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Costa Rica is super privileged to have access to both the Caribbean sea and the Pacific ocean allow for a host of marine wildlife activity.
Sea turtles have been nesting on the shores of Costa Rica for centuries and are under threat due to poaching, climate change and predators.
Protecting the eggs and tracking the turtles provides information to create policy that will conserve these species and allow them and others to thrive in their coastal environments.
As a volunteer you'll see one of nature's most natural moments directly impact the Costa Rica sea turtle populations.
If you'd like to participate in this unique project please read on and complete the sign up form at the bottom of the page.
Quick facts:
Where exactly is it? Pacific beaches (Guanacaste/Nicoya), Costa Rica
What exactly will I be doing? Working at the beach to ensure that sea turtles are able to come ashore and lay their eggs undisturbed. Ensuring that hatchlings make it to sea without being eaten by predators. Participating in beach cleanups, reforestation efforts, infrastructure maintenance and local community education presentations/activities.
Overview:
Very few beaches receive turtle nestings in the world. Some Costa Rican beaches are even treated to “arribadas” wher thousands of turtles will come ashore to lay their eggs at night. Turtle nesting happens year round but is most active during the rainy season months of August to December. During that time literally millions of eggs are laid all along the pacific coast. Sadly, only a small amount of those eggs will actually hatch and make it to sea for various reasons. The main efforts on these beaches are to relocate the eggs to hatcheries for safe monitoring or ensuring the nests have been built for the upmost chance of the eggs surviving, as predators, poachers, currents etc. can all impact the survival of the eggs.
Highlights:
Night beach patrols to ensure turtles are not disturbed as they come ashore to lay their eggs
Living on the coast
Days off to explore other nearby beaches
Learning just as much Spanish and culture from the locals as they learn from you in helping them protect the turtles.
Opportunities to make many new local and international friends
Details:
The primary activity at this site are night patrols to ensure turtles can lay their eggs undisturbed. During the day volunteers do a variety of activities such as beach cleanups, hatchery supervision / maintenance, reforesting or local educational outreach as well.
Starting Dates:
Start dates are on Mondays year round. Volunteers should plan on arriving to Costa Rica on a Sunday. Volunteers arrive to the San José airport (SJO) where they will be picked up and orientated in San Ramon, Alajuela the first night. The next day they will be taken by a private transfer to the project site. The trip is 4-5 hours and the volunteers will get to see the various landscapes and climates of Costa Rica as they journey out to the site.
Accommodations:
Volunteers will stay in a shared dorm/house at or near the project where they will receive three meals a day. The home is in a small beach side community a 15-20min walk from the beach for hatchery and beach patrols.
Requirements:
Ages 14 and up (ages 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult). Volunteers must come with the right attitude and enthusiasm for their work. They need to be open and outgoing in order to get the most out of their experience. Volunteers do a lot of walking and work in hot, humid, sandy conditions, often at night.
Spanish is not required however the more you know before the better. There is the option to take classes before starting the project.
When can I apply?
Placements are available throughout the year, however there may be a limited number available depending on the time of year. It is advised to apply at least a couple months in advance to ensure availability.
Tasks as a volunteer:
Night beach patrols to make sure turtles are not disturbed as they lay their eggs
Monitor egg hatchery and make sure hatchlings make it to the sea unobstructed
Participate in beach clean ups and help maintain project infrastructure
Services included:
Volunteer placement: Follow-up, assistance throughout the placement
Pre departure manual
Project/site orientation
Accommodation/Meals
Airport pick up and drop off. Transfer to/from projec site.
Assistance 24/7 from local staff
Excluded:
Flights, visas, passports, and travel medical insurance are not included. However we are able to help in arranging flight and insurance.
Optional Activities:
Spanish lessons before your placement
Weekend excursions to volcanoes, national parks, or other beaches
Note: Volunteers may go to a variety of beaches depending on the time of year and where turtles are most active. Not all sites have the exact same schedules, and are adapted to the needs of the local community and sea turtle population.
Sea turtle sites our volunteers support
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