from 526€

Fantastic 4.5rating (18)

In water Sea Turtle Studies

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Join researchers to collect data on endangered species
  • Immerse yourself in a rural Costa Rican village
  • Make an impact on climate change by reforesting mangroves
  • Participate in hands on conservation efforts
  • Enjoy nature on your doorstep

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Monitor the feeding habits of turtles in the Peninsular de Osa, by laying nets, catching and taking data from turtles. This is combined with mangrove reforestation

  • About the Program

At our Osa in-water program you have the unique opportunity to get hands on experience with scientific research. 

In Playa Blanca, our work focuses on Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Eastern Pacific Green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Sea turtles spend only 1% of their lives on ...

About the program

  • About the Program

At our Osa in-water program you have the unique opportunity to get hands on experience with scientific research. 

In Playa Blanca, our work focuses on Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Eastern Pacific Green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Sea turtles spend only 1% of their lives on the nesting beaches and due to this behavioral pattern, mainly only adult females are studied. Very little information is available about juvenile populations and sex ratios of adult populations. Therefore, more in water work is needed to increase knowledge about habitats used by sea turtles in different life stages in order to assess the types of threats they are exposed to.

We carry out in-water studies and operate a basic rescue and rehabilitation center, which has opened its doors at the end of 2011. Since then we have received more than 100 sea turtles, which we could rehabilitate and afterwards release back into the wild. Most of the turtles suffered different traumas or epibionts. Although Olive Ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea) don’t forage in the Golfo Dulce, this is still a transit area for them. This is why we also treat this species when it is needed. Our rehab procedures and installations follow international best practices and provide us with 4 tanks for sea turtles. 

The in-water studies consist of monitoring the feeding habitat used by sea turtles in different life stages to collect data about population structure, genetic origin, health status and in-water habitat use. This will help us to assess the types of threats that sea turtles are exposed to in this area. We capture individuals, tag them, take biometric data, tissue and sometimes blood samples and release them back to the ocean.

Since mangroves play an essential ecological role for coastal ecosystems and therefore for sea turtles, we have implemented a mangrove reforestation program in Playa Blanca  in our conservation activities. In the long term this will improve the health status of mangroves and water quality in the area.

Another important but vulnerable ecosystem are the off shore sea grass beds, on which sea turtles and other marine animals feed, and which provide a living habitat for a wide range of organisms and small marine species. In 2013, LAST started to conduct sea grass bed studies near Playa Blanca to gain knowledge about the health status and biomass production. We found two species of sea grass which are essential in their contribution to a healthy ocean – the main condition for maintaining its biodiversity.

The Location

The Osa In-water program is located in Playa Blanca on the Dulce Gulf of the Peninsula Osa, South Pacific of Costa Rica. The region is one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots of the world including the Dulce Gulf, which is one of the 4 tropical fiords worldwide. Surrounded by different kinds of beaches, mangroves & estuaries it creates unique habitats for permanent and migratory species. More than 40 different fish species, as well as dolphins, whales, whale sharks and sea turtles thrive in various ecosystems of the Gulf. The Osa Peninsula hosts a large variety of tropical ecosystems, providing habitats to numerous animals like scarlet macaws, monkeys, sloths, wild cats and other wildlife, and countless tropical plants. A truly lush nature that still needs to be explored and researched is awaiting volunteers, to turn conservation work into a really exceptional experience!

Playa Blanca and the surrounding communities are all small, rural villages with lots of tradition and rich culture. Our philosophy is to involve the local community in our program – making the volunteers’ experience much more authentic, cultural, and enjoyable. 

What to Bring

Documents:

  • Valid passport
  • A photocopy of the first page of the passport (with photo)
  • A copy of the health insurance!
Clothing:

* Pack for hot weather and dirty conditions. Don’t bring denim for work clothes, only for free time -it never dries in tropical humidity.

