Active Nature - Volunteer Program

Here comes an opportunity for people who wish to take part in conservation and wildlife surveying projects as an alternative to a holiday.

This project is located in a Reserve for the Great Curassow, an endangered bird species, in a tropical remote area of Southern Quintana Roo.

Our volunteer program provides qualified volunteers to experience an environmentally oriented adventure.

At the same time they provide valuable services such as taking care of the birds and other animals like crocodiles, spider monkeys or turtles, do maintenance work or guide tourists around this reserve and give on information they have learned in this place. This program is also a great opportunity for individuals who would like to do research here in this area.

A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 months of participation are suggested.

The program is free but carries no salary. Since volunteers are not formally employed, they only need a tourist visa.

Volunteers are expected to be self funding. The Great Curassow Breeding Reserve is equipped with solar electricity and water and a place to stay is provided. You also get a free tour of your choice with Active Nature.

When a group guided by Active Nature visits the Reserve you should be able to lead them through the place and support their guide in preparing lunch and make sure the guests feel comfortable.

The main qualifications are a good attitude combined with an outgoing personality and enjoyment of being in nature and with animals. At least a limited familiarity with Spanish is required but virtually everyone improves quickly during his or her stay.

We could care less how old you are or whether you are male or female. We generally accept only one volunteer at a time, except in the case of couples. To assist in scheduling we prefer arrangements as far in advance as possible.

Prohibited activities are use of illegal drugs, drunkenness, and any conduct which could reflect adversely on the operation or could place staff, animals, or guests in danger.

For the right type of person this program is a tremendous opportunity to become more self dependent, to learn new skills and new languages, to develop and gain experience in the field in sometimes demanding conditions and to develop teamwork skills.