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Sea Turtle Conservation in Bali

Join our local team to protect endangered sea turtles! Work on a paradise island to care for these extraordinary animals, contribute to their recovery, and help safeguard their habitat.

Where

Where

Nusa Penida, Bali

When

When

Departures every week, all year round (except during closure periods)

Duration

Duration

Minimum 1 week

Accommodation

Accommodation

Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house with meals included

Language

Language

English (beginner level recommended)

Ideal for

Ideal for

Anyone who loves being close to animals and surrounded by nature

Travel destination

Project details

About section

A protection and awareness project on the island

 

A small conservation centre in Nusa Penida works every day to give sea turtles one more chance, as they are increasingly threatened by plastic, fishing, and climate change.

The project began in 2013 thanks to the commitment of a local group, with the aim of protecting nests, caring for injured turtles, and raising awareness in the community. Since then, local involvement has drastically reduced turtle hunting.

By taking part, you will live on the island and help directly: you will feed the turtles, clean the tanks, monitor their growth, and, with a bit of luck, you may even accompany the hatchlings to the sea. A practical, simple experience, yet one that is deeply connected to marine life and the balance of the ocean.

Why participate

Make a tangible impact

Take an active role in caring for and rehabilitating sea turtles, contributing directly to their survival and to the protection of the marine ecosystem.

Make a tangible impact

Live alongside locals and volunteers from all over the world

Live alongside locals and volunteers from all over the world

The Weekly Program

Weekdays

From Monday to Friday, the days are divided between hands-on activities at the conservation centre, learning moments, and free time by the sea.

Each day alternates between turtle care, tank cleaning, food collection, and small environmental awareness activities, always with the support of the local team.

07:00Breakfast and getting ready for the day
08:30Cleaning the tanks and preparing food for the turtles
10:30Collecting seaweed and natural food along the coast
12:00Lunch and time to relax
15:30Beach clean-ups and awareness activities in the community
18:30Dinner, evening activities, or free time: bonfire night, yoga, group games

Weekend

Weekends are free from mandatory activities. You can explore the area, join small trips, or relax with the other volunteers.

Snorkelling at Crystal Bay

Snorkelling at Crystal Bay

Swim among colourful corals, sea turtles, and tropical fish in one of the island’s most beautiful bays.

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Cost calculator

Weeks:
2
Daily cost:
£0
Total cost:
£0
🍽️Accommodation, meals and daily essentials included
🚫No group kitty, no add-ons, no hidden fees
🫶Your fee directly supports our local partner

What's included

What's not included

FAQs

During your stay in Nusa Penida, you will live in our volunteer centre in Ped Village, a welcoming property in an ideal location: just a few minutes from the main harbour, surrounded by tropical nature and very close to the island’s most beautiful beaches. The house is designed to offer comfort, safety, and social connection, with simple yet well-kept spaces where you can relax after a day of activities at the conservation centre.

Rooms are shared (4–6 people), separated by gender, and equipped with air conditioning, a fan, and a private bathroom with hot shower. Each room can be locked and includes personal lockers for storing your belongings. The common areas — dining room, chill-out area, swimming pool, and terraces — are the beating heart of the experience: places where you can gather, socialise, and enjoy your free time with the other volunteers.

Meals are served directly at the accommodation: breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays; brunch and dinner at weekends. The food is simple, local, and prepared fresh every day. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, but we recommend buying a local SIM card (Telkomsel or XL Axiata) for a more stable connection throughout your stay.

🔥 During the week, evening activities are also organised: beach barbecues, movie nights, sports, group games, and the chance to attend Balinese ceremonies to discover local traditions.

🛏️ Included amenities:

- Accommodation in shared rooms with private bathroom
- Air conditioning, fans, and personal lockers
- 3 meals a day during the week, 2 at weekends
- Swimming pool inside the property for relaxing
- Equipped common areas for socialising or resting
- Wi-Fi in the common areas (a local SIM is recommended for a stable connection)
- Airport transfer and ferry to the island
- 24/7 support from the local team
- Themed evenings and community events
- Guaranteed safety: gated property, staff on site, and a quiet area


The accommodation is much more than a place to sleep: it is a real shared base where friendships, exchanges, and unforgettable memories will take shape. A place where simplicity meets the collective energy of people who have come from all over the world with the same goal: to make a difference.
The safety of our participants is an absolute priority.

Every programme is carefully monitored, from the conservation activities you will join to the volunteer house where you will stay, to ensure a welcoming and protected environment.

🔹 Participant screening and protected environments

To protect local communities and vulnerable groups, all participants must provide an up-to-date criminal record certificate before departure.

We will send you step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a DBS check or equivalent in your country.

