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Outstanding 4.92rating (33)

Sea Turtle and Wildlife Conservation Trip

location
2 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Travel along Oaxaca coast, making a fulfilling experience where travelling and volunteering do the perfect match!
  • Participate in several conservation actions led by local groups: protecting sea turtles, monitoring fauna, crocodiles, deers, planting trees, beach cleaning, ...
  • Live like a local, living in 2 communities and having the possibility to visit up to 5 more community projects and their natural paradises.

Highlights

  • Travel along Oaxaca coast, making a fulfilling experience where travelling and volunteering do the perfect match!
  • Participate in several conservation actions led by local groups: protecting sea turtles, monitoring fauna, crocodiles, deers, planting trees, beach cleaning, ...
  • Live like a local, living in 2 communities and having the possibility to visit up to 5 more community projects and their natural paradises.
  • If it's happening: Witness the breathtaking 'arribada', when thousands of sea turtles are nesting together in Escobilla beach Sanctuary.
  • Your actions will impact to empower local people to conservate nature and its resources, making them aware of its value and threats through environmental education workshops.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    14 days for experience Mexican life as a local travelling along Oaxaca coast & protecting turtles, marine fauna, deers, jungle wildlife, educating children, and more!

    Our expedition takes you on an amazing journey along the Oaxaca coast, where you'll actively support community groups in their crucial conservation efforts. This immersive experience offers a wide range of hands-on activities, from nighttime beach patrols to safeguard sea turtles and their nests, ...

    About the program

    Our expedition takes you on an amazing journey along the Oaxaca coast, where you'll actively support community groups in their crucial conservation efforts. This immersive experience offers a wide range of hands-on activities, from nighttime beach patrols to safeguard sea turtles and their nests, to restoring nature, monitoring fauna, raising environmental awareness and teaching englishhiking in the forest. You'll even have the opportunity to care for rescued deer, among other activities!

    The volunteer program will be divided in two weeks:

    One week will be in San José Manialtepec, a rural villlage 25 minutes by public transport from Puerto Escondido. We will focus that week on:

    • Assisting in rural entrepreneurship projects, including traditional bread making in wood-fired ovens and preparing typical Mexican food.
    • Contributing to the well-being of horses through various activities.
    • Planting trees
    • Whales monitoring from land (During their migration season from November to February)
    • Placing and collecting photo-trap cameras to monitor wildlife during jungle hikes and possibility of camping in the wild.
    • Educational sessions of english and environmental awareness with children 
    • Beach and natural areas clean - ups
    The other week will be in Ventanilla community, 1,30 hours far from Puerto Escondido. We will focus that week on:

    • Nighttime beach patrols to protect sea turtles and collect eggs for safe incubation.
    • Caring for rescued white-tailed deer.
    • Overseeing the development of baby crocodiles during their crucial first year.
    • Maintenance of natural areas and beach clean-ups
    Depending on the season, you can experience:
    • Arribada, when thousands of sea turtles are nesting massively (few days mostly during waning moon effect from July to March)
    • Newborn sea turtles in natural habitat. After 45 days of an arribada, millions of sea turtles born in order to start their lifes in the Pacific Ocean (few days per month from July to April)
    • Leatherback sea turtle nesting, the biggest turtle in the world (from December to February)
    • Crocodiles hatching (June)
    • Bird breeding, signing like crazy (April, May)
    • A green, full of butterflies, Mexico (from June to December)
    • A 100% sunny Mexico (from January to May)



    Typical day

    Every Day is a different Adventure!

    These are two week example schedule. We give you your itinerary every week, but we always have to be ready for changes due to natural and social conditions.

    WEEK 1 (Manialtepec)

    • Monday Pick up from Puerto Escondido & Orientation to the project. Tour in the ...

    Typical day

    Every Day is a different Adventure!

    These are two week example schedule. We give you your itinerary every week, but we always have to be ready for changes due to natural and social conditions.

