PROJECT: In Nayarit’s Riviera, there is a great need to protect the American crocodile "Acutus". Due to the destruction, pollution, invasion of their habitat by humans, exploiting their skin and flesh, this crocodile species are in danger of extinction. Since 2010, a team of professional biologists and conservationists began to create a site where crocodiles could be relocated in a safe area for the species and humans, this work is done by the team who allow volunteers to help to take care of crocodiles and its sanctuary, allowing visitors and the general public learn about their behavior and how to live in harmony with them.
ACTIVITIES: Always accompanied by an expert, volunteers will develop various activities throughout the week including:
1. To monitor the health of the crocodiles’ ecosystem.
2. To count the number of individuals.
3. To assist in feeding crocodiles and cleaning the areas where they are temporarily in captivity.
4. To assist in watering plants needed to provide shade for the individuals in captivity.
5. To assist in taking photographs and samples of the habitat.
6. To assist in signal processing for those using crocodile areas, preparation of reports of specimens in the wild and captivity.
It is important that volunteers know that the environmental management unit "Cocodrilos de Nayar" has the appropriate permissions from Mexican government: SEMARNAT and always operates in cooperation with PROFEPA and Civil Protection, Mexican institutions in charged of the regulations from these kind of conservation areas.
HOSTING: Hotel in a shared room with all amenities, private bathroom, hot water, pool, WIFI, air conditioning.
LOCATION: Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico. Nestled in the majestic Sierra Madre Occidental and bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES: Riviera Nayarit is emerging as one of the most attractive and magic destinations of Mexico. The area extends approximately 300 kilometers along the coast, integrated by mountainous jungle and facing coastal islands. For those seeking a more rural and rustic experience with magic beach towns in Mexico the Riviera has a massive open space for everyone along the Nayarit coast, also, for those who want to relax there are also quiet beaches and there are other beaches with heavy waves for surfers. In their free time volunteers can go and discover Bahia de Banderas, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, the astonishing Marietas Islands with hidden beaches in caves, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
CLOSEST STATION: La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit.
CLOSEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Mexico City International Airport
OTHER POSSIBLE AIRPORTS: Puerto Vallarta Airport Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None
VEGETERIAN FOOD AVAILABLE: Yes
OPEN FOR FAMILIES: No
OPEN FOR DISABLED VOLUNTEERS: No
EXTRA FEE: 295 Euros, includes accommodation in shared room, 3 meals per day, local transportation project purposes, materials, tools, and administrative expenses organization.
SPECIAL NOTES: For volunteers who are interested to learn Spanish, there will be a Spanish course organized before the project starts, it will be organized in the city of Morelia. Cost: 110 Euros. It includes lodging for 7 days at a Youth Hostel in Morelia city, materials, and theory and practice activities for 15 hours with a professional teacher. (Meals are not included).