Our first teen group of the year, all aged 15 to 17, swapped their holidays for two weeks of sea turtle conservation in Bali. They joined our Sea Turtle Conservation for Teenagers program on Nusa Penida, and by the end of it they had sand in everything, a lot of new friends, and stories they’re still telling.
Two of the group, Eliana and Lily, shared what stood out for them. Their answers had less to do with the postcard views and a lot more to do with the work and the people.
What a day on the turtle project looks like
The project works to protect Indonesia’s endangered sea turtles, and the teens are part of that work from day one. Depending on the season and what the local team needs, volunteers help to:
- Identify different sea turtle species
- Collect and incubate turtle eggs
- Monitor and protect nests on the beach
- Guide hatchlings safely to the sea
- Tank and husbandry work
If conditions allow, groups may also get to take part in a turtle release, which is about as good as a workday gets. Between turtle shifts, the program also includes time on a local recycling project, turning waste into creative DIY products.
Beach every day, turtles every day
For Eliana, the routine was the highlight. Getting down to the beach each morning and getting stuck into the turtle work never got old.
“I loved going to the beach everyday and cleaning the baby turtles.”
It’s the kind of work that sounds simple until you’re doing it, then you realise how much small, consistent effort goes into giving each hatchling a better shot at making it.
The people who made it
Eliana and Lily both landed on the same point: the local team made the trip.
“I also loved meeting all of the local staff, they were so supportive and friendly.” Eliana
Lily put it this way:
“An amazing opportunity to take part in this program, all activities and daily duties were all memorable and will stay with me. Outstanding help and support from Agus & Daisy of whom were both amazing.”
For a lot of teens, this is their first big trip without family. Having people on the ground who are friendly, patient and properly invested in the group is what lets them relax, get stuck in, and actually enjoy it. Teen groups on this program also have designated support staff with them throughout the itinerary.
Thinking about Bali for your teen?
If you’ve got a 15 to 17 year old who’d rather spend the holidays doing something real than scrolling, the Sea Turtle Conservation for Teenagers program is a solid place to start. It mixes hands-on conservation work, beach time and a group of new friends from around the world.
Get in touch with our team and we’ll talk you through the program, the support in place for teens, and whether it’s the right fit.