    WEEK 1 (Manialtepec)

    • Monday Pick up from Puerto Escondido & Orientation to the project. Tour in the village and its surroundings. Meeting and caring horses.
    • Tuesday Morning: Hot springs tour & Preparation for workshops (English and/or Environment)
    • Wednesday Morning: Set photo trap cameras in the jungle, tree planting or hiking to an amazing view point / Afternoon: Workshop with the community
    • Thursday Morning: Cooking Mexican tortillas workshop and Building activities (designing posters, improving volunteers house) / Afternoon: Boat tour in Manialtepec Lagoon, Beach cleaning and sunset in Puerto Suelo Beach.
    • Friday Morning: Environmental activity in Zapotalito community & Boat tour crossing Chacahua National Park / Evening: Turtles night patrol in Chacahua Bay Sanctuary (Oct-May)
    • Saturday Free day at Tututepec museum or Chacahua beach
    • Sunday Free day at Puerto Escondido or Cacalote beach

    WEEK 2 (Ventanilla)

    • Monday Morning: Travel from Manialtepec to Ventanilla and Orientation / Afternoon: boat trip in Ventanilla lagoon and visit the Environment Management Island / Evening: Releasing baby turtles and Turtles Night patrol
    • Tuesday Morning: Rest from Night Patrol / Afternoon: Working in the hatchery, releasing baby turtles and Turtles Night patrol
    • Wednesday Deers feeding and maintenance 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening
    • Thursday Deers feeding and maintenance 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening
    • Friday Morning: Marine wildlife watching tour / Afternoon: visit to Mazunte Pueblo Mágico & Punta Cometa (the deepest point into the South Pacific Ocean in Mexico)
    • Saturday Free day at Huatulco bays, waterfalls or National Park or Mazunte Pueblo Mágico
    • Sunday Breakfast and Goodbye


    Free-time activities

    Close to Ventanilla Project:
    • Mazunte, certificated as pueblo mágico is full of life, in the mornings it is possible to do tours to see dolphins, whales, rays, etc.
    • Tours in Manialtepec, during the night is posible to see bioluminiscence. It’s like the water is shining in the dark! They also offer ...

    Free-time activities

    Close to Ventanilla Project:
    • Mazunte, certificated as pueblo mágico is full of life, in the mornings it is possible to do tours to see dolphins, whales, rays, etc.
    • Tours in Manialtepec, during the night is posible to see bioluminiscence. It’s like the water is shining in the dark! They also offer riding tours.
    • Chacahua National Park, where you will be able to surf, swim and enjoy nature is a calm and small village with surfers and alternative travellers.
    • Puerto Escondido, a surfer city, full of travellers people who loves meditation and yoga, … It is a coastal city with a lot of beautiful beaches: Zicatela, Carrizalillo, Bacocho, etc.
    • Huatulco. It’s a city full of wonderfull things: coral reefs, beautiful beaches, waterfalls, a national park, … It is a place full of possibilities
    • Tututepec museum. If you want to know about the last biggest Mixteco's kingdom conquered by Spanish people.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    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.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    Travel insurance, Passport copy, flight tickets and volunteering commitment signed

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Education; environment; anthropology; Marketing; Bussiness administration; Art; ...

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Program fees include:
    • Shared cabañas between 2-3 people in Manialtepec, Escobilla or Ventanilla
    • Possibilities of camping in the middle of the jungle or in the beach.
    • Transport between and to the projects from the airport.
    • 3 meals per day elaborated by an Oaxacan cook. Simple breakfast (coffee or tea, fruits; toasts, eggs or quesadillas)
    • Local guides who will teach you to understand nature in a completely different way. 
    • Activities coordinator to unlock your full potential. 
    • Basic material to work and for common using.

    Airport Pickup at Puerto Escondido Airport

    It's possible to pick up you from 9 to 15:00 from Puerto Escondido airport. 

    We don't include drop off, but as we travel by public transport, it will be very easy for you to get back to the airport

    Accommodation

    Rooms are called "Cabañas". 

    The rooms have two or three double beds and shared bathroom.  They will be shared with part of your team, if you come in the 15 days group volunteering program :)

    If you come during the individual volunteering, it's possible that you have to share your room with another volunteer.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided and it's possible to serve vegetarian food.

    The breakfast will be basic, some fruits, toasts, quesadillas or eggs, coffee/tea, ... 

    The lunch and dinner will be prepared by a oaxacan cook and she will prepare us the traditional food (also adaptated to vegetarians when possible). In Ventanilla, our cook is Edi, a lovely and incredible woman who cooks very nice dishes! And I have to say that she loves zucchinis to make an amazing soup :) .

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) in Puerto Escondido. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mexico. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    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. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Mexico you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Mexico. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    2026 starting dates

    • 1st monday every month
    • 3rd monday every month

    Pick up by public transport on the first date from 9.00 am to 15.00 in Puerto Escondido airport or bus station.


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,010 per week 2 - 2 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 2 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.92
    33 reviews

    Volunteer photos

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Mexico > Santa Maria Tonameca

    Meet your project coordinator

    Beatriz
    33
    reviews
    4.92
    Outstanding
    2021
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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