Where to go on a turtle conservation vacation

Click on the interactive map below to find out more about where to on a turtle conservation vacation. Choose between Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts, volunteer alongside fishermen in Ghana, kayak out to remote islands in Malaysia or get involved with local community work in Thailand, where turtle numbers are slowly rising again thanks to worthwhile conservation projects.

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Where to go on a turtle conservation vacation

AIDING THE ANCIENT MARINERS

We talk about the cradle of civilisation, but on a turtle conservation vacation you are, literally, immersed in cradle of marine conservation. Helping to preserve some of the planet’s oldest creatures. Because turtles were swimming the oceans and nesting on some of these beaches as far back as dinosaur eras. That is some legacy you are seeking to preserve, whether it is on a family turtle conservation vacation in Costa Rica, on a turtle bedecked beach in Thailand or on an island idyll in the Seychelles. Spots that are so beautiful, no wonder turtles insist on coming back to the same ones every time.

Costa Rica

Although Tortuguero is a favourite for sea turtle watching, there are projects in quieter spots around this stunning country. In Pacuare Nature Reserve, monitor leatherbacks nesting in March-April, with hatching starting around May. In the past, 95 percent of turtles were poached, and working with beacons of conservation, such as on Paradise Beach, which has reversed the situation completely, is an honour.

Greece

Sea turtle conservation vacations in Greece are overseen by the country’s leading sea turtle NGO, Archelon. In their rescue center on the outskirts of Athens, you will be feeding and cleaning rescued adult turtles who are injured or ill. On the Peloponnese, meanwhile, you can monitor nesting mothers, look for tracks, mark and enclose nests and keep an eye out for hatchlings. Placements take place June-Sept.

Malaysia

As if Malaysia isn’t beautiful enough, turtle conservation projects happening on the Perhentian islands take you into a whole other natural sphere. In order to see leatherbacks in their breeding grounds here in the South China Sea, you have to kayak to remote coves, sleep in hammocks under the stars, catch and cook fish in the sand, local style, snorkel or dive to spot the turtles at sea. Tough gig.

Seychelles

There are more than shells to be seen on the seashore here with North Island, in particular, a haven for green and hawksbill sea turtles and giant Aldabra tortoises, endemic to the Aldabra Atoll. With full on conservation projects here that usually require at least a month’s commitment, you get time to really immerse yourself in other projects which include endangered bird and coral monitoring. Phew, life’s a beach.

Thailand

With turtle conservation still hatching in Thailand, remote projects like one on Koh Phra Thong enable you to contribute to essential turtle monitoring and protection and escape tourist crowds, stay in homestays, educate communities and enjoy life on the beach. Not always leisurely, with packed days monitoring and mothering. Never gets tiring when you’re working with turtles though. And in paradise.

Photo credits: [Turtle nesting, Costa Rica: Steven Gerner] [Greece: Heather Cowper] [Thailand, sea turtle : Josh Evnin] [Seychelles turtle: Olivier Cochard-Labbé] [Malaysia: Achilli Family | Journeys]

Written by: Vicki Brown and Catherine Mack