Volunteer with Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Sal Island, Cabo Verde

I spent 2 months and a half with Project Biodiversity during the nesting season.
I feel really honored to have been part of this amazing experience.
As a volunteer you get the chance to work with professional, learn a lot, and live on a camp with people from different horizon all reunited for the same reason.
In my case I didn’t study anything about biology or conservation so having a direct impact with the sea turtles was a incredible privilege. I can’t be more grateful to have been able to give a little of my contribution.
I can just recommend this association ! The work and commitment they provide is pretty impressive and inspiring.

I had a short stay in Project Biodiversity team but enough to be able to say that if you're looking for an authentic volunteering experience, meaningful as well as being part of a cool team, do not hesitate to join them ! Work can be hard as you're going to patrol at night and walk for a few kilometers in the sand, but you have direct impact on helping the turtles and being close to these animals and seeing them nesting is a unique experience. Everyone in the staff is really nice and supportive as well as in the volunteering and field assistant team :)

I had the privilege of volunteering with the project for 3 weeks in September 2021. The first impression I had and which was confirmed were the incredibly kind people. Not only do they all share the same passion for nature, it is almost impossible to find someone at the camp with whom you cannot have open-minded and wide-ranging conversations.
I can't remember meeting such a diverse yet collaborative group before.
The work with the turtles is physically demanding especially due to the lack of sleep and the rather not so good food, but for those who have an average fitness, a little stamina and belief in the mission, the wonderful and unique experiences of this trip should definitely outweigh it.
One has the privilege of working up close with nesting turtles and hatchlings while contributing to their conservation. On the one hand, by collecting data that will be used for scientific research. on the other hand, by minimizing human impact. It is important to keep hunters in mind, but in my opinion it is very unlikely to encounter them, not to mention to be confronted with them. In addition, the project attaches great importance to the safety of volunteers and staff, which further minimizes unnecessary risks.

So every night patrol was a new adventure, and the great people, well after a few days i would have called a lot of them my friends, made it a even better experience every time.
The volunteers are actually quite important in the project, which without the additional motivated staff would probably have big problems to survive permanently.
So you can look forward to being introduced very quickly to almost all the work and quickly being given more responsibility.

In summary, I can only recommend this opportunity to anyone who can imagine investing a little time and energy.
You will come out of this challenge with a broader understanding and mindset for people, nature and maybe even yourself.

And dont worry if your English isn't perfect, as long as you understand most of it and can express yourself, no one cares about awkward words or grammar.

what are you waiting for?
The world is open to you and maybe this is the first step through the door.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with Project Biodiversity for three weeks this summer and I can tell it has been an amazing experience, one of the bests of my life.

I have had the privilege to learn about marine turtles, local wildlife and so many other things with the best professionals on the island. It was great because we were committed to protecting this unique species, at the same time we were providing our small contribution to the planet. Moreover, I could improve my English skills significantly.

The greatest thing was meeting people from different countries and creating a special bond with them. I felt truly considered and respected all the time and enjoyed every experience with them. I hope to see them soon.

The only thing I would change would be the short time I spent there.

In short, I highly recommend this experience for anyone who is considering joining. You will have the best summer of your life!

I voluntereed with the project for three weeks during this summer and now I can say that it was the best experience of my life.
I learned a lot about turtles and the relation between us and the nature.
I met fantastic people and thanks to them I felt part of a real team where everyone help each other.
Of course the life it's not easy, you have to walk a lot and you have not so much time to sleep but I can assure you it's worth it!
The feeling you prove to save a turtle, a nest and to know that you are doing the right thing it's impossible to describe, I would do it another 1000 times.
Don't hesitate to join the project, you won't regret it!

I volunteered with the project for two months during Summer 2018 and it truly was an amazing experience. It was my first time as a volunteer and I can honestly say I’d do it all again. Not only the project is very well managed but most importantly, it truly makes a difference in taking care of the environment and protecting sea turtles.
When I applied I was looking for a way to use my time to do something good and meaningful and I found it: during my time with the project I learned a lot about sea turtles, but also about Cape Verte and about myself. I had the chance to meet great people, to work with both nesting turtles and hatchlings and to explore the island and its most beautiful beaches, to snorkel in my time off and to work under a sky full of so many stars it always took my breath away other than providing with enough light to spot nesting turtles coming out of the water from a distance.
Living on the beach was one of my favourite parts of the whole experience, it was impossible to get bored with so many people around but at the same time I got a lot of time to think and make important decisions.
Working with sea turtles is fascinating, never boring, and can also be a lot of fun! It is physically demanding and requests a lot of walking but it’s definitely worth it. So if you’re looking for an adventure, for a way to make a difference and to learn don’t hesitate and join the project!

I was volunteering with Project Biodiversity during the summer 2018, and for one month and a half. I had an amazing time there, I learnt a lot about loggerhead turtles, but also about people, and about myself.
By joining the Project I was looking for meaningful time abroad protecting our planet and I am more than happy that I have been a part of this project.
I would recommend anyone to go there and see by himself. Working with turtles was amazing. You will have plenty of time to learn a lot, discuss with people, get time for yourself during the day.
So if you are in good physical condition, if you are not afraid by walking nights, and if you want to have the unique chance to be useful to wildlife, evolve with great people and learn a lot, do not hesitate, join the project.
You can find plenty of volunteers that could tell you more about the project and the experience, and I am one of those who enjoyed the time there. If I had the opportunity to join the project again, I would not hesitate! :)