Volunteering for Sea Turtles
in Todos Santos is the Eco Adventure of a lifetime!! Help population recovery, participate in marinelife research, and
experience Mexican culture! Our Volunteers are trained in collecting data on nesting sea turtles, nest relocation, incubation
greenhouse operation, nest excavation, and hatchling releases. Early morning patrols are run on ATV's, evenings are spent
releasing hatchlings, and days can be spent monitoring the incubation area, caring for hatchlings, helping with beach clean-ups,
designing publicity, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. There are lots of beautiful beaches to explore in the area, as well as
a culture-rich downtown full of shopping, dining, and art galleries.
About our
Nest Relocation Project:
Three species
of endangered Sea Turtles nest on the beaches of Todos Santos: Olive Ridley, the critically endangered Leatherback, and
occasionally the Black sea turtle. Beginning in October when Leatherbacks arrive to nest,
the sand temperature drops below the necessary 26 degrees celcius required for successful incubation. For this reason, Biologists
and Technicians relocate sea turtle nests to a special Incubation Greenhouse designed to Increase the temperature
and hatchling yeild. Approximately 100 nests are relocated to the greenhouse each season. Volunteers supervise the incubation
areas, care for hatchlings before their release, are trained in nest escavation, and help manage the hatchling releases.
Volunteer Job Description
We work with each of our Volunteers on
an individual basis to design a program that fits your interests and needs. Volunteers can work various shifts
depending on the month of participation. Nest Relocation Patrols are run late at night and in the early morning October -
March. You will be trained in recording physical data on nesting turtles, nest collection and relocation.
Daytime duties include: Incubation supervision, Recording Greenhouse
temperatures, Caring for hatchlings, Nest escavation and Hatchling releases (Releases take place December-April).
There are many on-going Volunteer activities that take place throughout the year and we are open to you receive
your ideas. You may work as little as four hours each day, or up to 10 hours if you desire. You can also take days
off to relax and explore Todos Santos on your own.
Accommodations
The Volunteer Casitas are conveniently located between the beach and centro, with several markets within walking distance. The property
is gated and each Casita has a locking door and private bathroom with hot water. There is a large palapa covered kitchen and
common eating area. Volunteers will be coming and going at different times, and so can choose to prepare meals individually
or as a group. There is wi-fi, so bring your portable internet device. Volunteers can elect to be woken up and taken
to the nesting site if a turtle is on the beach during your night off. After submitting your registration below you
will be taken to a page to reserve your Casita.
Who Can Volunteer?
Anyone
can volunteer, we accept individuals, couples, families and groups. We can verify hours of work for interns and University
students. Spanish language skills are not required, but if you would like to brush up on your conversation skills, private
lessons are available. We are currently accepting Volunteer registrations for the upcoming season.
When is the Best Time to Volunteer?
November 30 - January30 is our
busiest season, with Hatchling Releases every day, and nesting turtles several nights each week. February - April there
are Hatchling Releases 3-6 days per week, and we still need many volunteers as the greenhouse must be supervised throughout
the day every day. Nightly patrols continue, but nesting begins to taper off to just a couple times per week.
Costs:
There are No Registration Fees! Volunteers are responsible for their travel
and living expenses including:
