14 Volunteer Vacations Where You Can Help Animals & Explore Amazing Places
8. Penguin Monitoring – Patagonia, Argentina

On the windswept coasts of Patagonia, Magellanic penguins return each year to nest. Volunteers help protect these colonies by restoring nesting habitats, monitoring breeding success, and collecting data to inform global conservation efforts. The environment is wild—seals, whales, and glaciers are part of the backdrop. Expect crisp mornings, long walks along rocky shores, and moments of joy as penguin chicks hatch and take their first steps. It’s science, stewardship, and silent wonder all in one project.