Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Season – Volunteer Program 2026
Program Overview
Cabo Verde is the world’s second most important nesting site for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). These endangered turtles play a vital role in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs.
In 2025, 16,830 nests were recorded, 1,606 nests were protected in hatcheries, and 85,503 hatchlings successfully reached the ocean. Volunteers also helped rescue 60 turtles and assisted anti-poaching efforts.
As a volunteer, you will patrol beaches at night, monitor nesting turtles, tag and measure turtles, protect nests, assist with hatchling releases, and collect important conservation data.
Benefits: gain hands-on marine conservation experience, training in scientific techniques, and experience working in an international team while contributing directly to protecting an endangered species.
Location: Sal Island, Cabo Verde
Season: June – December 2026
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Conservation
- Environment
- Marine Conservation
- Wildlife
- Adventure Travel
- Animals
- Volunteering
Updated Mar 26, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Sal, Cape Verde
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Couples, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- French
- English
- Portuguese
- Education
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
Accommodation Options
- Apartment/Flat
- Group living
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
- Post High School
Starts At
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