Turtle & Marine Conservation in Kenya
VOLUNTEER
CONSERVATION
Monitor Sea Turtles & Support Marine Conservation
Join this hands-on sea turtle conservation project in Watamu, Kenya, and play an active role in protecting endangered marine turtles and their coastal habitats. Working alongside experienced local conservation staff, you will contribute to long-term turtle protection efforts that focus on rescue, rehabilitation, research, and community engagement. Volunteers support daily conservation activities including beach patrols, nest monitoring, data collection, and assisting with the rescue and release of turtles accidentally caught by local fishers. You may also help care for sick or injured turtles at the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, gaining valuable insight into turtle biology, behaviour, and threats facing marine ecosystems along the Kenyan coast.
This small-group conservation experience offers meaningful involvement in real fieldwork, contributing directly to the protection of sea turtles while supporting local livelihoods and marine education initiatives.
Project highlights
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Turtle Monitoring & Nest Protection
Join beach patrols to monitor nesting activity, protect turtle nests, and support hatchling releases.
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Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation
Assist with the rescue, assessment, and care of injured or sick sea turtles at a dedicated rehabilitation centre.
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Marine Research & Data Collection
Collect data on turtle behaviour, nesting success, strandings, and coastal health to support conservation research.
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Kenyan Coastline Experience
Live and work in Watamu, surrounded by white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and key turtle nesting areas.
Available: Year Round
Duration: 2 weeks+
Price From £1,640
Project impact areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Turtle & Marine Conservation project in Kenya.
CONSERVATION
Sea Turtle Monitoring & Nest Protection
Support ongoing beach patrols to monitor nesting activity, protect turtle nests, and assist with hatchling releases when conditions allow. You’ll help collect important data on nesting success and turtle behaviour while contributing directly to the protection of one of Kenya’s most important marine turtle nesting areas. Patrol schedules vary depending on tides, seasonality, and turtle activity.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
CONSERVATION
Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Support
Assist with the rescue, assessment, and care of sick or injured sea turtles, working alongside experienced local conservation staff. From measuring and tagging turtles to supporting rehabilitation and release efforts, this hands-on work offers valuable insight into turtle health, threats, and recovery. Rescue activities are often linked to bycatch incidents reported by local fishers.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
CONSERVATION
Community-Led Marine Conservation
Work alongside local fishers and community members to support conservation initiatives that reduce threats to sea turtles. Through bycatch response, education, and awareness programmes, you’ll contribute to sustainable practices that protect marine life while supporting local livelihoods. This approach helps strengthen long-term conservation outcomes through local engagement and collaboration.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
Accommodation & Meals
Watamu, Kenya
Your Home Away From Home In Watamu Is A Secure Conservation Base With Comfortable Shared Facilities.
Participants stay at accommodation located within the Local Ocean Conservation compound, in gender-specific shared rooms, typically shared with one other participant. Rooms are simple and comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, linens, and natural ventilation to suit the coastal climate. Communal spaces include shaded outdoor areas, a shared kitchen, and social areas where volunteers and staff come together, as well as access to project office and briefing spaces.
Watamu is a relaxed coastal town set within a protected marine park and reserve, known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. The area is one of Kenya’s most important marine turtle nesting sites and offers a strong sense of community, with local markets, cafés, and cultural sites nearby. Free time can be spent enjoying the coastline, exploring the surrounding nature, or learning more about Swahili coastal culture.
Life at the Base
Watamu, Kenya
Picture yourself along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline, where white-sand beaches meet turquoise waters and coral reefs thrive just offshore. The project is based in the coastal town of Watamu, within a protected marine park and one of Kenya’s most important nesting areas for endangered sea turtles. Life here is closely connected to the ocean, with conservation efforts playing a visible role in daily community life.
n your free time, you can explore Watamu’s beaches, snorkel or swim in the marine park, visit local cafés and markets, or enjoy a quiet walk along the coastline. Weekends also offer opportunities to experience nearby nature reserves, cultural sites, or simply relax in this laid-back coastal setting shaped by Swahili culture and marine conservation.
