Guatemala Sea Turtle and Caiman Conservation

  Guatemala

Hawaii

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Dates: First Monday of every month

Description: Similar to our other conservation volunteer projects, this project is an excellent opportunity to view and work abroad on a volunteer turtle conservation project in Central America. The project focuses on the conservation of native turtles to Guatemala, with volunteers needed to play a central role in the day to day running of the programme.

Volunteer Role

Based on the Pacific coast of Guatemala volunteers assist in conducting nightly patrols of area beaches in search of nesting sea turtles, collection and burial of eggs in the hatchery and collection of research data. Volunteers also have the option to take part in the caiman captive breeding program, mangrove reforestations, educational activities in area schools and other community projects.
Volunteers will assist in:

    * Conducting nightly patrol of beaches in search of nesting sea turtles.
    * Collect eggs and transfer them to the hatchery.
    * Record data and release turtles back to the wild.
    * Sea turtle project is only available during certain times of the year, according to breeding seasons.

This project also offers volunteers the opportunity to participate in the Caiman captive breeding programme, mangrove reforestations, educational activities in local schools and other community projects.

If you want a little more adventure and a more authentic Guatemalan experience, we also offer home-stays with families in more remote fishing villages where volunteers help in the management and data gathering at community hatcheries and educational activities.

Highlights: Orientation

On arrival at the project you will have a brief orientation. This will include being shown around the project site, being introduced to the project co-ordinator and staff, a health and safety briefing and an introduction to your tasks while on the project.

Project Support

Throughout your stay in Guatemala you will have the support and guidance of our coordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.

In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

Accommodation and Meals

The park includes a large central rancho with kitchen, office/library, second-story dormitory, a large, open common area with hammocks and tables, and a western toilet and shower. There is also a small visitor's house where volunteers are welcome to sleep. Accommodation is rustic but comfortable, and with the ocean breeze and roar of the surf in the distance, it makes for the ideal atmosphere to relieve the stress of modern life and take in the wonders of the Pacific Ocean. There is 110 AC/DC electricity available. There are Internet services in Monterrico, ten minutes away by bus. This costs around $1-2.

Free Time

Free times are evenings and weekends. Volunteers can go fishing with locals, hunt wild honey, climb the Tecuamburro Volcano, go mangrove kayaking or bird watching, amongst other things. Many volunteers who travel to Guatemala visit Antigua first. Antigua is a beautiful colonial city only 45 minutes from Guatemala City and is a nice place to get acclimated and use as a base to travel to other parts of the country.

Cost in US$: from $699

Experience Required: no

Age Range: Minimum 18 years

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement: We are ambitious for our company, our partners and the communities in which we work. We take our responsibilities seriously - understanding that the development of our business impacts directly on our partners, the communities that we visit and work with and that ultimately, our success is their success too.