Surfing with a purpose - Protect Ocean Wildlife in Ecuador
Highlights
- Help preserve the marine ecosystems and learn about marine life rehabilitation.
- Experience firsthand the amazing marine wildlife of the Pacific Coast such as sea birds, sea turtles and whales.
- Protect this paradise that allows for some of the best surfing in South America.
- FREE 20 hours Spanish Intensive Course Included and 1 WEEK Surf Course!
- Accommodation, transport and 24h support included
Overview
Volunteer with us and form part of Marine conservation efforts
At NGO Taxi's Surf & Help Camp, you will work together with a local Marine Conservation Center and Government officials, supporting their efforts to rescue and rehabilitate injured marine wildlife, bring our amazing ocean reefs back to life and oversee local educational initiatives to reduce plastic pollution.
On top of that, you will learn how to surf in one of South America’s best surf spots!
What will you do as a volunteer?
- Assist the Ecuadorian Ministry for the Environment - location, rescue, and relocation of stranded or injured marine wildlife.
- Observe sea turtle breeding areas and check nests for eggs.
- Build structures to protect nesting areas and baby sea turtles.
- Cleaning/repairs at the local aquarium, feeding animals. Occasional assistance in the animals' medical treatment may be needed.
- Co-organize workshops for children and adults on the environment and how they can act to protect it and avoid plastic pollution.
The Surf & Help Camp aims to rescue seabirds, sea turtles, whales, and other marine life that has been affected by ocean pollution.
- Accommodation
- Group pickup or transport from airport
- Pre-arrival pack
- Welcome dinner (BBQ)
- FREE 1 week surf course included! Take a course with pros, taught by pros (for beginners, intermediate and experts).
- FREE 20 hour Spanish course
- 24 hour support
- International flight/ national flights
- Food (self-catering in the camp’s kitchen).
- Personal spending
- Additional excursions or activities such as diving
Important Information
Professional requirements:
You don’t need to have any special technical expertise, only sincere personal commitment and a love for the ocean and nature are required. For the surfing lessons, of course, you need to be physically fit, and able to swim. It goes without saying that whatever kinds of project-related expertise you may bring to the table will be gladly received and put to good use.
This volunteer opportunity has been running for a few years, but roles sometimes change or need to be re-structured. This project supports and encourages teamwork along with a great deal of flexibility, autonomy, and initiative. If you are open and ready for it, you’ll learn how to deal with various aspects of daily life and be able to adapt to different fields of activity.
Generally, you should be ready to respond to changes and be able to deal with the unexpected for any work in South America.
Language requirements:
Since your deployment takes place on the coast of Ecuador and is a tourist area with all the associated infrastructure, you’ll be able to make yourself understood in English in the town, by and large. However, very little English is spoken at the project site. Thus, the ability to speak English and basic Spanish, which you can obtain at the start of camp, is required.
Note: your camp fees already include a free 20-hour intensive Spanish course that will help you prepare for the task at hand and provide you with specific terminology and vocabulary that you’ll need. However, this course is an advanced course, which is why you have to speak Spanish at least at a conversational level, in order to make an impact at the project site. Please ask us and we can get you in contact with one of the local Spanish schools we work with.
Booking Section
Dates & Availability
This program is available all year round. You can select any date as per your comfort.Please select the week you plan to join the program.