Sea Turtle and Caiman Volunteer Guatemala

As with our other conservation volunteer programs, this project is a great opportunity to work abroad closely on a volunteer turtle conservation program in Central America. The project focuses on the preservation of turtles native to Guatemala, with volunteers needed to play a vital role in the daily running of the program. Volunteer on this placement if you want to work with wildlife during your gap year and become part of a worthwhile volunteer experience traveling and working Central America. Volunteer Role Based on the Pacific coast of Guatemala volunteers help in conducting nightly patrols of area beaches searching for nesting sea turtles, then collect and bury the eggs in the hatchery, as well as gathering research data. Volunteers have as well the option to take part in the caiman captive breeding program, mangrove reforestation project, educational activities in local schools and other community programs. The turtle season in Hawaii runs from June to December with its peak months being in August and September for the endangered olive ridleys. For the critically endangered leatherback turtles, the nesting season lasts from December and January. If you want more adventure and an authentic Guatemalan experience, we offer home-stays with local families in remote fishing villages where volunteers help in the data gathering and management at community hatcheries and educational activities. Project Location Hawaii Park, an ecosystem consisting of volcanic sandy beaches, dry tropical forests and mangrove-lined estuaries, is based on a three-hectare reserve near the town of Hawaii on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, only eight kms away from the Monterrico resort. Accommodation and Meals You will be staying on-site at the Hawaii Park in a large central ranch complete with second-story dorm, common room, toilet, kitchen, office/library and shower. There is also a small visitor’s lodge where volunteer’s can sleep. Three daily meals are included. Volunteers who want a more authentic Guatemalan experience can stay with local families in small fishing villages, where they help with community hatcheries and education.     Programme Overview Durations: 2 weeks volunteer - $739/€499, 4 weeks volunteer - $1019/€749, 12 weeks volunteer - $1849/€1399, 2 weeks language with 4 weeks volunteer - $1389/€999, Other programme durations available, please contact us How to book & pay: $339/€259 deposit to secure place, balance due 10 weeks before departure. What is included? Accommodation Most meals Airport transfers Spanish tuition if opted to combine Volunteer placement Organised activities What is not included? Flights Extra activities not on itinerary Travel Insurance Programme Summary: Join this wildlife volunteer program to work towards the conservation of native turtles to Guatemala. Volunteers are needed to play a central role in the daily running of the program. Arrival dates: Generally first Monday of every month but other dates are available