• Life On Land

Endangered Turtle and Dugong Conservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.

Highlights

  • Assist in building a photo portfolio of sea turtles and sharks from snorkelling or scuba diving.
  • Live in Krabi Province on the southwestern coast of Thailand, an area known for its natural beauty, limestone cliffs and stunning beaches.
  • Conduct surveys on dugong feeding trails and dugong presence using aerial imagery.

Highlights

  • Assist in building a photo portfolio of sea turtles and sharks from snorkelling or scuba diving.
  • Live in Krabi Province on the southwestern coast of Thailand, an area known for its natural beauty, limestone cliffs and stunning beaches.
  • Conduct surveys on dugong feeding trails and dugong presence using aerial imagery.
  • Take part in seagrass surveys (snorkelling or on foot) to document the health of seagrass meadows.
  • Venture outside typical travel itineraries to get exclusive access to extraordinary remote habitats, rare species and unique ecosystems.

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Travel to Thailand to support endangered green turtle and dugong 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. Specifically, the green sea turtle is classified as endangered. Our volunteer program in Ao Nang, Thailand, in partnership with local conservation ...

    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. Specifically, the green sea turtle is classified as endangered. Our volunteer program in Ao Nang, Thailand, in partnership with local conservation organisations, focuses on protecting these endangered sea turtles and dugongs. Tasks include habitat monitoring, conducting scientific research and participating in community-based conservation projects.

    Participants engage in activities such as snorkel surveys, drone-assisted habitat mapping, and coral restoration during low tide. Optional scuba-diving courses are also available for those interested in further exploration underwater.

    Located in the town of Ban Chong Pli, within the picturesque Krabi Province, our research station offers easy access to the vibrant town of Ao Nang, just a short 15-minute drive away.  

    Krabi Province, located on Thailand’s southwest coast, offers a wealth of natural beauty with its stunning beaches, limestone cliffs and lush forests. You can enjoy activities like rock climbing and kayaking, or go for a hike in nearby national parks such as Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bok Khorani to spot wildlife and take in the scenery. Immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to temples, shopping and nightlife. 

    Typical day

    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 ...

    Typical day

    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 free time, you can 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 free time, you can 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 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 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

    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) 1,462€
    4 weeks 2,195€
    6 weeks 2,895€
    8 weeks 3,345€
    10 weeks 3,895€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 4,445€
    Average fees 550€/week

    Program fees

    550€ 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

    Isabel Veentjer rating5

    2024 at Endangered Turtle and Dugong Conservation

    Loved it. I loved the staff, who were amazing and I can’t thank enough. I loved the people I met. I loved the Thai culture (especially 7/11) and I cannot thank GVI enough for providing me with that ...
    I took part in GVI's Under 18s turtle conservation volunteer program in Phang Nga Thailand. I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences I have had. Having the opportunity to travel to a different country on the other side of the world, being able to meet and make amazing connections ...
    Abbie Latymer rating4.6

    2024 at Endangered Turtle and Dugong Conservation

    The GVI under 18s experience in Phang Nga was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Everyone in the trip were so lovely and you will never meet guides who feel so much like family than on this trip. All the activities were incredible and I felt so lucky to have been able to spend so much time in ...
    Catriona Cameron rating5

    2023 at Endangered Turtle and Dugong Conservation

    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 ...
    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 Endangered Turtle and Dugong Conservation

    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 ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Krabi

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in Thailand
    Contact Bianca
      Very high response rate
    English

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