In a word, volunteering in Greece is unmatched. This is the definition of travel with a purpose as you have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking coastline and play a real part in the mission to protect endangered marine life.

We run our volunteer programs in Greece from two beautiful locations on the island of Kefalonia: Ammes and Argostoli. 

Working in close collaboration with local partners on the ground, your work will contribute directly to the protection of loggerhead turtles and endangered green sea turtles.

Lifelong friends and 24/7 support

Along with exploring stunning locations and helping with marine conservation efforts, you also have the opportunity for personal growth and development when you volunteer in Greece. You’ll be living and working alongside people from all over the world, building lifelong friendships and connections. You’ll learn new skills and gain experience in a unique and challenging environment, which will help you develop as a person and set you apart from your peers. And you’ll experience all this with the support of our expert team, all of whom are trained to adhere to rigorous health and safety standards.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Let’s go!

It’s no mystery why Greece is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Europe, and the island of Kefalonia is no exception. Located off the western coast of mainland Greece, this captivating island has it all – dreamy beaches, ancient ruins and lush Mount Ainos National Park. 

From this idyllic location we run two volunteer programs: sea turtle conservation at Ammes Beach in the village of Svoronata and our under 18 sea turtle conservation program in the town of Argostoli.

Ammes

When you join our volunteer with turtles program in Ammes, you’ll play a vital role in sea turtle conservation efforts, working to preserve and protect this crucial coastal habitat. And the best part? You’ll soak in the authentic Greek vibes while making a meaningful impact.

During your free time, soak up the relaxed atmosphere of Ammes Beach. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, explore local spots and unwind on the beach. Dive into snorkelling adventures, scenic hikes and birdwatching. This is your chance to immerse yourself in Greek culture and create unforgettable memories.

Argostoli

From our research station in the town of Argostoli, we run our under 18 sea turtle conservation program. Here teens contribute to the protection of loggerhead turtles and endangered green turtles. When you’re part of a GVI teen program, safety and support come first. Our team is all about making sure you’re looked after every step of the way.

You won’t be short on things to do in your free time. In Argostoli, you’ll find trendy cafes and boutique shops lining the lively streets. Explore landmarks like Koutavos Lagoon and Drapano Bridge for a taste of history. Or take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and soak in the stunning views of the Ionian Sea.

The fascinating loggerhead turtle is the living representative of a group of reptiles that has travelled our seas for the past 100 million years. Sadly, many loggerhead turtles’ nesting beaches are under threat from tourism development.

Kefalonia is home to some of the world’s most important loggerhead and green turtle nesting sites as they provide a safe haven for the turtles to lay their eggs and hatch their young. These beaches are carefully monitored and protected to ensure that the turtles can nest undisturbed, and their hatchlings can make their way safely to the ocean.

Volunteer in Greece for loggerhead and green sea turtle conservation

Without conservation efforts – like our volunteer programs in Greece – the loggerhead and green sea turtle populations would be at an even greater risk of decline. This would have a devastating impact on the marine ecosystem as a whole. 

Each one of our participants who chooses to volunteer in Greece can make a measurable contribution toward critical conservation efforts. Joining a volunteering program in Greece means you’ll help to preserve and protect this vital coastal habitat. It’s a unique opportunity to contribute to – and learn from – the work, the community and other participants.

GVI has been operating volunteer projects all over the world for the past two decades. We are proud of our approach to establishing long-term partnerships and sustainable projects. The local community is always consulted first and foremost in order to determine their needs. With the contribution of volunteers, we work together in partnership to achieve these goals.

In Kefalonia, we collaborate closely with local partner organisations committed to saving endangered sea turtles and preserving their habitats.

On our turtle conservation program in Ammes we gather info on sea turtle ecology. Our aim is to gather data that helps make the right choices to protect turtles and their homes. Volunteers can expect to participate in activities like: 

• Beach cleanups.
• Bird surveys.
• Light pollution assessment surveys.
• Coastal vegetation maintenance.
• Seagrass and megafauna drone surveys.
• Habitat mapping.
• Turtle capture-mark-recapture (March to mid-April) 
• Harbour surveys (March to mid-April).
• Seagrass snorkel surveys (mid-April to November).

Over in Argostoli, teen volunteers on our sea turtle and marine conservation program focus on the protection of endangered loggerhead turtles that nest on the white sand beaches of Kefalonia. Turtle conservation activities include:

• Join patrols and surveys to monitor and record new turtle tracks, check and record new nests, and construct protective grids for nests.
• Assist in clearing the beach of plastics or trash near the nesting sites during sea turtle conservation patrols.
• Snorkelling surveys to monitor and document seagrass within the region. 
• Training on the biology of important local species like loggerhead and green sea turtles.
• Regular beach cleans to minimise litter on Greece’s beaches and prevent it from being washed out to sea.

Whether you’re experienced in marine science or you’re someone who has never volunteered before, there’s a place for you on GVI’s conservation programs. Our volunteer programs in Greece are designed for those who are passionate about marine conservation and want to make a meaningful contribution to protecting precious species – there are no other prerequisites!

Training and support

Our programs are designed to be accessible and engaging for all volunteers, regardless of your background or experience level. Our expert staff will provide you with all the training and support you need to make a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts. 

Types of volunteers

Over the years, we’ve welcomed families and groups who want to volunteer together, as well as students who need to complete community service hours or want to gain experience in environmental conservation before pursuing higher education or a career in a related field. We also see career breakers and retirees joining us often. Whatever your motivation for volunteering, we believe that everyone has the potential to make a positive impact, and we strive to create a safe, inclusive environment for all.

Teen volunteering in Greece

If you’re under 18, our sea turtle and marine conservation program is specifically designed for teens. Participants can spend their summer on the Mediterranean coast, protecting loggerhead and green turtles. Activities include monitoring turtle behaviour, seagrass surveys, nest protection and beach cleanups. With a focus on health and safety, GVI is a British Standards 8848 compliant provider. This project is perfect for 15 to 17 year olds wanting to make a positive impact, guided by experienced mentors who provide valuable training and support.