Peloponnese turtle conservation holiday, Greece

Description of Peloponnese turtle conservation holiday, Greece

Base yourself on one of the best campsites in Greece, close to the seaside town of Gythio, and get involved in Peloponnese turtle conservation as you volunteer with Archelon – the sea turtle protection society - as part of an exciting nine day holiday.

This region has some superb beaches stretching for just over 8kms and has become an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles which have, unfortunately, become threatened by overdevelopment, unsustainable fishing practices and pollution.

As part of this Peloponnese turtle conservation holiday you’ll be monitoring and helping to protect nesting sites as well as raising awareness in the local community and gathering info under the guidance of a tour leader and other members of the sea turtle protection society.

All training will be given to new volunteers and, in the main, work will be carried out during the morning so you get your afternoons off to make the most of the beautiful surrounding area.

By volunteering to be part of the team you’ll be helping to make a real difference to the lives of hundreds of sea turtles as well as learning more about turtles and their natural habitat.

What you’ll be doing on this Peloponnese turtle conservation holiday:
Helping members of Archelon under the guidance of a tour leader;
Monitoring the welfare and progress of baby turtles and relocating, if required;
Protecting sea turtle nesting sites and nesting female turtles;
Obtaining information on sea turtle numbers in the form of quantitative research;
Helping to run the info desk and raise awareness as part of a beach patrol;
Enjoy afternoons off for watersports and authentic Greek culture in Gythio.

How do I get there?
Meet your tour leader at Athens airport and transfer to Gythio, on the south coast of the Peloponnese, about a 4hr drive south of Athens. Private transfer back to Athens airport is included within the price of the holiday.

What do I need to bring with me?
Clothing should include: work wear (boots, overalls, jeans, sweaters etc.), casual clothing, waterproofs and smart/casual clothing for the awareness project. Remember, you’ll be living on a campsite and working on the beach so don’t expect to stay clean all the time.
Bring your swimmers, sunhat, shades, suntan cream and mozzie repellent.
We recommend bringing sheets for the bed rather than sleeping bags as the nights are warm.
Up to you whether you bring your camera, tech and other forms of electronic equipment – it will be your responsibility so make sure it’s insured or well looked after, just in case.
We will supply a working first-aid kit although please bring your own medicines or allergy inhalers, if needed.