Marine Conservation Volunteer Programs in South America

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Travel to the island that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, and do more than explore. Help support sea turtle conservation! As a sea turtle nest monitor, you'll walk the 2-km stretch of coastline on beautiful Isabela Island, collecting data for the Galapagos National Park to support the management plan of the local beach. Join a team collecting data on the nesting patterns of the Green Sea Turtle, the species nesting in Isabela. Some of your responsibilities will include the following: - Observing and taking data on nest sizes - Determining nesting patterns of the Green Sea Turtle, the turtle species nesting on Isabela beaches, and marking laid nests. - Removing rubbish and debris to keep the beach clear. - Dedicating 3 hours weekly to removing "kikuyu" (grass) from the turtle nesting area, an invasive plant growing along the beach, thus blocking turtle nesting. - Measuring erosion to compare changes in the beach profile over time. The work schedule is from 6 am to 8 am and between 8 pm and 1 am (the night walk will vary depending on high tide when you are in Isabela).

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through Peru and Ecuador that blends adventure, purpose, and connection. Hike through the Andes, explore the Amazon, and immerse yourself in rich Indigenous cultures and living traditions. This program goes beyond travel; you’ll engage in hands-on sustainability and community projects led by local partners, learning through experience, not from a classroom. Designed for gap year students, alternative study abroad seekers, and values-driven travelers, this journey offers leadership development, guided reflection, and deep cultural exchange. You'll build confidence, develop real-world skills, and gain clarity for your next steps all in a supportive, close-knit group of like-minded peers. Whether you're looking to grow personally, earn credit, build your resume, or simply see the world through a more intentional lens, this is more than a semester off—it’s a transformative step forward. Travel with purpose. Return inspired. Reach Out to Learn More!

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the west coast of the Pacific along the Rímac River. This large, international city balances both modern and traditional influences, which evolved from Peru's history as the home of the Inca and numerous other civilized cultures dating back as far as 2000 BC. Opportunities vary from rehabilitating marine life to working with disabled or at-risk youth to creating environmental protection campaigns. By partnering with community-based organizations and following a structured, reflection-based curriculum, you will learn how local experts address these issues with available resources while developing intercultural and leadership skills in a real-world context. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so visit our website to learn more about your options. Although all our programs are great, we especially recommend Lima for students who are interested in marine biology or human rights.

Inspire, Educate & Empower Communities Across the World Are you passionate about education and cross-cultural exchange? Do you dream of making a positive impact while traveling the world? With Volunteering Journeys’ English Teaching Programs Abroad, you can inspire young minds, build confidence, and open opportunities for children and adults across Peru, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives. Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a certified teacher, or simply a fluent English speaker looking to make a difference, teaching abroad is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to global education while immersing yourself in fascinating cultures. In many developing regions, English proficiency opens the door to education, employment, and better economic opportunities. However, limited resources and teacher shortages often leave students without access to quality English education. By joining Volunteering Journeys’ teaching programs, you’ll help bridge this gap. You’ll work in local schools, community centers, or after-school programs — improving English literacy, conversational confidence, and cultural awareness.

Make a meaningful impact while gaining international experience with Connect-123’s Human Rights internship program. With placements available in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney, you’ll have the chance to contribute to organizations working on some of today’s most pressing human rights challenges. Our network includes watchdog groups, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, lobby groups, and think tanks. Depending on your placement, you may help develop educational workshops for immigrants, conduct peer education training, monitor and evaluate community-based initiatives, research political or gender rights issues, or contribute to reports on human trafficking, child labor, and other critical topics. Each internship is tailored to your background and interests, giving you the opportunity to build practical skills, expand your global network, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

On the Ecuador: Galapagos & Andean Service Adventure program, immerse yourself in a meaningful homestay with local families on mainland Ecuador. Participate in impactful community service and cultural exchange. Work alongside community members, as well as visiting and learning from an indigenous community. Then, explore the biodiverse and historic Galapagos Island. Snorkel with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and colorful tropical fish. Learn about the conservation efforts of a unique ecosystem! Hike one of the largest volcanic craters on earth at Isabella Island. Visit and interact with a giant tortoise breeding center. Traveling to Ecuador is truly the adventure of a lifetime!