  • Quick dry shorts/ shirts for every day work
  • Light weight long sleeve shirt and pants
  • Socks and plenty of underwear
  • Swimsuits
  • Raincoat/poncho and/or umbrella
  • Sunglasses and hat 
  • Quick dry towels
Footwear: 
  • Close-toed beach shoes that can get wet, very important for the turtle and mangrove work (e.g. crocs or water shoes)
  • Hiking shoes or Tennis shoes/ sneakers
  • Flip flops/ sandals
Gear:
  • * Insect repellent and sunscreen are very expensive here; make sure to bring more than you think you will need.
  • Torch/headlamp
  • Extra batteries, or a solar charger with rechargeable batteries (recommended)
  • Waterproof watch
  • Sunblock (!) We recommend spf > 30.
  • Mosquito net and insect repellent (!)
  • Re-usable Water bottle/s
  • Day bag or backpack
  • Dry bag (highly recommended)
  • Snorkel and mask (flippers optional)
Personal items:
  • Toiletries (biodegradable products are best)
  • Personal first aid kit with personal medication
  • Camera, cell phone, notebook, books, games, snorkel gear (flippers not necessary), instruments, music player etc. Don’t forget, these items are your own responsibility. Humidity, salty air and sand may damage your electronic devices.
  • Money for transportation, phone calls, souvenirs, other activities 
    What you can expect from us
    • An educational scientific presentation about sea turtles and how to work with them
    • Practical training in data collection (how to take measurements, weighing, handling a turtle, etc.)
    • Access to staff and biologists for gaining insight on professional conservation work
    • The opportunity to speak Spanish with the locals and English with the volunteers
    • A unique opportunity to gain valuable field work experience in the conservation of endangered species
    Please note: The idea of working to help save the endangered sea turtles is a very romantic one. The reality is a very different experience. The project in Osa is a research project in a rural community. The surrounding communities are small and traditional, they may appear basic from what you are used to. Methods like taking tissue or blood samples might appear rough and painful for the turtle. If you do not like to see blood or want to handle a turtle with the needed strength, please do not apply for the project in Osa. When deciding if this is the type of work you would like to be involved in, please remember: 
    • There may be times when volunteers will be asked to work more than 30 hours/week, but also times when volunteers don’t have a lot to do and have to spend their time on their own. 
    • The work will continue during rain or otherwise enduring weather patterns. 
    • Playa Blanca is on the Peninsula de Osa with a tropical climate. This means it is hot with almost 100% humidity; it rains frequently and often heavily. Your cloths and other personal items may suffer under the consequences and will need more maintenance (cleaning and washing) than you are used to.
    • There are sand flies and mosquitoes in this area that are unpleasant. Some mosquitoes may carry Dengue fever – don’t forget your repellent and anti-itch cream!
    • The project is situated in a remote location. Accommodation and food are basic and adapted to the local habits. This also includes the fact that not many local people speak English.
    • It is necessary to respect local habits and to consider at all times, that you are in a small village where everybody knows everybody and everything – including you as a volunteer of LAST. 
    • Working hours in marine conservation project and schedules vary and can change according to the situation, available material, the weather, the tides or even the patient.
    • Working with the turtles is a brilliant and unforgettable experience, and we can use all the help. However, this experience is not for everyone.  



    Typical day

    Usual working days are 6 days per week from 07:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

    In-Water Monitoring:

    A monitoring trip takes 7 hours; you will leave early in the morning and return after lunch time. Volunteers help with the preparation of boat equipment, adequate maintenance of the turtle net and will follow the ...

    Typical day

    Usual working days are 6 days per week from 07:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

    In-Water Monitoring:

    A monitoring trip takes 7 hours; you will leave early in the morning and return after lunch time. Volunteers help with the preparation of boat equipment, adequate maintenance of the turtle net and will follow the instructions by the staff during the day. Once the net is set properly, volunteers will wait on the beach for any signs of capture. You will be needed for checking the net in the water.

    Additionally you will assist in taking important data and samples from the animals. After an in-water trip, there is still maintenance work to do on the net and equipment so the next trip can be prepared and carried out smoothly. Sometimes we are busy like working with 3 or 4 turtles in 7 hours, and sometimes we may not catch any at all. Sea turtles mainly inhabit shallow waters (<50m) with hard substrates or coastal sea grass beds, sometimes near coral reefs. Sampling Golfo Dulce yields insights into population demographics—immature turtles, males, non-breeding females—and behavior.

    Parameters Studies: identification of resident sea turtles, determine age and gender structure of resident population and habitat use and behavior.

    Methods: Surveys will be conducted twice a week (weather permitting). Once a sea turtle is caught we untangle them from the net and bring them into the boat for transport to the beach. After the arrival at the beach we begin our monitoring. We take the weight of the turtle, the biometrics (weight, size of the carapace, plastron, and tail), tag them with metal tags (or record existing tag numbers), take a tissue sample (if no pre-existing tags), and record any injuries or abnormalities. Each sea turtle, depending on the size, takes 10-30 minutes to complete the needed monitoring.

