Thailand Turtle Proyect

Save the turtles on an island paradise

The turtle, a species which dates back over 100 million years, is slowly disappearing all over the world. Working with a small organisation you are intimately involved in monitoring the behaviour of large leatherback and green turtles, an important task to reverse this tragic trend. Each day you will observe the movements of turtles both at sea and coming up the beaches to lay their eggs - and the work that you do will contribute to a worldwide effort to save this dying species.

There is also the opportunity to help restore a mangrove forest, essential for the protection of the coastline , and to assist with the development of a thriving community conservation project, working closely with the locals to protect their environment.

This is all put together against a backdrop of the beautiful island of Koh Phra Thong, an extraordinary location with crystal blue water, a snorkeler’s paradise, and spectacular unspoilt sandy beaches.

What will I be doing?

Your day will start with a walk along the stretch of golden sand beach, monitoring the nesting beaches as the sun rises over the sea. Breakfast is taken on the outskirts of the jungle, where you will be monitoring the behaviour of the turtles out at sea. Your afternoons are spent on various projects, from preparing display material for the conservation and community centre to helping protect local mangrove forests.

The turtle season is from December to April and during that time volunteers patrol the beach for turtle sightings to protect nests and observe turtles hatching and moving down to the sea.

The conservation centre promotes environmental awareness and provides facilities to carry out small, focused research on turtles. A database of species composition, habitat use and conservation status is created, and shared across the world. There is now an active programme running with the local population which has been so successful it has led to the formation of local conservation groups. Volunteers get involved in this work and might contribute to workshops involving youth groups and university study tours.

Getting there

You fly into Phuket airport on any day of the month. Here a taxi will meet you and drive you down to the port (4 hours) where you will be met by a boat to take you over to the island.

Highlights - what will I get out of this?

• Become part of the village community and share in their customs, all in an unspoilt environment.
• Learn more about turtles and contribute to important research
• Live with a Thai family, and learn more about the aspects of Thai culture far off the beaten track
• Simply enjoying this fantastic location with some of the finest beaches you will see anywhere. The clear water and spectacularly attractive fish make this a snorkeler’s paradise.
• The opportunity to travel to other islands at the end of the project.
• Try out delicious local cuisine, prepared for your within the community by the locals
• Enjoy island life far away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland and frequently touristed islands

Accommodation and Food

You will stay with a family in the village which gives a tremendous opportunity to interact with the incredibly warm local people and share their way of life.

All meals are provided by a local resident and you will enjoy excellent freshly cooked local vegetarian dishes.