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volunteer in zante zakynthos Greece with sea turtles college of charleston

What You’ll Learn

During your time volunteering here at the Mediterranean Marine Life Center you’ll gain fantastic knowledge and hands on experience of working with a conservation charity. You’ll:

  • Gain experience combining sustainable tourism and conservation
  • Experience the Caretta caretta sea turtles and hatchlings in their natural environment, if you’re lucky!
  • Experience dolphins, and likely catch a glimpse of the very shy and extremely endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
  • Make a great first step towards your career in practical conservation
  • Make a lasting one-off contribution to the preservation of endangered species
  • Experience Greek culture first hand
  • Explore the picturesque island of Zakynthos
  • Have time off every day to relax and unwind while volunteering in Greece
  • Gain long lasting friendships with volunteers from around the globe

Interested in volunteering with sea turtles in Greece?

Our volunteers learn how conservation and sustainable tourism can work together to benefit tourists, the locals, and wildlife alike.

When you come to do volunteer work on Zakynthos you will be part of a small team who research and record the affects of tourism on the local environment, provide information on the local flora and fauna to visitors, and participate in beach and forest cleans. This warm and lush island is a haven for all sorts of wildlife, the forests are a stopover for migrating birds, the beaches are a favored nesting destination of the Loggerhead sea turtle, and the island is home to over 6,000 species of rare and delicate flowers. This special opportunity to volunteer with sea turtles in Zakynthos is a once in a lifetime experience.

Volunteers are encouraged to commit for at least two weeks to maximize learning outcomes and personal growth. Throughout their terms our volunteers are supported by our volunteer coordinator who will conduct training and orientation, develop schedules according to volunteers’ interests, offer transportation to local grocery stores, and other support activities.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2024 season. Click here to learn more about volunteer requirements and costs.

Apply Now

APPLICATIONS FOR OUR 2024 VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ARE NOW CLOSED!

DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION AS IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

COME BACK FOR OUR 2025 VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS LATER THIS YEAR!

If you are interested in volunteering for a longer period of time or working with our staff to develop an internship, please email info@zanteturtlecenter.com. The traditional volunteer season runs from April through October.

Watch this video to hear more about the experience of volunteering at our center

My time here at Earth, Sea & Sky has been amazing and far too short. The people here are wonderful and I’ve learned so much about conservation that can only be taught through experience. Watching sea turtle hatchlings run to the ocean was probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I’ve made friends from all over the world and explored the incredible Island of Zakynthos. I loved being surrounded by animals and helping out at the rescue centre every day, as well as snorkeling in my free time! This is truly a great cause and an unforgettable experience for all the volunteers.

LindsayCanada

Volunteering at Earth, Sea & Sky was a precious experience for me. I am interested in eco-tourism, so I learned a lot of things from the activities at Earth, Sea & Sky. For example, I could participate in the biological research of the sea turtles and run the turtle rescue centre and visitor centre. In addition, I was able to meet the great volunteers from all over the world.
The daily life in Zakynthos was exciting and refreshing for me. I had a relaxing time at the whitest beach with the bluest sea, and visited the famous shipwreck beach on a day off.
It was irreplaceable time for me and I’ve never experienced such days in Japan.

NabilJapan

I had the privilege to volunteer at Earth Sea and Sky early summer 2015. It was a most enjoyable experience at a gorgeous location, on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, Greece.
I loved the early morning beach surveys as we walked Zakynthos’s beautiful beaches, observing turtle and other wild life activity. In New Zealand, where I live, we also have endangered species, mostly rare native birds. I am challenged to get involved and make a difference here too.

AudreyNew Zealand