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THE VOLUNTEER 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.

Volunteer helping with a sea turtle nest at night

WHO CAN APPLY

  • Biologists & researchers
  • Volunteers with or without experience
  • Tourist interested in conservation
Volunteer working during a night beach patrol

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
SAVE volunteers and staff on the beach at night

HOW TO APPLY

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

AVENTURAS AKUMAL, THE BEACH WE PROTECT

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

EXCHANGE DURING YOUR STAY

During your stay, you will need to cover a minimum of 7 to 8 hours daily, with one day off (if you wish, you can put in more work hours per day — not mandatory). Activities depend on the natural behavior of the turtles and weather conditions, so schedules may vary during the season. We ask for a minimum stay of one month — but if your available time is shorter, feel free to apply anyway. In some cases, when camp needs urgent extra hands, we can make it work.

WHAT INCLUDES?

Theoretical and practical learning.

Certificate of participation.

SAVE t-shirt.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION INCLUDES

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.

We’ll send you a full packing list — red-light headlamp, field gear, and personal items — once your spot is confirmed.

To apply, please fill out the following form.

Apply Here
SAVE volunteers on the beach at Akumal

Thank you for your interest in the S.A.V.E. México Sea Turtle Conservation Program.