Whale Monitoring Supporter

location
1 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Learn from biologists and locals about whales and all marine fauna that lives in the coast!
  • Live in a free-spirit environment, next to the beach, close to places where backpackers and travellers gather.
  • You will do complementary activities as part of the program to get involved with the local life!

Highlights

  • Learn from biologists and locals about whales and all marine fauna that lives in the coast!
  • Live in a free-spirit environment, next to the beach, close to places where backpackers and travellers gather.
  • You will do complementary activities as part of the program to get involved with the local life!
  • You will remember all the sunsets in Punta Cometa, Mazunte, the southernmost point in the whole Mexico, where last part of the monitoring whales work takes place at the end of the day!
  • As part of the monitoring by boat, you will snorkel above corals and may be surrounded by dolphins, sea turtles, rays jumping, and many more animals!


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Learn about whale populations crossing Oaxaca coast, collaborating with biologists and locals. Dolphins, turtles and snorkeling above corals, will be part of your life!

    Welcome to our Whale Monitoring Program in Puerto Angel and Mazunte, Mexico, where the waters of the Pacific Ocean become your classroom, and Humpback whales captivate you.

    On the Oaxaca coast, whale watching is not regulated, despite the existence of national norms that protect whales from harmful ...

    About the program

    Welcome to our Whale Monitoring Program in Puerto Angel and Mazunte, Mexico, where the waters of the Pacific Ocean become your classroom, and Humpback whales captivate you.

    On the Oaxaca coast, whale watching is not regulated, despite the existence of national norms that protect whales from harmful tourist practices. In 2022, the first workshop was held on the coast to educate local cooperatives and captains on how to monitor whales, marking the beginning of this program. The main objective of this program is to gain a better understanding of whale populations on the Oaxaca coast and to support the dissemination of the importance of good practices to protect whales among residents and visitors.

    For this reason, what we expect from volunteers is to keep their eyes very open and focused on every detail in the ocean, as well as to engage in conversations with people about everything you learn during their experience with us. 

    The main activities that you will undertake are:

    Whale Monitoring on the High Seas:
    Picture yourself aboard a boat, navigating the pristine waters off Oaxaca's coast, alongside passionate young biologists and a local ecotourism cooperative. In the early mornings, as the sun paints the sky with hues of gold, you'll monitor and document the majestic whales that grace these waters. Armed with cameras and data sheets, you'll not only capture breathtaking images of marine life but also contribute to vital research for the conservation of these magnificent creatures.

    Sunset Whales from Punta Cometa:
    As the day unfolds, shift your gaze towards Punta Cometa, the southern gem of Mexico. Here, in the tranquil evenings, you'll witness the enchanting spectacle of whales navigating the waters against the canvas of a mesmerizing sunset. Engage with fellow travelers and backpackers, sharing your newfound knowledge about these gentle giants and the importance of preserving their habitats.

    Immersive Cultural Activities in Mazunte:
    Your volunteering journey extends beyond the shores. In Mazunte, immerse yourself in the vibrant local life through cultural workshops, where you'll craft traditional artifacts and learn the essence of Oaxacan artistry. Join bird-watching excursions, discovering the rich avian diversity that graces this coastal haven. Explore natural wonders, from hidden coves to lush landscapes, connecting with the heartbeat of the region.

    Education and Community Engagement:
    Your role extends beyond observation; it's about fostering awareness. Engage with travelers, sharing tales of your marine adventures and the significance of preserving these marine ecosystems. Inspire others to appreciate the delicate balance between human existence and the natural world.

    By joining this volunteering program, you're not just a spectator; you become an integral part of a movement dedicated to the conservation of marine life, cultural exchange, and fostering a deeper connection with the environment. Come, be a guardian of the sea, a storyteller of sunsets, and a catalyst for change in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico.

    Typical day

    Wake up with the sun, hit the waves by 6 AM—let the Pacific Ocean be your playground. Spend your morning, 'til around 10 AM, monitor and document the incredible marine behaviour under the sunrise.

    Noontime's your chance to refuel. Grab a quick bite for breakfast, then dive into the morning's data. ..

