The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Ayotlcalli Turtle Rescue & Conservation Center

Ayotlcalli Turtle Rescue & Conservation Center

Experience marine turtle conservation through night beach patrols, hatchling releases, and community education while enjoying eco-friendly accommodations.

OUR EXPERIENCES
We are a marine turtle conservation project offering volunteer opportunities from July to January. Main activities include beach patrols (at night) to find and relocate turtle nests, turtle tagging and assisting with the release of hatchlings. Other activities include beach cleaning (to remove plastic and other waste), making and selling crafts, running education sessions for visitors and working with other local non-profit organizations. Volunteers stay in the on-site cabin or in tents on the beach, or they can rent the nearby Casa de la Tortuga guesthouse. (Meals are not provided, but there is access to a kitchen and a range of shops/restaurants nearby.)

ABOUT US
Our mission is to protect and preserve the endangered native turtle species and their habitats. We conduct beach patrols for turtle nests and run a government-approved hatchery facility. We also work with the local community to educate them about the environment and the importance of turtles. When funds allow, we arrange for local stray dogs to be spayed and try to find local families to adopt them.

This Meaningful Travel Map Impact Partner was brought to our attention by Animondial, a specialist consultancy that provides impartial advice to guide travel and tourism, improve animal and nature protection and deliver meaningful change. Animondial’s ‘Animal Protection Network’ is a biodiversity partnerships initiative that aims to identify reputable, professional and impactful NGOs and other organisations to form biodiversity-benefitting collaborations for nature. You can learn more at https://animondial.com/animal-protection-network.

OUR IMPACT
Our main activity is to patrol this busy beach every night during the nesting season to find any nests before they are damaged and move them to our safe hatchery facility. When the nests hatch, we release the hatchlings on the beach so they can enter the water naturally – this allows the females to remember the beach so they can come back to it when they need to lay eggs! Our outreach with the local community raises awareness of various local environmental issues, including responsible disposal of plastic waste, and discourages the collection of turtle eggs for food.

DETAILS
To learn more, contact: campamentoayotlcalli@gmail.com

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
Up to 8 volunteers

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Yes

Do you have group rates?
No

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
No

What languages do you offer your services in?
Spanish, English

When are you open?
July to January

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the activities involved, we are not able to make special arrangements.