Volunteers Guide & Contract
WILDMEX VOLUNTEER GUIDE
Welcome, new volunteers! Get ready to dive into the vibrant WildMex lifestyle—where your days are filled with surfing warm Pacific waves, exploring jungle trails, swimming in hidden coves, and soaking in stunning sunsets. Every moment brings a new adventure and a chance to connect with fellow travelers and the local community.
As a WildMex Volunteer, you will work 20 hours per week in exchange for accommodation and the use of our staff surboards. Your first full day at WildMex will be a free day to settle in, and you’ll start your volunteer duties the following day.
General Information about WildMex
WildMex has two shops, in Punta de Mita and Sayulita.
We offer the following services to our clients:
- Board Rentals (Surf, paddle, boogie)
- Surf and SUP Lessons
- Guided Mountain Biking
- Mountain Bike Rentals
- Guided Hiking
- Souvenir Sales
- Shuttle Service Sayulita-Punta Mita (La lancha)
- Discounted Meals at Local Restaurant
Location and Access to WildMex
Location of Punta Mita Office and the “La Lancha Surf Camp” KM 15, Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle, 63734 Punta Mita.
Directions to WildMex La Lancha
Our shop in Punta Mita is conveniently located on the entrance path to the most consistent and beautiful break in the area, called La Lancha. This is where you will be based during your stay at WildMex. It is accessible from the main highway and easy to spot. Please make sure you arrive at the La Lancha WildMex premise for your stay, NOT Sayulita.
Access from Puerto Vallarta Airport:
Upon arriving at the airport, exit the arrivals area and cross the pedestrian bridge directly in front of you. It leads to the bus stop.
The bus company is called ATM (not to be confused with a cash machine). Look for the white ATM buses with “Punta Mita” written on the windshield. Not all ATM buses go to Punta Mita, so be sure to check the sign. Buses to Punta Mita run every 20–30 minutes.
There is usually a staff member at the bus stop who can help you find the right bus.
(If you’re not in a rush, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular taco stands is just behind the bus stop—perfect for a quick and delicious snack while you wait!)
Access from Sayulita:
If you arrive in Sayulita and need transportation to our headquarters at La Lancha, you can use the shuttle from our WildMex shop in Sayulita. Please let us know in advance if you require a shuttle.
Alternative Options:
You can also take an Uber or taxi from your location, if you prefer. However, Uber from Sayulita can be unpredictable.
WildMex Accommodation:
WildMex La Lancha is designed to host both volunteers and employees. The positions at the shops are covered year-round but having volunteers around the shops gives a different vibe and maintains a fresh atmosphere, which is one of the main reasons why we decided to take on volunteers. It is important for volunteers to know that while their visit is more of a relaxing experience than paid work, some of the long-term people staying at the house have to work either from 7:30am or until 8:30pm with only one day off, so their down-time is important.
Facilities:
- Washing machine
- WiFi connection
- Kitchen
- Shared dorm room
- Shared bathrooms
- Pool
- Relaxed common areas
- Drinking water
Benefits:
- Free use of staff surfboards and the option to join group surf lessons (depending on availability)!
- 30% discount in our Boutique. If you wish to purchase any item, please notify the Boutique department to take the amount from the payroll or authorize the purchase at the Front Desk
- Discounted menu at a local restaurant, plus staff meals for 70 MXN. The staff menu is sent weekly via WhatsApp. To request food, you must order it a day before 6:00 PM. You must bring a plate from the shared kitchen to the restaurant for them to provide your food. If you order food and do not pick it up, you will have to cover the cost of the food.
Volunteer Communication:
For volunteer work it is necessary to have WhatsApp downloaded on your phone. Most of the communication is via WhatsApp. WildMexVolunteers Special announcements, updates, or anything concerning the accommodation will be here.
If you have any questions regarding your role or any issues, please contact the HR manager. See details in Appeals & Communication section.
WildMex Rules:
Welcome to your home away from home. For the convenience of everybody a series of rules have been put in place. Please follow these rules carefully and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
You will share your room with one other volunteer or staff member (2 or 3 people per room).
WildMex premise has a strict no drinking, drugs or smoking policy. Failure to abide by these rules may result in expulsion from the program.
From 9 PM until 7 AM it is quiet time. Please be respectful of fellow WildMex staff that may need to start work early.
