This is an ideal project if you want to play an important role in preserving an endangered species and gaining an insight into marine biology. Marine turtles are an endangered species, so you’ll receive specific training which will enable you to help with research and data collection. You could be working on a specialized marine turtle conservation project where you can get involved in clearing beaches in preparation for the nesting season, as well as regular beach patrols. This is a great opportunity to help safeguard the existence of these fascinating animals, whilst spending lots of time on the sun-kissed beaches of Costa Rica’s pristine Pacific coastline.

Sea Turtle Conservation At A Glance

Tour Size		Small Group
Starting City		San Jose
Ending City		San Jose
Duration of trip		7 Days/14 Days/21 Days/28 Days
Countries You will Visit		Costa Rica
Visa Requirements for Canadians		-none-
Average Group Size		1-10
Recommended Age		18+
Activity Level		Medium – High
Meals included where indicated		All meals included

* For durations longer than 1 week please call our office at 416.461.0231

Trip Highlights

The Project

We work with a number of projects based on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica where it is mainly the Ridley and Leatherback turtles that come inland to lay their eggs. All 3 projects we work with are in stunning locations – Matapalo, Ostional or Buena Vista.

In the past there has been considerable poaching of turtle eggs which were then sold or consumed, thus leading to the turtle species becoming endangered. Much work has been done by local communities with various projects being set up to help preserve this species and to help to limit the amount of poaching. As more communities have been made aware of the plight of the turtles there has been a steady increase in the numbers of the hatchlings making their journeys back into the sea safely. The history of turtle protection on the Pacific coast started about 15 years ago.

The turtle season on the Pacific coast runs from the end of June to the middle of February each year, with the peak nesting period being August through to December. The baby turtles hatch within 45 to 54 days depending on incubation temperatures, generally hatching during the night although some people laid on the beach during the day see a little turtle head popping up through the sand!

What you will be doing

You will be working on night patrols to watch for turtles coming up onto the beach to lay their eggs, data and measurement gathering, transfer of eggs from nets to hatcheries, beach cleaning, general building and maintenance work of the hatcheries and various activities as and when required by the project.

You will be working 5 to 6 days a week which will be a mix of day and night patrols, as it is 24/7 you will need to be flexible. In low season volunteers can participate in the construction of the hatchery (June and July) it’s hard manual labour but is imperative to the success of the project – without a hatchery no turtle nests can be saved.

Where you will be staying

Think pristine tropical paradise, think of stepping out of your every day life. Did Robinson Crusoe have air con, nice hot showers, an extensive menu of tasty nibbles and access to his mates on Facebook? No, he didn’t and neither, dear traveller, shall you! If you have a genuine interest in nature and conservation and are happy to spend time in the close company of like-minded individuals, giving the project of your best and with a bit of physical labour thrown in, you will love your stay in Costa Rica. You may not love the cold showers, the back-of-beyond-without-electricity and rice and beans, rice and beans and more rice and beans, but the turtles will thank you for it (metaphorically at least!) and you will be immersed in a genuine cultural experience.

Ostional – you will be staying at one of eight homestays which are all a 5 minute walk away from each other or at the project station in a dormitory room. There is no hot water and you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag with travel pillow and pillowcase. A mosquito net is required. Three meals day are provided for you.

Mata Palo – you will be staying in a rustic house at the project which is whilst small has clean and basic accommodation. Each room has bunk beds and there is electricity and cold water. No bedding is provided so you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag with travel pillow and pillowcase. A mosquito net is required. Three meals per day are provided for you.

Playa Buena Vista – you will be staying at a wooden shack on an upper platform either on a mattress or a ‘camping bed’. Tents are also available depending on the number of volunteers. Bush toilets with septic tanks are available and there is an outdoor cold water shower (although water supplies are limited!). This is real back to basics living and there is no electricity – so leave the hair straighteners at home! As bedding is not provided you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag with a travel pillow and pillowcase. A mosquito net is required. Three meals day are provided for you.

Itinerary

When you arrive

Please arrange your flight to arrive in San Jose (airport code SJO) on the specified arrival date for onward transfer to your allocated project. Most locations are quite isolated and although there will be local people close by, towns with internet access or international telephone are likely to be a bus journey away, visit-able on your days off.

Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica. After being picked up at the airport you will spend the night in a guest house in Alajuela, a small city close to the capital. Get settled into the tropical climate and exciting rhythm of this unique Latin American paradise.

Day 2: Orientation

Today you will have a detailed orientation on life in Costa Rica, do’s and dont’s and of course information about the sea turtle project.

Day 3: Transfer to your project

Volcano - Costa Rica

Today you will transfer to your project by public transport which will take between 5 and 6 hours depending on which of the 3 projects you are placed at. Here you will be welcomed to the wonderful world of sea turtle conservation and have a little bit of time to settle in to your accommodation and explore the local area.

Day 4 and onwards: Project work and enjoying Costa Rica

During your time at the project you will get involved in loads of activities such as night beach patrols, collecting turtle eggs, gathering measurements and data of turtles and new hatchlings, general maintenance of the hatcheries and other activities requested by the project.

At the end of your project (which of course depends on how long you have booked for!) you will need to make your way back to San Jose Airport (SJO) for your flight home – or if you are lucky you’ll be heading on for more travels and adventures in Central America. Don’t forget that our in country and the project team are there to advise you as and when needed.

For more information about this tour or to contact an agent to confirm this vacation please call 1.888.461.0231 or fill out the form below.