PROJECT: For over 15 years this project has been organized in the Turtle Camp at Colola Beach with extraordinary results. This project is the source of many beautiful stories; hundreds of volunteers from all over the world had participated. The aim of these projects are to protect the marine turtles working in tight collaboration with the local population who lives in Colola Town or as they say “the place where dreams come true” volunteers along with local people will realize activities to protect the turtles, and will help to ensure the survival of the turtles for the future generations. There are two species of turtles arriving to this area: Negra (Black Turtle) and Golfina (Olive Riddle Turtle). The size of the turtles varies from 1 meter to 1.5 meters long and the weight from 40 Kg to 100 Kg. Every turtle makes a nest of around 150 eggs. If you like nature, to spend a time in an astonishing beautiful virgin beach far away from hotels and tourists, and witness the magic that nature had made for millions of years this project is for you!
WORK: The main work consists in patrolling the beach at NIGHT, find the adult turtles and collect the eggs, burying them in a secure place (vivero in Spanish) and set the baby turtles free back in to the ocean. This must be carried out by night since turtles do not go out the ocean by day (because of natural predators, it is safer for turtles to get out the ocean in the dark). In collaboration with local indigenous people from Colola, volunteers will seek for the turtles taking care of their eggs and the baby turtles. Locals are very friendly and working with them is very pleasant as they explain to the group what to do. We need very motivated volunteers who really want to get involved in this project willing to interact with the local people and their culture. There are also some extra activities to do with the local people to help to improve the town like setting names to the streets or helping to arrange an “all purpose” play-ground for the children and maybe some cleaning tasks, but it depends on your initiative! Local people are very open to participate in other activities and volunteers can also propose their own initiatives, so your ideas will be welcomed!
LEISURE: There are many nice activities that can be done close to Colola Beach http://www.visitmichoacan.com.mx/la-costa/aquila/3397-Colola.html , for example you can visit Chicuasa, it is a small spot protected by reefs that make a natural pool where you can go to swim every day, it is also possible to discover other towns such as La Placita or Maruata, also if you prefer you can visit for the weekend big touristic centers such as Ixtapa http://www.ixtapa.net/ and Manzanillo http://www.conocemanzanillo.com/
HOSTING: Volunteers will be hosted in a Turtle Camp, with basic conditions (rustic shower, bathroom and kitchen), volunteers will have to cook for themselves. There are wooden beds, volunteers must bring an air pad and sleeping bag and a sheet as well as towel.
SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS: Comfortable Clothing ,Sneakers, Sunscreen, Cap, Beach clothing, Sun glasses and Mosquito repellent.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR VOLUNTEERS: For all the volunteers accepted in the Vive México Workcamps there are FREE SPANISH courses all year round at the Vive Mexico International Cultural Center at Morelia City, come and take place in a FREE Spanish course one week before your workcamp starts!.
EXTRA FEE: 210 EURO
INCLUDES (only during the project days), Hosting (according to the conditions specified at the project description) 3 meals a day, Local transportation with project purposes, Administration and organization expenses, tools and materials.
DO NOT INCLUDE: Airfare to Mexico, Transportation from international airport to the project place, Leisure activities, Insurances.