Turtle Conservation in Tarrafal, Cape Verde

Enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and working with local communities.Flexibility and a willingness to learn.No previous experience is required, but interest in environmental conservation is a plus.

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

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 center.
• Lunch
• Visit Mar De President Beach and spend some time on the beach before returning back to the center for dinner.

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Praia International Airport (RAI). You must arrive between Sunday 00:05 to Monday 02:00.

If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 1.15 to 1.5 hours by road.

Monday (first week)

• 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 center.
• Theoretical orientation on sea turtle conservation
• Night patrol at the beach, monitoring sea turtle sightings, translocating nests/eggs collected from the beach are then reburied within the hatchery, where they can be closely monitored.

Tuesday to Friday

• Night patrol at the beach, monitoring sea turtle sightings, translocating nests/eggs collected from the beach are then reburied within the hatchery, where they can be closely monitored.
• Relocation program (relocation of the nests in risk areas)
• Assisting local staff in conducting a successful study of nests in the hatchery
• Assisting in collection of biological data, abundance and distribution of sea turtles
• Conduct workshops in the local communities about the importance of sea turtles and the project results
• Assist local staff in beach cleaning activities in the project area.

***This schedule and activities can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

***You might have work on Saturdays too.

Things to Do in Tarrafal (Santiago Island):

• Tarrafal Beach – One of Cape Verde’s best beaches, with white sand, palm trees, and calm, crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and relaxing.
• Tarrafal Concentration Camp – A haunting but important historical site where political prisoners were once held during Portugal’s colonial rule.
• Hike Monte Graciosa – A scenic climb with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. Great for nature lovers and photographers.
• Snorkelling and Water Sports – The calm bay in Tarrafal is perfect for snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. You might spot tropical fish or even a sea turtle.
• Local Market – Visit the lively open-air market for fresh produce, handmade goods, and local snacks. It’s a great place to interact with locals and practice some Creole.

Things to Do Beyond Tarrafal:

• Cidade Velha (Old City) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. Explore old churches, forts, and cobbled streets.
• Serra Malagueta Natural Park – Located between Assomada and Tarrafal, this park offers hiking trails through lush forests, native plant species, and breathtaking viewpoints.
• Praia – The bustling capital city offers cultural experiences, local eateries, museums, nightlife, and craft markets. Great for a weekend visit.
• Fogo Island & Pico do Fogo – Climb an active volcano, walk through black lava fields, and explore the charming town of Chã das Caldeiras nestled within the crater.
• Boa Vista & Sal – Famous for long beaches, sand dunes, kite surfing, and all-inclusive resorts. Great for relaxation or weekend getaways.
• Santo Antão – A must for hikers. The island features jaw-dropping mountain valleys, green terraces, and stone villages that feel untouched by time.

Additional Equipment

Packing List
Clothing

• Modest clothing (covers knees and shoulders)
• Bring swimwear for beach activities.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, water shoes
• Sun hat, fleece sweater, windproof rain jacket (depending on weather)

Documents

• Passport
• Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates

Health & Safety:

• Hand sanitizer, face masks (if required)
• First-aid kit (medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration tablets)

Essentials:

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
• Day pack, small travel towel, reusable water bottle
• Moneybelt, locks for bags
• Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)

Optional Items:

• A small backpack for day trips.
• Waterproof bags to keep electronics safe.
• Personal Water bottle

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: CV – Holidays – All Programs

Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is an island nation located off the northwest coast of Africa, consisting of ten volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and has since developed into one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Despite limited natural resources and a semi-arid climate, Cape Verde has achieved middle-income status, with a strong emphasis on education, health, and good governance. The official language is Portuguese, but most people speak Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) in daily life.

Cape Verde enjoys a warm, dry tropical climate, with temperatures typically ranging between 22°C and 30°C (72–86°F) throughout the year. The country experiences two main seasons: a dry season from November to July and a wet season from August to October, although rainfall is generally low. The islands are also known for strong trade winds, especially on Sal and Boa Vista, making them popular for water sports. The pleasant climate makes Cape Verde a year-round destination, though dust from the Sahara (called the Harmattan wind) may affect air clarity in the winter months.

Cape Verdean culture is a blend of African and Portuguese traditions, with a strong emphasis on family, music, and community. Music is central to life here—morna (made famous by Cesária Évora), coladeira, and funaná are widely played, often accompanied by singing and dancing. Religion, particularly Roman Catholicism, plays an important role, but traditional African beliefs may also influence local customs. Hospitality is a deeply held value, and you’ll often be invited to join in community gatherings or family meals.

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