Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Outstanding 4.92rating (33)
  • Life Below Water

Turtle Conservation Supporter

location
2 - 10 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Ventanilla is a community granted with the label Indigenous Paradise in a National level for the community's involvement in the conservation of the area.
  • You will stay just one street away from a wild beach in a community that welcomes visitors in a calm and sustainable manner.
  • Surronding by nature, you will live without stress, just feeling the moment, being influenced by the moon and living an easy life.

Highlights

  • Ventanilla is a community granted with the label Indigenous Paradise in a National level for the community's involvement in the conservation of the area.
  • You will stay just one street away from a wild beach in a community that welcomes visitors in a calm and sustainable manner.
  • Surronding by nature, you will live without stress, just feeling the moment, being influenced by the moon and living an easy life.
  • People from the coast are the best for making you laugh. They will make a joke for everything and you won't be able to stop laughing
  • You will be part of an important proccess in the growth of the children by giving them values and strengthen the environmental brigades to take action.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups

    About the program

    Support the community to strengthen ecotourism from protecting turtles, to empowering children to protecting nature living in front of the Pacific Ocean!

    In the community of Ventanilla, conservation provides a direct or indirect income for 100% of the population. For this reason, the lagoon is protected by the entire community, focusing on the conservation of the American crocodile and the three types of mangroves, along with hundreds of birds, ...

    About the program

    In the community of Ventanilla, conservation provides a direct or indirect income for 100% of the population. For this reason, the lagoon is protected by the entire community, focusing on the conservation of the American crocodile and the three types of mangroves, along with hundreds of birds, iguanas, and other species that inhabit the area.
    Additionally, the team cares for a small population of deer rescued by the environmental police.

    In this community, after the efforts to promote this important beach as an ecotouristic destination, many people in the community became empowered to be a certified guide and to work in groups for the conservation of the Lagoon and the Beach instead of exploiting sea turtles or crocodiles to sell them.

    The volunteering is focused on:
    •  Patrolling at night in the beach with local guides
    •  Maintenance of the turtle's nests in the hatchery and releasing baby turtles with visitors
    •  Maintenance of the baby crocodiles area during their first year of live
    •  Preparation of food for baby crocodiles
    •  Developing environmental actions with the children
    •  English lessons to children, teenagers and local guides
    •  Supporting local groups in promoting their work creating audiovisual material, posting it through social networks and internet, and connecting their services with potential partners
    •  Sharing time with the local team, supporting in the maintenance of the place.
    •  Create ideas to improve the conservation activities, ecotourism services, find ways to make Ventanilla more sustainable through ecotourism initiatives.

    Typical day

    Depending on the time you returned from the night patrol, you will start your day at 7:00 a.m. by checking on the baby turtles scheduled for release. Afterward, you’ll count and record data on the newly hatched turtles before heading to breakfast.

    Throughout the morning, you’ll have time to clean ...

    Typical day

    Depending on the time you returned from the night patrol, you will start your day at 7:00 a.m. by checking on the baby turtles scheduled for release. Afterward, you’ll count and record data on the newly hatched turtles before heading to breakfast.

    Throughout the morning, you’ll have time to clean hatched nests, paint and repair facilities, prepare food for baby crocodiles, and maintain their enclosures. These tasks will continue until noon, when your rest period begins. From 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., you’ll have time to relax and enjoy lunch.

    In the late afternoon, from approximately 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., you’ll participate in activities such as releasing newly hatched turtles, giving environmental talks to visitors, cleaning the beach, and ensuring suitable nesting areas for turtles. You may also engage in community projects like teaching English, leading environmental lessons, or working on beautification initiatives.

    After dinner, you’ll prepare for the night patrol, which typically starts between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. and can last anywhere from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., depending on the activity of the turtles.

    Free-time activities

    There are many activities and places to visit during the weekends. So check some nice places before your arrival.

    During your free time during working days you will be living in a very natural area, you will be living right in front of the beach, where you cannot swim freely, as it is a very strong ...

    Free-time activities

    There are many activities and places to visit during the weekends. So check some nice places before your arrival.

    During your free time during working days you will be living in a very natural area, you will be living right in front of the beach, where you cannot swim freely, as it is a very strong open sea. 

    Close to Ventanilla Project:

    • Mazunte: Just 10 minutes by taxi (with possibilities to travel by public transport), you have this small but touristic place, with lots of hippie vibes, a beach available to swim and snorkel! You will be able to eat delicious food, join yoga lessons and many other events!
    • Puerto Escondido. Mexico’s most famous surf destination, is an incredible place to spend your days off. With its vibrant atmosphere, you'll find a mix of great restaurants, live music, and the laid-back vibes of surfers and community travelers.
    • Huatulco. It’s a city full of wonderfull things: you can snorkel where there are coral reefs, beautiful beaches, there are some beautiful waterfalls to go in a tour, a national park with virgin beaches and walking trails, … It is a place full of possibilities, with many professional tour agencies

    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 Spanish (basic level) or English (intermediate level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Skills that would be beneficial for this program include: intermediate English, marketing, design, art, science, environmental studies, education, and more.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    We have different fees depending on your needs.

    The fees mentioned are without including meals in a room shared for 2 people with a kitchen and a common bathroom, with ecological toilet, outside for all volunteers (in the pictures, the house made of wood and palm roof). We can include meals during 5 working days for 120€ extra per week.

    We have different fees for rooms shared by 2 volunteers with private western bathroom inside the room (which would be €799 per week, with meals included, as the room lacks a kitchen).

    Airport Pickup at Puerto Escondido Airport

    We include in our fees the pick up in Puerto Escondido airport or bus station :) as well as from Pochutla bus station from 9.00 am to 15.00 using public transport.

    Accommodation

    You will live in Ventanilla community, a street far from the beach! 

    The community has 200 habitants and has a lot of activity during the day, as the most important source of income for the community is the ecotoursm and conservation.

    The community respects the traditional way of building, so most of the houses are made with palm roofs, which give the community a very tropical vibes.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    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

    You are warmly welcome to join us starting any Monday of the year!

    For the sea turtle season, the best time to visit is from July to February, although turtles nest year-round. Their activity is strongly influenced by the moon, with the waning moon phase offering the best chance to see them every month.

    We can arrange to pick you up from Puerto Escondido airport or the Pochutla bus station and accompany you to your new home via public transport, helping you get acquainted with your new surroundings.

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

    Program Fees

    $993 per week 2 - 10 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 10 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

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Mexico > Santa María Tonameca

    Meet your project coordinator

    Beatriz
    33
    reviews
    4.92
    Outstanding
    2021
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
    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

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in Mexico
    Contact Beatriz
      Below average response rate

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Beatriz
    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