Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Excellent 4.89rating (60)

Sea Turtle & Coastal Conservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Travel to Mexico and carry out vital sea turtle conservation. You’ll work with expert conservationists to protect endangered species like the Hawksbill and Black Turtle.
  • Carry out research and collect scientific data that will be used by researchers across the Americas. Help to move turtle nests to protected corrals, and then release hatchlings safely into the ocean.
  • Participate on Biodiversity studies. Maintain a register through direct observation and trap cameras for night surveillance

Highlights

  • Travel to Mexico and carry out vital sea turtle conservation. You’ll work with expert conservationists to protect endangered species like the Hawksbill and Black Turtle.
  • Carry out research and collect scientific data that will be used by researchers across the Americas. Help to move turtle nests to protected corrals, and then release hatchlings safely into the ocean.
  • Participate on Biodiversity studies. Maintain a register through direct observation and trap cameras for night surveillance
  • You'll enjoy living near La Peñita de Jaltemba which is a picturesque and quiet beach located in the municipality of Compostela, within the state of Nayarit, Mexico.
  • This hidden gem is known for its extensive stretch of pristine, clear sand that stretches for about 9 kilometers, offering a majestic view of the vast deep blue sea.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Work with endangered turtles and help with coastal conservation efforts on the Pacific Coast

    If you have a strong interest in marine life conservation, and you want an adventurous experience outdoors, this is the project for you. You’ll spend your days patrolling black sand beaches, searching for turtle nests, and carefully transporting eggs to a more protected areas. You’ll release ...

    About the program

    If you have a strong interest in marine life conservation, and you want an adventurous experience outdoors, this is the project for you. You’ll spend your days patrolling black sand beaches, searching for turtle nests, and carefully transporting eggs to a more protected areas. You’ll release hatchlings, and watch them crawl over the sand to the ocean. You’ll sail slowly around a lagoon, taking notes about the different animals and birds you see for scientists.  

    The work we do here is important, and you’ll become part of ongoing efforts to protect marine and coastal life. You’ll do plenty of hands-on work outdoors, and learn a lot from our conservation experts. This is really useful if you’re planning on pursuing a career in wildlife conservation someday. It’s also a good fit if you’re passionate about the environment and actively want to help. 

    You’ll also have the chance to hone personal skills like communication and adapting to a different environment. You can apply these skills to any career you pursue. 

    You don’t need previous experience to join. You’ll be supervised by experts, and Projects Abroad staff are always available to provide guidance and advice.

    The minimum duration for this Sea Turtle Conservation Project is one week, but we recommend staying longer to experience as much as possible.


    Typical day

    Your project will be divided into several areas:


    Search for and move turtle nests to a protected area

    Coastal erosion and poaching are currently the biggest threats facing turtles today. Once a turtle has laid eggs, poachers dig up the eggs to sell at local markets. To protect the nests, we do beach ...

    Typical day

    Your project will be divided into several areas:


    Search for and move turtle nests to a protected area

    Coastal erosion and poaching are currently the biggest threats facing turtles today. Once a turtle has laid eggs, poachers dig up the eggs to sell at local markets. To protect the nests, we do beach patrols every night. 

    When we find a nest, we move it to a safe location at the ecological center we work with. This is a protected area, and the eggs incubate in peace here. Once the eggs hatch, we release hatchlings into the ocean. 


    Biodiversity studies

    Every week, you’ll spend time in the Palo Verde estuary and El Chupadero lagoon. Here, you’ll monitor the presence and condition of the local wildlife. We do this in various ways. We:  


    • 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, because they: 

    • Provide a habitat for marine life
    • Protect coastlines from soil erosion
    • Help in the fight against climate change
    •  We need your help to plant as many as possible! 

    Educational and environmental outreaches

    Education is a big part of the conservation work we do in Mexico. We work directly with the ecological center to raise awareness in local communities. We emphasize the importance of looking after the environment and animals, and preserving them for future generations. You’ll help us with this work by visiting schools and running awareness campaigns in nearby communities. 


    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. You’ll participate in regular beach clean-ups to remove as much rubbish as possible. 


    Free-time activities

    With beautiful beaches, arresting art galleries, and buzzing restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Mexico. You’ll have plenty to do during your free time on your project in this dynamic country.

    There’s something captivating about touring through old buildings. If you’re into ...

    Free-time activities

    With beautiful beaches, arresting art galleries, and buzzing restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Mexico. You’ll have plenty to do during your free time on your project in this dynamic country.

    There’s something captivating about touring through old buildings. If you’re into neo-gothic architecture, treat yourself to a trip to the Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento. It’s a work of art with its ornate steeples and glowing stained glass windows.

    There are also plenty of museums, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history. For something different, you can spend the day appreciating the wildlife and lush vegetation of Las Peñas Ecological Park.

    You can’t take a trip to Mexico without tasting authentic Mexican cuisine. You can spend an evening enjoying pozole or tamales at a local restaurant and watching the vivid orange-red sun melt into the horizon.

    We have a host of different projects in Mexico so there’ll likely be lots of other volunteers in the area during your trip. So you can choose to travel and explore in a group or on your own. 


    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 (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • 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

    • Certification of project completion

    • Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch

    • A cultural awareness course

    • Organized weekend tourism trips

    Airport Pickup at Don Miguel Hidal Y Costilla International Airport

    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.

    Depending on your arrival time, you may stay with a host family in Guadalajara overnight. You’ll then travel to La Peñita on the following day.

    Accommodation

    You'll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers during your stay in Mexico. 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. 

    Food & Beverages

    Your programme fees include three meals a day.

    Internet Access

    Good 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 Don Miguel Hidal Y Costilla International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara. 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

    Flexible start dates between June and August
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,068 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 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
    4.9
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2020
    I loved the trip we had to Suva with Nafice on the weekend where we went on a tour around the city and then went to the waterfalls. I ...
    Adriano Cantelmi

    Shark Conservation

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Mexico > La Peñita de Jaltemba

    Meet your project coordinator

    Bethany
    60
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    1992
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Bethany
      Good response rate
    English

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Bethany
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details