    Volunteers will be asked to support in:

    • Carrying material and field equipment to the boat and back to the storage
    • Keeping all material clean, tidy and well stocked
    • Preparing and organizing the nets
    • Untangling deployed nets
    • Watching deployed nets to detect a sea turtles which has gotten caught
    • Measuring and recording scientific data
    • Restraining and carrying of sea turtles 

    Field Rescue and Rehabilitation Center:

    If we receive or find a injury turtle to treat at our center, you will be involved in the daily care for sea turtles, which includes feeding, water change and cleaning tanks, as well as assisting our staff in taking and recording data. Our facilities are rustic, however, they follow international standards and our protocols are based on them too. 

    Our goal is to proceed to enhance the existing facilities and built a hospital area to improve veterinarian treatment for the sea turtles. This a great opportunity to future biologist, marine ecologists, veterinarians or environment enthusiasts because is direct involvement on sea turtle care. Patients are usually very stressed, so it is very important to keep the area quiet so that the patient/turtle is as comfortable as possible. Part of this is keeping the sea turtle’s water clean and the temperature at a reasonable level. 

    Volunteers are asked to help with:

    • Tank cleaning
    • Water changing
    • Restraining and carrying sea turtles
    • Monitoring patients progress
    • Helping with removal of parasites
    • Measuring and recording scientific data

    Mangrove Nursery and Reforestation:

    Activities involve seed collection in Gulf's mangrove, preparing mud boxes, germinating seeds, watering propagules, moving small trees to reforestation area, planting where mangroves decline. You'll join field trips for new areas and seeds. The work can get dirty but rewarding. Bring old clothes, sun cream, hat, and water bottle.

    Volunteer tasks:

    • Gather seeds & propagules
    • Mud collection for seeds
    • Nursery seeding in bags
    • Plant juveniles in habitat
    • Nurture nursery plants

    Sea grass studies:

    Work in pairs to count sea grass leaves in marked nearshore areas for biomass. Every three months, we clear monitored zones to estimate sea grass bed regeneration.Key for marine ecosystems and sea turtles, it's a food source for green turtles and processes carbon, releasing oxygen. Sea grass data is lacking in Golfo Dulce, making your role in collecting the first scientific information important. Join the process, experience tide-dependent work, and grasp coastal ecosystem dynamics. Sea grass beds are critical for Golfo Dulce's sea turtle presence, providing food and vital ecosystem services. Among them are:

    • Biotic community support
    • Sediment stabilization
    • Shoreline erosion prevention
    • Suspended sediment and nutrient filtration
    • Linkage with coral reefs and mangroves
    • Nutrient cycle support
    • Habitat for faunal assemblages
    • Fish and crustacean recruitment areas
    • Vital food web resources
    • Carbon sink importance
    • Hypoxic sediment oxygenation
    • Water quality indicators
    Every three months, we complete a sea grass monitoring study that consists simply of counting blades/leaves of different species of sea grass, in an effort to monitor their status. 


    Free-time activities

    The project lies close to Corcovado National park - which volunteers can visit on days off
    The nearest town is Puerto Jimenez, with many shops, bars, restaurants and tours.
    In Playa Blanca, it is possible to rent kayaks, horseride, or even take a canopy ziplining tour or an ATV tour.
    Volunteers have ...

    Free-time activities

    The project lies close to Corcovado National park - which volunteers can visit on days off
    The nearest town is Puerto Jimenez, with many shops, bars, restaurants and tours.
    In Playa Blanca, it is possible to rent kayaks, horseride, or even take a canopy ziplining tour or an ATV tour.
    Volunteers have one free day per week to enjoy activities. Our staff at the project will be happy to help organize.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    Letter of motivation

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    -Enthuisasm -willingness to work -Basic Spanish is an advantage - good physical condition (preferably able to lift 50lbs), able to work hard and live in hot, humid and basic conditions - be open minded, flexible and enthusiastic about hands-on work -know how to swim -have a travel/medical insurance -not abuse illegal drugs, drink alcohol during working hours/or work under the influence of them -be 18 or older; > 18 years with parent of legal guardian

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:30 - 15:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Latin American Sea Turtles


    • Accommodation
    • 3 Costa Rican meals per day
    • Training
    • Materials used for conservation work
    • Manual
    • 24 hour staff support

    • We can provide airport pickup, but the costs are not included in the fees. 


