from 591€

Brilliant 4.7rating (37)

Sea Turtle Research Assistant

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • During the nesting season you will be formed into patrols and spend nights walking the beach in search of nesting turtles.
  • Volunteers assist in the feeding and care of breeding caimans and iguanas
  • Collaborate in environmental education activities including teaching extra-curricular classes in local schools, developing curriculum

Especially good for

Age 16+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Work alongside scientists and biologists treating and rehabilitating various sea turtle species.

This sea turtle research and mangrove conservation project is on the Pacific coast of Guatemala. Sea turtles are increasingly under threat and becoming an endangered species. Play your part in ensuring their survival.

You will assist in conducting nightly patrols of beach areas in search of nesting ...

About the program

This sea turtle research and mangrove conservation project is on the Pacific coast of Guatemala. Sea turtles are increasingly under threat and becoming an endangered species. Play your part in ensuring their survival.

You will assist in conducting nightly patrols of beach areas in search of nesting sea turtles, collection and burial of eggs in the hatchery and collection of research data. The turtle season is from June to December with peak months of August and September for Olive Ridleys. For the much scarcer leatherbacks (who unfortunately are going extinct in the Pacific) the nesting season is November to January.

There are numerous other aspects of the sea turtle internship in which you can become involved; including sea turtle research, caiman breeding, environmental education and community projects.


Typical day

Sea Turtle Conservation and Research

During the nesting season you will be formed into patrols and spend nights walking the beach in search of nesting turtles. Once a turtle is found, you must wait until it has finished laying, collect the eggs and then bury them in our hatchery. Nests in hatcheries ...

Typical day

Sea Turtle Conservation and Research

During the nesting season you will be formed into patrols and spend nights walking the beach in search of nesting turtles. Once a turtle is found, you must wait until it has finished laying, collect the eggs and then bury them in our hatchery. Nests in hatcheries are marked and recorded in a log.

Once the eggs begin hatching (mid-July to January), you will assist in releasing the hatchlings and excavating the nests to determine the hatchling success rate, which is usually over 90%. Hatchlings should be released at night or early or late in the day, as close to the time they hatch as possible. They should not be released during the heat of the day as there are more predators and the midday sun will dehydrate them. You will work and learn from our experienced staff.

Research in turtle biology is also conducted. You can assist in measuring nest and sand temperatures, conducting daily crawl counts (counting turtle tracks) and monitoring and recording hatchling success rates. Crawl counts are especially important as they allow us to determine whether sea turtle populations are rising, stable or declining, and they allow us to monitor the effectiveness of our egg-collecting activities. If you wish to take part in these research activities, you are encouraged to develop your own research initiatives.

Caiman and Iguana breeding

Crocodiles and other animals were once abundant on the south coast, but are rapidly disappearing due to hunting and habitat loss. Crocodiles and iguanas are captive bred on the grounds of the park and off-spring is released into the nearby mangrove forests. Volunteers assist in the feeding and care of breeding caimans and iguanas, although there is not much work involved with this project and it is somewhat dangerous, so we limit the volunteers’ participation.

Environmental Education

We believe that environmental education is key in addressing the root causes of environmental degradation in Guatemala and dedicate nearly 50% of our overall budget to such activities. You can collaborate in environmental education activities including teaching extra-curricular classes in local schools, developing curriculum, and conducting beach clean ups, turtle releases and environmental fairs. In the past, participants have taken the initiative to conduct “green English” courses, and sea turtle puppet shows and plays and school improvement projects.

Community Projects

Successful conservation efforts in other parts of the world have shown the need to work closely with local communities. This is especially true in a country like Guatemala with its extreme poverty and social inequity, and where the resources and/or will on the part of the government to impose more stringent conservation measures are lacking.

This project is an integrated project that, while attempting to conserve the flora and fauna of the area also tries to offer local residents economic alternatives to improve the quality of their lives. Among the sustainable development activities that we have carried out, with the support of volunteers, are projects in potable water, waste water treatment, gender, eco-tourism, efficient wood-burning stoves and school construction. Volunteers also assisted in relief efforts following Hurricane Stan. If you are interested in developing your own community project in the area, please let us know.


Free-time activities

Tikal National Park

You do not have to be an archaeologist to appreciate the wonder that is Tikal. This entire park encompasses one of the Maya civilization’s most major sites. Famous for the towering Temple IV and the sprawling Great Plaza, this park is a must-see in Guatemala. The entire park is ...

Free-time activities

Tikal National Park

You do not have to be an archaeologist to appreciate the wonder that is Tikal. This entire park encompasses one of the Maya civilization’s most major sites. Famous for the towering Temple IV and the sprawling Great Plaza, this park is a must-see in Guatemala. The entire park is surrounded by lush jungle and wildlife, so you feel as though you are in a different world. Step into your own personal Indiana Jones movie at Tikal.

Semuc Champey

This excursion is for the more able-bodied traveler, but Semuc Champey is great if you can make it there. Located in central Guatemala, this is a breathtaking gathering of limestone bridges, a river, and pools of aqua-marine water. Spend all day bathing in the cool, clear water or tube down the river. You can even explore caves by candlelight at night if you go with a tour and are up for an adventure!

Take a Coffee Tour

If you’re a coffee drinker, there is a good chance you’ve had a cup from Guatemala. If not, you still would have a great time exploring the coffee plantations in this country. Learn how coffee is grown, and walk around giant fields of the world’s favorite bean. Prices range from $25 USD- 100+, and some combine with activities like bird watching, hiking or camping.

Visit Lake Atitlan and Its Volcanoes

Lake Atitlan is one of the prettiest places to see in Guatemala. Magnificent views of the volcanoes that surround it set it apart from any other lake in the world. Surrounding the lake are charming little villages where the indigenous culture is still alive. People dressed in the vibrant traditional garb can be found selling crafts and goods to tourists. You can either stay in one of the cozy little towns, take a day trip, or hike to the top of a volcano and get a view of Atitlan from above.

Antigua

Most people prefer Antigua to any other city in Guatemala. It’s charming architecture and vibrant colored buildings really please the eye. Enjoy visiting the Spanish-Baroque style churches, cathedrals and plazas that still stand from the 16th century. Travelers not only enjoy the beauty of the town, but the location is quite convenient for day trips. Antigua is oftentimes the jump-off point for Lake Atitlan tours, coffee tours, and volcano hiking.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 16 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Global Nomadic

Project Fee includes all food, accommodation, in-country support, project activities and transport from the local town to the project HQ.


Airport Pickup at La Aurora International Airport

You will be met at Monterrico bus station, full instructions will be given and you will be in constant contact with the local transfer coordinator throughout.

Accommodation

The Parque includes a large central rancho with office/library, second-story dormitory, a large, open common area, a hammocks rancho, watchtower on the beach, and western toilets and showers. There are also two small visitor’s houses where volunteers are welcome to sleep. The kitchen includes a gas stove, refrigerators, individual food storage bins and a pila.

Eighty meters away, just behind the coastal dunes, is the main turtle hatchery and holding tanks and a lookout tower. US-style 110 AC power is available. Accommodations are rustic but comfortable, and with the ocean breeze and roar of the surf in the distance, make for the ideal atmosphere to relieve the stress of modern life and take in the wonders of the Pacific Ocean. Internet service is available in the Parque as well as in the local town, 10 minutes away by bus.

Food & Beverages

Three meals per day are provided and volunteers usually eat together (a great chance to socialize and bond), or eat with nearby families.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Project is on-going, and you can join at any time, depending upon availability.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 591€
2 weeks 1,183€
3 weeks 1,774€
50 weeks (max. stay) 9,219€
Average fees 388€/week

Program fees

388€ per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 16 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Global Nomadic during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Global Nomadic

Brilliant 4.7 rating (37 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2009

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Jeremy

About the project

We believe real change can happen when people find life-enhancing opportunities.

