Woke to the crashing sound of thunder and lightning seemingly directly above us. Still exhausted from last night’s events on the beach, I rolled up tighter in my bed and slept for another couple of hours. We rise to another glorious day here in Akumal – only signs of this morning’s downpour are some minor puddles and the swarms of mosquitoes.

This afternoon is occupied with reading, painting and snorkeling in the bay. Today we saw one of the many green turtles feeding on the sea grass and also a small hawksbill out in the reef. It is delightful to see these creatures pop their heads out of the ocean for a breath and then float back down to the grass. Heaps of other marine life can be seen in the bay also: reef fish, rays, squid, urchins. This is quite a different lifestyle to the one we had previously been living in New Zealand.

We share an evening meal with some of our fellow volunteers; heaps of different cultures and backgrounds here and we enjoying sharing the culinary delights, struggles with languages, and laughter with others. By 8:30 we are in the CEA office, preparing for the night’s presentation. Each night we take out groups of 10 or so tourists to teach them more about the sea turtles and the protection program. Patrolling the beach in the evening is really peaceful. We are starting to learn the star formations on this side of the world and it is always such a thrill to come across a nesting turtle or some baby hatchlings.

Helping the baby turtles break through the sand to head down the beach, their warm soft bodies and kicking flippers in your hand, is indescribable. We don’t think we will ever tire of being here in Akumal Bay; the turtles, the people – the whole experience. It is a privilege.

Learn more about CEA's Turtle Protection Program.