Help Protect Marine Biodiversity

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Learn more about the unique marine biodiversity of Ecuador while supporting this important cause
  • Get more passionate about our oceans and the amazing life in there
  • Grow as a person by broadening your intercultural skills

Highlights

  • Learn more about the unique marine biodiversity of Ecuador while supporting this important cause
  • Get more passionate about our oceans and the amazing life in there
  • Grow as a person by broadening your intercultural skills
  • Forge lasting friendships with fellow volunteers, united to make a difference
  • Visit amazing places throughout a country that is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and beaches


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Support our organization to protect marine animals and plants off the beautiful coast of Ecuador. Become a volunteer, help preserve the sensitive ecosystem hands-on.

    Volunteering is one of the most honorable activities you can do, dedicating your time and commitment to a good cause without pay. The goal of this volunteer project in Ecuador is to protect marine biodiversity in Ecuador. Only thanks to the help of volunteers from all over the world, it was possible ...

    About the program

    Volunteering is one of the most honorable activities you can do, dedicating your time and commitment to a good cause without pay. The goal of this volunteer project in Ecuador is to protect marine biodiversity in Ecuador. Only thanks to the help of volunteers from all over the world, it was possible to bring this project to life and uphold it.

    At the beginning of 2000, a group of Ecuadorian biologists became aware that the ecosystem of the Ecuadorian coasts was seriously endangered. The curiosity to study the sensitive flora and fauna on the Pacific coast of Ecuador more closely and to develop action plans for their protection grew. A few years later, the biologists formally launched a non-profit organization in December 2004 with the approval of Ecuador's Environmental Protection Agency.

    Soon after, the organization offered volunteer places to national as well as international people interested to support this meaningful project. The project has been very successful for several years now and makes an important contribution to the research and conservation of the marine flora and fauna.

    Through volunteering, you will not only gain valuable experience, but also experience unforgettable moments with the project team and other volunteers.


    Typical day

    Depending on the season different tasks have to be done.

    The project is divided into the following three areas:
    1. Sea turtle project
    2. Shark project
    3. Environmental education project

    Note: All activities described may be subject to weather and seasonal changes. We can not guarantee that you will work ...

    Typical day

    Depending on the season different tasks have to be done.

    The project is divided into the following three areas:
    1. Sea turtle project
    2. Shark project
    3. Environmental education project

    Note: All activities described may be subject to weather and seasonal changes. We can not guarantee that you will work in all areas during your stay.

    Sea Turtle Project:
    Until recently, the endangered hawksbill sea turtles was thought to have its home exclusively in the coasts of Central America. In 2008, however, it was found out that this turtle species nests on some beaches in Ecuador as well. Since then, the organization, with the help of volunteers, has been researching to learn more about these mysterious animals and their distribution.

    The volunteer project is also dedicated to the research and protection of green turtles and olive ridley turtles. It has established a program for a turtle hatchery, which is unique in Ecuador.

    In the turtle project, the volunteers travel with the project team at regular intervals to a nearby island on which the nesting sites of the turtles are located. Usually they stay there for about eight days.

    As a volunteer, you support the team in the following tasks:
    • Beach patrols day and night
    • Measuring and marking the sea turtles
    • Counting the eggs and mark the nests
    • Bringing the eggs to the nearest breeding station(if necessary)
    • Installing transmitters on turtle shells
    • Carrying out measurements by telemetry on a boat
    • Capturing turtles for research purposes

    Shark Project:
    In addition, the volunteer project has launched a program to study the sharks off Ecuador's shores. Every day many sharks end miserably in fishing nets. The fishermen bring the sharks with their large deadly nets to the fishing port, where project staff and volunteers collect data on the sharks. Information such as shark type, age, height and gender must be recorded and evaluated later.

