Sea Turtle Conservation Assistance

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • volunteers can learn about sustainability and contribute to the well being of the local communities.
  • Volunteer with sea turtles alongside trained biologists and go on beach patrols, witness nesting turtles and hatching babies.
  • Contribute to coastal wetland research, management, and conservation and participate in active mangrove forest restoration.

Highlights

  • volunteers can learn about sustainability and contribute to the well being of the local communities.
  • Volunteer with sea turtles alongside trained biologists and go on beach patrols, witness nesting turtles and hatching babies.
  • Contribute to coastal wetland research, management, and conservation and participate in active mangrove forest restoration.
  • Enjoy one of the most stunning corners of Nicaragua working in a beachfront field station.
  • Gain Spanish fluency by sharing daily life with locals


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer to help us conserve one of the most endangered sea turtle populations on the planet.

    About the Program

    ICAPO is a sea turtle conservation nonprofit collaborating with a network of like-minded organizations in the Pacific coastal region of the Americas. Here, hawksbills are considered to be one of the most endangered sea turtle populations in the world.

    Located on the northwest pacific ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    ICAPO is a sea turtle conservation nonprofit collaborating with a network of like-minded organizations in the Pacific coastal region of the Americas. Here, hawksbills are considered to be one of the most endangered sea turtle populations in the world.

    Located on the northwest pacific coast of Nicaragua, the Brasiles island is one of the most ecologically important natural areas in Nicaragua. A large mangrove estuary surrounded by several small beach communities, it is a critically important hawksbill foraging area. Further, three other species are nesting in the island. Sea turtle monitoring and conservation is conducted both sides of the .

    This volunteer program is initiated with the aim to extend the unique opportunity of volunteers participating in the protection of endangered sea turtles. The projects objective is to examine the population dynamics of the population of sea turtles along the nesting beach of Los Brasiles island. This unique volunteer program is one of the best opportunities to participate in a small-scale based conservation project. We strongly believe that communities are fundamental to the long-term conservation of sea turtles. By working closely with local community members who depend economically on the conservation of turtles, we harness their knowledge and maximize conservation efforts. Our staff members have coordinated more than six international volunteering programs in various Latin American countries, counting for a total of more than 15 years’ worth of experience.

    Volunteer Tasks

    During the first days of your stay, you will receive a full training in biology of sea turtles and field methodology. We are looking for people who are self-motivated, conservation-minded, and who are able to get along well with others. A positive and hard-working attitude and a love for the outdoors are a must. Any health problem must be communicated before making the application.




    Typical day

    Usual working days are from Monday - Saturday for 8 hours daily including the following tasks.

    • Protecting sea turtle nests, representing the four species laying eggs on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.
    • Releasing sea turtle hatchlings.
    • Participating in mangrove reforestation activities.
    • Tagging and ...

    Typical day

    Usual working days are from Monday - Saturday for 8 hours daily including the following tasks.

    • Protecting sea turtle nests, representing the four species laying eggs on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.
    • Releasing sea turtle hatchlings.
    • Participating in mangrove reforestation activities.
    • Tagging and meassuring sea turtles during night patrols.
    • Doing sunrise surveys walking 7 kilometers of a virgin nesting beach.
    • Collaborating with more than 30 locals, egg harvesters and project partners.
    • Uncovering new information about sea turtle biology, life-history and conservation through scientific research. 
    • Participating in beach clean-up campaigns with schools and other volunteers.


    Free-time activities

    Our project station is located close to a very small fishermen community. It is an island only 20 km from Leon but quite hidden from the bustle. Mangroves, pristine channels with lots of species of birds, reptiles, molluscs and crustaceans. Have a walk and admire the lovely landscape formed by the ...

    Free-time activities

    Our project station is located close to a very small fishermen community. It is an island only 20 km from Leon but quite hidden from the bustle. Mangroves, pristine channels with lots of species of birds, reptiles, molluscs and crustaceans. Have a walk and admire the lovely landscape formed by the estuary and the surrounding nature is a must. Birding, hiking the tropical dry forest, horseback riding or practice artisanal fishery with local people are some spare time activities. Otherwise a good option is just relax and dream the day away in a hammock.


    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) or Spanish (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    - Physically in good condition - Travel & Medical insurance - Being able to work in remote areas under basic conditions - Available to volunteer for at least 1 week

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by ICAPO

    • Pre-departure orientation (information package) 
    • Welcome meeting and arrival orientation at the project office
    • Three full meals a day 
    • Housing (a safe and comfortable volunteer house) 
    • In-country orientation/Training (turtle biology and conservation) by experienced staff members 
    • In-country team & 24 hour emergency support 
    • Registration fee

    Accommodation

    • Private and shared rooms
    • Independent cabins in our project field station
    • It includes mosquito net and bed linen.
    • Fresh water is pumped and filtered for cooking. Drinkable water is coming from Leon.
    • No regular electricity. Just solar lights
    • Internet (excellent signal through local SIM cards)
    • Water & Dry composting toilets are available at the field station

    Food & Beverages

    • Three full meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included
    • Pure water/coffee/tea included 
    • Vegetarian options available

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Augusto C Sandino International Airport

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

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Augusto C Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua. We assist you to find cheap flights to Nicaragua. 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 Nicaragua provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Our sea turtle conservation project runs from beggining of July to end of February. 

    Volunteers may arrive on any given day.

