Mexico: Conservation Odyssey – Protecting Wildlife Along the Oaxaca Coast

Introduction

Experience the vibrant culture of Mexico while making a difference in wildlife conservation! Join us for a 15-day volunteer trip along the stunning Oaxaca coast, where you’ll have the opportunity to protect turtles, crocodiles, deer, jungle wildlife, and more.

Our mission is to support local conservation efforts by participating in activities such as beach patrolling, safeguarding sea turtle nests from poachers, monitoring wildlife, conducting ecotourism tours, and educating children in communities about species conservation and plastic pollution.

But the real highlight of your volunteer experience awaits: witness the breathtaking Arribada, a mass nesting phenomenon of olive ridley sea turtles. This awe-inspiring event occurs on some of the world’s most important beaches for olive ridley sea turtles, where they engage in synchronous mass nesting behavior—a rare sight found on just twelve beaches worldwide.

By volunteering with us, you’ll contribute to the protection of olive ridley, green, and leatherback sea turtles, helping to ensure their survival for generations to come. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Mexican life while making a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation.

Daily Life

During your volunteer trip in Oaxaca, Mexico, you’ll engage in a variety of impactful activities tailored to the season:

• Night patrols on the beach: Protect sea turtles and their eggs by conducting night patrols, collecting eggs, and safeguarding them in the hatchery.
• Ecotourism experiences: Participate in boat trips and hiking tours that support local conservation projects through funding.
• Environmental workshops: Educate children from local communities through environmental brigades, raising awareness about conservation topics.
• Tree planting: Contribute to reforestation efforts by planting medicinal, fruit, and native trees in the region.
• Fauna monitoring: Assist in placing and removing photo-trap cameras to monitor wildlife populations.
• Deer maintenance: Support the maintenance of white-tailed deers rescued by environmental authorities.
• Crocodile care: Help with the maintenance of baby crocodiles during their crucial first year of life.
• Camping in nature: Experience the beauty of nature firsthand through camping excursions while also supporting conservation through ecotourism activities like observing the Arribada phenomenon and boat trips in the lagoon.
• Rural entrepreneurship projects: Provide assistance to traditional bread baking projects using wood-fired ovens, promoting sustainable livelihoods in local communities.
• Additional activities: Depending on the needs, you may also participate in various other activities aimed at conservation and community development.

Join us for an enriching volunteer experience where you’ll make a tangible impact on wildlife conservation while immersing yourself in the beauty of Oaxaca’s natural environment and vibrant culture.

Travel and Accom.

Immerse yourself in the heart of local communities as you embark on a journey of conservation and community engagement. Our volunteer program offers shared accommodations within the very communities where we work, providing you with a unique opportunity to experience authentic cultural immersion while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts.

Living in shared rooms within these communities fosters a sense of connection with fellow volunteers and local residents alike. It’s a chance to forge lasting friendships and exchange cultural insights as you work together towards common conservation goals.

Each day, you’ll wake up surrounded by the sights, sounds, and rhythms of community life, ready to embark on your conservation activities. From night patrols to protect sea turtles to environmental workshops with local children, every moment is an opportunity to make a difference and build bonds with those around you.

In the evenings, return to your shared accommodations where you can unwind, share stories of the day’s adventures, and immerse yourself further in the rich tapestry of community life. Whether it’s cooking traditional meals together, learning local customs, or simply enjoying the warmth of community hospitality, your shared living experience will be an integral part of your volunteer journey.

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Oaxacan cuisine as part of your volunteer experience with us. During working days, you’ll enjoy three wholesome meals meticulously prepared by a local Oaxacan cook, with whom we collaborate to lend a helping hand whenever possible.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18
• Passion and enthusiasm for marine conservation and community development
• Not afraid to get involved!
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment
• Good English skills
• Necessary vaccinations
• Necessary flight & visas
• Full travel & medical insurance. Full assistance will be provided in getting everything you will need ready if you choose our Placement Support Package.

Costs

€1200 Euros for the 2 week trip

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a €200 deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes;

• Accommodation
• All food (except for the 3 free days)
• Airport pickup
• 24/7 support

What’s not included:

• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses
• Visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.