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Volunteering

Coastal Conservation Expedition in Thailand

Support biodiversity research while living by the Andaman Sea.

Durations: 2 - 12 weeks
Fieldwork hours35 hrs of fieldwork per week
Participant ratio1:6 staff to participant ratio
GVI experiencesIncludes GVI Experiences
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Travel flexibility, because life happens! Modify your booking, even up to 48 hours before departure. T&Cs apply.

Program information

Join a community of changemakers in coastal Thailand working to protect fragile marine ecosystems. Based in Trang, you’ll survey coral reefs, restore mangroves, and monitor seagrass beds – while spotting sea turtles, reef fish, and shorebirds along the way. No prior experience needed – just a deep care for the planet and a willingness to get your hands wet.

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
What's included
Life on Base
Experiences
New
Free time & Cultural Immersion
Speak to Alumni
Meet the team
Parent Info
Arrivals & Flights
Your Impact
Our Ethics
Program Ethics
Qualifications & Training Options
Support & Safety

Program overview

In Thailand’s Trang Province, the sea meets limestone cliffs, coral reefs bloom just offshore, and mangroves stretch quietly along the coast. This is where your conservation journey begins.

As a volunteer on this expedition, you’ll work alongside a team of environmental changemakers to support ongoing efforts to protect and restore fragile marine ecosystems. You’ll learn to identify species, collect ecological data, conduct snorkel-based surveys, and contribute to habitat mapping that helps track climate-related changes over time.

No prior experience is needed – just a love for the ocean and a readiness to get involved. You’ll gain practical skills in fieldwork, expand your understanding of conservation science, and play a role in preserving habitats that dugongs, turtles, and countless reef species rely on.

When the work is done, you’ll live just a few steps from the sea, where weekends might mean swapping stories under the stars, exploring limestone coves by kayak, or sharing local meals with your team and neighbours.

This program supports UN SDG #13, Climate Action, UN SDG #14, Life Below Water, and UN SDG #15, Life on Land, and invites you to be part of something bigger than yourself – a planet-first mission rooted in connection and action.

Highlights

 

 

 Restore coastal ecosystems
Restore coastal ecosystems
Support marine surveys and habitat restoration through hands-on training and field research.
Live by limestone shores
Live by limestone shores
Stay just steps from the sea in Trang, surrounded by coral reefs, mangroves, and wild coastline.
Be part of the real deal
Be part of the real deal
Contribute to ongoing environmental projects that address critical challenges aligned to the global UN SDGs.
Join ethical initiatives
Join ethical initiatives
Join local conservation partners and qualified professionals to ensure your efforts are highly ethical, meaningful and sustainable.
Experience unreal adventures
Experience unreal adventures
Venture outside typical travel itineraries to get exclusive access to extraordinary remote habitats, rare species and unique ecosystems.
Make friends for life
Make friends for life
Share epic experiences with like-minded, passionate changemakers from all over the globe.
Enjoy a hassle-free, safe trip
Enjoy a hassle-free, safe trip
With expert local staff and 24/7 support at every step –  you can relax and enjoy the experience stress-free.
Take a break
Take a break
Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, yourself and your purpose.

Activities

Some of the example typical activities you could participate in on this program.

 

Fieldwork training
Fieldwork training
Learn how to identify species and collect ecological data to support conservation goals.
 Mangrove restoration
Mangrove restoration
Help restore vital coastal forests using community-based ecological methods.
Seagrass surveys
Seagrass surveys
Snorkel or wade through seagrass beds to monitor their health and map biodiversity.
 Coastal habitat mapping
Coastal habitat mapping
Use drone imagery and GPS to assess how climate change affects marine ecosystems.  
Biodiversity surveys
Biodiversity surveys
Record sightings of birds, coastal species, and macaques to support ongoing research.
Mangrove ecosystem surveys
Mangrove ecosystem surveys
Collect data on species composition and zonation patterns in mangrove habitats.  
Community outreach
Community outreach
Support plastic reduction, coastal clean-ups, and sustainability education initiatives.
Support management planning
Support management planning
Help develop mangrove co-management plans that benefit conservation and livelihoods.

Skills

  • Data collection
  • Data entry
  • Environmental education
  • Marine conservation
  • Population ecology
  • Public awareness

Partners

Some of the partners we work with on base.

Rajamangala University
Bo Hin Farmstay
Rajamangala Aquarium Trang

Program details

 
Included in your program, at no extra cost.

Make the most of our unique programs with these exclusively curated local adventure and wellness experiences.

Offered once a month, expand your adventure with GVI Experiences. These are just some of the activities offered on your program!
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Hike to waterfall
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Support sustainability through recycled art
Enjoy a Meditation and Hatha/Yin Yoga class
Enjoy a Meditation and Hatha/Yin Yoga class
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