Bali – Sea Turtle Conservation for Teenagers

Now Open: July and August 2026 Dates!

Join a group of international volunteers aged 15-17 on a two-week journey, where participants balance impactful volunteer work and immersive cultural exploration. The adventure includes an introduction to Balinese culture, engaging in a meaningful turtle conservation project, beach visits, a snorkeling excursion, and exploring the scenic landscapes of Nusa Lembongan. This well-crafted itinerary ensures that individuals not only contribute to the protection of sea turtles but also have ample opportunities for leisure, creating a holistic and enriching experience of the captivating islands of Bali and of Nusa Penida.

 

Program Highlights:

  • Join a meaningful program designed for teens aged 15-17 years
  • Contribute to marine conservation & work closely with sea turtles
  • Enjoy the turquoise beaches while living on the tropical island of Nusa Penida
  • Explore picturesque locations such as Broken Tooth, Angel Billabong beaches, and Kelinking Point
  • Contribute to a vulnerable species with important volunteer tasks
  • Release rehabilitated turtles back into the sea
  • One of GoEco’s best wildlife conservation programs

 

Your Schedule at a Glance (two-week commitment):

  • Day 1 – Sunday: Welcome to Bali! Pick-up from the airport and private transfer to your accommodation in Ubud. Settle in, relax, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
  • Day 2 – Monday: Orientation & Cultural Introduction
    In the morning, you’ll transfer to Nusa Penida island where you’ll stay for the duration of your program. You will take part in a program introduction session, where you’ll meet the team and learn about Balinese culture, including important do’s and don’ts for volunteering with wildlife.
  • Day 3 – Tuesday: Conservation & Recycling Project
    Take part in the Turtle Conservation program and contribute to a local recycling initiative by helping create DIY products from recycled materials.
  • Day 4 – Wednesday: Turtle Program & Beach Visit
    Continue your work at the Turtle Conservation project. Enjoy a visit to Crystal Bay Beach, with time to relax and take part in optional group activities.
  • Day 5 – Thursday: Conservation & Movie Night
    Another full day of hands-on turtle conservation work, followed by a fun group movie night to wind down.
  • Day 6 – Friday: Conservation & Evaluation
    Dedicate the day to turtle conservation. Join an evaluation meeting in the evening to reflect on your experience so far.
  • Day 7 – Saturday: Nusa Lembongan Excursion
    Take a trip to Nusa Lembongan Island! Enjoy a scenic cycling tour, cross the famous Yellow Bridge, and explore the Mangrove Forest before returning to Nusa Penida.
  • Day 8 – Sunday: Snorkeling Adventure
    Embark on a full-day snorkeling trip to discover Bali’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
  • Day 9 – Monday: Turtle Program & Recycling
    Another day at the Turtle Conservation program, followed by more work at the recycling project, making creative DIY products.
  • Days 10–11 – Tuesday & Wednesday: Turtle Volunteer Work
    Continue contributing to the Turtle Conservation project and deepen your connection with the program.
  • Day 12 – Thursday: Island Exploration & Special Dinner
    Visit Broken Tooth Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Kelinking Point for breathtaking coastal views. End the day with a special group dinner and a beach bonfire.
  • Day 13 – Friday: Turtle Release & Return to Ubud
    If conditions allow, participate in a turtle release into the sea! Transfer back to Ubud for your final evening.
  • Day 14 – Saturday: Private transfer to the airport for your departure.

 

  • Note: The schedule is flexible, subject to weather conditions and local considerations, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience.
  • Note for Parents: This itinerary is designed specifically for teenage volunteers, offering a higher level of supervision throughout the program. GoEco also offers the convenience of flight booking services to assist in coordinating participants’ travel arrangements after registration and approval.

 

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Bali, Indonesia

Project length Project length: 2 weeks

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

Volunteer Work Volunteer Work: Sea turtle conservation and environmental education

Age Age: Designed for teens aged 15-17

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: Minimum of 10 participants up to 30.

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Shared single-gender dorm room in a volunteer house.

Food Food: Three meals per day.

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers: Round trip airport transfers are included on the arrival day and departure day.

Orientation Orientation: Volunteers will receive an orientation of the area upon arrival and will receive a program orientation on their first day of volunteering.