Discover Patagonia like never before at La Esperanza Wildlife Refuge, where endless skies, red sunsets, and ocean waves set the stage for an adventure with purpose. Picture yourself living in the wild, surrounded by guanacos, maras, and the haunting calls of nature. This is more than just volunteering. It’s becoming part of one of the planet’s most breathtaking ecosystems. As a volunteer, you’ll help protect Southern Right Whales (June to December) and study the behavior of elusive pumas. You’ll also take part in vital research on sea lions, guanacos, tortoises, and maras, while supporting the daily care of the reserve. Every task brings you closer to understanding how life thrives in this remote land. You’ll work side by side with local experts, gaining skills, stories, and memories you’ll carry forever. Whether you’re building a future in conservation, boosting your CV, or simply craving a meaningful adventure, this program is your chance to leave a real impact. Patagonia isn’t just a destination. It’s the edge of the world, where nature rules and every day feels epic. Come live the adventure.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 140,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will help you to step out of your comfort zone and build your confidence alongside new friends from across the globe. You’ll work alongside local communities on sustainable initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We provide a level of support and security that is second to none. You’ll receive 24/7 assistance from our trained teams, plus best-in-class safety planning, so you can focus on your journey. Choose a programme you’re passionate about. We offer several ways to get involved, including: → Medical Internships: gain clinical experience in professional settings. → Childcare & Community: support local education and development. → Conservation: protect unique ecosystems and wildlife. We offer programs starting from one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Europe, Latin America & The Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing South Africa, Peru, and Sri Lanka. This 8-month adventure starts in the Kruger area where you'll engage in wildlife conservation efforts to protect Africa's iconic Big 5 (lion, tiger, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Next, you will transition to False Bay where you will contribute work in a marine research center helping towards underwater conservation. The third pit stop is in Peru where you will help plant trees, discover sustainable farming methods, and support local communities in protecting their environment. The last stop is an internship in Sri Lanka, where you will help conserve the endangered turtle species’ nesting sites and monitor turtle activities along Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline. This program offers diverse experiences, ranging from marine exploration to teaching to professional growth—all while making lasting impacts on diverse communities. Join us on this life-changing journey of learning, cultural immersion, and meaningful contributions across continents.

CAYE is a registered youth charitable organization in Mzuzu, Malawi. Established in 2014, CAYE works in the Northern Region and parts of the Central Region to empower young people, women, and small-scale farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development. CAYE focuses on youth empowerment, agriculture, environment and climate change, health, and education. The organization supports smart agriculture and value chain development to increase food security, create jobs, and raise incomes. It also promotes climate change awareness, environmental protection, and sustainable natural resource management. In health, CAYE improves access to essential services and promotes safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). In education, the organization supports early childhood development and helps youth and women access quality learning and skills training opportunities. CAYE supports over 260 youth through training, mentorship, VSL, cooperative development, and community projects. Through partnerships with government departments, local organizations, and community groups, CAYE is building a productive youth population and a progressive community in Malawi.

Galápagos is one of the foremost ecotourism destinations on the planet. Despite being one of the best-preserved places in the world—with 95% of its pre-human, original biodiversity still intact, pressures from tourism are increasing. We help Galapagueños to continue on their path to sustainable development, wherein both qualities of life are ensured and the unique environment is preserved today and for future generations. We work directly with a local NGO to provide volunteer opportunities around conservation and education efforts designed to protect the area’s still thriving but threatened natural habitats. Program participants are stationed in a community on the south coast of Isabela Island, seven hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador. One of the four inhabited islands of the famous Galápagos, Isabela is the largest and is home to only 4000 people. It boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with beaches stretching for miles along rocky, rugged coastlines and teeming with exotic wildlife. In the last fifteen years, the island's economy has converted from one driven exclusively by its fisheries into one sustained mostly by a nascent ecotourism industry.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!

Catch Waves and Protect Ecuador’s Coastline Combine your love for surfing with real conservation work on Ecuador’s stunning Pacific coast. This unique program lets you surf top-rated waves while actively helping protect critical marine ecosystems. What You'll Do: • Protect Sea Turtles by setting up nesting areas, releasing hatchlings, and caring for injured turtles. • Rehabilitate Marine Wildlife such as sea lions and pelicans, preparing them for return to the wild. • Conserve Coastal Habitats by monitoring species, patrolling beaches, and collecting ecological data. • Promote Sustainability through beach clean-ups and collaboration with locals to reduce waste and plastic use. • Raise Awareness by leading educational workshops and designing conservation campaigns in the community. Live alongside local communities, immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture, and develop practical skills in marine conservation—all while surfing world-class breaks.

If you are thinking about taking a gap year and volunteering abroad, consider taking part in community volunteer projects in Ecuador! We have the perfect combination of cultural, adventure, and work experience for you. ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs offer high-quality, safe, and extremely affordable community service travel programs for volunteer gappers (students, teenagers, young adults, career breakers, retired, etc.) in one of the most exciting places on the planet - Ecuador, South America! A gap year is a great chance to put your time and energy into a meaningful and rewarding volunteer program and make a real difference in local communities. When you volunteer with ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs during your gap year, you are making a genuine contribution to the communities where we work. Our gap year community volunteer projects are available in childcare, elderly care, health care, HIV/AIDS, teaching, art, sports coaching, music, construction work, animal care, organic agriculture, conservation, etc. Join us for two weeks, a summer, a trimester, or a semester!