Volunteer Turtle Conservation Cape Verde

You will be very busy during your stay as a Turtle Conservation Volunteer, but you’ll also have lots of fun working in a team that shares your love of marine life! During night patrol, you will be based at a field camp that has no electricity, so do be aware that you will be camping out at the beach for some of the time!

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day to learn about your surroundings and local culture. Thereafter, your program will continue as usual from Tuesday throughout the rest of the week.

Orientation Day Schedule

• Welcome: Introduction to Cape Verdean traditions and culture; House rules, Code of Conduct and handling of documents,
• Basic Kriolu Lesson
• Visit local supermarkets and ATMs, and explore the surroundings of our centre.
• Lunch
• Visit to Mar De President Beach and spend some time on the beach before returning back to the centre for dinner.

Programme Schedule

Monday to Friday

(June – December)

1830 to 1900 – Beach Clean-up

1900 to 1930 – Orientation for the day along the beach

2030 to 2230 – Shift 1 – Night patrol

2230 to 0030 – Rest

0030 to 0200 – Night Patrol

0200 to 0400 – Night Patrol

0400 to 0600 – Patrol to clean up the beach

(January to May)

0900 – Travel to the beach

0930 to 1000 – Orientation for the day

1000 to 12:00 – A mix of activities including:

• Cleaning and maintenance of the turtle project site
• Tree plantation at the beach or
• Awareness program at the local school
• Designing/distributing printed pamphlets or
• Making awareness boards and placing them at the beach
• Promoting the importance of sea turtles in the villages around the beach through paintings and drawings and beach clean-up activities.

1200 to 1400 – Lunch at the centre

1400 to 1430 – Travel to beach

1430 to 1630 – Continue with activities planned for the day

1630 to 1800 – Join the locals to play beach football or volleyball.

Weekends

Weekends are free to relax and hang out at the volunteer accommodation with other volunteers, or you can use this time to travel and explore Cape Verde with your new friends.

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

Tarrafal is named after the indigenous plant Tarrafe, and is also called Mangui or Mangue. Situated in the northern part of the island of Santiago, Tarrafal is a fishing port with a vibrant community and warm, friendly people who love to meet new visitors!

About the Accommodation

Our centre offers safe and comfortable surroundings with dorm-style separate male/female accommodation and western toilets available (shared).

And if you’re travelling to Cape Verde alone, you will quickly make new friends of fellow travellers and on-site staff who will be there too. There is WiFi available throughout the communal areas of the house to catch up with friends and family.

Food Arrangements

African cuisine will probably be very different from what you’re used to, and deliciously so!  Typical Cape Verdean food includes rice dishes, beans, fruits, vegetables, chicken, beef, and fish with its own African spices.  At our centre, you’ll find a mix of local and Western food to enjoy, with all meals, tea, coffee, and filtered water included in your stay. There are 3 meals during the week and 2 meals on weekends.

Facilities
There are ATMs, mini-marts, some shops and restaurants close by in the city centre.

If you choose to volunteer in Cape Verde, you will experience the perfect mix of adventure travel, island culture, and meaningful community projects, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking for more than just a beach holiday. Located off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is made up of ten unique islands, each offering something different from volcanic mountain hikes and turtle conservation projects to vibrant local music, surfing, and community-led experiences.

TRU Experience Travel in Cape Verde is designed for travelers who want to explore the islands in a more authentic and responsible way. Instead of staying inside resorts, travelers have the chance to connect with local communities, discover hidden villages, and experience the real culture of Cape Verde through hands-on activities and group adventures. Whether it’s hiking through the dramatic landscapes of Santo Antão, relaxing on the beaches of Sal, or exploring the colourful streets of Praia, every part of the journey is built around cultural connection and unforgettable shared experiences.

Choosing to volunteer in Cape Verde gives travellers the opportunity to make a genuine impact while exploring one of Africa’s most exciting island destinations. TRU Experience Travel supports projects focused on education, youth development, environmental awareness, and marine conservation. Travellers can take part in beach clean-ups, support local community initiatives, or help with sustainability projects that directly benefit island communities. These experiences create a deeper understanding of local life while encouraging responsible and ethical tourism.

Cape Verde is also one of the best destinations for adventure travel in Africa. The islands are known for hiking, surfing, snorkeling, quad biking, and boat trips, all set against incredible volcanic scenery and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. Combined with Cape Verde’s relaxed atmosphere, Creole culture, and live music scene, the experience feels both adventurous and personal.

For gap year travellers, solo adventurers, and groups looking for meaningful travel experiences, deciding to volunteer in Cape Verde with TRU Experience Travel combines volunteering, cultural immersion, and island adventure into one unforgettable journey.Cape Verde offers the perfect mix of adventure travel, island culture, and meaningful volunteer experiences, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking for more than just a beach holiday It’s the perfect destination for travellers who want to explore responsibly, meet like-minded people, and experience the real side of travel while making a positive impact along the way.