The whole experience was heartwarming, eye-opening and humbling, I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to do it again.
Turtle Conservation Volunteer Program in Trinidad and Tobago
Purpose
Boost endangered turtle populations
Start dates
Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-4 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Stay in volunteer apartments
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Active volunteers who are happy to work night shifts from 8pm onwards and are passionate about marine and turtle conservation.
Project details
Want to volunteer with turtles in Trinidad and Tobago? International Volunteer HQ’s Turtle Conservation project is an amazing opportunity to help protect and boost populations of Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill turtles in the Caribbean. You will volunteer with a local NGO to conduct beach patrols at night to ensure safe nesting and hatching of these endangered turtles. Please note that this project is only available from April through to August.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Trinidad and Tobago is home to several types of protected turtle, including the Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill. While these turtles produce thousands of hatchlings, only a few reach adulthood.You will be supporting a local NGO that has a team of dedicated volunteers who work together on a rotating schedule to conduct beach patrols during the night. The goal is to ensure the safe nesting and hatching of these various turtle species. During the night patrols, volunteers play a crucial role in protecting the turtles from potential threats such as predators, humans, and dogs.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to join the night patrols alongside our local team members. This hands-on experience is not only impactful but also contributes significantly to the conservation efforts of these remarkable creatures.
As a Turtle Conservation volunteer you will assist the local team with a range of tasks that contribute to the protection and survival of the turtles. The activities you’ll be involved in might include:
- Conducting beach patrols
- Building hatcheries to safeguard eggs from predators
- Identifying nesting female turtles and monitoring their behavior
- Collecting turtle eggs for protective measures
- Counting and tagging sea turtles
- Organizing beach clean-ups (daytime if there are low night sightings)
There’s a crucial need for volunteers to support the administrative side of the Turtle Conservation project in Tobago, particularly in areas like researching best practices, management, and general administrative tasks. Since the NGO is volunteer-run, your contributions in these areas will help make this project more sustainable and impactful.
Please keep in mind that the Turtle Conservation project is only available from April through to August. You should expect to work on night shifts from 8 PM onwards for approximately 3 - 5 hours per day. A level of flexibility is also required as turtle sightings are not guaranteed on every night and workload will vary.
Please be aware that from March to May it is nesting season so there won’t be any hatchlings at that time. Rather volunteer during this period will be focused on tagging, measuring, conducting health checks, and providing security for nesting mothers. Hatchlings start to emerge from July through early September.
Why do Turtle Conservation volunteering in Crown Point with IVHQ?
As a Turtle Conservation volunteer in Trinidad and Tobago you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Supporting local efforts to boost turtle populations
- Learning about environmental issues and solutions
- Developing your communication skills
- Getting conservation experience with an NGO
- Immersing yourself in Caribbean culture
- Discovering Tobago’s stunning beaches and reefs
Volunteer requirements
- To join this program independently volunteers must be at least 18 years old. If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 and have parental consent to join the program.
- All volunteers over the age of 18 must have a clear criminal background check. For those under the age of 18, 2 character reference letters will suffice in lieu of a background check.
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Trinidad and Tobago photo gallery
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IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Women's Empowerment project
IVHQ Teaching & School Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Women's Empowerment project
IVHQ Women's Empowerment project
IVHQ Teaching & School Support project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching & School Support project
IVHQ Women's Empowerment project
IVHQ Women's Empowerment project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Women's Empowerment project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching & School Support project
IVHQ Women's Empowerment project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Women's Empowerment project
IVHQ Teaching & School Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Women's Empowerment project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching & School Support project
IVHQ airport pick up
IVHQ boat tour add on
IVHQ boat tour add on
IVHQ boat tour add on
IVHQ boat tour add on
IVHQ boat tour add on
IVHQ clear kayak add on
IVHQ clear kayak add on
IVHQ clear kayak add on
IVHQ clear kayak add on
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AA
Adela Amor
21 Mar 2024
...
DO
David Ortiz
02 Feb 2024
This is a valuable lifetime experience that will enhance your confidence and you will feel very good about yourself for volunteering to help the less fortunate. There are so many benefits for both the volunteers and the recipients. IVHQ truly offers a win/win program for all participants.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
The IVHQ Trinidad and Tobago volunteer program is based in Crown Point, a small coastal village on the island of Tobago. This is the smaller of the Twin Islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.
The island of Tobago is known for its stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, abundance of wildlife, and delicious seafood. The island is mainly untouched by mass tourism, making it an amazing place to reconnect with nature. There are more than 260 species of birds on the island, a diverse range of vibrant coral reefs to explore, and an abundance of waterfalls and rainforest you can hike through.
Crown Point is where orientation and general administration is carried out by our local team. Volunteer placements are between 15 - 30 minutes on public transportation from our program location.
Arrival and orientation
The Trinidad and Tobago Program has available start dates on the second and fourth Monday of each month, and volunteers can choose from a duration of 1 - 4 weeks.
We ask that you arrive at A.N.R. Robinson International Airport the Sunday prior to your start date. Your airport pickup is included in your program fee, and the local team can provide a pickup anytime on Sunday. The airport is approximately 15 minutes from the volunteer accommodation.