    Typical day

    Wake up with the sun, hit the waves by 6 AM—let the Pacific Ocean be your playground. Spend your morning, 'til around 10 AM, monitor and document the incredible marine behaviour under the sunrise.

    Noontime's your chance to refuel. Grab a quick bite for breakfast, then dive into the morning's data. It may take an hour of your time.

    Come afternoon, you've got a call to make: head to Mazunte and back (over half an hour of your time. You can ask for a private taxi, at 300 Mexican pesos, or go budget-friendly with public transport at 30 pesos a ride.

    As the sun starts to dip, you'll find yourself at Punta Cometa, the southernmost point in the whole Mexico, continuing to monitor the behaviour of whales during the sunset, where you will have a 360º view of the Ocean from 16:00 to 19:00 aprox. Heading back home, you will have to make the ride back by private taxi or public transport.


    Free-time activities

    Mazunte, a haven for backpackers, unfolds as a coastal gem. Its inviting beach beckons for tranquil swims, while the vibrant streets host a plethora of charming eateries, exuding a delightful hippie flair. Beyond, nature trails weave through the landscape. In this unique blend of seaside relaxation, ...

    Free-time activities

    Mazunte, a haven for backpackers, unfolds as a coastal gem. Its inviting beach beckons for tranquil swims, while the vibrant streets host a plethora of charming eateries, exuding a delightful hippie flair. Beyond, nature trails weave through the landscape. In this unique blend of seaside relaxation, yoga, meditation, culinary delights, and natural escapades, Mazunte crafts an unforgettable experience for those seeking a harmonious blend of adventure and repose.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    motivation, good attitude, open minded :)

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 06:30 - 19:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Tartarukus

    The program fees includes:

    •  Airport pick up in Huatulco. We will accompany you from the airport to your accommodation in Puerto Ángel. A guide to travel by public transport from the airport to Puerto Ángel on the first day and the first day of work from Puerto Ángel to Mazunte, and come back in case that you choose to travel by public transport.
    •  Accommodation in shared rooms with access to kitchen to cook your meals.
    •  2 or 3 days per week monitoring activities by boat and snorkelling, as well as monitoring by land in Mazunte. There will be guides who can speak to you in English.
    •  Complementary activities 1 or 2 days per week, with cultural workshops, tours in nature, etc.
    •  Liability insurance, although is needed to have a travel insurance
    •  Certificate of the volunteering program

    Please note: Transport is not included, you will have to choose if you would like to transport by taxi for 300 mexican pesos (we can help you to fix that with a trustworthy driver) or by public transport 30 mxn per ride (60 mxn both ways).

    Airport Pickup at Huatulco Airport

    We will accompany you by public transport from the airport to let you know how to travel freely in Oaxaca coast! The pick up will be before 15:00 any day of the week :)

    Accommodation

    In Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, our hostel is a quiet haven for young students and backpackers. Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep, cook in our communal kitchen, and unwind in cozy common areas. It's the perfect retreat for those seeking serenity by the sea.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Huatulco Airport (HUX) in Huatulco. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mexico. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Mexico provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Mexico you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Mexico. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    We'll be your guides from Huatulco airport to Puerto Ángel, utilizing public transport to introduce you to the ins and outs of local mobility. To kickstart your experience seamlessly, please aim to arrive before 15:00.


    The whales season starts in November and ends in March, making the program available throughout these months.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 715€
    2 weeks 1,430€
    20 weeks (max. stay) 11,000€
    Average fees 632€/week

    Program fees

    632€ per week 1 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 20 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Tartarukus during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Tartarukus

    Outstanding 5 rating (27 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2021

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Beatriz

    About the project

    Conservation of millions of sea turtles by patrolling the beach, relocating nests and monitoring sea turtle females on the beach.

    Meet your organization

    Numerous local groups are developing their own projects to preserve important natural areas or endangered species in Mexico. Many of them are well focused or have an enormous potential to develop ecotourism (or sustainable tourism), raising money from visitors to continue their work. 

