Conserve endangered
sea turtles in
Kefalonia

Gain hands on experience as you contribute to important research

Apply now
  • Duration
    2-4 Weeks
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • Selected start dates between Apr & Oct
  • From
    £590
  • Duration
    2-4 Weeks
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • Selected start dates between Apr & Oct
  • From
    £590

Greece sea turtle conservation

Become a part of an international team and help with our efforts of conserving critically endangered sea turtles on the Greek island of Kefalonia. Every year, many Loggerhead sea turtles migrate here to forage and reproduce, with female turtles laying their eggs on the sandy beaches.

However, with the ever-increasing tourism industry and many other natural threats, the eggs are at risk of being damaged or destroyed – this is where your help is urgently needed! You will gain hands on experience and increase your knowledge in the field of conservation as you help with our efforts to study and protect these endangered sea turtles. 

Your tasks will range from daily morning patrols to locate and protect new nests, turtle identification, monitoring and relocating vulnerable nests, behavioural research surveys, raising public awareness with locals and visitors about the island’s biodiversity, night beach patrols, gathering valuable population data, tagging turtles so we can monitor and carry out health checks and so much more!

Background to the sea turtle programme

Kefalonia is one of the most important locations for loggerhead sea turtles to breed. Unfortunately, they are now facing many threats that are pushing them closer to the brink of extinction.

Sea turtles are regularly injured or killed by accidental boat strikes, get trapped in fishing equipment, inundated by the rising tide, flooded by tropical storms or by swallowing the abundance of plastics found in the sea.

With more and more holidaymakers heading to the island, sea turtles are now also facing a new problem. With hotels, apartments, restaurants and other venues being built to cater for the new tourists, light pollution is dramatically increasing and disrupting their normal behaviour and navigational capabilities.

The programme's goal is to study and protect the endangered sea turtles of Kefalonia and their ecosystems. To achieve this goal, we need help from you and other volunteers to survey all nesting beaches to identify, study, and protect the turtles’ nests, to monitor the population's health and behaviour and to identify threats.

With all of the information and data collected, we hope to develop and implement plans working alongside the local authorities and fishermen. We hope that in the not too distant future, we can help mitigate and reverse population declines in the area.

Where will I be volunteering?

You will be based at one of two research stations, living and volunteering close to the beautiful beaches – the most picture-perfect backdrop! The island still has many untouched natural attractions and plenty of activities for everyone. Snorkel in the glittering azure seas, trek up the breathtaking mountainous landscapes, wander through the lush forests or explore the secret coves – there really is so much to see and do!

In order to monitor an extensive part of the island, the programme operates two field stations at separate locations along the coast. Both stations are just a short (20 minute) ferry ride away from each other. Both stations conduct beach surveys following our scientific methodology, but minor differences exist between each.

If you choose to start on one of the Sunday start dates, you will be based at the Argostoli field station. When volunteering at Argostoli you will based close to the nesting beach locations, although these are spread out across 11 locations which vary from 100 metres to 1000 metres. You will work within a smaller sub team conducting morning beach surveys, monitoring the harbour and lots more. The accommodation at Argostoli is larger than the other field station and attracts bigger groups, but you are slightly further away from local amenities. 

If you choose to start on one of the Tuesday start dates, you will be based at Lixouri field station. Although you are further away from the nesting beaches, you are much closer to local amenities, including cafes, bars and shops - which are all within walking distance. Your main volunteer activities will include night beach patrols looking for nesting loggerhead turtles, morning census walks and more.

To view more in-depth information about what you will be doing at each field station, click frequently asked questions.

What is my role?

You will play an integral role within the team (generally between 20 and 30 other volunteers) where you will be involved in many varied activities. You will gain valuable research experience, increase your knowledge in wildlife conservation and develop your interpersonal skills while exploring new places, experiencing a new culture and making lifetime friends. Most importantly, you’ll be helping to save the sea turtles of Kefalonia from extinction.

Beach patrols - During nesting season (May to middle of August), you will spend most mornings at sunrise walking the beaches to identify and record fresh sea turtle tracks and nests. All nesting attempts are recorded and successful nests are marked and protected. On a regular basis you will also patrol the beaches during the night looking for turtles coming ashore to nest – there is nothing more spectacular than the sight of a large loggerhead turtle making its way up the beach!

