Everything you need to know about conservation volunteering abroad

Have you ever dreamed of seeing incredible places while also making a real difference to the natural world?

Conservation volunteering abroad is your ticket to fulfilling that dream. You can help protect endangered animals, remove invasive plants, and contribute towards positive change worldwide in stunning places like Thailand, Kenya, and the Galapagos Islands.

Interested? Then keep scrolling — we’ve provided you with everything you need to know to bring your perfect conservation volunteering experience to life.

What will I do while conservation volunteering abroad?

What you can expect from your wildlife conservation volunteering abroad depends on where you go and what you do. Whether you feel happier on land or at sea, you can be confident that your conservation trip with us will be unique and impactful for both you and the planet.

You will learn from and assist local community experts in their anti-poaching, conservation, community, reforestation, and rehabilitation activities. You will also learn new skills and discover new cultures as you explore what it means to be a “global citizen.”

What is conservation volunteering?

Conservation volunteering is the idea of giving your time to help protect, repair, and restore the environment. This might involve protecting or rehabilitating endangered species (like elephants, rhinos, and sharks), conducting wildlife surveys, or restoring coral reefs.

Where can you go when conservation volunteering abroad?

Conservation volunteers are needed worldwide. Since we specialise in conservation volunteering abroad, it is our job to help you find your perfect project in one of our many destinations.

Our conservation volunteering projects range from sub-Saharan Africa to the Himalayas — just let us know the type of wildlife or animal conservation work you’re looking to undertake and we can organise a trip in no time.

What are the aims of conservation volunteering?

All of our wildlife and marine conservation volunteering programmes are run in accordance with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The aim is for our volunteers to create tangible, positive change no matter how long they volunteer.

For example, throughout 2023, our volunteers conducted 791 animal surveys, removed 666 snares or traps, and collected 2,205kg of waste. Our website has more about the direct impact of our projects.

Where can I do marine conservation volunteering?

If you’re drawn to the sea and are eager to dive into the rewarding world of marine conservation volunteering, you’re in luck. You could:

hatch and protect sea turtle populations in Mexico or Sri Lanka
observe and nurture shark populations in Fiji
survey and restore vital coral reefs in Thailand
study and record whale (and puma) populations in Patagonia

Our marine conservation volunteer programmes are designed to protect and restore some of the world’s most important marine life and ecosystems. They are also run with you in mind, offering a unique learning experience from local professionals.

Many of our marine conservation projects include Professional Association of Diving Instructors certifications. This is the most widely recognised diving qualification in the world, held by around 30 million divers.

This means you can collect data, carry out crucial research, and protect endangered marine life safely and easily. It will also be important for your career prospects in the field. However, to join these projects and receive your qualification, you must be able to swim at least 200 metres.

Read our blog on the best marine conservation projects in 2025 for more information!

A group of Projects Abroad volunteers in full diving gear swim off the coast of Fiji while protecting endangered shark species

Where can I do wildlife conservation volunteering?

Love big cats, bigger mammals, and diverse ecosystems? We have the perfect projects for you. You could:

monitor and rehabilitate unique species in the rainforests of Peru
survey and feed gentle giant tortoises on the famous Galapagos Islands
protect and preserve Africa’s “Big Five” in Botswana and Kenya
track and research greater one-horned rhinos in Nepal

Our animal conservation volunteering projects offer the chance to carry out real fieldwork in incredible, diverse environments. You’ll actively contribute to the research, protection, and rehabilitation of endangered and unique species around the world. These projects are perfect for anyone who loves the natural world, and no experience is necessary.

You will learn skills and techniques from experts on location while safely pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. If you are thinking about working in conservation in future, this experience could be vital.

Check our blog on wildlife conservation internships for a more professionally-focused conservation project.

Two greater one-horned rhinos bask in the water of a lake in Nepal, photographed by a Projects Abroad volunteer

How can conservation volunteering support my career?

Whether you’re considering a career in conservation or not, the skills and experience you’ll pick up while volunteering will be invaluable.

Conservation careers

Firstly, working with animals or the environment in the field of conservation is competitive. Animal conservation volunteer work like this provides you with an edge over the competition, especially if you have yet to break into the field. You will also learn key skills from qualified experts, such as how to capture crucial data or set up field cameras.

Transferable skills

Volunteering abroad helps you develop essential skills that are highly valued by employers across various industries. These transferable skills are key to your professional success and can significantly enhance your employability.

You'll gain practical experience in project management, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills are not only valuable in the workplace but also in everyday life.

Academic credit

Lastly, if you are planning on booking a High School Special with us, you may want to add a fully accredited International Volunteering Diploma. This qualification will give you 16 UCAS points to help towards your university application and can be adapted to specialise in wildlife or marine conservation too.

Four Projects Abroad volunteers stand by a conservation expert in Peru and learn about local species

Can I go on a family conservation holiday?

For families looking to volunteer together, we offer bespoke volunteering holidays designed exactly how you want them. Family conservation holidays are the perfect way to bring a deeper meaning to your holidays, provide an excellent bonding experience, and build crucial life skills for your child.

We will ensure that you have access to 24/7 support while in location, that everything is handled before you go, and that what you do makes a real difference.

Speak to a Project Expert today to start building your dream family conservation holiday. They know what they’re talking about, and they can make sure you get everything you want out of it!

How to volunteer for wildlife conservation

Are you thinking about doing a conservation volunteer project or looking for a little more information? Your next step should be to contact a Project Expert. Their job is to ensure you have all the answers you need to make the right decision.

Many of our Project Experts were previously volunteers. This means they are uniquely positioned to help answer your questions and figure out the perfect project for you. They’ll also walk you through the whole booking process, helping you fulfil your dreams and make a real difference across the world.