Sea Turtle Conservation Group
Coordinator | Bethany
Coordinator | Bethany
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Work closely with conservation experts at a local ecological centre to move nests to protected corrals, and then release hatchlings safely into the ocean
Help preserve the biodiversity of the surrounding area by doing scientific studies and working with crocodiles and iguanas
Address coastal erosion by growing and planting mangroves
When you’re not working, we’ve organised activities and an exciting weekend trip
Explore Mexico and learn more about the culture with your group
Live and work with a group in Mexico and become part of our ongoing efforts to protect endangered sea turtles.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
If you have a strong interest in working with marine life on land, and you want a more adventurous experience outdoors, this is the project for you. It’s one of our Team Trips, where we run a project on fixed dates so individuals from around the world can come together to form a group. This means that conservation volunteering with a group in Mexico lets you travel with the assurance of constant companionship. You’ll also have Projects Abroad staff with you every step of the way.
Our Conservation Team Trip in Mexico runs over fixed dates throughout the year. You choose the dates that best fit your schedule. Everything is organised for you from the moment you step off the plane in Guadalajara.
Besides having a tangible impact on ongoing conservation programmes, you’ll also gain practical experience. You’ll be able to learn a lot from our team, who are all conservation experts with years of experience in the field. This could help you if you’re planning on pursuing a career in conservation, or working on a dissertation for a major like biology or zoology.
You don’t need previous experience to join. You’ll be supervised by experts, and our staff are always available to provide guidance and advice.
Reptile Conservation
Waste Reduction
Sea Turtle Conservation
Crocodile
Ocean Cleaning
Plastic Reduction
Flatback Turtle
Green Sea Turtle
Hawksbill Turtle
Typical day
There’s always a lot to be done at Cuyutlan! Here are some of the activities you can get involved in:
- Search for and relocate turtle eggs and safeguard turtle nests
- Clean and maintain turtle tanks and care for sea turtles at the ecological centre
- Study the area’s biodiversity as part of important research initiatives
- Participate on beach clean-ups during the afternoons
- Support staff at a crocodile park
- Explore Mexico and learn more about the culture with your group
Your project will be divided into the following ways:
Help safeguard turtle nests
Coastal erosion is a big problem affecting turtles in Mexico. However, poachers have proven to be an even bigger problem. Once a turtle has laid eggs, poachers dig up the eggs to sell at local markets. To protect the nests, we do beach patrols everyday. When we find a nest, we move it to a safe location at the ecological centre we work with. This is a protected area, and the eggs will incubate in peace here. Once the eggs hatch, we release hatchlings into the ocean.
Care for turtles at the ecological centre
At the ecological centre, the government has given them permission to keep turtles, especially those who have been injured and cannot be released back into the wild. They need your help to look after all the turtles living here. Your group will help clean the tanks, and make sure turtles are fed and cared for. Each turtle is also weighed and measured once a month.
Biodiversity studies
You will be required to monitor the presence and condition of wildlife in the Palo Verde estuary and El Chupadero lagoon. Here, you’ll:
- Maintain a register through direct observation and trap cameras for night surveillance
- Monitor and collect data on the state of nearby mangrove forests
- Grow mangrove seedlings in a greenhouse
- Reforest areas where the mangrove forest has been damaged or removed
Working with mangroves is especially important. Mangroves provide a habitat for marine life, they protect coastlines from soil erosion, and they help in the fight against climate change. We need your team’s help to plant as many as possible!
Community beach clean-ups
Reducing litter in our oceans is vital for keeping marine life safe. Rubbish, particularly non-biodegradable plastic, is hazardous. The sea turtles that nest here can get caught in the discarded plastic. Or, they may mistake it for food, which can hurt and even kill them.
Your group will work together to keep the beach as clean as possible. With this many hands involved, you’ll be able to remove a lot of rubbish from the environment.
Work with crocodiles
You will visit La Colorada Crocodile Centre, in Cofradia de Morelos, once a week. Here, you’ll help to clean and maintain the pens and the centre’s facilities. You will also be involved in taking biometric data and marking the crocodiles in nearby lagoons.
Free-time activities
Exploring Mexico
Finally, this project is also an opportunity for you to travel, learn, and grow in a safe environment with a group of volunteers. On the weekend, we’ll take you on a trip to a local beach resort to experience more of Mexico. Make the most of the opportunity to have some fun in the sun with your fellow volunteers.
Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
Accommodation
Food (three meals a day)
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
Transport to and from your work placement
In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
Access to our local office with internet connection
Certification of project completion
Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch
A cultural awareness course
Organised weekend tourism trips
A member of Projects Abroad staff will be waiting for you with a sign when you arrive at Miguel Hidalgo Costilla Guadalajara International Airport. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you may need to stop over within the United States, and then transfer to another flight to get to Guadalajara.
If the project you’re joining is based in Cuyutlan, you will stay with a host family in Guadalajara overnight. You’ll then travel to Cuyutlan (3 hour drive) on the following day.
Our main offices are based in Guadalajara.
You'll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers during your stay in Cuyutlan. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your free time together.
Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your programme fees include three meals a day.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Don Miguel Hidal Y Costilla International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mexico.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Mexico provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Mexico you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Mexico.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Choose Start Dates - Duration
07 June 2020 to 20 June 2020 - 2 Weeks
06 June 2021 to 19 June 2021 - 2 Weeks
2 - 2 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$2,104
2 weeks
(max. stay)
$2,104
Average fees
$1,052
/week
The organization charges its fees in GBP. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
Projects Abroad
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Projects Abroad during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Sea Turtle Conservation Group
Live and work with a group in Mexico and become part of our ongoing efforts to protect endangered sea turtles.
$835/week
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