Local SIM cards are easy to purchase in Watamu or at the airport, with affordable options for calls and mobile data. Safaricom offers the most reliable network coverage in the area and is widely used by staff and volunteers. WiFi is available at the project office and accommodation, allowing you to stay in touch with home, though connection speeds may vary.
As with many coastal areas in Kenya, power supply can be intermittent, so we recommend bringing a power bank and being prepared for occasional outages. Tip: ensure your mobile phone is unlocked before arrival if you plan to use a local SIM card.
Please arrange your arrival at the project base in Watamu on your confirmed start date. The most common route is to fly into Nairobi and then take a domestic flight to Malindi Airport, which is the closest airport to the project. If you arrive in Malindi during weekday working hours, a project transfer can be arranged to collect you and take you to the accommodation.
If you choose to arrive via Mombasa, you will need to make your own onward travel arrangements to Watamu, either by road or internal transport. Full arrival instructions, contact details, and transfer information will be provided in your pre-departure pack to ensure a smooth journey to the project site.
Safety is a core priority throughout all activities at the Watamu sea turtle project. On land, participants are guided on sun protection, hydration, and working safely in coastal conditions, particularly during beach patrols and outdoor fieldwork. When engaging with local communities, volunteers follow clear codes of conduct and are expected to respect local customs and conservation protocols at all times.
The project compound is secure and monitored, with staff present on site and overnight. All volunteers receive a comprehensive safety induction on arrival, including guidance on beach work, night patrols, handling turtles safely, and responding to emergencies. Regular risk assessments are conducted, and clear emergency procedures and communication systems are in place to ensure participants are supported throughout their stay.
At our Zanzibar base, safety is paramount in every aspect of our operations. On land, we prioritize sun protection and hydration, especially during outdoor activities. When engaging with local communities, we strictly follow child protection policies and emphasize respect for local customs. Transportation safety extends to our bicycle program, with predetermined safe routes and provided safety gear.
Our base is secured by 24/7 patrols, and our staff undergo continuous safety training. We conduct regular risk assessments, maintain a live incident reporting system, and have crisis management teams ready for any eventuality. Fire safety, evacuation plans, and emergency communication systems are in place. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a thorough safety induction to ensure you’re well-prepared for your volunteer experience.
Project Destination
Picture yourself along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline, where white-sand beaches meet turquoise waters and coral reefs thrive just offshore. The project is based in the coastal town of Watamu, within a protected marine park and one of Kenya’s most important nesting areas for endangered sea turtles. Life here is closely connected to the ocean, with conservation efforts playing a visible role in daily community life.
In your free time, you can explore Watamu’s beaches, snorkel or swim in the marine park, visit local cafés and markets, or enjoy a quiet walk along the coastline. Weekends also offer opportunities to experience nearby nature reserves, cultural sites, or simply relax in this laid-back coastal setting shaped by Swahili culture and marine conservation.
Communication
Local SIM cards are easy to purchase in Watamu or at the airport, with affordable options for calls and mobile data. Safaricom offers the most reliable network coverage in the area and is widely used by staff and volunteers. WiFi is available at the project office and accommodation, allowing you to stay in touch with home, though connection speeds may vary.
As with many coastal areas in Kenya, power supply can be intermittent, so we recommend bringing a power bank and being prepared for occasional outages. Tip: ensure your mobile phone is unlocked before arrival if you plan to use a local SIM card.
Flights & Arrivals
Please arrange your arrival at the project base in Watamu on your confirmed start date. The most common route is to fly into Nairobi and then take a domestic flight to Malindi Airport, which is the closest airport to the project. If you arrive in Malindi during weekday working hours, a project transfer can be arranged to collect you and take you to the accommodation.
