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 island locations: Giannitsochori and Kefalonia. Working in collaboration with our local partners, ARCHELON and Wildlife Sense, your work will contribute directly to the protection of loggerhead turtles and endangered green 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 islands of Giannitsochori and Kefalonia are prime examples.

Giannitsochori

Imagine a spot tucked between the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea and the rugged coastline of the Peloponnese – that’s Giannitsochori. This small traditional village is home to ancient sea turtle nesting routes. When you join a volunteer program or internship, you’ll play a vital role in 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.

Kefalonia

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 our research station in the town of Argostoli, we run our under 18 sea turtle conservation program. Here teens work together with our partner, Wildlife Sense, to contribute to the protection of loggerhead turtles and endangered green turtles.

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.

Giannitsochori and Kefalonia are 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 and our marine conservation internships – 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. Our marine conservation programs are effective here because we work in support of our outstanding local partner organisations, ARCHELON and Wildlife Sense.

Each one of our participants who choose to intern or 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.

As a volunteer in Greece, you’ll assist our two local partner organisations:

• ARCHELON – The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece – who have been working to conserve turtles and their habitats since 1983.
• Wildlife Sense, a research and conservation organisation in Kefalonia, dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles and their habitats.

Our volunteers and interns focus on the protection of endangered loggerhead turtles that nest on the white-sand beaches of Giannitsochori and Kefalonia. Your turtle conservation opportunities in Greece include:

• Helping to record the turtles’ nesting activity.
• Protecting hatchlings from predators as they make their first journey to the ocean.
• Supporting experienced conservationists with data collection and hatchery management. 

You can also participate in marine research, giving you a well-rounded and unforgettable experience. 

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.