Turtle conservation
in Greece
Spend 10 fantastic days of hands-on experience in turtle conservation. You’ll learn about their anatomy and the important role they play in an ecosystem, as well as how to protect them and the anthropogenic impacts that are affecting their distribution and behaviours. Plus explore Athens and Ancient Greek history at the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Learn all about loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) on our marine conservation adventure in Greece! You will learn about their physiology, habitat, behaviours, and the serious threats – both anthropogenic and otherwise - affecting the species globally. Learn how to protect them and gain a deeper understanding of your own social and environmental impact whilst furthering your knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals that align with this project.
“Greece was the best experience I ever took part in. I am so glad I got to go on this amazing trip, I have learnt so much from it especially about ocean plastics and what they can do to marine life. This has not only improved my life. This is the start of a new beginning…”
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will open your eyes to the importance of turtle and marine conservation.
You will learn important life skills and gain a deeper understanding of how your personal actions impact the planet and its inhabitants. You will gain invaluable, hands-on experience on this turtle conservation project, working with loggerhead turtles in their natural environment.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW:
Day 1: Arrive into Kefalonia
Day 2 to 8: Turtle conservation
Day 9: Athens, Acropolis and farewell dinner
Day 10: Depart
About your adventure
Once you arrive at the camp in Kefalonia, you will learn about current and emerging turtle conservation issues, begin to understand the natural, socio-cultural, economic and political issues that promote the need for wildlife management, as well as be shown what is being done to protect and rehabilitate this ancient (40 million years and counting!) and fascinating species.
In addition, you will be involved in a wide range of conservation activities – from egg excavations and relocations to monitoring and surveys, and even hatchling rescue (depending on the time of year). Sleep under the stars and collect important data on light pollution – a major factor threatening the success and survival of turtle hatchlings due to their innate behaviour of following the moon out to sea.
You will look for turtle tracks under the light of the sunrise and fully immerse yourself in the vital conservation that these ecosystems desperately require.
Develop your competence in identifying nests and learn how to safely relocate the eggs inside. Discover how they are protected from predators and understand how cognitive functioning shapes their behavioural ecology as well as their role within the ecosystem.
You will explore the anthropogenic (human) factors affecting the species and develop an understanding of how fishing communities have changed the feeding behaviour of the turtle population.
The experience you gain will be invaluable and will expand your knowledge of ecosystems, factors threatening them, and the incredibly important conservation practices that are vital for the future of many species and ecosystems around the world. Hands-on experiences like this are essential for those seeking a career in conservation but are equally valuable to those who will explore other paths.
Our trips are designed to help you develop a wide range of life skills and a deeper understanding of how you can help us work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Learn more ⟶
“It was a great introduction into conservation abroad and has made me eager to go on similar trips around the world.”
Turtle Conservation Itinerary
Day 1
Briefing and orientation
When you touch down in Kefalonia, you’ll have the chance to wander around camp and get to know your home for the next week. Found right next to the beautiful Ionian Sea, the beach is on your doorstep. Chirping cicadas can be heard throughout and are a constant reminder of the nature surrounding you. Today you will learn about the different surveys you will be conducting (ethograms, nesting surveys and seagrass monitoring) before settling down for your first dinner at camp.
Meals: D
Accommodation: Tents
Days 2 to 8
Turtle Conservation
During your time on the turtle conservation project, you’ll be involved in morning surveys, nest relocation, hatchling rescue, seagrass monitoring, beach profiling, harbour ethogram studies, and light pollution data collection. The focus will be on the Loggerhead turtle, with numerous lectures and workshops to understand their ecology and behaviour.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Tents
Day 9
Athens, Acropolis and farewell dinner
Make your way from Argostoli back to Poros before boarding your ferry to the mainland. A beautiful 90-minute crossing to take in the Mediterranean before arriving in Kyllini and then heading back to Athens.
When you arrive in Athens, you’ll be transferred to your hotel before heading off to explore the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Once you’ve filled your brain with some of the best bits of Greek history, you’ll be treated to a delicious, local Mediterranean feast to end the day.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10
Fond farewells
Depending on your flight time, either take a morning stroll along the beach or simply enjoy some time by the pool and one last dip before you depart for the airport. Think about the incredible experience you’ve gained, the boundaries you’ve pushed and the lifelong memories you’ve created. You’ve actively contributed towards turtle and marine conservation and should be proud to call yourself a global ambassador and Gamechanger.
Meals: B
What’s included
NOTE:
Flights will be secured once final numbers have been confirmed, with options presented for direct and non-direct routes. Personal insurance, visas, vaccinations, personal expenditures, tips for leaders, guides and drivers and any other services not listed above are not included.
Important notes
Once you’ve booked your Turtle conservation project you will be sent a kit list specifically for your trip. You will also receive further information about the adventure itself and the daily activities as well as further detail around what you can expect to learn. This includes your pre-departure conservation and sustainability workshops, as well as your impact surveys and reports. If you have any questions about the trip please get in touch. If you have any questions about all Flooglebinder educational adventures please take a look at our FAQs page.
VACCINATIONS
For this particular trip, please see details below.
Please check with your local GP to find out which vaccinations you require for any adventure that you decide to book. These are a guide; a full consultation is necessary to establish individual risk and suitability of vaccines. There may be instances where more than one appointment is required to assess whether a vaccine can be offered.
Recommended vaccinations:
• Tetanus
Vaccinations to be considered:
• Hepatitis B
• Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
INSURANCE
Please check if your school/college provides insurance and if not we will require your policy number and details 8 weeks before departure. Flooglebinder has public liability cover of £5million but participants must arrange their own travel insurance for all other levels of cover (e.g. cancellation, curtailment, loss of personal belongings etc.). Please feel free to contact us for any advice or recommendation.
Your safety is our number one priority on all of our educational adventures. All of your finances are protected through our Financial Failure Insurance and each programme adheres to British Standards (BS8848). If you have any questions about our safety and security measures, please do get in touch.
VISAS
Please check with the FCDO.
See what life is like on the project…