Nest monitoring - Identified nests are constantly monitored to ensure they are still safe and cannot come to any harm. When they’re ready to hatch, volunteers are there to gently assist the turtles to the sea, where they begin their lives. The hatching season generally runs from late July to the end of October. On an ad hoc basis, you will get the chance to sleep out under the stars on the beach to monitor the nearby nests – no words can describe this!

Baby sea turtle release - Nests are monitored on a nightly basis and if there are any signs of movement then volunteers will be able to assist if needs be or watch the amazing events unfold. Seeing the baby turtles make their way down the beach to the sea to start their life is something that will stay with you forever.

Harbour monitoring - We are keen to observe the behaviour of sea turtles swimming around the bay and harbour. Your time by the picturesque harbour will be spent recording the activity of the adult turtles and educating tourists about the dangers of feeding the turtles. This unique aspect of the programme gives you an up close look at adult turtles and how they interact with each other.

Light pollution surveys - Sadly, as with many other turtle hotspots, the areas are polluted by light from nearby sources. This can cause hatchlings to crawl in the wrong direction and never make it safely to sea. You will spend time identifying harmful light pollution sources and use what you have learnt to help educate the local communities about the damage it does and how it can result in the emerging hatchlings becoming disorientated.

Other activities - You’ll also be involved in many other activities that may include; Early morning harbour research, nest inventories, nest protection, beach surveys, night time sleep outs watching over the nests, tagging turtles, adult turtle health checks, hatchling rehab and so much more…!

Hands-on learning is emphasised throughout the project so that you can acquire practical experience on a wide range of wildlife research and conservation practices, including their legal and social aspects, which are often the most controversial aspects of conservation.

If you are looking to conduct your own independent research or are looking to carry out an internship, then our local team are more than happy to assist.

What will a typical day look like?

Each week, the field leaders prepare a schedule (rota) to assign volunteers to the teams responsible for carrying out all our project's shifts. Volunteers rotate through all of the shifts allowing them to gain experience with every aspect of our project as well as the research and conservation methodologies used.

When you first arrive in Kefalonia, you will receive extensive training to ensure you are competent and happy to carry out all tasks involved. You will receive practical on the job training from local staff and have the opportunity to help safeguard Greece’s vulnerable sea turtles and exceptional habitats for future generations.

Most mornings will begin by biking to the nesting beaches at sunrise to identify and record fresh sea turtle tracks and to protect any nests. Reaching the nesting beaches in the early morning is important because it allows us to protect nests before the beach becomes busy with visitors that may walk over the tracks and obscure them or damage the nests by accident.

You will continue assisting on the programme in the early evening and depending on the rota and the circumstances on the ground (nesting or hatching activity), you may find yourself helping into the night.

We typically do not work in the afternoon, between 1pm and 4pm, which is the hottest time of the day. In this time you can visit the local beaches and enjoy the sea, or visit the town. On some days you may have a free evening to rest and relax or visit a local Greek taverna. During your stay here you will have one full day off. Some volunteers take this opportunity to explore the area or the rest of the island, which is full of places well worth a visit.

Where will I be staying?

Depending on which start day you have selected will dictate which field station you will be based at. If you start on a Sunday, you will be based in Argostoli and if starting on a Tuesday, at  Lixouri. Set in the hills of Kefalonia, you will be spoilt by the beautiful views and by the local peaceful beaches just a short distance away. Both local areas are truly stunning and just a short 15-20 minute ferry ride between each - we cannot think of a more picturesque place to volunteer.

Other things to consider

Start dates - Depending on availability, the Greece Sea Turtle Conservation programme will start in the middle of April and finish towards the end of October. You can see which dates are still available for this year by clicking 'Apply Now' and scrolling through the start date calendar. 

Cycling - The easiest way for volunteers to get from point to point as part of the programme is by bicycle. This is particularly the case in Lixouri where it is an 8km distance from the main town to the nesting beaches. Therefore, all volunteers must be comfortable cycling on hilly terrain and also be able to walk the beaches on hot days. You will always cycle as part of a team leaving at scheduled times. Moreover, you can use your free time to hop on the bike and explore the local area further.

Volunteering with friends - Although we will do our best, it is important to note that due to the amount of different tasks and locations we cover, it is not always possible for you to be placed volunteering with your friend for all activities. However, we can ensure you stay within the same accommodation and get the same free day off.

