It was the summer of ’99 and I was a film student in Austin, Texas. I had heard about CEA through a friend and it sounded to good to be true. I checked it out and before I knew it I was in Akumal with the blinding beauty of the white sand and blue water staring me in the face.

Of course I was there to volunteer and work, but that was the beauty of the turtle watch program, there was plenty of time to play. I would patrol my designated beach from sundown till around 3 or 4 am. On these patrols my partner and I would take down data from nesting sea turtles that we would later feed into the computer. This data included shell measurements, egg counts, and nest locations. Then I would return to the dorm room that CEA provided for me and get some sleep. Normally I could sleep as late as I wanted, but sometimes I would have to get up at sunrise to do what we called morning census. Between the twelve or so volunteers we would take turns getting up at sunrise to patrol all five beaches to see if we missed any turtle activity during the couple hours that no one was patrolling. I personally enjoyed morning census the most, because it was daybreak, calm, and beautiful and I virtually had the beach to myself.

While I wasn’t working I would spend my time snorkeling in Akumal Bay, venturing to cenotes, playing volleyball on the beach, drinking a cold one at La Buena Vida, or just taking a siesta in my hammock. Being a film major, whether I was working or playing I was compelled to video tape everything on my Sony Hi8 camcorder. I still impress friends and relatives with footage of Sea turtles and the sites and scenery of Akumal.

All told, I spent 2 ½ months in Akumal and I have very fond memories of my experience there. Although I didn’t receive any school credit for my efforts it was very much worth while for me. I learned much about the nesting habits of sea turtles, the beauty of marine wildlife, and why they deserve our protection. I am currently planning to return to Akumal in June 2003 with my girl friend and some friends and am anxious to experience it again.

John Cates