For thousands of years fishermen, fish and sea turtles have lived in balance along the coasts of Greece. But during the last decades this situation has changed dramatically and all species of sea turtles in Greece are now threatened with extinction. Threats come from human activity – destruction of coastal areas, pollution of sea ecosystems, and intensive, non-selective fishing practices. In response to this crisis, our partner organization opened one of the first sea turtle rescue centres in the Mediterranean, where injured sea turtles can be brought for medical treatment and rehabilitation. In addition, this group runs several successful programs along the coast and on the Greek islands, including a national stranding and rescue network, nest monitoring and protection and public education initiatives. Their mission is to protect the sea turtles and their habitats in Greece through monitoring and research, developing and implementing management plans, habitat restoration, raising public awareness and rehabilitating sick and injured turtles. This is your opportunity to provide much needed assistance to help Loggerhead Turtles, Green Turtles and Leatherback Turtles, while exploring beautiful Greece.

Research projects: Opportunities are available for students who are interested in performing undergraduate or postgraduate research during their voluntary work. Students must have volunteered previously with this group to qualify. The deadline for submitting a research proposal is the 15th of March each year.

Includes: Airport pick up, Accommodation, On-site training, donation to Placement Partner, AEI Travel Manual, Partner Organization’s volunteer handbook, Placement Partner t-shirt, $10 Credit in our Zazzle store (towards the purchase of recycled water bottles, reusable bags, etc) American and Canadian clients get 50% off at the online AEI IceBreaker store, , Emergency support while at Placement, Carbon credits to offset 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to $500, 000 USD in emergency medical coverage), Travel discounts (through automatic membership to a volunteer only travel discount program), 24/7 Travel and emergency assistance. Meals will be prepared with fellow volunteers, and cost of food (while minimal) is not included in the fees.

Excludes: Meals, flights, Entry visa costs, International and domestic airport taxes, Immunizations and medications. Note: The rabies vaccine is recommended but not required for this Experience however, if volunteers are interested in becoming rabies vaccinated, the average cost is $600- $1000 in North America.

Accommodation: You will be staying on-site at the rescue centre, in camping-style accommodation. This will allow you to stay close to the project and provide you the opportunity to meet your fellow volunteers. The volunteers prepare meals and cook together- a great way to get to know new friends! Are you nervous about travel and your safety? It's okay, travelling and volunteering can be overwhelming, that is why we exist! To help you travel safe, volunteer smartly and get back home in one piece. To read more about how we help you stay safe, please read our Guide to Safety. 

Volunteer activities: Volunteer activities include helping to assess, diagnose and treat sick and injured turtles at the Turtle Rescue Centre which is open year round. Duties also include cleaning enclosures, feeding the turtles, maintenance and other day-to-day duties, assisting with educational programs and assisting with the turtle rescue network. Volunteers participate in releases whenever possible.

This is an ongoing program with operations every day of the year. There are no specific start or end dates. We work with you and your schedule so you can serve this community and help animals when you are available. This Placement Partner only accepts applications one year in advance. We recommend you apply to AEI in 9 months before you want to volunteer, giving enough time for the paperwork, interview and trip planning.

Classification of Placement: Medical: Entry and Advanced. Standard: Entry and Advanced.

All classifications of volunteers are needed by this Placement partner and we encourage you to apply no matter your skill or experience level. However, if you are looking for a Placement to use your specific skills, the professionals who would be most beneficial to this placement would be volunteers with experience in: veterinary medicine, fundraising and construction. You must be 18 years of age or older to take part in this Experience.

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