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Get involved in sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. A fabulous experience in a country that is a pioneer in environmental protection in Central America. All the programs in Costa Rica are here
Protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica
Sea turtles have become a symbol of ocean conservation. Watching these marine animals lay their eggs on the beaches is an unforgettable experience. Contributing to their protection in the field is a fantastic opportunity. As an eco-volunteer on this conservation project, you will help protect sea turtles on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
A 500-hectare marine and terrestrial reserve
The sea turtle conservation project in Costa Rica was established over 30 years ago. Its aim is to protect the marine ecosystem and the sea turtles’ nesting areas. The project site covers an area of over 500 hectares comprising a marine and terrestrial reserve. You will be working in a stunning landscape featuring small bays, beautiful beaches, mangrove forests and countless tiny islands.
Olive ridley, leatherback and green turtles
The volunteer placement takes place at the arribada sites. The term ‘arribada’ refers to the mass, synchronised nesting of olive ridley turtles. It is a fascinating natural phenomenon that occurs only a few times a year. In fact, during the peak season, from around August to January, an average of 200,000 turtles come ashore on 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 turtle and the green turtle.
The role of the marine turtle eco-volunteer
To support the protection of sea turtles, volunteers carry out night patrols along the Pacific beaches. Their role is to spot sea turtles, observe their behaviour 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 onto the beaches after dark, between 6 pm and 6 am. Although sea turtles visit the beaches in this reserve all year round, the peak season is between August and January.
Protection of turtle eggs
To protect sea turtle eggs from natural and human predators (turtle eggs are sold as a delicacy) and to ensure the growth of the turtle population in the Pacific, volunteers collect some of the eggs. These eggs are kept in incubators until the baby turtles hatch after 45 to 60 days. After successful hatching, the baby turtles are released.
In addition to night patrols, volunteers help clean the beaches during the day, collecting any rubbish found there to keep the sea turtle nesting sites clean.
What you need to know about volunteering
- Natural cycles are unpredictable. Consequently, the organisation cannot give you any guarantee as to the number of sea turtles that will be observed during a given period of participation.
- The tasks assigned to eco-volunteers can vary. They depend on various factors, such as the number of volunteers, the time of year, the season, the project’s current needs, and the volunteers’ motivation… Not all volunteers can be fully involved in all these tasks.
Dates
- Minimum 2 weeks, all year round
- Sea turtles visit the beaches in this reserve all year round, but the peak season for sea turtles is between August and January.
Prices
- Application fee: €150
- Programme cost: €920 (for a minimum stay of 2 weeks)
- Extra week: €285
Included in the price
- Shared room in the volunteers’ house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Meet and greet at San José Airport, followed by 2 nights’ accommodation in San José
- Transfer from your accommodation in San José to the bus station for the journey to the project site (*bus ticket not included)
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteering placement in Costa Rica
- English-speaking support within the country
- Costa Rica Handbook
- Intercultural Guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of attendance
Not included in the price
- Flight tickets and travel insurance
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in shared rooms at the volunteer house, set in a stunning location surrounded by nature and 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, Wi-Fi and good mobile phone reception.
The programme includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local chefs mainly prepare local dishes, and there are also vegetarian and vegan options.
Location
This sea turtle conservation volunteer programme is based on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, in the province of Guanacaste, in north-western Costa Rica. San José, the country’s capital, is about a five-hour drive away. This region is one of the most beautiful in the country, with lush vegetation and idyllic 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 good facilities, including supermarkets, restaurants, shops and leisure activities.
Tous les avis sur les missions South America Inside
The partner agency
The partner is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German national living in Chile. Marion specialises in organising solidarity-based and participatory trips, eco-volunteering placements, as well as language courses and educational programmes throughout Latin America. This agency offers placements in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador and more. Whether you are a student, a professional or a retiree, these trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America in a way that goes beyond simply being a tourist. All trips with South America Inside
