Travel & Volunteer in Cape Verde

Volunteer in Cape Verde

We promote respected local NGO's who work to protect nesting loggerheads turtles and you can sign up to participate too  helping protect these stunning creatures from poachers. There are paid work, volunteer and internships available which are perfect for any meaningful holiday or gap year break. The programs we have listed on our website are perfect if you are looking for a different type of experience and do more than just relax at a resort of sit on a beach.

Cape Verde is the third most important nesting area for loggerheads in the world and these creatures are facing so many problems especially from hunters who try to steal their eggs. In the 1990's and 2000's literally thousands of turtles were slaughtered even though they are protected by law in the country.  Turtles also face other problems apart from poaching, the removal of land and sand near the ocean for new hotels and unregulated tourism development is a big issue as this destroyed nesting ground.

In 2002 the United Nations Environmental Program declared Cape Verde as a conservation priority and in recent years several  organisations have been set up with the assistance of local authorities and the military to help. This has resulted in a sharp drop in the number of turtles being killed but work is still needed to be done.

You can join an international team contributing to a more positive future, take the opportunity to experience this stunning country and make a genuine contribution to wildlife in need. The main turtle nesting season runs from June to November and you can apply through our website to arrange a place.  Types of duties can include beach patrols, looking out for poachers, locating nesting turtles and eggs, tagging selected animals, cleaning up rubbish, educating local people and school children, taking part in community events, monitoring and researching marine life and putting together sustainable plans for future programs.

You will get to work in a spectacular setting, one of the main islands is Boavista which has some of the best white sandy beaches in the world. By signing up you will be able to work in teams with people from all around the world, all Nationalities are eligible to apply but you will need to be aged over 18 and also be eligible for a tourist visa.  We highly recommend you learn basic Portuguese phrases too so you can communicate with local people and enjoy. You might want to search all of our Africa volunteer opportunities.

What is Included

Accommodation and food is usually included but you can also independently book, there are a range of hotels and hostels with budget and more expensive options available. If you need any help or advice please contact us. View our Cape Verde volunteer programs today or if you would like to view similar opportunities visit our page to learn more about going to volunteer with sea turtles abroad.