Save Turtles in Montezuma

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

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

Highlights

  • Experience the ultimate getaway, far from civilization, where you can reconnect with the wild and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
  • Wake up to the soothing sounds of the waves and let the ocean breeze refresh your soul every day.
  • Dive into the "pura vida" lifestyle and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and warm community of Costa Rica.

Highlights

  • Experience the ultimate getaway, far from civilization, where you can reconnect with the wild and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
  • Wake up to the soothing sounds of the waves and let the ocean breeze refresh your soul every day.
  • Dive into the "pura vida" lifestyle and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and warm community of Costa Rica.
  • Step off the beaten path and explore a tranquil haven where nature, adventure, and serenity come together for an unforgettable experience.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Help to collect and record data for research and conservation of marine turtles in an extraordinary nature surrounding and in a pittoresk village.

    About the Program

    On breathtaking beaches you and other volunteers protect the marine turtles that are in danger of extinction. 

    Volunteers play a crucial role in conservation efforts! 

    Illegal egg poaching and hunting for sea turtles, pollution and beach erosion are threatening the survival of the ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    On breathtaking beaches you and other volunteers protect the marine turtles that are in danger of extinction. 

    Volunteers play a crucial role in conservation efforts! 

    Illegal egg poaching and hunting for sea turtles, pollution and beach erosion are threatening the survival of the already critically endangered animals. This has caused an alarming decline in turtles being born on this beach.

    This program aims to sensitize local communities about the importance of protecting and preserving sea turtles by trying to create direct incomes from contracted work at the conservation program and the development of community-based ecotourism initiatives. In this way, it aims to achieve a reduction of the consumptive use of the sea turtles in the region through the preservation of this natural resource.

    Your food - breakfast, lunch, dinner - will be prepared in the camp and consists of the typical costarican cuisine: rice, beans, vegetables, meat and fruit.

    The Location

    Montezuma is a picturesque small village in the south of the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its bohemian atmosphere and the great scenic beauty of its beaches, rivers and waterfalls. For a long time a multi-ethnic mix of individualists and artists came to Montezuma in search of an alternative life and a special charm was formed.

    The turlte camp is just five minutes walking distance from town – what makes it quite special compared to other turtle camps that are usually in remote areas. As the camp is situated just beneath a school,  environmental education is also a part of the work.

    Our Volunteers

    Our Volunteers should have a love for nature and fun with outdoor-living. They should be prepared for sometimes physically demanding work and work at unusual hours as most of the turtle nesting occurs at night. The volunteers should bring a sleeping bag, repellent, mosquito net, flashlight, batteries, rain protection (May - November), sun protection and a hat or cap. 



    Typical day

    Your Tasks

    You will take part in various conservation activities as a member of a team of investigators in the program, between 4 and 6 hours a day. 

    Activities include:

    • Night patrols
    • Relocation of nests to the hatchery
    • Recording scientific data
    • Tagging of turtles 
    • Looking after the hatchery
    • Construction ...

    Typical day

    Your Tasks

    You will take part in various conservation activities as a member of a team of investigators in the program, between 4 and 6 hours a day. 

    Activities include:

    • Night patrols
    • Relocation of nests to the hatchery
    • Recording scientific data
    • Tagging of turtles 
    • Looking after the hatchery
    • Construction activities
    • Nest exhumations
    • Freeing of hatchlings
    • Taking part in environmental education
    • Ecotourism activities


    Free-time activities

    Montezuma is a very relaxing place with a lot of culture and art and also a big variety of natural beauty: waterfalls, rivers, beaches, forests ...

    So, after your project you can plan to visit other places: see us in Sámara and enjoy the beaches in Guanacaste or travel to the caribbean coast and ...

    Free-time activities

    Montezuma is a very relaxing place with a lot of culture and art and also a big variety of natural beauty: waterfalls, rivers, beaches, forests ...

    So, after your project you can plan to visit other places: see us in Sámara and enjoy the beaches in Guanacaste or travel to the caribbean coast and chill in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo. There are fascinating volcanos like the Arenal, Irazú or Poás ... and lots of adventure tours like canopy, rafting and much more!


    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

    Copy of health insurance and valid in Costa Rica

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by first hand Costa Rica

    We provide accommodation and food. We organize the journey to the project and we also do hostel reservations in San José if needed (mostly it is needed!) - and, if you will combine projects, we will also organize the transportation between the projects. You will have to pay the cost for the pickup and the transport.

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    You will be picked up at the airport by our driver with a sign with your name and you will directly get in contact with your german, english, spanish speaking coordinator via phone. The driver will drive you to the reserved hostel (if necessary). The cost will be around 70 US$ plus the hostel night (between 13-15 US$ (dorm) and 40 US$ (single/double room).
    This project is in a very remote area and there are two options to get to the project - via bus or via airplane. We will get in contact to plan the best option for you.

    Accommodation

    All volunteers will stay in a guesthouse that is specially for volunteers. Three meals per day are included.

    Food & Beverages

    Your food - breakfast, lunch, dinner - will be prepared in the camp and consists of the typical costarican cuisine: rice, beans, vegetables, meat and fruit.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    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

    This program is available from July until January. It starts every Monday. Please arrive at least one day before the programs starts.

