The New Smyrna Beach Area is giving visitors more ways to make a positive impact during their stay through voluntourism opportunities that support the local community and environment. As part of the destination’s commitment to sustainable tourism, visitors can get involved with local organizations focused on conservation, arts, cultural preservation, and the protection of the area’s natural resources.
Help Protect Sea Turtles Along the Coast
Sea turtle conservation plays an important role in preserving the New Smyrna Beach Area's coastal ecosystem. The NSB Turtle Trackers support sea turtle conservation through educational outreach, fundraising, and community beach cleanups. During nesting season, specially trained volunteers also conduct daily sunrise surveys to monitor nesting activity along New Smyrna Beach under state permitting requirements.
While the 2026 volunteer application window is closed, the next application period opens in January 2027. Visitors can also connect with NSB Turtle Trackers to learn about other ways to support sea turtle conservation and care for the area's beaches.
Join a Coastal Beach Cleanup
Keeping the shoreline clean is one way visitors can directly support the New Smyrna Beach Area during their stay. Upcoming Coastal Cleanups at the 27th Avenue beach ramp invite both locals and visitors to help care for the shoreline, with cleanup dates scheduled for November 18, 2026.
Visitors interested in participating can find event details and RSVP information on the Coastal Cleanup event page. Additional responsible travel and conservation resources are available on the Sustainable Tourism page.
Support Conservation at the Marine Discovery Center
The Marine Discovery Center connects the community with conservation efforts throughout the Indian River Lagoon, one of North America's most biologically diverse estuaries. Volunteer opportunities can include shoreline and oyster habitat restoration, community science projects, and other conservation activities that help protect the lagoon's ecosystem.
Some conservation workshops are open to the public, while other opportunities require advance registration or becoming an MDC volunteer. Visitors and residents can check current opportunities on the Marine Discovery Center website before their trip to find an activity that fits their stay.
Celebrate Local Arts and Creativity
The New Smyrna Beach Area's arts community also offers opportunities to give back. At The Hub on Canal, volunteers help support the nonprofit organization's programs, events, and community outreach. The Hub brings artists and the community together through exhibitions, classes, workshops, and other arts and cultural programming.
Visitors interested in volunteering can contact The Hub to learn more about current opportunities and participation requirements.
Preserve the Stories That Shaped the Community
History enthusiasts can also support the New Smyrna Museum of History, where exhibits and programs explore the people and events that have shaped New Smyrna Beach. Exhibits cover topics including Native American history, the Turnbull Settlement, the railroad era, East Coast surfing, and veterans' history.
The museum welcomes volunteers interested in helping preserve and share local history. Prospective volunteers are asked to become museum members and indicate their interest in volunteering before beginning the process. Visitors and locals interested in getting involved can contact the museum to learn more about current opportunities.
Experience Travel That Makes a Difference
Voluntourism offers another way to experience the New Smyrna Beach Area while supporting organizations working to protect its natural resources, celebrate local arts, and preserve the area's history. Coastal cleanups, conservation projects, and supporting local cultural organizations are just a few ways to give back during or beyond a visit.
Volunteer opportunities, schedules, and participation requirements vary by organization, so visitors should plan ahead and check directly with each organization for current ways to get involved.
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