Sea Turtle Conservation Program – Colombia
Sea Turtle Conservation Program – Santa Marta, Colombia
Help Protect Loggerhead & Hawksbill Sea Turtles
Join our new Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Santa Marta, Colombia, and spend your days working hands-on with endangered loggerhead and hawksbill sea turtles.
Just like our CMERA shark and ray program, you can choose from 1 to 8 weeks of immersive experience that builds your skills, your resume, and your impact on the ocean.
Program Overview
- Location: Santa Marta, Colombia
- Site Partner: Mundo Marino Aquarium – Sea Turtle Head Start Program
- Duration Options: 1–8 weeks
- Housing: Included
- Airport Transfers: Included from Santa Marta (SMR) Airport
- Schedule:
- Arrive: Sunday
- Program Days: Monday–Friday at Mundo Marino
You’ll be working directly with sea turtles under the guidance of experienced staff and marine biologists, gaining real-world conservation and animal care experience that most students only read about in textbooks.
What You’ll Do
As a participant in the Sea Turtle Head Start Program, you’ll assist with:
- Daily turtle care – feeding, cleaning tanks, monitoring behavior
- Health & medical support – assisting with medications and treatments under supervision
- Tagging (as needed) – helping with tagging procedures for identification and tracking
- Data collection – recording measurements, weights, health indicators, and behavioral observations
- Conservation lectures – learning about loggerhead and hawksbill biology, threats, and protection strategies
- Project support – contributing to ongoing research and conservation projects at Mundo Marino
This is not a “watch from the sidelines” experience. You’ll be an active part of the team helping these turtles get a second chance in the wild.
Why Join This Program?
- Hands-on Experience
Work directly with loggerhead and hawksbill sea turtles every day, building real animal-handling and husbandry skills. - Flexible Duration
Choose 1–8 weeks to fit your schedule. Stay longer to deepen your experience and involvement in ongoing projects. - All-Inclusive Logistics
- Housing included
- Airport pickup and drop-off from Santa Marta Airport (SMR)
- Local support throughout your stay
- Perfect for Marine-Focused Students
Ideal for: - Marine biology and marine science majors
- Pre-vet and veterinary students
- Environmental science, biology, and conservation students
- Gap year or post-bac students building their resume
- Global Perspective
Live and work in coastal Colombia, experience local culture, and see how conservation operates in a different country and system.
Evenings and weekends are generally free for rest, exploring Santa Marta, or additional study time.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of your experience, you will:
- Understand the biology and ecology of loggerhead and hawksbill sea turtles
- Gain practical skills in husbandry, feeding, and daily care
- Learn basic medical and rehabilitation procedures used in head start programs
- Develop competency in data collection, tagging, and record-keeping
- See how conservation, research, and public education come together in a real facility
- Build experiences that strengthen your resume, grad school applications, and career path
Who Can Apply?
We welcome:
- College and university students in marine biology, biology, environmental science, veterinary science, or related fields
- Recent graduates and gap-year students interested in marine conservation
- Motivated individuals with a strong interest in sea turtles and a willingness to work hard in a hands-on environment
(Some basic comfort in and around water, and the ability to work in a warm coastal climate, are important.)
Housing & Logistics
- Housing included in or near Santa Marta
- Airport transfer from Santa Marta Airport (SMR) on your arrival Sunday and departure day
- Local orientation and on-the-ground support from our team and partners
(You’ll receive a detailed packing list and pre-departure information after acceptance.)
Dates & Program Fees
Program Dates:
- Sessions operate throughout the year in 1-week blocks, with
Sunday arrivals and
Saturday departures.
(You can stack weeks back-to-back for a longer stay.)
Program Fees:
- Fees are based on the number of weeks you attend.
- Housing and local airport transfers are included.
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Contact us for current pricing and available weeks:
Email:
info@mooremarinecollege.com
Website: mooremarinecollege.com
How to Apply
- Submit your application through the Moore Marine College website.
- Select your preferred dates and the number of weeks (1–8).
- Wait for confirmation of availability for your session.
- Once accepted, you’ll receive:
- Pre-departure information
- Housing details
- Airport pick-up instructions
Join us in Santa Marta and help give sea turtles a better chance at survival—while building the skills and experience that will shape your future in marine biology and conservation.
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WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✈️ International airfare to and from Cartagena
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Passport fees (your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after travel)
Personal medical insurance is required for this trip.
💧 Optional spending money for souvenirs, snacks, or personal activities during free time
Refund Policy:
- Deposits become nonrefundable once you are accepted into the class.
- If the class you are applying for is full, your deposit will be refunded.
- If the class is cancelled by CMERA, your deposit will be refunded.
- Once full payment has been made, no refunds will be issued unless the class is cancelled by CMERA.
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your protection.
✈️ Airfare is not included. Due to fluctuating flight prices from different departure cities, participants will receive flight guidance after CMERA confirms the minimum class requirements are met. Please do not book flights until instructed.
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Limited Availability – Act Fast!
There are
only 5 spots per week in this class.
