Cabo Verde: Turtle Conservation
Available all year
Location: Tarrafal, Santiago Island, Cabo Verde
Project Type: Environment/Conservation
Schedule: July to October
Length: 2 weeks minimum
Participants: 18+ Ideal for: school leavers, university/college students, graduates, adults
Price: £495 per week (including airport transfer on arrival*)
About the Project
Step into an unforgettable adventure in Cabo Verde and help protect endangered sea turtles. This is your chance to do something meaningful, work alongside conservation teams and play a real part in protecting these amazing animals from extinction.
Cabo Verde is home to the world’s second-largest loggerhead sea turtle breeding colony, yet poaching continues to threaten the species, despite legal protection. Based in the northern region of Santiago Island, this programme supports turtle conservation through night-time beach patrols, nest monitoring, data collection, hatchery assistance and community awareness activities.
How Volunteers Make a Difference
As a volunteer, you will gain hands-on conservation experience while exploring stunning island beaches and taking part in work that truly matters. From helping nesting turtles to supporting local awareness projects, every task gives you the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills and make a lasting impact on the marine environment. Examples of volunteer activities include:
- Patrolling beaches during the nesting season at night
- Assisting local staff in recording data on turtle sightings, nest tracks and hatchling success
- Relocating nests to the hatchery when needed
- Protecting hatcheries from predators and unauthorized access
- Supporting awareness-raising campaigns and educational activities across local communities
Project Aims & Objectives
- To significantly reduce the consumption of sea turtle meat and to improve the scientific knowledge of the species in Santiago Island, Cabo Verde
- To reduce the illegal poaching of sea turtles on Santiago Island and ensure monitoring of the main beaches on the island
- To protect and conserve the loggerhead sea turtles and their nesting habitat by various means, such as providing protective hatcheries, treating injured or wounded turtles, conserving their beaches from pollution and collecting data to better understand the species and their habitats
Typical Day (Monday to Friday)
Evening: Team briefing & preparation
Night: Beach patrols to monitor nests and protect hatchlings
Morning: Breakfast, rest & reflect
Daytime: Free time or optional community and conservation activities
~ Days may vary to meet project needs and some Saturday work may be required
~ Schedule and activities may be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Volunteers Will Need
- Enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and working with local communities
- Flexibility and a willingness to learn
- No previous experience is required, but interest in environmental conservation is a plus
- For volunteers aged 65+, medical clearance may be required to ensure the placement is suitable
and well supported - The following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis
- Refer to WHO standards regarding yellow fever vaccination
Included
Pre-departure briefing
Accommodation
Airport transfer to the accommodation upon arrival*
Transportation during the programme (if required) as per the scheduled activities
Daily meals – typically 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends
Programme materials and project guidance
Local team support 24/7
Not Included
Flights
Visa & visa-related expenses
Travel & health insurance
Personal expenses
Additional tours or activities
Paid optional extras**
* Programme price includes airport meeting & transfer on Sundays only.
** Optional extras available: private room, extra night at the project accommodation, airport meeting &
transfer (Mon-Sat) or airport drop off at the end of the project.
If you would like more information or advice, please contact our Volunteer Abroad team at 01684 562577.
UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
This project contributes to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, supporting the Life Below Water goal which aims to conserve and sustainably use the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources.
