Eco - tours  

If you are a student, environmentalist, or just a tourist looking for a more meaningful experience, sign up as an eco-volunteer helping conserve sea turtles on the beautiful remote island of Khao Phra Thong in the clear blue waters of the Andaman sea.

The Turtle Conservation project is carried out by Naucrates, Friends of Sea Turtles, an Italian research organization (Onlus), in collaboration with the Marine Biological Center in Phuket.




Turtle Research: Two-Week Volunteer Program

The Green turtle and Olive Ridley lay their eggs on a 15 km stretch of isolated white sandy beach.

You are welcome as a volunteer for a minimum stay of two weeks between December and April. You patrol the beach to prevent poaching, help hatch and raise the hatchlings, and educate the local community (especially village school-children) and a small number of foreign tourists on the need for conservation of these endangered species. You may actually get to see one of the sea turtles, usually about 1 meter in width, lumbering up the beach at night, but the tracks alone are an inspiring sight.

No experience is needed, however volunteers must be physically fit, as the research requires long walks in tropical conditions. The research camp is based next to a sensitive eco-resort called Golden Buddha Beach.

When not working, there is much to be enjoyed. Your hut commands views of a beautiful bay. There is snorkeling in the bay and walks in the forest on adjacent Ra Island, whose abundant wildlife includes hornbills, various primates, and monitor lizards.

Project details and pricing

Please contact E-mail: naucrates12@tiscali.it / URL: www.naucrates.org

SeaTurtle Conservation and Protection

Phra Thong Island, off the coast of Phang-Nga, is one such area. While appearing stunningly beautiful and pristine to the visitor, most of the big hardwoods have been removed from the forest and the sea turtle and offshore marine life are under constant threat.


The Sea Turtle Project started six years ago and has been effective in controlling the low-level poaching by villagers who dig up the turtle nests in order to earn the high prices paid for the eggs by local merchants and restaurants.

A small research station has been established adjacent to the Golden Buddha Beach resort.




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