Support Support: Teen groups have designated support staff to support and chaperone their itinerary, comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

 

What’s not Included

Flights, tourist visa (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses.

This project is based on a beautiful island just off Bali called Nusa Penida, known for its rich marine biodiversity. Nusa Penida is a quiet and relaxed island where divers and bird lovers alike can enjoy a day on secluded, white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts. The surrounding limestone caves and high coastal cliffs make for scenic views in every direction. Hindu temples and cultural sites pepper the landscape and offer exciting views into the local history.

 

Dive into a rewarding experience as a conservation volunteer, where the Turtle Conservation project plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the endangered sea turtles of Indonesia. Established 13 years ago, this initiative focuses on protecting sea turtles by creating a nurturing environment for injured turtles and ensuring the safe incubation of eggs. As a participant, you become an integral part of this longstanding effort, contributing to the conservation of these magnificent creatures while immersing yourself in the unique marine ecosystem of the region.

Your responsibilities extend across various aspects of turtle conservation, offering a hands-on and educational experience. Engage in identifying different turtle species, actively take part in the collection and incubation of turtle eggs, monitor nests, and play a crucial role in guiding hatchlings safely to the sea. Participants help maintain the overall health of the turtles by cleaning tanks, crafting educational signage for awareness, and contributing to beach cleanups. Beyond the direct conservation efforts, volunteers contribute to the community’s engagement, fostering a sustainable approach to turtle conservation and reducing the threat of poaching.

Overview of volunteer tasks:

  • Identify different turtle species.
  • Collect and incubate turtle eggs.
  • Scrubbing turtles
  • Preparing food and feeding the turtles,
  • Monitor and protect turtle nests.
  • Safely guide hatchlings to the sea.
  • Clean turtle tanks to ensure a healthy habitat.
  • Create educational signage to raise awareness.
  • Contribute to beach cleanups to preserve the turtles’ natural environment.

 

The volunteer work goes beyond the immediate impact on turtle populations; it contributes to the broader goals of sustainable tourism and community empowerment. As a participant, you not only play a direct role in the conservation of these remarkable creatures, but also contribute to the cultural and environmental sustainability of the local community in Nusa Penida.

 

Nesting season (May-October)
Besides the regular tasks, volunteers will collect turtle eggs brought to the center from anglers who have rescued them from being eaten or taken as pets illegally.

Hatching Season (45-75 days after nesting)
Besides the regular tasks, volunteers will feed and treat the hatchlings until they are strong (8-12 months). They schedule releases for those hatchlings each Friday.

 

Important Note: The volunteer work schedule is flexible, subject to the weather, needs of the turtles, local school holidays, and local considerations, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience.

 

Internet icon Internet: Wi-Fi is available throughout the accommodations.

Laundry icon Laundry: There are laundry facilities on the island.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Participants in the teen program are accommodated in simple yet comfortable gender-based dorm rooms, featuring shared single-gender spaces with security measures for a comfortable and safe living environment. Each dorm will house up to six volunteers in a room and includes electricity, AC, hot showers and western style toilet facilities.

Food icon Food:  Three meals a day are provided. Indonesian food is tasty and diverse and volunteers can expect to experience a myriad of flavors and meals during their stay. Typical dishes included miegoreng (fried noodles and vegetables), nasigoreng (fried rice and vegetables) or gadogado (mixed vegetables with a satay sauce). For those who do not eat meat, Indonesian cooking uses a lot of tofu and tempeh (soybeans), we also provide some western dishes. They offer varied breakfasts, including pancakes, fresh fruit, and toast. We do not recommend that you drink the tap water. Tea, coffee and purified water are available at the volunteer house.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

  • Interview with GoEco Advisor
  • Parental consent is required
  • Two Character Reference Letters
  • Genuine interest in turtles and conservation education
  • Good level of physical fitness
  • Flexible and open-minded
  • Eligible for a tourist visa to Indonesia
  • Other vaccinations as advised by your doctor for travel to Indonesia

As part of the program, you’ll explore Nusa Penida and Bali’s scenic spots, visit iconic beaches, and engage in marine activities like snorkeling. The detailed itinerary includes visits to Broken Tooth, Angel’s Billabong, Kelinking Point, Crystal Bay Beach, Nusa Lembongan, and mangrove forests, providing a comprehensive experience across the islands.

Volunteer Experiences

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