If you choose to arrive via Mombasa, you will need to make your own onward travel arrangements to Watamu, either by road or internal transport. Full arrival instructions, contact details, and transfer information will be provided in your pre-departure pack to ensure a smooth journey to the project site.
Staff
The sea turtle project is led by a dedicated team of Kenyan conservation professionals, many of whom come from the local Watamu and surrounding coastal communities. Project staff include experienced field officers, turtle rescue and rehabilitation specialists, and community coordinators who work closely with local fishers, schools, and conservation partners to protect marine turtles and their habitats.
Several team members have been involved in marine conservation for many years, bringing valuable local knowledge and long-term insight into turtle behaviour, nesting patterns, and coastal threats. Volunteers are supported throughout their stay by on-site staff, who provide training, supervision, and guidance to ensure all activities are conducted safely, ethically, and in line with conservation best practice.
Safety
Safety is a core priority throughout all activities at the Watamu sea turtle project. On land, participants are guided on sun protection, hydration, and working safely in coastal conditions, particularly during beach patrols and outdoor fieldwork. When engaging with local communities, volunteers follow clear codes of conduct and are expected to respect local customs and conservation protocols at all times.
The project compound is secure and monitored, with staff present on site and overnight. All volunteers receive a comprehensive safety induction on arrival, including guidance on beach work, night patrols, handling turtles safely, and responding to emergencies. Regular risk assessments are conducted, and clear emergency procedures and communication systems are in place to ensure participants are supported throughout their stay.
...the joy of making a real impact...
“We have the most amazing experience in releasing turtles back into the oceans and had a very informative educational session at the rescue centre, we all play a part and it’s helping our kids feel passionate about saving our oceans.”
Nola Rose
Pricing
Rates
| Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $2,050 ($1,025 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $3,495 ($874 per week) |
| 2 weeks | £1,640 (£820 per week) |
| 4 weeks | £2,800 (£700 per week) |
| 2 weeks | €1,890 (€945 per week) |
| 4 weeks | €3,215 (€804 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $3,035 ($1,518 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $5,175 ($1,294 per week) |
Inclusions
- Shared accommodation within the Local Ocean Conservation compound
- One main meal provided on working days (Monday–Friday)
- Airport transfer from Malindi Airport on arrival (weekday working hours)
- All project-related transport, equipment, and resources
- Training, supervision, and ongoing support from experienced local conservation staff
- Full orientation and safety briefing on arrival, including turtle handling and field protocols
Exclusions
* Flights
* Visas
* Insurance
* Weekend tours
* Personal expenses
Requirements
- The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
- The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks
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Volunteering in Africa means travelling with purpose- joining meaningful community or conservation projects, where you pay to cover your stay and project costs, turning your trip into an immersive, impactful experience rather than a traditional holiday.
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Project faqs
What Will I Be Doing On The Sea Turtle Project?
You will support a range of hands-on conservation activities that vary depending on season, tides, and turtle activity. These may include beach patrols to monitor nesting turtles, protecting nests, assisting with hatchling releases, supporting turtle rescue and rehabilitation, and collecting data for ongoing marine research. All activities are guided by trained staff from Local Ocean Conservation and follow strict ethical and safety protocols
Is This Project Suitable If I Have No Previous Conservation Experience?
Yes. No prior conservation or marine biology experience is required to join the project. On arrival, you will receive a full on-site briefing and training from project coordinators, covering turtle handling, data collection, safety procedures, and conservation best practice. Volunteers are always supervised, and tasks are assigned based on ability and experience.
Where Will I Stay During The Project?
Participants stay at accommodation within the Local Ocean Conservation compound in Watamu. Rooms are shared, gender-specific, and include basic but comfortable facilities such as en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and linens. There are communal areas, a shared kitchen, and secure outdoor spaces, with staff present on site and overnight to ensure safety and support.
Our favourite weekend activities in Zanzibar
Explore Watamu’s relaxed coastal lifestyle on weekends, from snorkelling over coral reefs and beach walks to local markets and nature excursions, making the most of your free time along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast!