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 988€
    3 weeks 1,227€
    4 weeks 1,466€
    8 weeks 2,424€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 3,382€
    Average fees 387€/week

    Program fees

    387€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 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 first hand Costa Rica during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    first hand Costa Rica

    Fantastic 4.5 rating (100 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2006

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Sofia

    Spoken languages: French, Spanish, German, English

    About the project

    We offer you to immerse in the daily life of costarican families and work routines of teaching and conservation projects. These new found knowledges teach you a lot.

    Meet your organization

    In 1994 we at first hand moved to Costa Rica and everything started when my son went to a little elementary school near Sámara: 11 children, 6 degrees, one classroom and one teacher. We started bringing volunteers to this little school and 'poco a poco' other schools addressed us with interest of having volunteers and families offered themselves for having volunteers in their house.

    Since then a lot has changed and developed at first hand – we started many new teaching programs and conservation projects all over the country – but one thing is still the same: we have a very personal and very close contact to all of our schools, guestfamilies and projects. We live in Costa Rica and we will be there when you need us!

    First hand offers volunteer opportunities in schools, kindergarten, music schools, turtle camps, animal reserves, macaw stations, farms and in the rainforest.

    We, the agency for volunteer work first hand, are in direct contact with schools and environmental conservation projects planning, organizing and joining our volunteers during this unforgettable and worthy experience!

    We have 20 years experience of living in Costa Rica and feel commited to the people, comunitary help and sustainable ecological development. Through the 'Asociación Intercambio Cultural ALEGRIA - AICA', a non-profit organization, we have been promoting intercultural exchange in all areas of artistic expression and organizing festivals and benefit events. 

    First hand offers projects almost everywhere in Costa Rica. San Jose, Islita, Buena Vista, Manzanillo, Drake Bay, Mata Palo...just to name a few!

    Our Vision

    first hand wants to contribute to a sustainable development and mutual respect by intercultural exchange and learning from each other.

    Why volunteering with first hand?

    Your contribution makes the difference in educating children, preserving marine turtles or other animals and protecting the rainforests of Costa Rica. You live and work with locals and you get to learn the real life of Costaricans. Every day you deal directly with opinions, lifestyles and routines of a different culture. These new found knowledges teach you more about yourself! You learn or improve your spanish skills. Language is the key to understanding the values of a different culture. Work experiences in foreign countries are indispensable in times of globalization. A volunteer based commitment will open many doors for you.

    About Costa Rica

    Costa Rica is a little tropical paradise between two oceans. Hardly any other country has such an abundance of plants and animals on such a small terrain. 25% of it's area is protected by national parks. Active volcanos, hot springs, rain and cloud forests, mountain rivers, spectacular waterfalls, subterranean caves, coral reefs, mangroves, amazing caribbean and pacific beaches and a fascinating animal world invite you to discover and enjoy.

    Costa Rica has the oldest democracy in Latin America, a working social system, responsable environmental laws and is the only country in the world that has no army. The relaxed 'pura vida' lifestyle of the 'ticos' and their hospitality towards visitors make it one of the safest top destinations in Latin America.

    100 reviews · rating4.5

    Laurence Bouchayer rating4.4

    2024 at Save Turtles in Montezuma

    I had a great time in ASVO. Such an experience. You should communicate more about the conditions there, night shifts and very basics conditions of staying in the house. ..
    Valentin rating4.8

    2016 at Save Turtles in Montezuma

    Since the turtle organization also operates a non-profit hostel, there is enough to do during the day, even if you have no beach layers, and you will never get bored. This can be partly because of the heat then also strenuous, but in any case, care is taken that you have enough breaks and drinks and ...
    Beate Flatjord rating4.8

    2024 at Animal Rescue & Release Center

    Working with animals at the rescue center. Get to work close with the animals. Cleaning enclosures, feding and a lot of other differente tasks. Really fun to get to see the animals up close and work with them. Also a lot of nice and fun people. Fun activities and things to see on your free ...
    Lynn Moeller rating3.6

    2024 at Save Turtles and Sloths

    Die 2 Wochen waren wirklich sehr schön! Die Schildkröten sind so süß und es richtig spannend das alles so mitzuerleben! Was meine 2 Wochen aber vorallem so toll gemacht hat sind all die Menschen die man dort trifft! Der staff war sehr nett und es sind super viele Volunteers aus der ganzen Welt ...
    Bianca Reis rating4.6

    2023 at Animal Rescue & Release Center

    I had a great time at the Animal Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo. I worked five days per week and had two days off. Every day there are three different tasks you can do, such as cleaning the enclosure, feeding the animals etc. You will work with many animals like sloths, baby monkeys, birds, macaws. ..
    Mélina Valloir Cherki rating4.4

    2023 at Support Children in Schools in Beach Villages

    This has been the best trip of my life. This experience was incredible on all levels. First of all the family that hosted me were very kind, very welcoming and very present when I needed help. Secondly, in regards to the school that I helped out in, everyone there was extremely nice to me and made ...

    Location


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    French, Spanish, German, English

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