Live in a remote village community on the edge of the beach, helping to protect nesting and baby turtles. Really get to the heart of conservation whilst living in a beach paradise and enjoying the laid back “Tico” lifestyle.
Costa Rica is home to stretches of lush turtle nesting beaches all along its unspoilt coastline. In such a tropical paradise, it is hard to imagine the extinction of the turtles, however the sea turtle population here is rapidly plummeting. Due to natural predation from animals and severe human interference such as turtle egg poaching, industrial fishing and selling turtle shell products, all turtle species from the Pacific Coast are, to some degree, in danger of becoming extinct.
Working alongside a growing NGO, the local community and other volunteers, you will be protecting nesting turtles and their eggs, and ensuring that more adult and baby turtles can make it safely to the sea. The hard work of volunteers over the past few years has resulted in thousands more turtles making their way out to sea- with more of them surviving to promote future development. This is a vital project, set in one of our most stunning backdrops on the Pacific Ocean.
What will I be doing?
By night you patrol the beaches, watching for nesting turtles coming up out of the sea. This is an incredible sight – one which many volunteers will never forget. Research and measurements on the turtles are recorded, and the eggs transported to a hatchery, where they can hatch in safety. This all takes place under the Milky Way, seen in incredible clarity due to the lack of light pollution.
By day and by night you check the hatchery for hatching turtles and help with background research. The research is linked to a worldwide study, and helps with global campaigns to end industrial fishing close to land. It’s not all work though, with plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, taste the delicious Costa Rican cuisine and relax in the hammocks between the palm trees.
There are two project sites in which you can volunteer, each with its own charm and beauty:
- The paradise beach project: A buzzing little community of both Costa Ricans and American expats, this project site has a stunning white sand beach and plenty to keep you busy, with excellent surfing and other outdoor activites, and lots to explore. Find out more…
- The tropical beach project: Volunteers here are spoiled with a beach front property in a close-knit community of about 100 residents. The beach is stunning, lined with coconut trees and facing a small fishing port over the estuary. This is a beautiful base, with great access to the beach, strong community ties and a real opportunity to work with locals and improve your Spanish. Find out more…
Whilst it is remote, there are plenty of things to do in your free time – you are at the beach after all! Many volunteers simply enjoy chilling out in hammocks, walking the beach, swimming, helping in the local community and playing games at the beach with the local children. For those who wish to explore further however, there may be the opportunity to go surfing or horse riding, as well as enjoying walks around the locality. The beaches are unspoilt, making the perfect place for relaxation and exploration as well as protecting the turtles. The sea makes natural lagoons for swimming and for those wanting to improve their Spanish, you are encouraged to help out in the local schools. With the amazing wildlife on your doorstep, this project feels a long way from the hustle and bustle of life in busy San Jose.
Accommodation and Food
You will be living in simple Costa Rican houses or cabins, sharing with other volunteers. Bathrooms are en suite with refreshingly cool showers. The accommodation is on site, usually in the centre of the community and right on the beach, so you are always surrounded by plenty of things to do and people to meet.
Your meals will be prepared by the local community, who will offer a variety of traditional Costa Rican foods as well as more western influenced foods. Food is varied, fresh and delicious – and all diets can be catered for.
When should I book?
Whilst late-availability is possible, we would advise booking as soon as you can to guarantee your ideal dates. Our projects are very popular and spaces can fill up several months in advance, especially for the months of June to September.
