Sea Turtle Conservation in Mexico

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

Destination

Age

16+ y/o

Minimum Stay

2 weeks

Start Date

June to August

Accommodation

Guesthouse

What’s included

Accommodation & Amenities

Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock support on the ground and 24/7 back up from our global teams.
Bus

Transportation

To and from the airport, plus everything in between. Daily transport to your placement and back.

Certification

Certified record of service hours, workshops, and activities for your CV.

Trip Overview

Jennifer S

From waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach every morning; to seeing the sun set over the ocean every evening, every second spent there was incredible.

Rosanna H

We would sit on the back of the quad bike while one of the staff members drove along the beach 12km north and south of the camp. I was lucky enough to see a mother Olive Ridley turtle laying her eggs into a nest, where we waited and waited until she went back to sea and we collected and buried the eggs.

What you need to know

Overview

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.

A Day in the Life

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 coral
  • 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, which is open to visitors. You will help with day-to-day tasks two to three times a week.
  • 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.

Activities

There’s always a lot to do 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:

  • Receiving and evaluating animals handed over to them
  • Feeding and monitoring the animals at the centre
  • Releasing animals back into the wild and letting the authorities know

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.

Map & Location
¡Hola! Get ready for a fiesta of flavours, colours, and experiences in Mexico. The birthplace of chocolate and the Day of the Dead celebrations, Mexico is a captivating nation with incredible food. people, music, and more.

It also has a rich history with Mayan ruins and colonial towns to explore, and is home to the world’s smallest volcano! Our project locations in Mexico are safe and you will be welcomed into the community like one of the locals immediately.

La Peñita de Jaltemba

With golden beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and authentic charm, La Peñita de Jaltemba offers a peaceful escape on the Nayarit coast. A three-hour drive west of Guadalajara, the village offers culture, beauty, and entertainment.

About 20,000 people call La Peñita home—and it’s easy to see why. Stunning natural views and modern conveniences make it more than comfortable, offering excellent food, drink, and entertainment options.

You will work at the nearby turtle camp and crocodile sanctuary.

Food & Accommodation

You’ll have everything you need for your seaside stay in Mexico, including a cosy bed, three meals a day, and fresh drinking water. Our staff will also organise your transport to and from your placement.

You’ll stay in a safe, clean, and modern house in Cuyutlan alongside other Projects Abroad participants. You’ll enjoy a spacious common area where you can eat your meals, share stories, and play games with other travellers. You may share your room with someone else of the same gender and similar age.

Enjoy stunning sandy beaches on your doorstep and get involved with the local culture. Make global connections and leave Mexico with new friends and perspectives.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Mexico Arrival Procedures page.

Book your adventure

Call +353 (0)1 571 5080 to discuss special discounts or group bookings.

Still got questions? We’re happy to help!

Our trusted accreditations

British Youth Travel Awards Customer Service
Go Overseas Rating
SDG Contribution finalist
Go Abroad Winner
Learning outside the classroom badge
GoOverseas community choice award
Sustainable tour operator finalist
GoAbroad Rating
Volunteer Forever award