Join this project in Greece that allows teens to get involved in sea turtle conservation efforts!
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Two-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Saturday: Arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). You will be picked up by the local team and taken to settle in to the accommodations in Zacharo. Settle in and meet your fellow volunteers before your welcome presentation.
Day 1, Sunday: Volunteers have this day free to relax or explore the area.
Days 2-6, Monday-Friday: Volunteer work days. The summer months are hatching season, so many of the activities will focus on the nesting and hatching of loggerhead sea turtles. Much of the work is hands-on and up close which means participants will have a real chance to see the life cycle of the sea turtles.
Days 7-8, Saturday-Sunday: Participants will enjoy the local sights and culture this weekend. Participants may be exploring the ancient ruins of temples, towns, amphitheaters, Byzantine churches and more.
Days 9-13, Monday- Friday: Volunteer work days.
Day 14, Saturday: Volunteers will be taken by the local team to the airport for departure.
Please note: It is important to remember that nature is unpredictable, and no matter what month you go, there are no guaranteed turtle sightings. Regardless, your work during any of the months will still be contributing to the safety of the turtles when they do hatch and the success of hatching season.
For parents: Because this project is specifically designed for teenage volunteers, there is a high level of supervision by well-trained staff and conservation experts.GoEco can recommended specific airlines and flights to group participants together. Recommended airlines will offer a chaperone service, airline-provided flight chaperones who will accompany volunteers on their flight from their city of departure to their program. This chaperone service must be arranged with the airline itself, and the cost varies by airline.
Check out what our past volunteers had to say!
Program Highlights:
- Experience the stunning mainland of Greece
- Work hands-on for sea turtle conservation
- Ethical wildlife volunteer tasks and interactions
- Join one of the longest-running conservation projects in the Mediterranean
- Visit Greece’s ancient sites during free time
- Supervised group excursions on the weekend
Your Schedule at a Glance (Two-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Saturday: Arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). You will be picked up by the local team and taken to settle in to the accommodations in Zacharo. Settle in and meet your fellow volunteers before your welcome presentation.
Day 1, Sunday: Volunteers have this day free to relax or explore the area.
Days 2-6, Monday-Friday: Volunteer work days. The summer months are hatching season, so many of the activities will focus on the nesting and hatching of loggerhead sea turtles. Much of the work is hands-on and up close which means participants will have a real chance to see the life cycle of the sea turtles.
Days 7-8, Saturday-Sunday: Participants will enjoy the local sights and culture this weekend. Participants may be exploring the ancient ruins of temples, towns, amphitheaters, Byzantine churches and more.
Days 9-13, Monday- Friday: Volunteer work days.
Day 14, Saturday: Volunteers will be taken by the local team to the airport for departure.
Please note: It is important to remember that nature is unpredictable, and no matter what month you go, there are no guaranteed turtle sightings. Regardless, your work during any of the months will still be contributing to the safety of the turtles when they do hatch and the success of hatching season.
For parents: Because this project is specifically designed for teenage volunteers, there is a high level of supervision by well-trained staff and conservation experts.GoEco can recommended specific airlines and flights to group participants together. Recommended airlines will offer a chaperone service, airline-provided flight chaperones who will accompany volunteers on their flight from their city of departure to their program. This chaperone service must be arranged with the airline itself, and the cost varies by airline.
Check out what our past volunteers had to say!
Location of the Project:
Giannitsochori, Greece
Project length:
2 weeks
Arrival Airport:
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Volunteer Work:
Marine and wildlife conservation
Age:
15 - 17
Number of Volunteers:
Up to 18 international volunteers. (This project requires a minimum of 8 participants, any less and the project will not take place).
Important Note:
All applications for this program must be submitted at least 6 weeks in advance of the program start date.
What's Included
Accommodations:
Two-man tents at the campsite
Food:
Three meals per day are provided
Airport Transfers:
Airport transfers are provided on both arrival and departure days.
Support:
Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.
What's not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, travel and medical insurance
The village of Giannitsochori is a small resort town with white sandy beaches that form part of a protected nature area. The region has plenty of historical, archaeological and natural sites that are worth a visit including the famous Ancient Olympia, the birth place of the Olympic Games.
There is plenty of work to be done at this conservation project and volunteers will rotate between tasks. Because the summer months are hatchling season, many of the activities will focus on the nesting and hatching of baby sea turtles. Much of the work is hands-on and up close which means participants will have a real chance to see the life cycle of the sea turtles. There is a lot of physical activity and long walks so volunteers should be prepared to work hard.
Some of your tasks may include:
Some of your tasks may include:
- Going on morning turtle patrols to locate new tracks and nests
- Surveying the area and recording the data
- Installing grids to help protect the nests from predators
- Harvesting bamboo for the nest grids
- Assisting with educational activities for the local community and tourists
- Relocating a nest to protect it from the sea or human activity
Internet:
WiFi is available sometimes at the campsite.
Laundry:
Hand-washing stations are available and for a small fee, volunteers can use the washing machine and dryer.
Accommodations:
Volunteers will stay at the public campsite in shared two-man tents with sleeping mats. At the campsite there are shared bathrooms with hot and cold water, flush toilets and showers. Tents will not have electricity but there are electricity supply boxes at the campsite. Any valuables can be stored and locked in the campsite office.
Food:
All meals are provided. Food will be cooked as a shared chore by all the participants in the camp site and it is a combination of healthy and varied Mediterranean local products.
Please take note of this project's minimum requirements:
- Age 15-17
- Parental consent
- Good level of physical fitness
- Flexibility to work early mornings on some days
- Desire to contribute to the project goals
- Good level of English
- Written "Motivation Letter"
- Parental Consent Form
- Medical and Travel Insurance
- Police clearance
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