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Turtle Conservation Montserrat    Volunteer Holidays                               

Montserrat is a beautiful volcanic tropical island in the Caribbean with a visiting population of turtles, returning every year to nest  on many of the island's beaches.

 

John Jeffers has been involved with turtle conservation on Montserrat for 36 years and has received an MBE for his outstanding work with the turtles.  Turtle Conservation Montserrat provides volunteers with an opportunity to visit this unique island and learn about turtle conservation, from monitoring the turtles' arrival to helping release hatchlings at the beach.  A population of leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles visit on an annual basis, coming to the island to nest on its numerous beaches.  Their arrival is closely monitored by volunteers and we have a hatchery on island where the eggs are taken to ensure protection of the eggs from where the hatchlings are taken for release at the beaches.

 

John Jeffers is able to instruct you on turtle conservation with a wealth of knowledge and experience and you will be able to assist with releasing the hatchlings.  Nesting generally starts around May and continues till the end of September.  Hatchlings are released from September through to December.  Turtle nesting can be guaranteed from the beginning of July until the end of September and hatchling release generally takes place September through to mid or the end of December. The turtles usually come in at night to nest and the hatchlings are released during the day. Volunteers will therefore be monitoring turtles arriving and nesting during the night, whilst helping releasing the hatchlings is a day time activity.  Days for volunteers helping with adult turtle conservation are therefore mainly free so volunteers have a chance to explore the island.

 

Montserrat is located in the Caribbean.  The closest island is Antigua, and Montserrat can be reached from there by ferry or plane.  Montserrat is a unique location, a small, friendly island, with a population of under 5,000 people.  There are opportunities for volcano viewing, including visitng the devastated former Capital of Plymouth, boat trips, snorkelling and scuba diving plus hiking in the rainforests and mountains.  There are many photography opportunities and Turtle Conservation Montserrat works with a professional photographer who can help you to make the most of these opportunities. We have numerous black sand beaches, mainly deserted and you can also hike, take a boat or kayak to Rendezvous Beach, the only white sand beach on the island which is secluded and often empty with crystal blue seas and great reefs for snorkelling and diving. There are also  supermarkets, restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood.  

 

Montserrat is a unique, peaceful environment where you can relax and enjoy yourself whilst learning how to protect turtles and contribute to their continued survival.

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