Volunteer with sea turtles in Costa Rica

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 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 an influential 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.

What will I be doing?

• Beach patrols and data collection
  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.
• Working in the hatchery
  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.
• Helping around your new home
  You will also be asked to do a few chores around the project house to keep it clean and tidy. Local children often pop by to practice their English and encourage you into some of their games – you are encouraged to join them!
• Conservation projects
  An important role for you as a sea turtle conservation volunteer is preserving the turtle’s nesting habitat and educating local people about the importance of this task. You will be helping with beach clean ups, teaching local children about sea turtle conservation and assisting with any ad hoc research and data collection tasks.

Where can I stay?

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…

What can I do in my free time?

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, getting involved at the local school 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. 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

• Simple beachside Costa Rican houses or cabins, sharing with other volunteers
• You will be sharing a mixed dorm with up to 5 other people
• Bathrooms are en suite with refreshingly cool showers
• Breakfast is a DIY affair – cereals, fruits, toast, spreads etc
• Lunch and dinner are prepared by the local community- a mixture of traditional Costa Rican foods as well as more western influenced foods.
• The project caters for all dietary requirements, however please remember that you are in a very rural area and the same products that you are used to back at home won’t be available here.

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 July to September.