Dive into the ultimate adventure!
Embark on a journey that will leave you forever touched by the magic of sea turtles.
Nesting season / working period: 1st of July – 1st of October
Our loggerhead sea turtle protection program on Boa Vista strongly relies on the commitment of international and Cape Verdean volunteers working in our field stations at the beaches. Anyone who is open-minded, enthusiastic about sea turtle conservation and fulfills some basic requirements is welcome to apply for volunteering with us!
Choose your prefered camp:
We have two camps with international volunteers:
LACACAO
in the south of the island.
Center of research activities.
+ slightly more turtle activities
+ easier beach patrols (only sand, no rocks)
+ amazing night skies (due to almost no light pollution)
+ hatchery work (starting end of August)
+ beautiful sunrises over the sea (during censo at Curral Velho beach)
Testimonials of former volunteers
It was the best time of my life! I love working with the turtles and the people of Boa Vista.
Memorable moments; Playing guitar and singing together in camp, excursions around the island, playing volleyball together.
I enjoyed it throughly. Both camps were beautiful – such friendly people – it felt like a family. The people there always made sure I had my needs met.
Memorable moments: surfing with friends, playing cards in the shade, sleeping on the beach.
It was beautiful time and I wouldn’t miss it!
Memorable moments: Working in the hatchery, playing card games, making bracelets, beautiful beaches, my first patrol with seeing a turtle.
A grateful experience to know yourself, adapt to situations, learn and enjoy nature.
Memorable moments: seeing hatchlings, catching waves at the beach with everyone from camp, witnessing turtles in the first light in the morning.
A challenging but fulfilling time with a lot of beautiful moments in nature.
Memorable moments: Seeing my first turtle and hatchling, campfire with all of the other volunteers and rangers and island excursion with everyone.
Applying in 3 steps
• Step 1
Ensure you can answer all following questions with a clear and honest “YES”:
Have you thoroughly read our General Information document?
Are you at least 18 years old?
Are you aware that …
- … volunteering in sea turtle conservation demands dedication and substantial time commitment?
- … working to protect and preserve sea turtles will be enlightening and filled with rewarding moments, even though some tasks may occasionally be repetitive or monotonous?
- … conservation efforts will often be carried out under challenging and uncomfortable conditions, such as traversing sandy shores at night, enduring heat, and encountering mosquitoes?
- … your schedule will be primarily focused on working at nights, 6 days in a row, but the cherry on top is a well-deserved full day off to explore the enchanting island on your own or simply relax in the camp?
- … working at nights, means adjusting to daytime sleep, which might be a minor challenge, but the thrill of this unique experience will far outweigh any temporary sleep disruption.
- … you will be accommodated in modest shared tents in campsites, and spend your nights at the nesting beaches (you can rest in a tent during your free time)?
- … meals will consist of locally sourced ingredients, which may result in repetitive yet nourishing options?
- … you will work and live with young local rangers who primarily communicate in Portuguese/Creole and may have limited experience in other languages?
Are you willing to cover your travel expenses to the project location and contribute a daily fee for food and lodging?
Are you prepared to commit a minimum of two weeks (preferably three or more) to working in our project?
Can you effectively communicate, comprehend, and follow instructions in either English (our primary language) or Portuguese?
If you confidently answered “YES” to all the above questions, we eagerly looking forward to your volunteer application.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Please note:
- Applications for volunteer positions can be made for this year’s and the next year’s nesting season (1st July – 1st October).
- Long term volunteers who want to stay for eight weeks and more are requested to attach a short CV to the application form.
- Only complete applications will be considered. Thanks for your understanding!
• Step 2
Please carefully read the following 3 documents:
The GENERAL INFORMATION document contains all what you should know about our project, your duties and responsibilities as a team member, local living conditions, etc. The PACKING LIST provides you with more detailed information about necessary equipment for your stay. All volunteers will participate in our project at their own risk. Therefore please read the RISK WAIVER carefully. All volunteers will be asked to sign this risk waiver upon arrival on Boavista.
• Step 3
Please fill in our online volunteer application form:
Fields indicated with (*) are mandatory.
If you experience trouble with the online volunteer application form or you are not sure if the form was sent correctly, please drop us a message to volunteers@turtle-foundation.org. Thanks!