation and Research

I chose to do a GVI Program because it sounded like a once in a lifetime experience. I had never been to Thailand nor had I ever interacted with turtles before, so this sounded like an exceptionally unique opportunity. In the program we cleaned and medicated turtles, conducted biodiversity surveys ...
Olivia Wolf Calleja rating4.8

2023 at Turtle Conservation and Research

I just recently returned from my two-week U18s volunteering trip to Thailand with GVI, and it was an unforgettable experience! Not only did I get to explore the beautiful country and immerse myself in the rich culture and history, but I also made some lifelong friends and learned important lessons ...
My time in Greece was a wonderful experience. I spent 4weeks working with the GVI Greece team looking after the sea turtles. I learnt so much while volunteering with GVI and felt like I was making an impact the entire time I was there! I was also able to explore a lot of the local area while ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Ban Nam Khem

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Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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