Helping turtles on an idyllic Greek island

Our Turtle Conservation project is based on the Greek island of Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian Sea. Kefalonia is a beautiful island with world-famous exotic beaches, picturesque fishing villages, friendly locals and even magical underground caves. It’s one of our favourite Greek islands, as not only does it have delicious local food (great food is key on our trips!), it’s so green as 55% of the island is covered in olive trees!

Our volunteers help the local conservation charity by monitoring and protecting turtle nests, rescuing turtle hatchlings on the beach, recording adult turtle behaviour in the harbour and much more. You can learn all about the trip here: https://www.podvolunteer.org/projects/turtle-conservation-greece 

It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Greek island life, learn new skills and help save turtles! 

The sea turtle season in Greece runs from April until October, with the turtle volunteering role varying depending on when you choose to volunteer. The turtle nesting season normally runs from May to mid-August and this is the best time to see adult turtles laying eggs in a deep sand nest on the beach. The hatching season is from around mid-August to October and this is the best time to see tiny turtles hatching from their eggs and making their way to the sea. 

Harvey joined the team last summer: “One of the best experiences I have had! Alongside the great project itself, you meet so many people as well as plenty of free time to do what you want. Also, there are evening activities to get to know everyone better as you make friends with people from around the world.”

You can even join the Turtle Conservation project as part of your DofE Award for your Gold Residential. Pod Volunteer is an Approved Activity Provider and we will submit an Assessor report for your trip.  “I found Pod Volunteer whilst looking for options for my DofE and the turtle conservation in Kefalonia stood out to me. Whilst I was there I met some amazing people who really made the experience what it was. I would look to do a similar project in the future.”

It’s a very popular project and spaces are filling up fast - head to our Turtle Conservation page to book on and join the team in Greece this year!