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

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 279€
    2 weeks 489€
    3 weeks 698€
    4 weeks 908€
    5 weeks 1,117€
    6 weeks 1,327€
    8 weeks (max. stay) 1,746€
    Average fees 248€/week

    Program fees

    248€ per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 8 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 ICAPO during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    ICAPO

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (6 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2008

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    David

    About the project

    Community-based sea turtles conservation project bringing hawksbill sea turtles back from the brink of extinction.

    Meet your organization

    Welcome to the Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative/Iniciativa Carey del Pacífico Oriental, or ICAPO, a hawksbill turtle conservation nonprofit collaborating with a network of like-minded organizations in the Pacific coastal region of the Americas. Here, hawksbills are considered to be one of the most endangered sea turtle populations in the world.

    ICAPO runs hawksbill sea turtle conservation volunteering programs at two sites on the Pacific coast of Central America:
    • Estero Padre Ramos Natural Reserve, Nicaragua
    • Bahia Jiquilisco Biosphere Reserve, El Salvador

    ICAPO plans and implements research-based programs—singularly and as a partner or in alignment with other organizations carrying out hawksbill conservation in the region. Scientists estimate that the hawksbill population has declined more than 80 percent worldwide during the last century and currently fewer than 500 nesting females are estimated to nest along the eastern Pacific coastline. The ICAPO network is bringing hawksbill turtles back from the brink of extinction, creating hope for the future of the species.

    ICAPO programs and projects innovate novel methods for hawksbill protection and recovery, finding solutions to current and future threats. We are known for pioneering and modeling new ways to manage and increase the hawksbill population and research their biology and habitats. Our results are groundbreaking, shifting the once bleak conservation outlook for the species and providing true hope for recovery.

    Why We Are Different

    ICAPO is the only group dedicated exclusively to hawksbill conservation along the Pacific coast of the Americas, with an organic structure that thrives due to its innovative collaborative network. Each network member organization collaborates and works differently with ICAPO.

    • Stretching conservation dollars and reducing costs with a structure that optimizes a small staff and a network of more than 50 experts and organizations from every country in the eastern Pacific—from the U.S. to Peru—maximizing ecologically responsible and economically beneficial projects.
    • Incorporating community members into local project teams by gaining their confidence and trust and providing incentives that result in unprecedented local support and keep conservation efforts and benefits within the community.
    • Creating and implementing progressive research and conservation methods.
    How We Help

    Our team approach minimizes administrative overhead to maximize the delivery of funds to where they are needed most, conservation in the field. We are researchers, educators, local community groups and businesses, volunteers, government officials and donors. Together, we lead projects that nourish the communities where these endangered sea turtles nest, hatch and live. Through our diverse network, we also conduct innovative research to revive the hawksbill population and ensure that research findings are incorporated into conservation strategies and policy. Underlying all of our efforts, ICAPO seeks to improve the socio-economic conditions of coastal communities that rely on hawksbill resources for their livelihoods.

    Our History

    Hawksbills are designated as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The scientific community did not even believe that hawksbills still existed in the Pacific coastal region of the Americas before 2007. That year, ICAPO founders began discovering active nesting and foraging grounds in the area. These recent revelations became a catalyst for change.

    ICAPO, which was established in July 2008 as a US 501(c) 3 nonprofit project, caused a shift in thinking and a focus on hawksbill conservation in the area. Administered through The Ocean Foundation to promote recovery of hawksbill turtles in the eastern Pacific Ocean, ICAPO has become a vital force in bringing hawksbills back from the brink of extinction.

    Proactive, informed and diverse hawksbill experts and organizations have joined our network as partners and collaborators. Our success attracts volunteers, donors and sponsors, devising projects and programs that reclaim hawksbill locations and foster longevity. As an interactive system, we create a better future for hawksbills and the communities around them.

    6 reviews · rating4.7

    Viola Taffarel rating5

    2024 at Sea Turtle Conservation Assistance

    The volunteering time I spent with David and the team was the most authentic, inspiring and fulfilling part of my journey in Nicaragua. I had a wonderful experience where I learned a lot about turtles, conservation, Nicaragua culture and environment. We spent loads of time on the beach, in the ...
    Aicha Rayane Mahrouz rating5

    2019 at Sea Turtle Conservation Assistance

    I loved my stay with sos nicaragua the food was good the room has a beautiful view of the beach. David was very helpful by answering my questions. The people working there are absolutely amazing. Working with the turtles was a beautiful experience I loved everything about it from the night patrols ...
    MARION DEL HIERRO rating5

    2019 at Sea Turtle Conservation Assistance

    The first word that comes to mind when I thought at this travel is extraordinary. It was the first time I went to an association for the protection of animals and so I did not know what to expect. When I had to leave I was not if I really wanted to do it. And Know I am so happy to have done it! It ...
    Charlotte Beard rating4

    2019 at Sea Turtle Conservation Assistance

    From the moment I contacted David he was helpful and responded quickly. Organising a pick up for the project was easy and as it’s on an island getting there is part of the adventure! David has been working with turtles for many years, and has successfully set up projects in other locations both ...
    I saw firsthand how ICAPO is conserving and providing hope for recovery of hawksbills turtles. I also saw that ICAPO is conserving and providing hope for every person who assists the project, including community residents, egg collectors, farmers, scientists and policy-makers—throughout the ...
    Deborah rating4.4

    2013 at Sea Turtle Conservation Supporter

    For years, as my friends and family can attest, I had been dreaming of volunteering with a sea turtle conservation organization. When I turned 40, I decided that it was finally time to make this dream come true. It did and in a BIG way! Holding my first hatchling was incredible: the surprise at ...

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