• Life On Land
  • Life Below Water

Coastal Conservation Internship

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  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

  • Gain practical experience and extensive exposure to conservation projects, along with training opportunities to grow your skills.
  • Live in Krabi Province on the southwestern coast of Thailand, an area known for its natural beauty, limestone cliffs and stunning beaches.
  • Participate in seagrass and dugong surveys, coral reef restoration and building a photo portfolio of sea turtles and sharks.

Highlights

  • Gain practical experience and extensive exposure to conservation projects, along with training opportunities to grow your skills.
  • Live in Krabi Province on the southwestern coast of Thailand, an area known for its natural beauty, limestone cliffs and stunning beaches.
  • Participate in seagrass and dugong surveys, coral reef restoration and building a photo portfolio of sea turtles and sharks.
  • Support a team of scientists and academics with ongoing, cutting-edge research that makes an impact.
  • Meet weekly with fellow interns and an experienced mentor for project guidance and leadership style feedback.

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Kick-start your career in conservation by completing this internship in Thailand's stunning Krabi Province.

    Get ready for an exciting coastal conservation internship in Thailand's Krabi Province! Our research station is surrounded by breathtaking beaches and limestone cliffs, providing the perfect backdrop for hands-on experiences like species identification, data collection, and restoring ecosystems in ...

    About the program

    Get ready for an exciting coastal conservation internship in Thailand's Krabi Province! Our research station is surrounded by breathtaking beaches and limestone cliffs, providing the perfect backdrop for hands-on experiences like species identification, data collection, and restoring ecosystems in the Andaman Coastal region.

    You'll be involved in restoring forests, combating plastic pollution and supporting efforts to reforest tropical areas. Get involved in activities like seagrass surveys, using drones to map coastlines, conducting dugong surveys, participating in coral reef restoration, and helping monitor sea turtle and shark populations. 

    Don't have a diving certification? You can still contribute to coral restoration by designing protocols, analysing data and conducting snorkelling surveys. If you're interested in diving, we'll support you in obtaining your scuba certification so you can explore underwater adventures too.

    Our research station is in Ban Chong Pli, located in the scenic Krabi Province of Thailand. It's just a short 15-minute drive from Ao Nang, a vibrant town.

    Krabi Province, on Thailand's southwest coast, boasts stunning beaches, limestone cliffs and dense forests. Activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking in nearby national parks such as Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bok Khorani offer opportunities to enjoy nature and spot wildlife. Explore local culture through temple visits, shopping and experiencing the nightlife.

    Typical day

    From seagrass surveys to beach cleanups, your days are packed with impactful projects. Enjoy delicious meals, reflect on your efforts, and end the day with fun activities or chilling out with your fellow participants. 

    Example of a typical day:
    08:00 Enjoy a delicious breakfast together to start the ...

    Typical day

    From seagrass surveys to beach cleanups, your days are packed with impactful projects. Enjoy delicious meals, reflect on your efforts, and end the day with fun activities or chilling out with your fellow participants. 

    Example of a typical day:
    08:00 Enjoy a delicious breakfast together to start the day.
    09:00 Take part in hands-on projects such as sea turtle and dugong conservation and mangrove restoration. Enjoy additional wellness activities like rock climbing.
    12:00 Take a break for lunch and catch up on the morning's activities with the rest of the team.
    13:00 Project work continues, potentially involving forest mapping, seed collection, coral propagation or snorkelling. Participate in a wellness activity such as a Muay Thai class.
    19:00 Once project work is finished for the day, you'll head back to your accommodation.
    19:30 Prepare a delicious dinner at your accommodation, then take some time to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.
    20:30 The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy social time with the other participants or relax.

    Free-time activities

    During your downtime, why not check out some iconic spots like Railay Beach or Koh Lanta? Or, you can try out scuba diving or rock climbing. Krabi also offers stunning beaches, cliffs and forests, ideal for adventures like kayaking and island hopping. Don’t miss the chance to visit national parks ...

    Free-time activities

    During your downtime, why not check out some iconic spots like Railay Beach or Koh Lanta? Or, you can try out scuba diving or rock climbing. Krabi also offers stunning beaches, cliffs and forests, ideal for adventures like kayaking and island hopping. Don’t miss the chance to visit national parks like Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bok Khorani for hiking and wildlife spotting. Plus, you’ll find local landmarks, temples, shopping areas and nightlife spots within easy reach!

