Surf and Help Camp

Marine Biology and Wildlife Conservation – Pacific Coast Ecuador

Take Part

In our Surf and Volunteer Camp and Protect Our Oceans

We are looking for enthusiastic, committed volunteers to work in one of South America’s favorite surfing locations! “Surf and Help” is a volunteer opportunity conducted by and for surfers, people that want to learn to surf and for anyone who wants to help preserve nature and the ocean’s unique beauty. Join us, help protect our beaches, and keep our ocean clean; help bring our ocean reefs back to life and save endangered giant sea turtles from extinction.

Top Pick

One of the top picks, according to travelers

4.8

26

Reviews

Learn everything about surf, Ecuadorian life and and the precious marine wildlife of the Pacific coast!

Highlights

About the Program

Ride the waves, protect nature and make a difference! Our surf and volunteer camp in Ecuador offers more than just an adventure. Help us safeguard endangered marine life!

Especially good for

Age 18+

Groups

Families

Couples

Singles

50+

Surf, Save, and Make a Difference on Ecuador’s Pacific Coast!

Combine your love for the ocean with a passion for conservation at one of the best surfing spots in the Pacific!

Our coastal volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to protect marine wildlife while catching epic waves. You’ll gain hands-on experience in marine rescue, habitat restoration, and environmental education — all while immersing yourself in Ecuadorian culture at the Equator!

Typical day

Week 1

Week 1

Your journey starts with an immersive first week designed to get you fully prepared for the adventure ahead. Mornings are dedicated to learning Spanish in a dynamic, project-focused setting. In the afternoons, you’ll hit the waves with surf lessons led by South American surf champions. The two-hour sessions (including transport) are scheduled based on the tides. 

Week 2 and after

From the second week, your focus shifts to volunteering. You’ll work at a Marine Wildlife Center and occasionally collaborate with Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment. Your daily schedule offers a balance of hands-on conservation work and free time for personal exploration or surfing.

A Typical Volunteering Week:
 

Monday to Friday
7:00 AM – Breakfast
7:30 AM – Travel to project site
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Volunteer work (Wildlife Center or Ministry projects)
12:30 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Free time (surf, explore, relax)
7:00 PM – Dinner

Sometimes you might also work two or three days at the Marine Wildlife Center and the rest of the week at the camp, or vice versa. 

The Ministry’s work depends on real-time needs and emergencies, so you may be called in for special projects or rescues. On average, you’ll spend two to three days a week assisting them, but this may vary. Flexibility is Key.

Saturday & Sunday
Your weekends are yours to enjoy! Relax, explore the local area, or try out new activities (optional):

  • Surf Yoga

  • Isla De La Plata + Whales Watching (July – September)

  • Coastal Paragliding 

  • Dive Courses (Open Water, Advanced or Dive Master)

  • Mountainbike Tours

  • Motorcycle Tours

  • Horse Rinding

Free-time activities

Discover Ecuador's Endless Adventures in Your Free Time!

Gallery
Pacific Coast Activities:
Explore Beyond the Coast:

Curious to know what's included and what's not included in your travel?

✅ On-site Services

If you want you can stay longer than 9 weeks, please ask us for a price offer. 

  • Lodging: in the volunteers‘ dorm at camp (or, for a surcharge, in a bamboo bungalow).

  • Usage of all facilities (incl. a swimming pool, jacuzzi, DVD and TV, WiFi etc.).

  • Group pickup or transport from airport by car and bus.

  • Pre-arrival pack.

  • Welcome bbq or parrifiesta.

  • Complementary t-shirt.

  • FREE 20 hour Spanish course.

  • FREE 1 week surf course included! Take a course with pros, taught by pros (for beginners, intermediate and experts).

  • FREE whale watching excursion (only during September’s camp).

  • FREE Christmas party (only during December’s camp).

  • FREE New Year’s Eve Dinner (only during December’s camp).

  • Surf and Help Challenge: A surf competition for all levels and a competition on tasks within your area of commitment (only if a minimum of 15 people has been reached).

  • Comprehensive Volungo Abroad Support Packet (see section Additional Information).

  • On-site support through your volunteer coordinator.

  • 24 hour support.

 

✅ Accommodation

During your time at the project you will be living on the coast of Ecuador, in our affiliated accommodation close to your Spanish school. You will stay together with other volunteers in dormitories; the accommodation always attempts to keep boys and girls separate, but sometimes they have to mix. Linen and bedding are available and you can rent towels for a small deposit. Your accommodation faces the sea. If you prefer to share with your friend, your partner, or be by yourself, you can also rent one of the traditional thatched roof bamboo huts (for a surcharge). For further details please refer to your welcome e-mail.

✅ Meals

No meals are included. The accommodation has self-catering facilities and therefore your meals can either be prepared and consumed with other volunteers, or you can go out to one of the many restaurants in town.

✅ Facilities

You will stay in shared dorm rooms or in bungalows, and the camp is equipped as follows

  • Swimming pool

  • Jacuzzi

  • Laundry service.

  • Garden

  • Gym in town (cost not included)

  • Language school nearby. (Optional: You can also book your language course in the capital, Quito)

  • Communal area with TV and DVD

  • Free Wifi

  • Kitchen (self-catering: kitchen facilities at campsite, grocery shopping nearby (3min walk)

✅ Internet Access

Good access at the project site

❌Airport Pickup at Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport

An airport pickup isn’t included within the program fees either.


❌ Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.


❌ Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador.


❌Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft – a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have.


❌ Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador.

Requirements to take part of this opportunity

Check all of the requirements necessary to take part in this incredible experience.

Time Commitment
Monday-Friday
from 08:00-14:00
airplane on sky during golden hour
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions

Program fees

The following is a breakdown of the weekly fees for this experience.

4 weeks (min. stay)
1.479€
8 weeks
2.894€
12 weeks
4.287€
50 weeks (max stay)
17.862€
Average fees
363€/week

Program fees

Payment methods:
Duration

4 – 50 weeks


Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with NewProjectOwnership during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

10+

Years Of
Experiances

a couple of people that are standing in the grass

Partnerships

Top Pick

4.85

Overall
5 stars
4
3
2
Social Impact

4.9

Safety

4.9

Support

4.9

Free Time

4.8

Value

4.8

One of the top picks, according to travelers

5/5
Volunteering with Surf & Help was a dream come true. I spent my mornings catching waves and my afternoons cleaning beaches...
Alana Ramos
2025
5/5
Surf & Help exceeded all my expectations. From daily surf lessons to coral restoration dives, every moment...
Ava Thompson
2025
5/5
Pure happiness. The ocean, the turtles, the people… wow. 🌅🐢
Sophia Martin
2024
5/5
This program perfectly balanced fun and impact. We dawn‑patrolled beaches, restored reefs by day, and surfed sunsets...
Mia Johnson
2024

Surf and Volunteers With Us

FIll out the form below and we will cantact you as soon as possible