    Environmental Education Program:
    An important part of environmental protection is to integrate society, especially school classes, into the work and to communicate the research results to them. The volunteer project is aware of this important task and has therefore launched the environmental education program. The aim is to educate the inhabitants of Puerto Lopez and the surrounding areas about the environment and to make them understand the importance of being respectful with the environment and wildlife.

    The volunteers are an incredibly important part of this environmental education project. Thanks to them, it was even possible to found an environmental club in Puerto Lopez. This club participates in activities such as cleaning the beach or building a small garden or organizing field trips. However, there is still a lot to do and volunteer ideas and suggestions are always welcome.

    Tasks include:
    • Cleaning the beaches and coasts in Puerto Lopez and surroundings
    • Planning activities for the environmental club
    • Planning environmental education activities in the schools of Puerto Lopez


    ​Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.


    Free-time activities

    Puerto Lopez formerly was a traditional fishing town at the Pacific Coast of Ecuador. Over the last decades it has developped into a popular travel destination, famous for humbpack whale watching, the Machalilla National Park and the Isla de la Plata where a ver similar wildlife as on Galapagos ...

    Free-time activities

    Puerto Lopez formerly was a traditional fishing town at the Pacific Coast of Ecuador. Over the last decades it has developped into a popular travel destination, famous for humbpack whale watching, the Machalilla National Park and the Isla de la Plata where a ver similar wildlife as on Galapagos Islands can be observed.

    In and around Puerto Lopez there is so much to see and explore, including amazing hiking trails through national parks, forests, dream beaches and water sports like diving, snorkeling, surfing, etc.

    You will also find the beach town of Montañita in about 1 hour distance, which is known as the surfer's paradise of Ecuador and has a vibrant nightlife.


    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 Spanish (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Required Documents

    CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by South America Inside

    • Shared room in Volunteer House
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • Orientation upon arrival
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

    Accommodation

    Volunteers live in the volunteer house in Puerto Lopez. The house has dormitories with a maximum of 4 people per room (bunk beds). There are shared bathrooms, toilets, as well as a fully equipped kitchen where you can store your groceries and prepare your meals. Hammocks are available to chill after a hard day of work. The volunteer house has Wi-Fi.



    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. 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 Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    The volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningful volunteer project.

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

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,107€
    5 weeks 1,272€
    6 weeks 1,436€
    7 weeks 1,601€
    8 weeks 1,766€
    9 weeks 1,930€
    10 weeks 2,095€
    11 weeks 2,259€
    12 weeks 2,424€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 4,399€
    Average fees 229€/week

    Program fees

    229€ per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 24 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 South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    South America Inside

    Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2003

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Marion

    Spoken languages: English, German, Spanish

    About the project

    South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

    Meet your organization

    South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

    Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

    Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

    Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

    Volunteer Work

    Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

    With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

    The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

    Why with us

    There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

    Our Insider benefits at a glance:

      Regional Experience
    Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

      Multifaceted Offers
    Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

      Insider Advice
    Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

      Location
    It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

      Independence
    South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

    •  Multilingual Team

    Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

      Customer Service
    Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

      Gapless and Accurate Information flow
    With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

      Approved Program Places
    Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

    128 reviews · rating4.6

    Mattia Malfanti rating5

    2024 at Countryside School Assistant

    Very good location and people. Really good organization and people are really hospitable. Peumal is a really good alternative school. I sincerely advice if you want help in an alternative school to go ...
    Regina N. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
    Nathalie K. rating5

    2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

    Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...
    Alex S. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
    Stacey Garratt rating5

    2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

    I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
    Gabriel P. rating5

    2024 at Community Worker for Children

    Letzten Mittwoch bin ich in Libera gelandet. Die Reise war relativ lang und mit Verspätung. Nach 15 Stunden bin ich dann im Hostel angekommen. Ich brauchte einen Moment um mich dran zu gewöhnen. Ich blieb bis am Sonntag in Liberia und habe auch dort schon Leute kennen gelernt 🙂 Am Sonntag ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Puerto Lopez

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    Contact Marion
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    English, German, Spanish

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