Meet your organization

Who we are

Global Nomadic empowers positive change by connecting people with projects

Global Nomadic was founded in 2008 with one clear goal – to empower change by connecting people. We believe real change can only come about when people are able to find the right opportunities with the right organisations. Over the past years, we have grown to offer high-quality international internships in a wide range of professional fields, but our aim is still the same; connecting people with projects.

We provide aspiring young professionals with exactly what is needed to set them apart in the very competitive world we live in. We exist to help you further your career through educational international work experience placements, but also to help NGOs around the world carry out their community-building work, by connecting them with you. By working with local NGOs, charities, and communities you will gain excellent experience and valuable skills, aiding you to further your ambitions – whilst making a difference where it’s needed most.

This world is not a perfect place – and we don’t claim to be able to fix it. But what we can do is provide a bridge between you and the people who can. Our mission is to work towards a better and more stable world by connecting people with projects. We believe we work better together than apart. We believe travel and exposure to other cultures, beliefs and ways of life are the best ways to achieve this. We believe you can travel the world and travel your career.

What we do

We provide access to vetted, worthwhile international internships in a wide range of professional fields.

We work in a range of different fields from veterinary medicine and environmental conservation to journalism, public health, business development and education – matching you with reputable, worthwhile organisations around the world. Unlike many other volunteer organisations, we have personally visited and vetted our project partners, to ensure you a safe and worthwhile international experience.

We also choose to only work with partners whose projects contribute to their local community in a sustainable manner. We do not support, nor advocate orphanage tourism or irresponsible wildlife conservation projects. Our aim is to help our project partners focus on their core work by offering an easy way to find committed interns and volunteers to support their daily activities.

Our volunteers

Global Nomadic is a trusted community meeting space connecting people with NGO projects around the world.

We also offer helping you to source and organise the best flights, insurance, visas and all the many other things you will need before you reach your project destinations, including country guides, packing lists and much more! We want to make sure that you have the volunteering time of your life.

Global Nomadic personally visits all volunteer sites to ensure a quality experience for volunteers. You will receive support before, during and after your placement.

37 reviews · rating4.7

katalin csernai rating5

2024 at Nutrition Outreach Assistant

The programme was well organised . It is a very meaningful programme. Everyone was very friendly and supportive. I can warmly recommend it to anyone this experience ...
Kylie Jones rating5

2024 at Working at a Local Food Shop

This was our first volunteering experience and we absolutely loved it. The feeling of gratitude and humility at being able to assist a little bit is so rewarding. What an amazing team of kind and hardworking staff and volunteers, and the warm smiles and greetings we had from customers I will never ...
Enya Niedermeier rating4.8

2024 at Teaching and Sports Education

The Green Lion staff are some of the nicest people I have ever met. The other volunteers were so nice too and it was very easy to find likeminded people to hang out with. The program itself was amazing and also educational. Doing sport with the children was so fulfilling and everyone was polite and ...
Dominic Aeschlimann rating4.8

2024 at Construction & Renovation of Community Facilities

I have been two weeks in the project to help in diffrent stuff like painting and prepairing bricks. I enjoyed it a lot and the locals were so happy when they saw it. The stuff is lovley and the other voulenteers too. i would do it immediately ...
Beatriz Nicolau rating5

2023 at Whale & Dolphin Conservation in Italy

I had the privilege of participating in this program which I can only describe as the best experience of my life. Angelo, the driving force behind this initiative, is an incredible individual dedicated to making the world a better place. My week on board was nothing short of amazing, offering me a ...
Hannah Lühr rating4.4

2023 at Teaching Placement in Local Schools

I did the Programme for 4 weeks, starting with the introduction week. The introduction week, was an absolute blast, exploring different aspects and sights of Balinese culture. After that, the teaching Programme started, which was at least as good. The kids were very welcoming and even though ...

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