Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteering in Ecuador

As parents of a 17 year old, encouraging our son to go on a volunteering trip to Ecuador was a big decision, however, thanks to the professionalism and support of Oyster Worldwide it was a positive experience from start to finish. Kate was fantastic- always responsive, informative and reassuring, her support made the whole experience as stress free as it could be for us as parents. The project was everything we could have asked for and was a springboard for our son to go off alone to do some solo travelling. We can’t recommend Oyster worldwide highly enough - especially for parents who might feel wary about sending a teenager abroad.

Volunteering in a wildlife sanctuary in Ecuador through Oyster was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you're considering this kind of experience but feel unsure—don’t be! Oyster was with me every step of the way, making sure I was well-prepared and supported from start to finish. Working with rescued animals in the heart of the rainforest was unforgettable, and I met some of the most incredible, passionate people I’ve ever known. The local team and fellow volunteers made it feel like a second family. If you’re looking for a life-changing adventure, I can’t recommend Oyster enough!

I just wanted to share how absolutely fantastic my trip was. It was filled with amazing experiences that I’ll never forget. One of the highlights was having the opportunity to train some of the animals, including a Tyra, which was an incredible learning experience. I also worked closely alongside the vet nurse, helping to support an unwell kinkajou—a truly rewarding moment that deepened my passion for animal care. Beyond the hands-on experiences, I had some wonderful dinners with the people I met during my stay, and we created lifelong memories together. The connections I made with both the animals and the people have left a lasting impact, and I genuinely feel I’ve made friends for life. All the transport arrangements were seamless, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’m already looking forward to returning, hopefully within the next year! Thanks again for making this all possible.