The use of guest restrooms is reserved only for WildMex clients, for no reason should they be used by volunteers. WildMex staff and volunteers should only use staff restrooms.
Use of the pool for volunteers is permitted between the hours of 6pm and 9pm. Ensure to always rinse off dirt, sweat and sunscreen in the showers beforehand.
Please be aware that there are always multiple animals (domestic and non-domestic) in the complex, this is not the place to be if you have cat/dog allergies or if you are scared of wildlife (spiders, snakes, frogs, etc.)
The use of uniform is indispensable during your volunteering shift. Footwear must also be used during your shift. If you wish to wear a cap and/or sweater, please ask the Human Resources department to provide you with one from WildMex. You will be provided with a uniform at the beginning of your first shift. It is absolutely forbidden to wear caps or sweatshirts that are not from the company or being barefoot during your shift at work.
Volunteers are rostered to work 4 hours a day, 5 days per week. The weekly roster is communicated on the WhatsApp group chat on Sundays.
Please take note our sewer system is not designed for toilet paper. Please DO NOT put toilet paper in the toilets!
Cleaning Roster:
Each week, a cleaning roster is posted on the whiteboards in the kitchen, and daily reminders are sent via the WhatsApp group chat. All cleaning equipment is provided, and you’ll be shown how to complete each task as needed. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
In addition to your rostered chores, you are expected to:
- Make your bed every day
- Wash and put away any dishes you use, immediately
- Keep shared areas tidy and clean
- Be respectful and considerate of other volunteers and staff
Since you’re sharing living spaces with others, it’s important that all tasks are done to a clean and acceptable standard to maintain a comfortable environment for everyone.
Bedding:
You will receive a box with bedding upon arrival. It is important that you return these items clean, washed, dry and folded for the next person arriving at the house in the box they were given to you in.
The bedding includes:
- 1 pillow
- 1 top sheet
- 1 bottom sheet
- 1 mattress cover
If you require additional bedding, make sure to bring your own.
Laundry:
There are separate washing machines and dryers for employees and volunteers. The black washing machine and dryer are for employee use ONLY. The white washing machine and dryer are for volunteer use. Ensure to remove laundry from washing machine and dryer directly after use
Please note that wetsuits are not to be put into the washing machine or dryer!
Board Use:
As a volunteer you will have access to the staff surfboards for free.
You must return the board before the closing time of the store; you may not keep the board overnight. It is strictly forbidden to lend surfboards to people outside the WildMex team.
Use of surf accessories is NOT permitted. The use of wetsuit tops, booties, rash tops, client towels and board carriers are exclusive for guests. If you wish to use a wetsuit, booties and/or a board carrier, you can rent them at an additional cost ($100 MXN wetsuit top/ $100 MXN grip per day/$50 MXN booties).
If you break any of these rules, your surfboard privileges will be revoked.
You are able to attend Open Group surf lessons while at WildMex. If you want to take surf lessons, you may do so in your free time. To take a lesson, request availability from Guest Services and/or Operations.
IMPORTANT: You are 100% responsible for covering the costs of any damage done to any surfboard during the time you use it. If you would like Surf Damage Insurance the cost is $3.00 USD or $60.00 MXN per day, and you will have to pay it BEFORE you go out.
Shop Hours:
WildMex opens at 7:30am and closes at 8:00pm. Once the doors are locked volunteers and employees have a separate entrance. You will be shown by one of the employees upon arrival.
Departure:
Upon departure make sure you remove all your personal items from your room, fridge, bathroom, and food box. Sweep your room and wipedown surfaces. Do not leave rubbish. If you have any items for donation, leave them in the lost and found box. If you have food you would like to leave behind, leave it in the communal box.
Please ensure your work uniform and bedding are clean, folded and neatly set on the arrival box before returning it to the office.
Transportation from WildMex La Lancha
As WildMex is in a remote location, transportation to neighboring towns can be inconvenient. However, there is public transport available during the day. You can take the ATM buses directly on the highway in front of our store in La Lancha. They run every 15min from 6am to 10pm daily. The closest towns to buy groceries are Sayulita, Punta de Mita and Bucerias. You can also have your groceries delivered by ordering your groceries online with Walmart, Chedraui or Rappi.
Accident Protocol
You are required to have your own medical insurance.
In case of minor accidents, you will find first aid kits in the office and at the front desk. If you require to see a doctor, it is recommended that you go to the hospital, as that is the easiest way to be seen. However, there are consultants in some pharmacies and most pharmacies stock basic over the counter medication.