🔹 High safety standards

We work only with reliable local partners used to welcoming volunteers from all over the world. Accommodation is in a safe area, rooms can be locked, and the local team is always available to support you.

🔹 24-hour support

From the moment you land until the end of the programme, you can rely on continuous support from the local staff, including evenings and weekends. Our HQ team also remains available via WhatsApp whenever needed.

🔹 Training and orientation

On your first day, you will join an orientation meeting with practical rules, safety guidance, and an introduction to Balinese culture. This is essential for starting the experience with confidence and awareness.

🔹 Good habits for enjoying the experience with peace of mind

Bali is generally welcoming and easy to explore, but it is still important to follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid moving around alone at night.
- Try to travel with other volunteers whenever possible.
- Always follow the local coordinator’s advice on transport and the areas to visit.


💡 Our goal

is to offer you a safe, supportive environment so you can focus on what really matters: your contribution to the project and the local community.
🧭 Orientation day in Nusa Penida

Your volunteering experience begins with a full day dedicated to orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local context, and start the project with safety, awareness, and team spirit.

📅 The first Monday of your stay will be led by our local team and will take place between the volunteer house and the conservation centre. It is the perfect moment to break the ice, meet the other participants, and prepare yourself for the days ahead.

During the day:

- Welcome meeting and introduction to the local team
- Explanation of the house rules and the programme expectations
- Safety briefing: health, getting around the island, and respect for the environment
- Introduction to Balinese culture, with customs and traditions to know
- Mini Bahasa Indonesia lesson: a few words to communicate with the community
- Tour of the neighbourhood: local shops, ATMs, useful points, and SIM cards
- Group lunch to start building connections among volunteers
- First activity at the Turtle Center: feeding the turtles and getting familiar with the work
- Welcome evening with a documentary screening about sea turtles


Orientation is much more than a simple briefing: it is the moment when your journey truly begins, when you meet the people you will share it with, and understand in depth the impact of the project you are taking part in.

📌 From Tuesday, the hands-on activities will begin at full pace... but from day one you will already feel part of a community.
To start your experience in the best way, we recommend booking a flight arriving at Denpasar International Airport (DPS) on Sunday between 06:00 and 12:00.
During this time window, our free meet-and-greet and transfer service is available.


🗓️ Sunday arrivals (meeting points and pick-up times)

If you arrive independently, you can meet our staff at one of the following meeting points:

13:00 → Denpasar International Airport (DPS), at the International Arrival Flight Information Center
13:00 → Bintang Supermarket, Ubud (at the supermarket’s main entrance)
14:30 → Sanur Harbour (main harbour entrance)


📌 Important arrival information

If you arrive on Saturday or outside the times indicated, you can book a private pick-up service and an extra night at an additional cost.

As soon as you book your flight, please send us your schedule, flight number, and airline so we can organise your arrival in the best possible way.

At the airport, our contact person will be waiting for you with a sign showing your name. If you do not find them immediately, stay at the meeting point and contact our coordinators using the number provided.

We strongly recommend buying a local SIM card so you can easily stay in touch with staff, the other volunteers, and your family.

🚤 Transfer to Nusa Penida

From the meeting point you will be accompanied to Sanur Harbour, where you will meet our transfer coordinator. From there you will take the ferry to Nusa Penida, where the local staff will welcome you and take you to your accommodation. The total transfer time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes (car and ferry).

🛫 Departure and return flight recommendations

At the end of the programme, check-out from the accommodation is by Saturday morning at 11:00 (12:00 at the latest). The transfer to Denpasar Airport is not included: you can take the ferry from Nusa Penida to Sanur and then reach the airport by taxi. We recommend booking return flights no earlier than Saturday afternoon, allowing for a total transfer time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Important note about traffic: We recommend being at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight departs, with extra time allowed for possible traffic and check-in procedures.

⚠️ Early or late arrivals

If you arrive earlier than expected (e.g. Saturday): you can stay overnight in Sanur on your own and join the group on Sunday at Sanur Harbour at 14:30.

If you arrive after the scheduled time (Sunday after 13:00): you can stay overnight in Sanur on your own, collect your ticket on Monday morning at 08:30 from Maruti Boat Express (Sanur Harbour), and reach Nusa Penida independently on the booked ferry.

🗓️ If you plan to continue your trip elsewhere

Let us know in advance so we can give you useful advice to organise your departure in the best way.

💡 After your participation is confirmed

We will send you a detailed document by email with all the updated practical information and the emergency contacts you may need.
Still have questions?

Book your spot

Booking
1

Send your application (free!)

Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.

2

Meet your coordinator

After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.

3

Confirm your spot

When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.

4

Set off on your adventure!

Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.

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