Greece sea turtles

My favourite memories were of course being hands on with the turtles, but it was truly the people that made the trip incredible. They were kind and helpful every step of the way, encouraging us to work hard and help one another. The other volunteers, in par... Read More

Millie PlattOctober 2024

Everything was simple and clear!

Everything was simple and clear!! You was able to book a trip and understand what you needed to submit and for when!! If you are unsure, the team are always available to help and the website is easy and effective to book more trips !!

Nimisha PatelOctober 2023

We went to Agostoli in kefelonia doing…

We went to Agostoli in kefelonia doing turtle conservation, it was amazing I would go back in a heartbeat, the team directing us were fantastic, they do amazing work, I learned so much I will never forget the experience

Lilian BainOctober 2023

Was amazing definitely be back you get…

Was amazing definitely be back, you get so much free time during the day so got so much opportunity to do what you need to do.

Skye BruceOctober 2023

Recommend!

Very easy to book and lots of information given about the trips :) communication was also very good throughout. I would definitely recommend. 

Eve McSpaddenSeptember 2023

Volunteering in Greece

Just back from two weeks in Kefalonia volunteering with the Sea Turtle project. I had an amazing experience. Very well organised, THR team were always on hand to answer any questions and help with anything I needed. I would definitely book again! Thank you Mighty Roar!

Jo SommervilleAugust 2023

Incredible Turtle Conservation

I had an incredible time in Greece doing Turtle Conservation 🐢 I was based in Lixouri, a small town with good variety of bars, restaurants and shops- i can honestly say I've never felt so safe in another country before. We had morning shifts that ended before 11 and shifts that started again a... Read More

Hannah OwenAugust 2023

Amazing time in Kefalonia

Chanel and the team are amazing and so knowledgeable which helps the project run so smoothly. I have learnt so much about conservation in Greece and I can't wait to return!

Kathryn HooperJuly 2023

Kefalonia sea turtles

Great experience from start to finish. We were able to find and relocate several nests on the morning surveys and even managed to track and tag turtles on the night surveys which was an incredible experience. Would 100% recommend. 

Marcus SollyJune 2023

Highly recommend - Sea Turtles Kefalonia

Amazing experience for my Gap Year before Uni. The team are so committed and supportive. We met people from all over the world, and worked closely in teams to support the amazing work that team do to conserve critically endangered sea turtles on the Greek island of Kefalonia. We gained hands on e... Read More

Joe April 2023

Kefalonia Turtle Conservation

I went to Kefalonia for the turtle conservation. It will forever be the most amazing experience, since being my first solo trip which is a massive achievement. I met so many lovely people out there and always felt safe. TMR were also really fast and efficient in getting back to emails or calls. A... Read More

Talia Knight-FarmanMarch 2023

Great Support

The whole process was so easy to book. It was quick to do and relatively well priced in comparison to other companies. There was always someone on hand to answer question, which really helped ease my worries as a solo traveller.

Michelle YoungFebruary 2023

Had A Great Time

Had a great time working to conserve the future and current loggerhead turtle population in Kefalonia. The mighty roar helped to coordinate the whole process which allowed me to participate in the fantastic work!

Anatole MyintFebruary 2023

Wholeheartedly Recommend

I have used TMR twice now and looking to use them for several other projects. I went to Greece and South Africa and both times felt completely safe and prepared. I had the best time on both of these trips and wholeheartedly recommend.

Grace CalderDecember 2022

Turtle Conservation Kefalonia

One of the best things I’ve ever done. The people were amazing, very friendly, insightful and helpful. The core team knew all the best places to go visit on the island to make the most of our free time; so even got to swim with a turtle one day which was an amazing experience. The project was v... Read More

Daniel VenessOctober 2022

Turtle Conservation in Kefalonia

I did the two week turtle conservation in Kefalonia and had the best time. The local team were all amazing and were always keen to answer any questions you had.

Everything ran really smoothly, and there was lots of support and advice from the local team when you were on your shifts. You lea... Read More

Grace CalderAugust 2022

Great Service

Great service, well organised. Experience of a life time.

Caroline StaffordJuly 2022

Kefalonia Sea Turtles

My son went to Kefalonia on the Sea Turtle Project. He had a great time, no problems at all, well looked after and a brilliant experience.

