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.
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One of the top picks, according to travelers
4.8
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Reviews
Learn everything about surf, Ecuadorian life and and the precious marine wildlife of the Pacific coast!
Highlights
- Surf and help protect marine wildlife. Support the local communities to protect coastal ecosystems.
- Work with Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment on conservation projects. Volunteer and learn about marine conservation from local experts and scientists.
- Track and monitor marine species like penguins, dolphins, sea turtles, palikans and many more. Then, unwind with calming yoga sessions by the ocean.
- Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture with community events, local cuisine and stunning weekend trips. Go diving!
- Enjoy beach volleyball, surf competitions, and evening bonfires. Look forward to unforgettable sunsets and make new friends.
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!
About the Program
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!
How You’ll Make an Impact:
Safeguard Sea Turtles: Help create protected nesting areas, participate directly in releasing sea turtle hatchlings into their natural habitats, and support injured sea turtles in their recovery.
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation: Work closely with experts to care for rescued marine animals, from sea lions to pelicans, ensuring their safe return to the ocean.
Beach Patrols & Monitoring: Monitor coastal areas to protect wildlife habitats, document species activity, and report critical data.
Eco-Initiatives: Lead beach clean-ups and work actively with local businesses and communities to implement sustainable practices like reducing single-use plastics.
Marine Education: Design engaging campaigns and host workshops to raise awareness about marine conservation among tourists and residents.
Cultural Exchange: Collaborate with local communities, participate in traditional events, and experience Ecuadorian culture firsthand.
Creative Contribution: Use your skills to produce photos, videos, or written content to boost project visibility and encourage future support.
Team Engagement: Join regular project updates and team-building activities, including vibrant BBQ nights and surf outings.
Get ready to make waves in more ways than one!
Why It Matters:
Every task, whether it’s rescuing an injured penguin or educating tourists on sustainable tourism, contributes to preserving our rich marine biodiversity. Together, we’re fostering a harmonious relationship between the Ecuadorian communities, their stunning coastal landscapes and tourism.
Why Join Us?
Tourism is booming, but so are the challenges to keeping our oceans clean. That’s why we’re looking for passionate volunteers like you — to safeguard this paradise and its incredible marine ecosystem. To ensure you make the most of your time, we include a FREE 1-week Spanish immersion course. Learn essential vocabulary to connect with locals and amplify your impact. And after your experience abroad, maybe even add Spanish to your CV!
This program isn’t just about volunteering — it’s a holistic journey. By learning Spanish, you’ll deepen your connection with local communities, enhancing the impact of your work. Surfing adds an exhilarating dimension, helping you bond with fellow volunteers while fully embracing the ocean lifestyle.
Join us to make a real difference, learn new skills, and create lifelong memories.
Ready to catch waves and save marine life? Apply today and start your adventure!
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
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
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
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
- Sports
- Shopping/Souvenirs
- Hiking
- Sightseeing
- Concert/music
- Water Sports
- Riding
- Diving/Snorkling
- Swimming
- Yoga/Meditation
Discover Ecuador's Endless Adventures in Your Free Time!
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Pacific Coast Activities:
- Surfing
- Diving
- Surf yoga
- Beach volleyball
- Horse riding
- Coastal paragliding
- Isla de la Plata + Whale watching (July–September)
- Dive courses (Open Water, Advanced, Dive Master)
Explore Beyond the Coast:
- Surfing
- Diving
- Surf yoga
- Beach volleyball
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.
Requirements
Minimum Age: 18 years
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
Language Skills
You need to speak English (basic level)
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Other Skills
Program Requirements: No special technical skills are needed—just a passion for the ocean, nature, and a strong personal commitment. Surf lessons require physical fitness and the ability to swim. Any additional expertise you bring will be warmly welcomed and utilized. Language Requirements: No prior Spanish knowledge is required. The program includes a 1-week intensive Spanish course to help you communicate and maximize your impact.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 14:00
Time Commitment
Monday-Friday
from 08:00-14:00
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
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Program fees
- 363€ per week
- 4 - 50 weeks
- Age: 18 - 50+
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
Partnerships






Top Pick
4.85
Overall
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
Reviews
Top Pick
4.85
Overall
Social Impact
4.9
Safety
4.9
Support
4.9
Free Time
4.8
Value
4.8
Surf and Volunteers With Us
FIll out the form below and we will cantact you as soon as possible