Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and community-driven projects? International Volunteer HQ’s Sea Turtle and Reptile Conservation project in La Ventanilla, Mexico offers you the unique opportunity to protect sea turtles while contributing to a broader initiative that safeguards crocodiles, freshwater turtles, and mangrove ecosystems.

This hands-on experience allows you to engage in vital conservation work, preserving both marine and terrestrial species in one of the most biodiverse regions of Mexico. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the area, experiencing the warmth of Mexican traditions in a tropical paradise.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Turtles are remarkable creatures, beloved around the world, yet many species are critically endangered. La Ventanilla beach is a vital nesting site for Leatherback, Green, and Olive Ridley sea turtles. Although these turtles lay thousands of eggs each season, only a few hatchlings make it to adulthood.

IVHQ’s Sea Turtle and Reptile Conservation project is dedicated to protecting these endangered species and helping more hatchlings survive to adulthood, ensuring that the turtle population thrives for years to come.

In addition to turtle conservation, the project also focuses on protecting crocodiles during their first year of life. This involves monitoring their growth, marking individuals, tracking their movements, and conducting monthly night surveys to gather data on population health and recapture rates.

As a Sea Turtle and Reptile Conservation volunteer, you will work closely with the local team, contributing to various conservation tasks aimed at safeguarding both marine and terrestrial wildlife. Your schedule will likely include a mix of day and night shifts, with your specific duties varying depending on the time of year. Possible activities include:

Beach patrols to monitor nesting turtles and track their movements
Locating nesting female turtles and observe their behavior in the wild
Collecting turtle eggs for relocation and protection
Releasing hatchlings back into the ocean
Building hatcheries to protect eggs from predators and environmental threats
Feeding and caring for crocodile hatchlings during their first year of life
Beach clean-ups to maintain a safe environment for wildlife

Conservation efforts thrive when supported by the local community, which is why volunteers also play a crucial role in initiatives that benefit the surrounding area. In addition to turtle and crocodile conservation, you can expect to:

Assist with informal English lessons for local children and guides
Create and share content on social media to promote conservation and eco-tourism
Support community development projects, such as light construction or beautification tasks at local centers

Please note that the work is physically demanding, and volunteers are expected to work 5 days a week for approximately 8 hours per day. You should also be prepared for night patrols, which can involve walking up to 3 hours along the beach in search of nesting turtles.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water

The ocean regulates and drives global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Marine biodiversity is critical to the health of people and our planet. Preserving threatened ecosystems, as well as tackling marine pollution and overfishing through conservation activities is key to saving our ocean.

Why do Sea Turtle and Reptile Conservation volunteering in La Ventanilla with IVHQ?

Volunteering in Mexico offers you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on species conservation and support local communities. At the same time, you’ll experience personal and professional growth by:

Contributing to community-led environmental conservation efforts
Enhancing your communication and teamwork skills
Immersing yourself in the rich culture, cuisine, and history of Mexico
Building authentic connections with local communities
Exploring Mexico’s stunning beaches, national parks, and vibrant local areas

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this project unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Volunteers must speak fluent English.
All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a recent criminal background check to IVHQ after registering on the program.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.