    Accommodation

    Fees vary according to category of accommodation - volunteers can choose from basic homestays to air conditioned hotels. Prices shown are for single accommodation located within 5 minutes of the project site.

    All our host families offer comfortable accommodations, which include three delicious traditional meals per day. All families have been through a process with LAST committing to the sea turtle conservation with recycling, saving water and other conservation efforts. Not all host families speak English; however, this has never been an obstacle to have a unique and unforgettable experience.

    We have four different categories which all include different services and amenities, all which guarantee comfortable rooms or cabins.


    Black Sea Turtle Category: These cabins and rooms have private rooms for 1 or 2 people, and also several different size dorm rooms for groups, some with private and some with shared bathrooms. They are located less than 500m from the beach and are right at the main project site. WiFi available. Your meals will be flexible according to your dietary preferences, within the possibilities of your host. 

    Leatherback Category: These rooms have the maximum capacity of 4 people with a private bathroom. They are located beachfront in  Playa Blanca, where the project site is. The rooms have A/C and there is WiFi available. Your meals will be flexible according to your dietary preferences, within the possibilities of your host. 

    Hawksbill Category: These cabins have the maximum capacity for 4 people. All have a private bathroom. They also present additional amenities like your own TV with SKY-TV, WiFi and air conditioning. The accommodation is located in the town of La Palma (4km or a 20 minute bike ride) and not far from the project site in Playa Blanca. Your meals will be flexible according to your dietary preferences, within the possibilities of your host.


    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast will usually consist of "gallo pinto" - rice and beans, eggs, corn tortillas and coffee.

    Packed lunches will often be sandwiches, fruits, salads and fresh juice.

    Main meals will consist of rice and beans, plantains, salads, vegetables, pasta and some protein.
    There will occasionally be fresh fruit.
    Coffee is very common in Costa Rica, as is fresh fruit juices.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers can start at the project Mondays to Fridays only.

    Please not that all volunteers must meet with our staff in San Jose before travelling to the project,  so please plan your arrival accordingly.
    At this meeting your must bring a copy of your passport, a copy of your insurance ( travel or health) , and full payment.
    we cannot accept credit or debit cards
    We cannot accept payment at the project site.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 526€
    2 weeks 1,053€
    3 weeks 1,579€
    4 weeks 2,105€
    6 weeks 3,158€
    8 weeks 4,211€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 6,316€
    Average fees 526€/week

    Program fees

    526€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Latin American Sea Turtles during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Latin American Sea Turtles

    Fantastic 4.5 rating (18 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2013

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Nicki

    Spoken languages: English, Spanish

    About the project

    LAST (Latin American Sea Turtles) is dedicated to protecting and conserving endangered sea turtles on the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts of Costa Rica.

    Meet your organization

    Who we are?

    LAST (Latin American Sea Turtles) Association (formerly WIDECAST-Costa Rica) is a Costa Rican group with 11 members and a directive board of 5, working together to make a change in sea turtle conservation. We are member of WIDECAST, an international scientific network with country coordinators resident in more than 40 countries and territories of the Wider Caribbean Region. Our field teams are integrated by local assistants with unparalleled experience in sea turtle research and conservation, people with vast experience working with volunteers and environmental enthusiasts developing creative strategies to avoid the extinction of these species.

    With close to thirty years' experience working with Costa Rican sea turtles, Latin American Sea Turtles Association Staff are experts when it comes to sea turtle population management, community based conservation, coastal management and volunteer assisted research.

    Our Vision

    Our vision is to realize a future where all inhabitants of the Costa Rican coasts, human and sea turtle alike, can live together in balance; where healthy populations of sea turtles fulfill their ecological roles and economic potential; and critical natural habitats are sustainably managed.

    Our Work

    In our effort to create environments where humans and sea turtles can live together in balance, we have developed different programs. The first, a group of conservation and research programs both on the Caribbean and Southern Pacific coasts of Costa Rica. The Caribbean program is located in Cahuita, Moin and Pacuare beaches, where we focus on the nesting of leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles, while the South Pacific program is located in Osa Peninsular, where we work in the recovery of mangrove forests and sea grass beds as well as the studies of the rare Eastern Pacific hawksbill turtles.

    We have also generated a voluntourism program to create alternative livelihoods by training local partners on how to receive volunteers and tourism in community homestays. This increases strongly their local opportunities to have a better income and reduces the pressure over the turtles, their eggs and their critical habitats.

