Turtle Hatchling Season Volunteer Program 2026

Program Overview

Volunteering with Project Biodiversity on Sal Island offers a unique opportunity to play a vital role in the protection of one of the world’s most important loggerhead turtle nesting populations. This program combines hands-on conservation work, scientific research, community outreach, and environmental education to safeguard marine and coastal biodiversity. Volunteers will gain invaluable field experience while contributing directly to meaningful conservation outcomes.

Location

• The program is based on Sal Island, Cabo Verde, in the Cape Verde archipelago off the west coast of Africa.
• Hatchery Volunteers: Field activities take place at the Hatchery located near the RIU Hotel, where volunteers monitor nests, assist in hatchling releases, and collect essential data. Volunteers stay in a shared apartment nearby with other participants for easy access to the hatchery.
• The island provides a mix of sandy beaches, dunes, and marine environments crucial for the protection of loggerhead turtles.

Living Conditions & Accommodations

• Hatchling Volunteers: Stay in a shared unisex volunteer apartment in Santa Maria. The apartment has bunk beds and single beds: one bedroom with two bunk beds and one single bed, and another room with one bunk bed and two single beds.

Food

• Meals are not included. Volunteers provide for their own food by cooking in the apartment or dining in town.

Typical Day – Hatchery Volunteers

• The daily schedule is divided into three main shifts: morning duties, afternoon excavations, and night shifts.
• Morning Duties: Volunteers begin by inspecting the hatchery, maintaining nests, collecting data, and preparing for the day’s activities.
• Afternoon Excavations: Volunteers support the Sustainable Tourism team and coordinators during nest excavations by helping with outreach and filling in data sheets. They do not open the nests themselves, but play a crucial role in recording information and assisting the team.
• Night Shifts: The longest shifts, where volunteers take turns hour by hour to monitor the nests and check for emerging hatchlings. This ensures all hatchlings reach the ocean safely and helps collect vital behavioural data.
• Orientation*
• All volunteers attend a comprehensive orientation on arrival.
• Orientation includes an introduction to the project, conservation practices, safety guidelines.
• Volunteers are briefed on their roles, daily schedules, apartment rules, and emergency procedures to ensure a safe and effective volunteering experience.

Start Dates & Arrival Details

• The Hatchling season runs from 1st September to 6th December, although volunteers can arrive early, from mid-August.
• Programs run annually, and volunteers may join for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum duration as their availability allows.
• Arrival is via Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) on Sal Island. Airport pickup can be organised with a responsible taxi driver, and the taxi fare is 20 euros.
• Volunteers should plan to arrive at least one day before their program start date to settle in and attend orientation.
• Departure is flexible but should be arranged in coordination with the project team to ensure smooth handover of duties.

Program Fees

• The volunteering fee is calculated based on the number of days a volunteer applies for. Longer stays help maximise impact and provide a more immersive conservation experience. Detailed fee structures and inclusions are provided during the application process.

Other Skills

While no prior experience is required, volunteers with the following skills are highly valued:

• Ability to work in physically demanding outdoor conditions.
• Teamwork and adaptability in shared living conditions.
• Interest in biology, conservation, or environmental sciences.
• Communication skills for public outreach and environmental education.
• Language skills (English, Portuguese, or Creole) are a plus for community interaction.

Why Join This Program?

This program offers the chance to:

• Protect endangered loggerhead turtle hatchlings through hands-on conservation.
• Witness unforgettable hatchling events and contribute to their survival.
• Contribute to scientific research addressing global conservation challenges.
• Live simply and sustainably in a shared apartment near the beach.
• Build strong bonds with an international team of volunteers, biologists, and local rangers.

Apply Now

• Interested volunteers can apply for the 2026 Turtle Hatchling Conservation Program.
• Leave your email and phone number, and our team will reach out to you.
• Responses usually take less than 2 days. If you do not receive a reply, please check your Spam folder.