Conservation Volunteer Abroad Programs

Nature needs defenders—and you can be one. As habitats shrink and species disappear, conservation volunteers step in. From protecting wildlife to restoring ecosystems, your work helps preserve biodiversity where it’s needed most.

Protect endangered species. Support initiatives that help prevent extinction through habitat monitoring, rescue, and care.
Restore natural ecosystems. Contribute to reforestation, invasive species control, and sustainable land management.
Build environmental awareness. Help educate local communities about conservation and sustainable practices.
Experience hands-on science. Gain fieldwork experience in environmental research, tracking, and data collection.
Create long-term impact. Your contribution supports global efforts to protect the planet—one project at a time.

Things to know

Conservation volunteer programs abroad offer hands-on work in diverse natural environments. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Project variety. From protecting rainforests to rescuing wildlife, each program has its own conservation focus.
Tasks change by location. You might plant trees, collect seeds, control invasive species, or assist with forest research.
Wildlife-focused roles. You might track animals, maintain habitats, or help care for rescued wildlife in sanctuaries.
Dynamic settings. Some programs keep you rooted in one place; others involve travel to multiple conservation sites.
Year-round opportunities. You can volunteer for just a few weeks or commit to a much longer stay—your schedule, your call.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteering can contribute to addressing environmental concerns like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, as well as promote sustainable practices, and create awareness about environmental issues.

Some of the tasks you will be responsible for as a conservation volunteer includes forest research, reforestation, patrolling beaches, or working closely in the care of animals at wildlife sanctuaries.

Conservation Volunteering Abroad: How to Have Real Impact

Costa Rica, Thailand, South Africa, and Australia are among the top destinations for wildlife volunteering. Many programs are available where you can work with animals and learn about wildlife, conservation efforts, and the local culture.

Participating in conservation volunteering can be achieved by collaborating with NGOs or looking for program providers that may recommend programs that match your interests and skillsets.

Latest Program Reviews

Trip of a lifetime!

December 03, 2025by: Catherine Christmas - New ZealandProgram: Gili Shark Conservation Project in Indonesia

10

Absolutely loved the six weeks I had at gili shark conservation, I was kind of worried because six weeks is a decent length of time but I couldn't have been happier, in fact take me back!!! The accommodation was amazing, the hospitality and welcoming attitude from everyone really made it feel like a home away from home. Not only that but the conservation work itself was so fun!!! I really enjoyed cleaning the hex domes and turtle ID dives. 100/10 experience :)

Possibly the best six weeks of my life...

December 03, 2025by: Tommy Dowse - United KingdomProgram: Gili Shark Conservation Project in Indonesia

9

I arrived at Gili Shark as a kinda shy, mildly awkward human, about to follow a deep love of mine and have a go at a Divemaster Internship. There were a few marine conservation organisations around the world, but none took my interest and faith as much as Gili Shark - and I definitely made the right choice. From day one when I got there, I was greeted with the most welcoming people who give off immaculate vibes to get me settled. The accommodation was amazing, and given that it was my first time sharing a room, I was very lucky to call such a clean and thoughtful environment home. Throughout my programme I learned about more fish than I knew existed, about the ecosystem of the ocean and all that goes into it and how to look after our terrifying but beloved oceans. The instructors, staff and mentors were nothing but encouraging and inspiring (even watching their buoyancy was admiration enough), and helped me boost my confidence. By the end, I was leading dives, briefings and helping to teach new diving students too... If you'd have told me that 6 weeks prior, I'd have laughed at you! Take my word for it if you're considering Gili Shark, you won't regret it.

Trip of a lifetime!

December 03, 2025by: Catherine Christmas - New ZealandProgram: Gili Shark Conservation Project in Indonesia

10

Absolutely loved the six weeks I had at gili shark conservation, I was kind of worried because six weeks is a decent length of time but I couldn't have been happier, in fact take me back!!! The accommodation was amazing, the hospitality and welcoming attitude from everyone really made it feel like a home away from home. Not only that but the conservation work itself was so fun!!! I really enjoyed cleaning the hex domes and turtle ID dives. 100/10 experience :)

Possibly the best six weeks of my life...

December 03, 2025by: Tommy Dowse - United KingdomProgram: Gili Shark Conservation Project in Indonesia

9

I arrived at Gili Shark as a kinda shy, mildly awkward human, about to follow a deep love of mine and have a go at a Divemaster Internship. There were a few marine conservation organisations around the world, but none took my interest and faith as much as Gili Shark - and I definitely made the right choice. From day one when I got there, I was greeted with the most welcoming people who give off immaculate vibes to get me settled. The accommodation was amazing, and given that it was my first time sharing a room, I was very lucky to call such a clean and thoughtful environment home. Throughout my programme I learned about more fish than I knew existed, about the ecosystem of the ocean and all that goes into it and how to look after our terrifying but beloved oceans. The instructors, staff and mentors were nothing but encouraging and inspiring (even watching their buoyancy was admiration enough), and helped me boost my confidence. By the end, I was leading dives, briefings and helping to teach new diving students too... If you'd have told me that 6 weeks prior, I'd have laughed at you! Take my word for it if you're considering Gili Shark, you won't regret it.