Jane WestJuly 2022

Mighty Roar is definitely worth it!

Mighty roar have been an excellent company to plan a trip through, especially through the difficult times of COVID! I travelled to Kefalonia Greece, it was an amazing experience and more! Although I did expect everyone to be from mighty roar, there were other volunteers from other organisations a... Read More

Olivia Holloway-WrightNovember 2021

Thank you

During lockdown I wanted to travel somewhere and do some good, TMR appeared and I checked out their website, which gave fantastic travel and volunteer opportunities across the globe. I ended up joining their programme in Greece and helping with turtle conservation, without a doubt will be somethi... Read More

Kitty GordonAugust 2021

Volunteering in Kefalonia

I went to Kefalonia, Greece to volunteer helping Loggerhead sea turtles through The Mighty Roar. I’m glad I went through TMR, they were super helpful, especially during the pandemic when my trip kept getting postponed and had several issues with it. Insurance though them was incredibly easy and... Read More

Laura HartshornAugust 2021

A brilliant time in Greece

I had a brilliant time in Greece and I would strongly recommend it.

Rosie AllenbyOctober 2019

Absolutely incredible time

Absolutely incredible time working through the Might Roar in Kefalonia, Greece. Working with Sea Turtles has always been a dream. All of the field leaders were amazing, the coordinator was amazing. And the sea turtles were unreal, getting to go to the harbour and watching the adult loggerhead tur... Read More

Abbie SmithSeptember 2019

Sea turtle conservation in Kefalonia

My 16 year old daughter spent 2 weeks volunteering and had an amazing time. The group and leaders were supportive and friendly. She plans to return next year.

Rosie AllenbyAugust 2019

Great

Easy, lots of information and very helpful people - 100% recommend.

Robbie WintonAugust 2019

Absolutely amazing

They were absolutely amazing. The team were incredibly helpful, supportive and efficient. They made me feel both comfortable and welcome, I would definitely recommend them, they really helped to calm and settle any doubts or worries I had and were there to support me 24/7. Thanks guys :)

Leah SelbyJuly 2019

Sea turtle conservation programme

The best host for the project. All is explained well and through email and phone there is always support when undertaking a programme with the mighty roar. I would highly recommend volunteering in Greece!

Ordella RagelJuly 2019

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Things to do in Greece

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Conserving marine life in Greece

  • October 2024
I signed up to volunteer in Kefalonia, working to conserve loggerhead sea turtles. I chose this because I was looking for interesting experiences to do on my gap year and thought that volunteering with these amazing creatures would be a unique, fulfilling and fascinating experience - and I was right. My favourite memories were of course being hands on with the turtles, but it was truly the people that made the trip incredible.

Millie's story

An incredible summer in Greece

  • August 2024
I spent an incredible 2 weeks in Greece this summer with the aim of conserving the sea grass and sand dunes on the coast of Kefalonia! It was an experience that I’ll never forget and will likely return to in the near future. I’ve made so many friends that I’m still in touch with even though I’m back home now! Thanks so much to TMR and the local team in Greece for making my trip such a wonderful and rewarding one!

Anja's story

Incredible turtle conservation in Greece

  • January 2024
I recently came back from an incredible turtle conservation trip in Greece (Lixouri) with The Mighty Roar from July 21st to August 8th, and I couldn't be more thrilled with my experience. From the moment I began the booking process to the time I bid farewell to my new friends and the incredible team, The Mighty Roar made every aspect of this adventure seamless.

Hannah's story

Conserving Loggerhead sea turtles in Greece

  • October 2023
I have just returned from Greece volunteering in the conservation of loggerhead sea turtles. I came across TMR and instantly fell in love with their efficiency to provide once in a lifetime travel experiences. I would 100% recommend, they’re a great way to visit somewhere new at a reasonable cost and meet new people - I will be booking future trips.

Nimisha's story

Marine and Coastal Conservation in Greece

  • September 2023
I spent two weeks in Kefalonia, a greek island in the ionian sea, where I learned a lot about marine conservation, made amazing friends and saw some baby turtles hatch! Travelling and volunteering in Greece was a dream come true and I would absolutely recommend this programme to anyone thinking about it.

Elisa-Marie's story