Every summer, a small group of European volunteers protects Caretta caretta nests on the beaches of Cilento, southern Italy. Nights watching over a nest, early morning patrols, and a real chance to get a few hundred more hatchlings safely into the sea.
This is a running, year-round programme, not a one-off call: applications open seasonally, but you can join the waiting list at any time and we will let you know as soon as the next call is published.
What this is about
The Cilento coastline is a crucial nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle. Every unguarded nest risks being destroyed by beach-cleaning machinery, predators, or simply by people walking over it.
Since 2024 ACARBIO has been part of CarettainVista, the nest-monitoring network for Campania coordinated by the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station as part of the LIFE TURTLENEST project. Every activity on the beach is decided and coordinated by the Zoological Station: ACARBIO and its volunteers act in support, and never take independent action on the turtles or the nests.
A personal challenge, but a valuable experience
This is not a holiday. Much of the work happens outdoors, in real field conditions: heat, early mornings, simple accommodation, physical tiredness. People who have done it say that is exactly why it is worth it — but it only works if you already know what you are signing up for. It is not compatible with expecting a nightlife-and-beach-holiday experience alongside it.
What you will do
All of the following is carried out under the direction of the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station:
- Morning patrols (the main, routine activity) — volunteers walk the coastline early in the morning looking for tracks left overnight by females that came ashore to nest, so new nests can be located and protected.
- Occasional night monitoring — on specific nights, and only when the Zoological Station decides it is needed (typically to fit a GPS tracker for scientific purposes), volunteers support a night watch to intercept a nesting female. This is occasional and scientifically led, not a routine volunteer initiative.
- 24-hour nest watch during hatching — guiding hatchlings safely from the nest to the sea.
- Beach awareness & community engagement — educating tourists, beach operators and residents on coexisting responsibly with nesting turtles.
- Environmental surveys — assessing beach conditions and human impact on nesting sites.
- Beach clean-ups and marine litter surveys.
Where
Three locations on the Cilento coast, province of Salerno: Ascea, Marina di Camerota and Palinuro — inside the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Who can apply
- Aged 18-30 (European Solidarity Corps requirement)
- Students or enthusiasts of marine biology, environmental science or conservation — no degree required
- Motivated, reliable, able to work as part of a team under scientific direction
- Genuinely willing to live with outdoor field conditions: night shifts, simple accommodation, camping, heat, physical tiredness
- Able to keep shared common spaces clean: accommodation is shared with other people living and working there, including Anton Dohrn Zoological Station staff
- No strict language requirement: work happens in English and Italian
No previous experience needed. What matters is knowing in advance what you are signing up for: it is demanding, and it is not a party holiday.
What the programme covers
Figures below are from the most recent edition and are being reconfirmed for the next one.
- Accommodation: Palazzo Ricci (Ascea) and equipped tents at Marina di Camerota and Palinuro
- Meals: included, or a food budget
- Pocket money: €6/day
- Travel: reimbursed up to European Solidarity Corps limits
- Duration: 32 days per group, starting from June
- Places: 3 groups of 8 volunteers
Volunteers also receive a YouthPass certificate at the end, validating the experience and learning outcomes.
Applications are not open right now
The next call has not been published yet. Leave your details below and we will email you as soon as it is — before it goes out on public channels. When applications do open, you apply by writing to international@acarbio.org with your CV and a short motivation letter.
Not eligible, or turtles aren’t quite your thing? We also run other active volunteering opportunities, including a long-term team in Tramonti.
