Programme details
The Volunteer Programme
The aim of the project is to help protect and preserve some natural nesting sites that do not hold an official category of protection from the Costa Rican Government. Four different species of sea turtles frequent the Pacific coast of Costa Rica - Lora (olive ridley), Negra (green turtle), Carey (hawksbill) and Baula (leatherback turtle).
These species are in danger of extinction as a result of various human activities such as infrastructure development, light pollution, transportation of vehicles and the capture of adult turtles. This means it is increasingly important to help conserve nesting sites which is crucial to the continued existence of the turtles; by volunteering on this amazing programme you will be able to play your part in securing the future of these fascinating creatures.
Volunteer Activities and Objectives
During your time as a volunteer on this programme you may undertake various activities such as those listed below. These activities may depend on the project you are located at:
- Helping to construct a turtle hatchery
- Describing the nesting dynamics of the female sea turtles that arrive to the beach enabling their protection for the next season
- Protecting and closely monitoring the recovered nests in the hatchery
- Patrolling the beach to look for sea turtles and nests at night, taking turns of two or four hours. During the high season, the patrols could last up to four or five hours
- Moving nests from the beach to the hatchery
- Marking turtles that are nesting, trying to build a nest or returning to the ocean
- Searching for marked turtles and collecting data
- Collecting the eggs you find on the beach, and taking them to the hatchery (“vivero”) for protection
- Gathering information on the whole process by monitoring the hatchery and keeping track of every event
- Releasing “neonatos” (baby sea turtles) from the hatchery, by taking them to the beach and letting them go near the ocean
- Helping with maintenance of the facilities of the project (the shelter), and ensuring the beach is kept clean (during the day)
- Planting trees in different areas of the beach and town
Please note that hatchery duty takes place in two-hour shifts and night patrols can last for around three hours, sometime more in high season. The work can take place during both the day and night.
You will be assigned to one of two locations. If you are travelling with a friend don’t forget to let us know so that we can ensure you will be based at the same location.
What’s Included in the Programme
- Accommodation
- All meals during the project (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Airport pick-up
- Support from in-country co-ordinators
- 24-hours emergency support number
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- All flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Visas
- Return airport transfer
- Local transport
- Items of a personal nature including spending money
Prices and Durations
Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation - 1 week $959
Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation - 2 weeks $1,279
Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation - 3 weeks $1,589
Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation - 4 weeks $1,909
