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What is the Turtle & Marine Conservation Project in Kenya all about?
Volunteer in Kenya and help protect marine habitats and animals! As a conservation volunteer, you’ll work with an experienced team dedicated to preserving local marine life and improving the natural ecosystems thriving on Kenya’s beaches.
Why choose this turtle & marine conservation volunteering project in Kenya?
All species of sea turtles are currently considered to be threatened or endangered. This is largely due to human activities, including human contribution to habitat destruction. Our partner conservation organization is determined to help reverse these effects. To help their mission, conservation volunteers are asked to assist with both hands-on conservation tasks and educational efforts within the area.
Role of the turtle & marine conservation volunteer
As a conservation volunteer, you will get the chance to contribute to monitoring projects, turtle rescue, and community-led marine conservation efforts. Your exact tasks will be assigned based on availability, your experience level, and the needs of the project at the time of your arrival.
Data collection and monitoring: Through beach patrols and other organized efforts, volunteers help monitor sea turtles and record data on related to nesting activity, turtle behavior, etc. This data is essential for keeping track of trends and spotting red flags early.
Turtle rescue and rehabilitation: Under the guidance of experienced conservation staff, volunteers may be asked to help with rescue, assessment, and care of turtles who may appear sick or injured. Through this work, you’ll learn about turtle health and the main threats they run into each day.
Education and local conservation: Volunteers assist fishers and other community members in developing and executing conservation initiatives. These might include education, bycatch response, and awareness programs.
What skills do I need to be a turtle & marine conservation volunteer?
No experience is required to be a turtle & marine conservation volunteer! All volunteers should be flexible, positive, and willing to work as part of a team. Qualifications or experience in the field of education, environmental sciences, or conservation work are considered and may allow you to have a higher level of involvement within different placements. Volunteers with no specific skills relevant to the volunteering project will receive training for the required work. You may be asked to provide a CV/resume as part of the application process.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
Join beach patrols to observe and monitor beautiful sea turtles along the African coastline
Help with marine conservation efforts led by local community members
Conduct key research and assist with educational initiatives that leave lasting impacts
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Where will I work in Kenya?
About the Location
Watamu is a coastal town in Kenya along the Indian Ocean. The turtle & marine conservation volunteering project takes place within a protected marine park. You’ll witness one of Kenya’s most important nesting sites for sea turtles.
Kenya takes conservation very seriously. With 65 national parks, 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites, hundreds of unique species and an economy reliant on tourism, it has introduced wildlife conservation to the public school curriculum.
Accommodation
During your stay, you’ll be housed volunteer accommodation conveniently located near the marine conservation center. Rooms are shared and furnished, with easy access to nearby beaches, as well as many project activities. Your room will include an en-suite bathroom, mosquito nets, linens, and natural ventilation to suit the climate.
You can expect to share communal spaces with other volunteers, including a kitchen and outdoor socializing areas.
What to do in your spare time
During the weekends, staff can help you plan additional activities and may have specific recommendations based on the time of year in which you travel. Many volunteers like to spend time relaxing on nearby beaches, exploring local markets and cafes, and swimming in the marine park.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 2 weeks or 4 weeks
- Cost: £1702/$2100 for 2 weeks
£2891/$3545 for 4 weeks - Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Watamu, Kenya
- Working hours: Monday-Friday, hours vary depending on project needs
- Project availability: Year round
- Arrival day: Monday
What is included
- Shared accommodation in the volunteer accommodation
- One main meal provided on weekdays
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Training: pre-departure information pack & on-site orientation
- Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
- Fundraising Guide
- Working alongside qualified professionals
What is not included
- Flights to Malinidi Airport (MYD), or alternatively, Moi International Airport (MBA)
- Additional meals (sourced locally)
- Insurance
- Visas
- Police/Government Background Check: US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies); all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Personal expenses
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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