Sea Turtle Research and Conservation

Ocean Spirits is a registered, non-profit marine conservation organisation based in Grenada, West Indies. From its inception in 1999, Ocean Spirits have focused primarily on the conservation of marine turtles found throughout Grenada's coastal waters and beaches. As a member and the country coordinator of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network (WIDECAST) we work at a national and regional level, with support and expert advice which ensures we are continually striving to meet universal, conservation objectives and make valid contributions to the international scientific community.

Legal and illegal fisheries, incidental catch, loss of habitat and the poaching of eggs all contribute to the decrease of sea turtles here in Grenada. Working together with our local communities, government and international organisations we aim to ensure that sea turtles remain a key species in Grenada's rich biodiversity.

As a volunteer with us you will become an active, hands on team member consisting of local and international staff members, gaining data collection and field experience with the largest reptile, Leatherback sea turtles. Through Ocean Spirits presence of the nesting beaches you will directly help to reduce the illegal poaching of turtle eggs, as our presence alone deters poachers. You will have the opportunity to help create awareness through educational events. It is also a wonderful opportunity to work along side a wide range of fellows from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

2018, marks our 19th year of Leatherback monitoring. The nesting season operates March- July, with August focused on hatchlings. Grenada is located in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea. Grenada is only 133sq miles in size and has a population of 108,000. Known as the Spice isle it is rich in a variety of spices; nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, mace and cocoa. Once part of the British Colonies, Grenada is English speaking.

You will be based in the picturesque north east of the island. The area is a piece of paradise with views of the ocean and off shore islands.
The accommodation is basic but comfortable, comprises of two properties next door to each other, with same 2-3 persons per room and sex shared bedrooms. Beds/futons and pillows are provided, linen and towels are not. The house has a fridge/freezer, gas cooker. limited WiFi access, 220 and 110V electricity supply. There is a fan in each bedroom (no air conditioning); mosquito nets are recommended if you react badly to bites. A full list of items recommended to bring will be provided in your volunteer handbook.

Here at Ocean Spirits we operate on weekly schedules. Each week you can expect to complete 3-4 night patrols, 2-3 morning patrols, beach profiling, education outreach activities, nest excavations (during hatchling season) and take your turn at household duties with one day off each week granted.

Morning Survey

This monitoring work takes place on a beach closest to the project accommodation and involves walking down the hill from the research station (10 minutes) at first light to check the beach for any nesting events or turtles, recorded them before covering them over to avoid poachers finding.

Night Patrol

This takes place under the cover of darkness on of the third largest Leatherback nesting beach in the region. A short  10 minute drive away. Once on the beach two teams are formed both lead by qualified supervisors. Each team takes it in turns to patrol the 800m long beach searching for nesting turtles. Once a nesting turtle is found it is carefully approached and volunteers are given the opportunity to get hands on data collection experience; carapace measurements, flipper tagging, egg counting and nest relocations.

Beach Profiling

Once a week a team will profile the main nesting beach to monitor changes in the beach and to provide information on the best location for nests that require to be relocated

Education and Outreach

Education plays a great role in our work in ensuring the message of the importance of sea turtles is spread. Volunteers are given the opportunity to take part in classroom activities, school field trips, environmental science classes, summer camps and help disseminate information relating to turtle conservation at community awareness days in Grenada.  You may also have the opportunity to join call-outs reported in via the national Sea Turtle hotline (subject to safety and availability) throughout your stay.

Nest Excavations

If you are lucky enough to be with us during hatchling season you will take part in nest excavations to discover the success rates of each turtle nest laid

Household Duties

We operate our project house like a family home. Everyone takes their turn in cleaning, cooking and equipment maintenance. It is a great opportunity to show off your cooking skills and try dishes from a variety of different cultures.

The program runs of thee week cycles with the option to join for 3-12 weeks with assigned arrival and departure dates.  On arrival days the project will provide one transfer from Maurice Bishop/Point Salines International Airport to the project camp in the north of the island 1.5 hrs away, the pickup will be at 6:00pm in the evening (should all volunteers arrive earlier the taxi time will be adjusted to accommodate the group). Should you arrive outside this time we can coordinate a taxi for you that you will be required to pay for.

2019 Dates

2nd-23 March 2019

23rd March - 13th April 2019

13th April  to 4th May 2019

4th May  to 25th May 2019

25th May to 15th June 2019

15th June  to 6th  July 2019

6th July to  27th  July 2019

27th July - 17th August 2019