Programme details
The aim of this project is to help protect and preserve some of the few natural nesting sites of the turtles 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 more important than ever to help conserve the nesting sites that are crucial to the continued existence of these beautiful creatures.
Volunteer Activities and Objectives
During your time as a volunteer you may undertake activities such as those listed. These activities may vary depending on which beach you are located at:
- Helping to construct a hatchery
- Describing the nesting dynamics of the female sea turtles that arrive to the beach enabling their protection for the next season
- Protecting and monitoring the recovered nests in the hatchery
- Patrolling the beach to look for sea turtles and their nests either during the day or night, taking turns of two or four hours. During the high season, the patrols could last longer, up to four or five hours.
- Moving nests to the hatchery
- Marking turtles that are nesting, trying to build a nest or returning to the ocean
- Searching for marked turtles and gathering data
- Collecting the eggs you find on the beach, and taking them to the hatchery ('vivero') for their protection
- Collecting information on the whole process by monitoring the hatchery and keeping track of every event
- Release neonatos (baby sea turtles) from the hatchery, taking them to the beach and releasing them near to the ocean
- Helping with the maintenance of the facilities of the project (the shelter), and being in charge of keeping the beach clean (during the day)
- Planting trees in different areas of the beach and town
- 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.
Please note that hatchery duty takes place in two-hour shifts and night patrols can last for around three hours and sometimes more.
Surf Lessons
At both of the locations you will have the chance to either learn to surf or simply practice the skills that you already have. Each week you will have two hours of surf lessons along with two hours of practice time, for those who are already able to surf you will be able to use the lesson time to practice.
Please Note: There is a time limit for surfing each day, which coincides with the work of your project and the tides. You will need to be flexible according to the daily demands of the programme.
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
- Surf lessons as per programme information
- 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 Turtle and Surf - 1 week $1,119
Costa Rica Turtle and Surf - 2 weeks $1,349