    For this reason, Tartarukus was born to strengthen these conservation groups by offering them environmental technical consulting and promotion or their work, using digital media, social networks and developing a web platform to demonstrate the environmental work of the local groups and the services that they offer to visitors.

    Our main objectives are:

    • to maintain and improve conservation activities in the groups such as vigilance and patrolling of natural areas, monitoring species, protecting nests or reproductive areas of specific species, developing an environmental education program in the communities, etc.
    • to enhance intercultural exchange in order to give a new perspective to solve environmental and social problems,
    • to raise awareness worldwide of the environmental situation in the natural areas in the South of Mexico,
    • to show the importance of the work of the local people for its conservation,
    • to demonstrate how people can fund these conservation projects through ecotourism.

    Our allied local groups are:

    1. Centro Ecoturístico Escobilla. This group of 13 people from the Escobilla community in Oaxaca have been working for the conservation of sea turtles by relocating nests and monitoring the females on the beach. They have been protecting the Sanctuary Playa Escobilla for 17 years in which more than 2 million sea turtles are nesting every year, doing everything without almost no income, showing their incomparable perseverance and will for the conservation.
    2. Servicios Ecoturísticos La Ventanilla. This group is certificated as Paraíso Indígena, and they dedicated their efforts in the conservation of the american crocodyle, whitetail deer, three species of sea turtle (green, leatherback and olive Ridley sea turtle) and the mangroves of the lagoon.
    3.  El Gavilán ADVC. El Gavilán is a Donated Area to the Conservation (ADVC) in Cozoaltepec community, Oaxaca, composed of the land of more than 30 people of the community. Since 2014, they are monitoring, patrolling and reporting incidents in the jungle of El Gavilán in order to avoid poaching and deforestation.

    Here, you have the possibility to join us into a wild experience, protecting thousands of sea turtles nesting at the same time, monitoring hundreds of crocodiles, in a very safety way, and walking in a jungle full of wildlife (cougars, ocelots, toucans, ...) by our hands and the hands of indigenous conservation groups. 

    We are looking for people, groups or organizations who want to take actions which regenerate the environment, Always being flexible, open minded and willing to live together in a very different people and environment. It is required to have a physical condition enough to patrol the beach

    27 reviews · rating5

    The 15 days sea turtles and wildlife conservation trip was an awesome experience. I would like to thanks Beatriz, for all the activities were well-planned. She is also very knowledgeable in the notion of wildlife animals (learned a lot from her)... I was able to participate in holding workshops for ...
    Chieh Wei Huang rating4.6

    2024 at Turtle Conservation Supporter

    We could only make it for a 6-day volunteering adventure in Oaxaca, Mexico. Therefore Beatriz who runs Tartarukus offered us a compressed version of what was originally a 15-day sea turtle and wildlife conservation tour. Despite not being the prime season for sea turtles to nest in June, Beatriz ...
    Alicia Pannecière rating5

    2023 at Sea turtle and wildlife conservation trip

    Un voyage que je ne suis pas prête d'oublier ! Mon expérience a été pleine d'émotions dans un Mexique authentique et au plus proche de la nature. Béatrice s'est toujours montrée réactive, les coopératives étaient très accueillantes et toujours prêtes à conseiller et à aider pour que je ...
    Susana Lapeña rating5

    2023 at Turtle Conservation Supporter

    Fuimos en familia y fue una experiencia fantástica. El trabajo muy interesante, aprendimos mucho; la estancia con las familias fue encantadora, nos involucramos con las comunidades y vivimos con ellas su día a día. Todas las personas que nos atendieron eran geniales, muy abiertas y hospitalarias. ..
    Une des meilleures expériences de ma vie ! Le programme est complet, très intéressant et bien organisé. Nous vivons chez les locaux au cœur des communautés et pouvons approcher et protéger différents animaux. Je recommande fortement ...
    Anna-Marie Liebeke rating5

    2023 at Horseback riding and ecotourism assistant

    best experience i’ve ever had! everyone was so kind and welcoming, everyday something new to see! the family was amazing. can recommend it to everyone. i would do it ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Mexico > Puerto Ángel

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