In case of emergency the closest hospital is in Punta de Mita. Someone from the office will be available to take you to the hospital or, if severe, an ambulance can be called to take you to hospital.
WildMex volunteers receive a discount at Punta de Mita Hospital. To organize this, speak to the office staff and they will be able to help you.
You are 100% responsible for any medical expense incurred. That is way it is imperative that you have your own insurance.
Punta Mita Hospital
Address: Punta Mita Hospital, Acceso a numero 1, 63734 Corral del Risco, Nay.
Phone number: +52 329 688 0059
Website: https://puntamitahospital.com
Alternatively, the next two closest hospitals are in Bucerias and San Pancho, if Punta de Mita hospital doesn’t have the facilities required.
Bucerias CMQ Hospital
Address: Hospital CMQ Riviera Nayarit, Av. Héroes de Nacozari 280 Bucerías, 63732 Riviera Nayarit, Nay.
Phone Number: +52 329 298 0717
Website: spitalcmq.com/
San Pancho
Address: San Francisco General Hospital, Africa y China S/N, Africa 10, 63729 San Francisco, Nay.
Phone Number: +52 311 258 4077
Website: http://www.nayarit.gob.mx/
Disciplinary Procedures & Code of Conduct
WildMex is committed to providing a positive, respectful, and collaborative environment for both employees and volunteers. The following outlines the disciplinary procedures and a clear code of conduct expected from everyone living or working on-site.
Disciplinary Procedure Overview
| Type of Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Misconduct | Written Warning |
| Serious Misconduct | Immediate Expulsion from Program |
Repeated misconduct may escalate to expulsion. All violations will be reviewed by HR.
Misconduct
Violations considered as misconduct may result in verbal and written warnings. If repeated, they may lead to termination of your stay at WildMex.
Examples of misconduct include:
- Failure to respect quiet hours (after 9:00 PM until 7:00 AM)
- Failure to complete assigned cleaning tasks or follow cleaning roster
- Failure to wear proper uniform (including WildMex-issued caps and sweaters)
- Being barefoot during volunteer shifts
- Improper use of washing machines (e.g., using employee machines or washing wetsuits)
- Late return of surfboards or violating surfboard borrowing rules
- Using guest restrooms instead of staff-designated restrooms
- Unauthorized access to staff-only equipment (e.g., wetsuits, booties, rash tops)
Serious Misconduct
Violations considered serious misconduct may lead to immediate expulsion from the program and premises without prior warning.
Examples of serious misconduct include:
- Lending or renting WildMex surfboards to non-staff/volunteers
- Use or possession of illegal drugs on WildMex premises
- Consumption of alcohol or smoking on WildMex premises
- Hosting or attending unauthorized parties
- Violence, threats, harassment or discrimination of any kind
- Theft or intentional damage to WildMex property
- Bringing unauthorized persons onto premises
- Tampering with or refusing to comply with safety procedures
- Refusal to comply with HR or supervisor instructions in matters of conduct or safety
- Intentional misuse or damage to surfboards or facilities
Disciplinary Process
For misconduct:
- First Violation – Verbal and written warning issued by Supervisor, HR or Company Director.
- Second Violation – Evaluation for possible removal from the program.
For serious misconduct:
Immediate dismissal from the program and removal from the premises. The HR team will inform the individual and assist with departure arrangements if necessary.
Appeals & Communication
If you feel a disciplinary action was issued unfairly:
- HR Manager at +52 322 101 6340
- You may request a meeting to explain your side. HR decisions following this review are final.
WildMex is both a workplace and a shared home. Respecting your surroundings, colleagues, and the culture we’re building is essential to ensuring that all staff and volunteers enjoy a positive experience.
We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to maintaining WildMex as a safe, respectful, and inspiring place to work and stay.
Contacts
If you have personal concerns, you can contact HR Manager or the Guest Services Coordinator directly at the following numbers:
- Karen (Guest Services Coordinator): +52 322 100 7070
- (HR Manager) +52 322 101 6340
Confirmation of Agreement
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby enter into this Volunteer Agreement as of the dates written below, acknowledging that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by its terms and conditions. This Agreement is made between the volunteer named below and WildMex.
Volunteer Agreement
I agree to volunteer 20 hours per week in exchange for accommodation provided by WildMex.