Live on a small private island in Estonia as a volunteer. Viirelaid is located about 140 km from Tallinn, Estonia and 300 km from Riga, Latvia. You can find more background on the Viirelaid island wiki page. Volunteering at Viirelaid gives you the chance to live in a unique place, become part of a small team and learn through practical work and skill exchange. You are surrounded by open sea, nature, free-roaming rabbits on the island and seals in the water nearby.
Fees and hours
No, we offer free food and accommodation.
Expected help: about 30 hours per week. The detailed schedule depends on events and needs and should be discussed with the hosts.
Tasks and type of help
Viirelaid is looking for volunteers who want to immerse themselves in nature and contribute to the smooth running of the island. As a small team, communication is important, and volunteers are encouraged to share ideas and feedback.
Tasks can include:
- Simple gardening and outdoor maintenance
- Cooking and basic kitchen help when needed
- Preparing and keeping common areas welcoming for guests
- Other practical tasks that support events and daily life on the island
Experience with the kitchen, garden, bar work or yoga can be useful, but motivation and reliability are more important. Long-term volunteers usually get more from the experience, so the preferred minimum stay is a 2-week commitment. For the right person, shorter stays may be possible.
About the hosts
The island complex is run by a couple in their thirties with two children. Most guests are private groups who book the island for different events. Some come to celebrate a birthday or wedding, others for company summer days, retreats or conferences.
There is a separate staff house where volunteers sleep in bunk beds, with separate areas for women and men. Staff have their own shower, toilet and sauna.
Food and accommodation
Food is part of the volunteer exchange, so you do not pay for it. Volunteers share simple but good meals prepared on the island.
Accommodation details
Volunteers stay in the staff house in shared bunk rooms. Facilities are basic but comfortable for island life, with access to a staff sauna and common areas.
Benefits and free time
In free time volunteers can enjoy the island and the sea. There are small dinghies, SUP boards and kitesurfing possibilities, and at some times also a jetski. It is also possible to join trips to nearby islands when the schedule allows
Outdated listing warning
This listing may be outdated. Viirelaid Private Island is still active and their official website states that volunteers are welcome, but details about tasks, dates and conditions may change from season to season. Please contact the hosts directly through their website or email to ask about current volunteer needs before making travel plans.
Contact details 🔍📧
Email: priit.villemson AT gmail DOT com
Website: www.viirelaid.ee
Facebook: facebook.com/saarele
Instagram: @viirelaid