SAVE turtle camp in Akumal
Illustration of SAVE volunteer camp accommodation in Akumal for stay volunteers

THE STAY PROGRAM

Move into camp for a month or more and become part of S.A.V.E.’s sea turtle conservation team — patrolling the beach at night, protecting and monitoring nests, collecting research data, and releasing hatchlings alongside our biologists and a small international group of volunteers.

Sea turtle eggs collected under red light during a nest relocation
Volunteer excavating a sea turtle nest under red light
Close-up of sand at a nest site under red light
Sea turtle laying eggs on the beach at night under red light
Apply

1. AVENTURAS AKUMAL, THE PLACE

Akumal — “Land of the Turtles” in Maya — sits on the Riviera Maya, the stretch of Mexican Caribbean coast between Playa del Carmen and Tulum in Quintana Roo.

Its calm, turquoise waters and soft white sand made it one of this coast’s most important nesting grounds for green and loggerhead sea turtles long before it became a destination for travelers. Aventuras Akumal, the beach our camp watches over every night of the season, is exactly the kind of undisturbed, gently sloping shoreline nesting females need — which is also why it needs constant care.

Sunrise over the Caribbean Sea seen through palm trees at Akumal, Quintana Roo Pink and orange sunset sky over palm trees on the Riviera Maya coast Twilight moonrise over the Caribbean Sea from the beach at Akumal

2. THE EXCHANGE

During your stay, you’ll work 6 hours a day with one day off each week — schedules shift with turtle activity and weather. We ask for a minimum stay of three weeks, but shorter visits are welcome too, especially when camp needs extra hands.

WHAT INCLUDES?

Theoretical and practical learning.

Certificate of participation.

SAVE t-shirt.

3. THE ACCOMMODATION

Bed in a shared room.

A/C for sleeping.

Two meals a day.

Common-use kitchen.

Common areas for rest.

WiFi.

Shared bathroom.

Hot water for shower.

Laundry space.

Kayak and snorkeling equipment.

SAVE volunteer working during the sea turtle conservation program

4. THE PROGRAM

From your first night on patrol to the day you arrive at camp, here’s who joins us, what the work looks like, and how to apply.

WHO CAN APPLY

  • Biologists & researchers
  • Volunteers with or without experience
  • Tourist interested in conservation

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Beach patrols to monitor and check nests
  • Track nesting females and record data
  • Watch over nests close to hatching
  • Relocate nests when necessary
  • Build protective cages and sticks for hatchlings
  • Beach and nest clean-up
  • Environmental education for visitors

HOW TO APPLY

  • Review program information
  • Complete the form below
  • Send your documentation
  • Profile evaluation form
  • Acceptance and onboarding
  • Arrival at camp

FAQS

Do I need previous experience?

No — we train every volunteer on arrival. What matters most is showing up, every night, for your full commitment.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

English and Spanish are both used at camp — you don’t need to be fluent in both, but being comfortable in at least one helps you connect with the team and the community.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Let us know when you apply — we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarian and other common restrictions.

Green sea turtle swimming in the waters of Akumal

To apply, please fill out the following form.

Apply Here