Ecologically Oriented Volunteer & Study Programs

Many international organizations can help get you involved with protecting the vast wilderness within Honduras.

Earthwatch (tel. 800/776-0188; www.earthwatch.org) has volunteering trips throughout the country that help conserve natural sites such as turtle nesting areas and the coral reef surrounding the Bay Islands.

Guaruma (tel. 504/2406-6782; www.guaruma.org) is a Honduras-based nonprofit organization that helps promote environmental awareness and conservation in the Rio Cangrejal watershed on the eastern edge of Pico Bonito National Park.

Sustainable Harvest International (tel. 919/942-2221; www.sustainableharvest.org) teaches rural communities about sustainable agriculture, solar energy systems, organic growing techniques, and irrigation systems. In Honduras, the program is in operation with rural communities near Santa Barbara.

Honduras Coral Reef Fund (tel. 504/2442-2670; www.cayoscochinos.org) leads all scientific research on the Cayos Cochinos, from surveying the reef to protecting sea-turtle nesting sites. Occasionally, they will accept volunteers.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.