Orientation is provided by our Trinidad and Tobago team and begins first thing Monday morning. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Trinidad and Tobago – an introduction to the country, Trinidad and Tobago customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Your volunteer placement will begin the following day (Tuesday).
Volunteer schedule example
First day
You will be taken to your placement by a local team member and introduced to the placement staff.
Weekdays
After the initial orientation, you will have an evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day.
| 7:30 - 8:30 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation. |
| 8:30 AM - 12 PM | Free time to explore the island, go to the beach, do some sightseeing, etc. |
| 12:00 - 2:30 PM | Volunteers typically have lunch at this time. You will need to purchase your own lunch each day. We recommend budgeting $50-$200TT per meal (US$7 - $30) if you choose to eat at a local restaurant or cafe. |
| 2:30 - 5:00 PM | Free time to explore the island, go to the beach, do some sightseeing, etc. |
| 5:00 - 7:00 PM | Most volunteers choose to eat dinner at this time. You will need to purchase your own dinner each day and we recommend budgeting $50-$200TT per meal (US$7 - $30). There are restaurants close by to the volunteer accommodation or you can prepare your own dinner in the communal kitchen. |
| 8:00 PM | Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. You can expect to volunteer for 3 - 5 hours. |
Volunteers are more than welcome to join in on other projects during the day or you can choose to relax and explore the beautiful island of Tobago!
Weekends
With weekends free, you’ll be able to explore all that Tobago and neighboring islands have to offer, including the country’s distinctive food, music and culture.
Weekends can be spent exploring Tobago, island hopping or joining an add-on tour. The local team will also have great recommendations for things to see and do locally, which they will discuss with volunteers as part of orientation.
Accommodation and WiFi
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Crown Point while enjoying the comforts of our two-story volunteer apartment. Nestled within walking distance of picturesque local beaches and a variety of authentic Tobagonian eateries, the accommodation offers a cozy and communal living space beyond your volunteer duties.
Expect to share a bedroom with 1 to 2 fellow volunteers. While bedrooms are typically gender-specific, mixed-gender arrangements may be necessary during peak program times. If this arrangement does not suit you, alternative accommodations can be arranged. Each bedroom is furnished with single beds and provided with clean linens weekly.
Within the apartment, you’ll find a shared living area, a bathroom, air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen for communal meals and gatherings. The accommodation is cleaned twice weekly, with volunteers responsible for maintaining their personal spaces.
For those seeking added privacy and comfort, you can inquire about the private studio apartment upgrade, featuring a king bed, air conditioning, private bathroom, and kitchen facilities, available for an additional fee, but subject to availability. Pre and post-program accommodations can also be arranged upon request. Please ask your IVHQ Program Manager for more details.
Stay connected during your stay by bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. Our local team will assist you with this during your Program Orientation, ensuring you have seamless communication throughout your volunteer experience. Additionally, Wi-Fi is provided at your volunteer accommodation for your convenience.
Laundry facilities are not available on-site, but can be accessed in town (approximately 15 minutes driving) at a cost of approximately AU$9 ($40TNT) per load.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with light breakfast items in a self-serve manner each day, which include toast, cereal, tea, coffee and creamer. You are welcome to purchase your own groceries to supplement these items for your personal preferences.
Volunteers are responsible for their own lunch and dinner each day. You will have access to your own kitchen in the accommodation, and groceries can be purchased locally so you can prepare your own meals. There are a few restaurants within walking distance of the accommodation if you’d prefer to eat out. We recommend budgeting around US$10 - 30 per meal if you choose to eat at a local restaurant or cafe.
Standard living area
Standard accomodation
Studio upgrade
Standard accomodation
Studio Tobago - King
Studio upgrade
Studio private bathroom
Volunteer serving a meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$474), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$474) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $705 Equivalent to $101/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,180 Equivalent to $84/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,620 Equivalent to $77/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,039 Equivalent to $73/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$474) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Trinidad and Tobago generally find US$200 - $300 per week to be sufficient for additional expenses.
- Light breakfast supplies
- Airport pick-up
- US$75 per week for transportation to and from the volunteering site.
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch and dinner
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Crown Point
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Crown Point program.
Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool Tour
Join us for an exploration of Tobago’s coastal treasures that promises memories to last a lifetime!
AU$79
Extra Night of Accommodation
Arriving early or departing a day after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From AU$106
Extra Night of Accommodation - Private Studio
Stay in Trinidad and Tobago longer with extra nights of accommodation in the private studio upgrade.
From AU$122
Check what's required to visit Trinidad and Tobago
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Port of Spain |
| Population | 1,412,090 country population |
| Languages | English |
| Currency | Trinidad & Tobago Dollar (TT$) |
| Time zone | UTC-4:00 |
Weather and climate
The climate of Trinidad and Tobago is tropical, with high relative humidity. The coolest months are December to February, when the average minimum temperature ranges from lows of 71 °F (22°C) and highs of 86 °F (30°C). The warmest months are August to October, which have an average maximum temperature of about 89 °F (32 °C).
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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