Get involved in Costa Rica to protect sea turtles. A fabulous experience in a country that is a pioneer in environmental protection in Central America.
Protecting sea turtles in Costa Rica
Sea turtles have become a symbol for the protection of our oceans. Watching these marine animals lay their eggs on beaches is an unforgettable experience. Contributing to their protection in the field is a fabulous opportunity. As an eco-volunteer in this conservation project, you'll be helping to protect sea turtles on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
A 500-hectare marine and land reserve
The sea turtle protection project in Costa Rica was created over 30 years ago. Its aim is to protect the marine ecosystem and breeding grounds of sea turtles. The project site covers an area of over 500 hectares, comprising a marine and terrestrial reserve. You'll be surrounded by a magnificent landscape of small bays, beautiful beaches, mangrove forests and countless small islands.
Olive Ridley, Leatherback and Green turtles
The volunteer mission takes place at the arribadas site. Arribadas are the massive, synchronized nesting of the olive ridley turtle. It's a fascinating natural phenomenon that only happens a few times a year. In fact, during the high season, from around August to January, an average of 200,000 turtles come to the beaches, making this region the second largest sea turtle breeding site in the world. In addition to the olive ridley turtle, two other species of turtle nest here: the leatherback and the green turtle.
The role of the eco-volunteer with sea turtles
To help protect sea turtles, volunteers carry out night patrols along Pacific beaches. Their role is to spot sea turtles, observe their behavior and ensure that their nests are protected. These night patrols are always carried out in teams with other volunteers and/or local staff. Sea turtles only come to the beaches after dark, between 6pm and 6am. Although sea turtles come to the beaches of this reserve all year round, the peak season is between August and January.
Protecting turtle eggs
To protect sea turtle eggs from natural and human predators (turtle eggs are marketed as delicacies), and to ensure the growth of the turtle population in the Pacific, volunteers collect certain eggs. These eggs are kept in incubators until the baby turtles hatch after 45 to 60 days. After successful reproduction, the baby turtles are released back into the wild.
In addition to night patrols, volunteers take part in beach clean-ups during the day, collecting garbage to keep sea turtle breeding sites clean.
About volunteering
- Natural cycles are unpredictable. Consequently, the organization can give no guarantee as to the number of sea turtles observed for a given participation period.
- The tasks entrusted to ecovolunteers can vary. They depend on various factors such as the number of volunteers, the weather, the season, the current needs of the project, as well as motivation... Not all volunteers can be fully involved in all these tasks.
Dates
- Minimum 2 weeks, all year round
- Sea turtles come to the beaches of this reserve all year round, but the peak season for sea turtles is between August and January.
Rates
- Application fee: €150
- Program cost: €825 (for a minimum 2-week stay)
- Additional week: €280
Included in price
- Shared room in the volunteer house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Reception at San José airport with 2 nights' accommodation in San José
- Transfer from accommodation in San José to bus terminal for journey to project site (*bus ticket not included)
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteer internship in Costa Rica
- English-speaking support in the country
- Manuel Costa Rica
- Intercultural guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Not included in price
- Airline tickets and travel insurance
Hosting
Volunteers live in shared rooms in the volunteer house, in a magnificent natural setting surrounded by beautiful beaches. Each room is equipped with bunk beds. There are showers and toilets with running water. The volunteer house also has a spacious terrace, electricity, drinking water, WIFI and a good signal for cell phones.
The program includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local cooks prepare mainly local dishes, and there are also vegetarian and vegan options.
Location
This turtle conservation volunteer program is located on the magnificent Nicoya Peninsula, in the province of Guanacaste, in northwest Costa Rica. San José, the country's capital, is about 5 hours' drive away. This region is one of the most beautiful in the country, with lush vegetation and dream beaches. The sea turtle project is located near Nosara, a chic seaside resort. Nosara is a small, sunny town with sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets. It has a good infrastructure with supermarkets, restaurants, stores and leisure activities.
Partner agency
Le partenaire is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German living in Chile. Marion specializes in organizing solidarity and participative trips, ecovolunteer programs, language stays and educational programs throughout Latin America. The agency offers missions in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador... Whether you're a student, professional or retired, its trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America differently than just as a tourist. All stays with South America Inside