The Best Volunteer Opportunities for Beach Cleanups Around the World

Jun 5

Are you ready to go on vacation and make a difference? Sustainable tourism lets you leave scenic destinations cleaner than when you arrived. Nonprofit organizations constantly seek green-minded people to tidy the shores and contribute to a better planet. Here are the five best volunteer opportunities for beach cleanups worldwide.

1. Tangaroa Blue Foundation — Australia

Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef and an internationally famous coastline. White sand surrounds the nation, so there’s plenty of shoreline for everyone. However, that means more room for ocean debris and rubbish. Volunteers with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation work hard to remove the trash and protect marine life.

The Queensland-based group organizes beach cleanups nationwide and implements preventive measures to decrease the trash flow. Volunteers are welcome to contribute, whether they have prior experience or not. Besides debris removal, Tangaroa Blue advocates for sustainable solutions like container deposit schemes and single-use plastic bans.

2. Great British Beach Clean — U.K.

Dry, warm weather means people flock to the shores of Britain in the summer. Residents and tourists shuffle out by the fall, and you can see the aftermath of litter. The Marine Conservation Society hosts the annual Great British Beach Clean at the end of September, offering numerous opportunities to get involved.

The U.K.-based nonprofit organization uses its beach cleanup as a weeklong educational event. When you participate, you learn more about conversation and how to impact the ocean positively. If there isn’t an event where you’re going, you can organize one yourself.

3. Sanibel Island Coastal Watch — U.S.

Sanibel Island residents take conservation seriously, as local policies protect half the land from overdevelopment. Traveling to this Florida destination gives you perspective on why beach cleanups are important. Volunteering on the beautiful shores helps the sea turtles, dolphins and manatees.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) deploys its Coastal Watch team to run volunteer-based initiatives and keep the area immaculate. You can participate in the group’s voluntourism efforts by restoring habitats and tidying up the shores. The SCCF has partnered with the City of Sanibel to give buckets to beachgoers and encourage debris collection.

4. Oceans for All Foundation — Thailand

Thailand is a tourist hub, considering it welcomed 35 million visitors in 2024. While vacationers help local economies, the trash on Thai sands can significantly impact the nation’s ecosystems. Combating the issue means inviting the Oceans for All Foundation and its volunteers to clean the debris. If you’re going to Phuket, consider spending your time with the organization.

The Oceans for All Foundation runs multiple programs to scrub beaches and preserve animal welfare. Licence to Clean is a popular initiative because of the James Bond connection. Volunteers on this trip board a catamaran and collect floating trash around Phuket and Phang Nga Bay.

5. Save a Fishie — South Africa

South African beaches are rich in biodiversity, letting you see penguins and whales in the same area. The breathtaking landscapes and adventure opportunities emphasize keeping the shores spotless. Environmental laws mandate federal protection, though it’s up to volunteers and kind-hearted people to maintain the cleanliness.

Save a Fishie is among the top volunteer organizations nationwide, hosting monthly beach cleanups. The group provides bags and gloves, so there’s no need to bring materials to the event. Since 2018, Save a Fishie has held 95 tidying events and collected nearly 21,000 pounds of trash.

Saving the Planet One Cleanup at a Time

Volunteering one day at the beach can significantly impact the local ecosystem. Picking up bottles and food containers helps sensitive habitats and reduces danger for wildlife. Your time can improve water quality if you remove plastic, cigarette butts and harmful chemicals. Wherever you travel, find a local nonprofit organization and do your part to help the planet.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy spreading awareness on the impact that tourism is having on the marine environment. Want to know more about how you can make a difference during your travels? Check out our latest sustainable tourism guides!