At a glance
- 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.
- 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. The natural beauty of the beach is further enhanced by its stunning and serene environment.
Is sea turtle conservation volunteering in Mexico right for me?
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 sand beaches, searching for turtle nests, and carefully transporting eggs to more protected areas. You’ll release hatchlings, and watch them crawl over the sand to the ocean. You’ll embark on nature walks, taking notes about the different animals you spot for scientists. You will also help at the crocodile sanctuary and learn more about the species residing there.
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.
What will I do on this project?
There’s always a lot to be done at La Peñita de Jaltemba! Here are some of the activities you can get involved in:
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 centre 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.
Crocodile Sanctuary maintenance work
These are some activities the centre is involved with:
- Specimens reception from authorities for evaluation (possible release after quarantine)
- Care for Specimens at the center ( Feeding and monitoring)
- Notification of outcomes to authorities for plausible release
Interpretative nature walks
Walk through the lush mountains of Bahía de Banderas, where you’ll explore the incredible biodiversity of the region while gaining insight into local conservation efforts. Led by experienced naturalists, this immersive experience takes you deep into the tropical forests of the Sierra Madre, home to a stunning variety of wildlife.
As you hike along scenic trails, you’ll have the chance to spot vibrant birds like military macaws, trogons and hummingbirds, while learning about their role in the ecosystem. You’ll also discover the importance of native plants, observe pollinators in action, and see firsthand how reforestation projects are helping to protect these fragile habitats.
Beyond wildlife observation, this walk offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with local conservation initiatives. You’ll learn how communities are working to preserve their environment, from protecting endangered species to promoting sustainable practices.
Educational and environmental outreaches
Education is a big part of the conservation work we do in Mexico. We work directly with the ecological centre to raise awareness in local communities. We emphasise 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.
Who are our project partners?
All conservation sites in Mexico are protected by SEMARNAT (The Department of Environmental Affairs and Natural Resources).
All NGOs we partner with focus on raising awareness in local communities about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.
Where will I work?
La Peñita de Jaltemba
With its golden beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and authentic charm, La Peñita de Jaltemba offers a peaceful escape on the Nayarit coast. Just over an hour's drive north of Puerto Vallarta, this tranquil seaside village provides a perfect blend of local culture and coastal beauty, with easy access to vibrant dining and entertainment nearby.
You will mostly work at the turtle camp and crocodile sanctuary, with two night patrols on foot per week and community outreach activities.
What is a typical day on this project like?
You’ll work Monday through Friday, for about five hours a day.
Time on this project is split between work at the ecological centre, on the beach, and a nearby lagoon. At the ecological centre, you’ll focus on working with turtles, and do things like:
- Monitor nests in a protected corral
- Help release hatchlings into the ocean
- Conduct environmental talks to people visiting the turtle camp
- Go on walk patrols to search for new nests twice a week
- Carry out maintenance work at the Crocodile Sanctuary. You will help with some of the centre main task two to three times a week. The place is open to visitors.
- Embark on nature walks with local experts to help identify local species.
There is plenty of time to relax. This is especially true during the hottest part of the day, when we stop working because of the heat from the midday sun.
During the hours you aren’t working, and over the weekends, you can explore and socialise with other volunteers. Be sure to explore the nearby beaches where you can go for a swim and enjoy the palapa covered seafood restaurants along the coastline.
What are the aims of turtle conservation volunteering?
The aim of our Sea Turtle Conservation Project is to ensure the survival of endangered sea turtle species, and preserve the ecological well-being of the area.
The endangered turtles we work with can only lay their eggs on the beach. Unfortunately, these nesting areas are disappearing rapidly. This is because of climate change and increased human development. Poachers also take the eggs to sell at local markets. This is why we are working to protect as many of these nests as possible.
We work with several endangered turtle breeds in Mexico. These include:
- Black sea turtles
- Olive Ridley sea turtles
- Hawksbill sea turtles
- Leatherback sea turtles
Leatherback turtles are critically endangered, and statistics about the leatherback turtle are especially frightening. There are only 2,300 female adult Pacific Leatherback turtles left in the wild!
In addition to protecting turtles, we’re helping with coastal conservation. We monitor the wildlife population, and collect scientific data for scientists and the local government. We are committed to raising environmental awareness in the coastal communities of Bahía de Banderas. Through educational programs and hands-on conservation efforts, we help local communities understand the rich biodiversity of the region and the vital role that every species plays in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
From sea turtles and coastal birds to marine life and mangrove forests, we work to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural environment. By promoting sustainable practices, we empower residents and visitors alike to protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations
Join our Sea Turtle Conservation Project and become part of our long-term efforts to protect Mexico’s marine life.
Management plans
We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.
Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and 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. Your programme fees include three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
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.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
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