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Greece: Sea Turtle Research & Conservation 16 Days
Make Kefalonia’s beautiful capital city of Argostoli your home while working with like-minded peers in an effort to protect the island’s sea turtle population. Healthy oceans need sea turtles to help maintain their complex ecosystem. On this volunteer program in Greece, every day will be different as you cycle to and from morning survey shifts at nesting beaches and assess hatchling tracks. Afternoons and evenings will be just as hands-on and unique with harbor patrol, hatchling rescue and collecting light pollution data. There is so much to be done on this wildlife conservation project as you help to protect this endangered species.
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
Participants should be competent cyclists, able to ride a combined total of 1-3 hours almost daily.
A certificate of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the trip.
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
We work directly with Wildlife Sense, and everybody participates together in each project.
Hotels and 1-2 nights of beach camping.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily, plus 7 lunches.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Passenger vans, biking, and one ferry.
Up to 15 participants.
Wildlife Sense is a research and conservation organization dedicated to the study and protection of Kefalonia’s endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Take part in science-based research and hands-on conservation projects dedicated to protecting these amazing animals. You’ll get hands-on field research experience while studying and monitoring the sea turtles’ native coastal habitats and protect successful nesting locations while recording the hatching events.*
About Wildlife Sense
Wildlife Sense is a sea turtle research and conservation organization based on the Greek island of Kefalonia. Their mission is to protect endangered sea turtles and their natural habitats, offer a unique learning experience to volunteers joining their efforts and promote public awareness for sea turtles.
*Due to the natural cycle of sea turtle nesting and hatching, each departure will experience a different stage of development.
Kayak the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters of the Ionian Sea to a pristine, exclusive beach and enjoy a traditional Greek meal. Cool off in the beautiful waters of Xi beach and exfoliate with the abundant natural clay. Explore the harbor villages of Kefalonia such as Agia Efimia, Sami, and Lixouri. Marvel at the Sacred Monastery of Agios Gerasimos. Experience the Drogarati Cave & boat ride through the underground lake of the Melissani Cave.
Venture to the heart and soul of Greece and its capital city of Athens. Marvel at the astounding architectural feat of the Parthenon and Acropolis. See Aphrodite amongst her friends in the New Acropolis Museum just down the hill from where she used to live. Wander through the streets of the Plaka area filled with shops and markets with something for everyone.
Argostoli, Greece
Ideally located just minutes from WildLife Sense headquarters, and surrounded by multiple nesting beaches, Ammes rooms have air conditioning, kitchenettes, and WIFI. This seaside Ammes Hotel is walking distance to local restaurants and includes a pool with spacious sunny veranda and plenty of space to relax.
Athens, Greece
The modern Hermes Hotel is situated in the renowned region of Plaka just minutes away from the new Acropolis Museum and right at the foot of the entrance to the Acropolis. Enjoy this residential location of Athens, surrounded by small art museums, cafes, and galleries.
Flight to Athens, Greece
For participants on this program, we help you coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival in Athens.
Internal Flights
Separate from the airfare to and from this program, there is an additional $230 USD fee for internal flights between Athens and Argostoli round trip.
Return Flight Home from Athens, Greece
For your return flight from Athens, our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. Depending on the number of students from the New York area we may offer a chaperoned flight home.
Where We Stay
We carefully select clean and comfortable accommodations with the needs of our students in mind. While our volunteer programs do not stay at luxury resorts, we do know that a good night’s rest, in your own bed, is key to performing your service hours well and having enough energy to enjoy the day’s activities. For this reason, and also to maintain the close group bond and to uphold the quality of this program, we do not offer any homestays.
Transportation by Bicycle
Bicycle is one of the main modes of transportation our groups use to get around Kefalonia. This is the most environmentally conscious way for us to explore the island and help protect wildlife habitats. Participants need to be competent cyclists, with the ability to ride between 15 minutes to an hour at a time, to travel from the hotel to and between nesting beaches. For example, participants could ride 30 minutes from the hotel to the first beach site, spend 45 minutes on the beach conducting research, ride 15 minutes to the next beach, spend 1 hour on the beach, etc. Times vary depending on the morning shift locations. Total cycling time will vary from 1 to 3 hours almost daily, with the average being 1.5 hours. The terrain is paved roads, mostly flat with some rolling hills. Proper footwear required is sneakers or sport sandals with a heel strap and recommended toe covering. Helmets & reflective vests are provided.
Meals
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. We understand how it helps our travelers feel secure, happy and looking forward to their day. We are proud of the fact that year after year we are complimented for our quality and quantity of food and variety of options.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. You will have the opportunity to do laundry at your convenience by dropping off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, 7 lunches, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, internal flights, and personal spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
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