What is Voluntourism?
Voluntourism with Coastal Watch is a unique blend of travel and environmental conservation, where visitors can actively participate in efforts to protect and restore the local ecosystem. Activities include planting native species, restoring habitats, monitoring wildlife, and conducting clean-ups, all while exploring the natural beauty of the coastal community. This hands-on experience not only provides an immersive way to engage with the environment but also allows voluntourists to leave a lasting impact on the islands’ habitats. By participating, volunteers contribute meaningfully to the preservation of the ecosystem, gaining a sense of pride in their contributions and witnessing the long-term effects of their efforts.
Explore Our Voluntourism Projects
Join SCCF’s Coastal Watch in our mission to protect and preserve the beauty of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. You can also follow and support Coastal Watch on Facebook and Instagram through the links below.
Join our ongoing mangrove restoration efforts, where we collect and pot propagules from August to October and plant seedlings from December to June in our designated restoration areas. Mangroves are essential for supporting marine life and combating climate change—ready to get your hands dirty?
From January to March, help us rebuild oyster reefs using recycled and fossilized shells. Oysters are natural water filters and essential to the health of our estuary. Work alongside our Marine Laboratory and Coastal Watch team to make a difference in our local waters.
Our many preserves are home to native plants and wildlife, and they need ongoing care all year round. Volunteer to plant native species in our protected areas, enhancing biodiversity and maintaining the island’s natural beauty.
Lend a hand in keeping our beaches and preserves clean! Join one of our regular clean-ups to remove litter and protect local wildlife. Every piece of trash removed helps preserve our coastal habitats and keep our waters pristine. Our preserve and beach cleanups run year-round, with special island-wide cleanups held each September for International Coastal Cleanup, in April for Earth Day, and typically in the fall to address hurricane debris.
Want to volunteer on your own time? Check out our beach bucket stations at a few of the beach access points on Sanibel. You can grab a bucket and pick up trash while you enjoy our beaches!
Do you have a group looking for a tailored experience? We’re happy to collaborate and create a custom voluntourism project that fits your group’s needs. Whether you’re a school, business, or family, we’ll work with you to design an engaging and impactful experience. To discuss custom projects, email us at coastalwatch@sccf.org.
