Voluntary Work
The leatherback and Olive Ridley turtle populations are under threat. The turtle eggs are over harvested from local people who rely on turtle meat and eggs as part of their basic diet. Like in other parts of Central America, the eggs are popular, as they are also known to be an aphrodisiac. Despite the fact that they are highly endangered, virtually all sea turtle nests in Guatemala are harvested and the eggs sold to restaurants or in markets.
Volunteers are split into teams and patrol the beaches in search of nesting turtles. Once a turtle is found, volunteers observe the turtle laying their eggs and wait until it has finished. The volunteers then collect the eggs and take them to a hatchery. The project also receives donated eggs from locals who volunteer to collect eggs. These are also taken to the hatchery. The nest is then marked and recorded in the log book.
The eggs begin to hatch around Mid July - December. The volunteers assist in releasing the hatchings and excavating the nests to determine the hatching success rate. This is usually over 90%. Hatchings are released at night or later that day.
Volunteers release the hatchings at the same level of the beach where a turtle would nest. This gives them the opportunity to crawl unhindered to the surf. They become imprinted on their place of birth and will hopefully return to the same sport to nest. The volunteers release them at different points on the beach so they have the best chance to survive. Otherwise finned predators would be attracted to the area and would get used to a free meal.
You will also conduct some research into turtle biology. This is likely to include measuring nest, sand temperatures, conducting nightly crawl counts and monitoring and recording hatchling success rates. If you have some ideas about conducting research, then feel free to share your ideas. The project staff is open to new ideas and suggestions.
Volunteers will assist in:
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Conducting nightly patrol of beaches in search of nesting sea turtles.
- Collect eggs and transfer them to the hatchery.
- Record data and release turtles back to the wild.
- Sea turtle project is only available during certain times of the year, according to breeding seasons.
This project also offers volunteers the opportunity to participate in the Caiman captive breeding programme, mangrove reforestations, educational activities in local schools and other community projects.
What’s Included in the Programme
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Two nights accommodation at a hotel in Antigua
- Pick up from hotel and transfer to project
- All project related transport
- All accommodation
- 24/7 emergency assistance, and full onsite support
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement
- All flights
- Meals
- All items of a personal nature
- E-mail/Internet and telephone calls
- Soft drinks, beer, wines and spirits
- Visas
- Any excursions/activities over and above your planned itinerary
Prices & Durations
Guatemala Sea Turtle And Caiman Conservation - 2 weeks £439
Guatemala Sea Turtle And Caiman Conservation - 3 weeks £549
Guatemala Sea Turtle And Caiman Conservation - 4 weeks £659
Guatemala Sea Turtle And Caiman Conservation - 6 weeks £879