    Besides that, we initiated programs to monitor reefs, train the park rangers in monitoring turtle nesting and educate hundreds of local students on the importance of marine and coastal conservation. Finally we also advise the government on marine environments, participate in several local, national and international networks and publish articles to improve the knowledge about the ocean and its life.

    Why do we need your help?

    The global oceans are showing an important decline in health and abundance. Sea turtles as important creatures of these ecosystems do not escape from this critical status. The multiple anthropic threats and the permanent impact of several human activities over sea turtles keep them in a critical endangered condition.

    You and your help are crucial for the future of the oceans and sea turtles. Your time and hands make the difference to many baby turtles, to nesting turtle mothers and to incredible and productive tropical coastal ecosystems. Also your contribution supports the economy of the local communities we are working with. The results are better living conditions for local people and turtles alike.

    Finally, you will be better human being, with great memories and incredible experiences for future. In our win-win programs you will enjoy hands on participation, undertaking conservation like no other.

    What can you expect from us?

    Latin American Sea Turtles guarantees a full experience of hard work, a direct interaction with sea turtles and their critical habitats. You will be participating in the development of proven, effective and interesting conservation practices, that will lead to understanding the true conservation with the participation of key stakeholders in the community. Full of experiences that enrich their lives, rebusterecean knowledge and skills for the future. It will work in multi-ethnic, multicultural and multilingual human teams that lead to extreme challenges of experience to save the life of our oceans. There’s no doubt that you will make a difference by supporting the survival of these amazing creatures: Sea Turtles!

    Do I need to speak Spanish?

    No, but it helps to communicate with your host families and locals.

    When is the best time to volunteer?

    Minimum participation time is one week at Latin American Sea Turtles. The best time to volunteer depends on the program you choose. Working with turtles is at some programs only available certain months a year because they depend on the nesting seasons. 

    Why do I have to pay for my volunteering experience?

    Our prices reflect the needs we have as a non-profit organization dedicated to sea turtle conservation and the improvement of local livelihoods. The rate includes an introduction; training for the work; volunteers' manual with general information about us, the program, sea turtles and your expected duties; professional assistance; three meals, and lodging in shared facilities. The money you spend for volunteering will be used towards your host family or accommodation, salaries of our local Latin American Sea Turtles staff, operation costs of the project (including boat and motor) rescue and rehabilitation center, and equipment and materials used for all the sea turtle conservation, as well as activities in environmental education and outreach.

    18 reviews · rating4.5

    Joanne Gandarillas Lorenzi rating5

    2022 at In water Sea Turtle Studies

    I stayed for a week and it was an incredible experience, we worked for 6 days a week and everyday there was something different to do. From mangrove reforestation, cleaning up the nursery, going on a boat to do the turtle monitoring and in the meantime enjoying the sun, the sea and even watch other ...
    Wendy Warda rating5

    2022 at In water Sea Turtle Studies

    Eduardo’s leadership was excellent. He was able to maximize the learning process of each participant while keeping everyone safe and ensuring that the turtles and and other wildlife were cared for properly. He also maintained a strong relationship with the local community through responsible ...
    Denis Ashton rating5

    2021 at In water Sea Turtle Studies

    At age 78, I was a little apprehensive about my ability to participate physically in this experience and relate to those individuals responsible for the program. I shouldn't have worried as I was able to perform all tasks. The young research assistants, lead and volunteers were kind to me, more than ...
    Marie LIGER rating4.8

    2019 at In water Sea Turtle Studies

    First met Nicky in San Jose who presented me an overview of the project and gave me all the infos necessary to get to the project site. On site accomodation was in a comfortable 'cabina' but moreover was welcomed by a sweet Tica host. Concerning the project : it has multiple aims within sea ...
    Kathy Netherclift rating1.6

    2018 at In water Sea Turtle Studies

    Unfortunately I have enjoyed better volunteering projects, having a very small but dedicated team meant there was very little infrastructure or opportunities to see other sights of the local area, extremely difficult to get to Corcovada National Park which is why I had chosen this project, only a ...
    Kenzie rating5

    2015 at In water Sea Turtle Studies

    We worked six days a week although I am not sure that it could be considered work with how enjoyable it was. Two days a week, we hauled all of our gear, consisting of snacks, two coolers of nets, life jackets, anchors, and turtle supplies down to the beach where we would meet our boat captain bright ...

    Location


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