    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 Ban Nam Khem.
    • Practise a traditional Thai 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 Passport Copy

    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 desk
    • 24-hour in-country support
    • Access to alumni services and discounts
    • Airport pickup (unless otherwise stated)

    • All necessary project equipment and materials
    • All necessary project training by experienced staff
    • 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
    • 2 sessions with a career mentor 
    • Online courses endorsed by University of Richmond in the United States

    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
    • Personal kit
    • Police or background check
    • Visa costs (where necessary)

    Airport Pickup at Krabi Airport

    Please book flights to arrive between 08:00 and 17:00 on your program start date. Look out for our driver who be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal.
     
    If arriving early, participants should arrange their own accommodation. Recommended options include Aonang Guesthouse near Krabi Airport, which provides free airport pickup. Please note that GVI does not offer airport transfers before the program start date, but Aonang Guesthouse offers this service. It's advised to stay close to the meeting point near the airport.

    Accommodation

    You’ll stay in cosy bungalows overlooking stunning caves and mountains. Each spot boasts a private bathroom and a balcony with direct views of the majestic scenery. Stay cool with fans or opt for AC, and keep bugs away with mosquito nets. With ample storage space and a desk, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. An accommodation upgrade is available at an extra charge, depending on availability.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and lunch are provided at your accommodation from Monday to Friday. Breakfast typically features a combination of eggs, toast, fruits and coffee/tea, while lunch offers a variety of Thai dishes from pad thai and curries to veggie options and locally made snacks. Participants have access to a fully equipped kitchen, complete with basic cooking ingredients, allowing you to whip up your favourite dishes for dinner in the evenings.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Krabi Airport (KBV) in Krabi. 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

    • 09 Nov 2024
    • 23 Nov 2024
    • 07 Dec 2024
    • 21 Dec 2024
    2025
    • 04 Jan 2025
    • 18 Jan 2025
    • 01 Feb 2025
    • 15 Feb 2025
    • 01 Mar 2025
    • 15 Mar 2025
    • 29 Mar 2025
    • 12 Apr 2025
    • 26 Apr 2025
    • 10 May 2025
    • 24 May 2025
    • 07 Jun 2025
    • 21 Jun 2025
    • 05 Jul 2025
    • 19 Jul 2025
    • 02 Aug 2025
    • 16 Aug 2025
    • 30 Aug 2025
    • 13 Sep 2025
    • 27 Sep 2025
    • 11 Oct 2025
    • 25 Oct 2025
    • 08 Nov 2025
    • 22 Nov 2025
    • 06 Dec 2025
    • 20 Dec 2025
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 3,145€
    4 weeks 4,045€
    6 weeks 4,945€
    8 weeks 5,845€
    10 weeks 6,795€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 7,645€
    Average fees 1,104€/week

    Program fees

    1,104€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 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

    Excellent 4.8 rating (221 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.

    221 reviews · rating4.8

    Luna Vacher rating4.8

    2024 at Coastal Conservation Internship

    My experience with GVI was beyond amazing. It was my first time flying alone on a long haul flight but as soon as I arrived in the airport I saw the friendly GVI staff and felt comfortable and excited to start my trip. The itinerary was very well planned- the first week focused heavily on the ...
    Madeleine Lawrence rating4.8

    2023 at Coastal Conservation Internship

    I felt like it would be a life-altering experience going to Thailand for four weeks with GVI, and I was so completely right. Meeting volunteers from all sorts of backgrounds was so enriching and the friendships formed were so touching. The staff were all so caring and energetic, I felt inspired and ...
    Camila Castellanos rating5

    2020 at Coastal Conservation Internship

    To be part of GVI on a volunteer program is the most beautiful way to know the world. To know different cultures, to be aware about the problems that humanity faces and to be part of the solution. Is your grain of sand for change the world with your actions. Travel with purpose, learning, living. ..
    Pam Parkes rating5

    2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

    I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
    GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
    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 > Krabi

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Conservation Work in Thailand
    Contact Bianca
      Very high response rate
    English

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