Turtle Conservation Project

Project Summary

If you are interested in volunteering with sea turtles, then this Mexico sea turtle conservation program is just for you!

The Sea Turtle Project, located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, began in 2005 when local fishermen noticed a significant decline in nesting turtle populations. Despite legal protection, sea turtles face threats such as poaching, entanglement in illegal nets, and habitat destruction.

The project aims to safeguard four sea turtle species and operates year-round, with a focus on nesting season from May to February. Funded by contributions from students and volunteers, the project offers educational workshops and hands-on experiences in sea turtle conservation, including beach patrols and nest relocation. Additionally, volunteers engage in various environmental protection activities such as reforestation, plastic waste management, and wildlife observation.

Skill/Qualification

You do not need to be a student of marine biology or a biologist to volunteer in the project. Anyone wanting to experience conservation of turtles and enjoy the landscape is welcomed to volunteer. Spanish is not a requirement to volunteer but if you can speak and understand Spanish, you will be able to communicated better with the local staff and the children.

Volunteer's Responsibilities

The sea turtle conservation program in Mexico offers hands-on opportunities for volunteers, who can work day and night patrolling nesting beaches and relocating nests to incubation corrals for hatchling release, contributing to crucial data collection for monitoring turtle populations.

• Walking along the beach at night and early morning to observe nesting turtles and relocate nests if needed.
• Caring for turtle eggs in hatcheries, including cleaning nests and collecting data.
• Releasing baby turtles into the ocean daily.
• Assisting with camp maintenance tasks like gardening, cleaning, and building nurseries and pens for turtles.
• Participating in workshops at the environmental education center focused on recycling and gardening.
• Helping with beach cleanups and community projects.
• Contributing to scientific research efforts.
• Joining trips to observe turtles and other marine life.
• Exploring local sites such as beaches and a lighthouse.

The sea turtle nesting season stretches from May to February of the following year, with year-round operations at the camp. While officially beginning in June, nesting activity sees a significant grow starting from August. During the peak nesting months from August to February, the camp experiences a flow in activity due to the high number of nesting turtles and hatchlings. From March to July, efforts are directed towards preparing for the next nesting season, improving camp facilities, conducting wildlife monitoring initiatives, and fundraising. Additionally, participants may choose to take an intensive Spanish course prior to their arrival at the camp and enjoy weekend getaways to nearby tourist destinations, along with guided tours to prominent attractions across Mexico.

Project Location

The project is located on a beautiful beach on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. This is a very rural and a quiet place, with local communities staying close by. The camp is located on the beach in an area between the sea and the lagoon. The facilities will be very basic but volunteers will enjoy the landscape, pristine nature and the hospitality of the local people.

You will be provided with three meals a day which in the camp by the volunteers/staff. One large meal is prepared at lunch by the local community.

During free time, you will have many opportunities to explore the local environment. The camp is isolated, but surrounded by beaches and nature. Free time is usually spent resting, reading, walking, or playing games with other volunteers such as volleyball, football etc. There are also opportunities to take a break for a few days and visit.