3 Days / Starting From $650
Sea Turtle Voluntourism Extension
Monitor green turtle populations on this hands-on voluntourism opportunity!
Our Voluntourism Extensions are designed to bring our guests into an environment to help local people and wildlife. NHA does not earn money on these extensions. Rather, local organizations run these programs with the goal being to gain assistance from our travelers as well as some income to help them perform their work. Please be aware that these extensions, while fun and rewarding, may not operate on the same quality level as a Natural Habitat expedition.
This special opportunity offers a chance to participate with a project recognized around the world as a model for community-based sea turtle conservation. The Eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtle Monitoring Program run by Grupo Tortuguero has helped turn the tide for this once critically endangered species. From the tent camp on your small island base, you will help capture, monitor and release sea turtles in the company of marine biologists and your local fishermen-guides. Assist with collecting data as turtles are measured and weighed. During the remaining hours, enjoy guided explorations of the mangrove and marine ecosystems as you learn about efforts to support the local community through this cooperative ecotourism venture.
By choosing this extension, you will not only be involved with vital conservation work, you will also be supporting the growth and development of local business that is based on environmental sustainability and stewardship, an important step toward guaranteeing the long-term conservation of the region’s natural resources.
This special opportunity offers a chance to participate with a project recognized around the world as a model for community-based sea turtle conservation. The Eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtle Monitoring Program run by Grupo Tortuguero has helped turn the tide for this once critically endangered species. From the tent camp on your small island base, you will help capture, monitor and release sea turtles in the company of marine biologists and your local fishermen-guides. Assist with collecting data as turtles are measured and weighed. During the remaining hours, enjoy guided explorations of the mangrove and marine ecosystems as you learn about efforts to support the local community through this cooperative ecotourism venture.
By choosing this extension, you will not only be involved with vital conservation work, you will also be supporting the growth and development of local business that is based on environmental sustainability and stewardship, an important step toward guaranteeing the long-term conservation of the region’s natural resources.
- Help researchers capture, monitor and release sea turtles, gathering information for important conservation work
- Spend two nights camping on an isolated shell island, surrounded by a fascinating marine environment
- Learn about community-based efforts to create a sustainable economy based on local conservation and ecotourism projects
Location of Adventure
Mexico
Mexico
Group Size Limit
Approximately 15 Travelers
Included
All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3, ground transportation from Loreto to Puerto San Carlos, boat transfer to Conchalito Island, camping accommodation (including tent, bed, linens, pillows), services of expert guide and local crew members, participation in turtle monitoring activities, optional kayaking, happy hours on Days 1 and 2, donation to RED Conservation Fund (13% of the trip fee.)
Not Included
Airfare from your home city to Loreto, hotel night before the trip, arrival airport transfer, gratuities, personal expenses.
Physical Requirements
Easy to Moderate / Flexible
This adventure does not require a high degree of physical fitness. However, travelers may choose to assist with turtle research throughout the night, including very late night into the very early morning. Participate as much as you like, or enjoy a complete night's rest. Some research tasks may involve lifting. All activities are entirely optional.
Important Information
Please note that the accommodations for this trip are very rustic. Guests will sleep in two-person nylon tents erected on the shell beach well above the high-tide line. Thick pads and warm bedding, including wool blankets and pillows, are provided. Toilet facilities consist of a composting toilet set up in a secluded area of mangroves a distance from camp, for privacy. Two simple wash basins with foot pump are available, one near the toilet area, another down the beach by the dining tent. Meals are served around a communal table beneath a tarp shelter. While the camp is very simple, the sense of being close to nature and at one with the environment is palpable.
Getting There & Getting Home
This extension follows our Gray Whales of Baja program. The initial transfer from Loreto to Puerto San Carlos is on the final morning of the Whales trip (Feb. 26 or Feb. 29). This included transfer takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. At the end of the extension, guests will be transferred directly back to the Loreto airport in time to catch the one and only flight back to the U.S. that same afternoon (Feb. 28 or Mar. 2). Unless you would like to spend additional time in Loreto on your own, you will not require extra hotel nights.
