from 1,003€

Perfect 4.6rating (195)

Turtle Conservation Experience

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Volunteer and help with the protection of endangered sea turtles
  • Promote environmental awareness and conservation actions
  • Get the chance to learn about and aid in the conservation efforts of the Olive Ridley Turtle
  • Care for the babies at the hatchery, collect crucial scientific data, and relocate eggs to the hatchery or beach
  • Enjoy some time off and take part in many different activities including surf lessons, horseback riding and much more

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups

About the program

Help protect turtles who are in danger from poachers by volunteering in Costa Rica!

This project was set up at the Reserva Play Tortuga site by community members and Costa Rican scientists in an attempt to create a culture of environmental conservation in the country. The project site is based on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and once you arrive at the project you will ...

About the program

This project was set up at the Reserva Play Tortuga site by community members and Costa Rican scientists in an attempt to create a culture of environmental conservation in the country. The project site is based on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and once you arrive at the project you will immediately be immersed in a wide variety of habitats and locations which are unique to this part of the world and also home to four species of sea turtle.

About the Project

The aim of the project is to work with the local communities, national and international governments, and non-governmental organisations to promote environmental awareness and conservation actions which they, in turn, hope will help to promote the development of responsible tourism in the area.

Whilst on the project you get the chance to learn about and aid in the conservation efforts of the Olive Ridley Turtle. You will do this by caring for the babies at the hatchery, collecting crucial scientific data, and relocating eggs to the hatchery or beach as and when it is needed. All of these tasks are crucial in protecting the endangered turtles which nest on the island, and your efforts as a volunteer will help to secure the future of these incredible marine animals.

Volunteers are helping to ensure that there is a future for the turtles in this region, and working alongside the local scientists is the best way to do this. The project was created by community members with the intention of protecting the local wildlife, and volunteers play a big role in ensuring this happens.

Please note, although this project runs throughout the year, turtle nesting season is from July - November and hatching season from August - December. Outside of these times, the activities will be based on crocodilian, mammal and bird research and the teaching program.

Prior to Arrival

British Nationals don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica. Visitors can stay for a period of up to three months, but the exact number of days will be at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival. For other nationalities, you will need to check with the Costa Rican Embassy in your country. Immigration authorities are very strict about foreigners who have overstayed so please bear this in mind.

You will need to arrive at the San Jose International Airport (SJO) before 3pm on the day of your project start date. If you do then you will be collected and transferred to the project site. If this is not possible then we recommend arriving the day before and staying the night in San Jose before being picked up from your hotel the following day. We recommend staying at the Holiday Inn Express San Jose as this hotel provides 24-hour transfers from the airport. The project representative will then collect you from the hotel the following day. This transfer is around 3.5 hours. If flying from the UK you may have to get a connecting flight from another major European City such as Madrid. Please note: if you choose to stay in a hotel in the city centre, your transfers will cost an additional fee, which will be approx $30 dollars, payable to the driver on arrival.



Typical day

Day 1-2:

After arriving into San Jose you will be transferred to the project site to begin your volunteering trip (or the following day if you stay overnight at a hotel). Once settled into the accommodation at the reserve, you will receive an induction all about where the project is located, a brief ...

Typical day

Day 1-2:

After arriving into San Jose you will be transferred to the project site to begin your volunteering trip (or the following day if you stay overnight at a hotel). Once settled into the accommodation at the reserve, you will receive an induction all about where the project is located, a brief summary of the project activities, and how you’ll be helping the turtles during your time here!

You will receive a full days training about nesting sea turtles, their biology, the difference between the species, and what to look out for in their behaviour. Later in the day you will visit the Tortuga Beach to learn about the research protocol and turtle hatchery.

Day 3:

You will be spending the day exploring the reserve, seeing many of the local mammals, When night comes you will then switch to turtle duties, spending 3-4 hours searching for nesting sea turtles and collecting the eggs to bring them back to the safety of the hatchery. This will be your first chance to truly study the turtles up close and help gather biometric data from the adults.

Day 4:

After spending some of the previous night working with the turtles, you’ll be pleased to hear you’ve got the morning off to catch up on some rest! After this you will spend the afternoon working with the educational collaboration officer, taking care of the butterfly garden or producing educational material for the schools you’ll be visiting.

Day 5:

Today you will head off into the forest to help set up trail cameras in an attempt to spot the mammals who live in the area. Since 2013 when the mammal monitoring began there have been more than 17 medium-sized animals spotted, and you’ll be learning how to set up the camera, identify footprints and pick up skills you can only really learn in the field!

Day 6:

After working hard for five days this is your chance to rest or further explore the area. You may want to spend the day relaxing on the beach, or maybe even book one of the tours which are available in the area including trips to waterfalls and, if you travel between July to October, the Marino Ballena National Park where you may be able to spot Humpback Whales!

Day 7:

Depending on the weather conditions you could be spending today monitoring the local crocodilian population by kayak on the waterways around the reserve, taking notes on the number, size, and species of any you come across. During the night and depending on the research protocol, you could partake in an exciting night walk in the rivers and estuaries under starlight, or even go on a boat trip down the longest river in Costa Rica the Terraba to capture, mark, and identify individuals.

Please note that this is only a rough guideline, and the itinerary may be subject to change depending on the needs of the reserva. Nevertheless main tasks will include:

Data Collection
This will include monitoring the turtles nesting in the area and gathering crucial information on them. You will also help with the tagging and management of the adult turtles. You may also get the chance to help relocate some of the eggs back to the sanctuary, and if the timing is right you could even be on hand for a baby turtle release, helping to scare away predators as they make their way to the ocean.

Night Patrols on the Beach
Another very important part of the turtle conservation effort you will be a part of throughout your stay, you will spend time monitoring the beaches where turtles nest, keeping an eye out for poachers and other threats to their safety.

Crocodilian, Mammal and Bird Inventory
The project is not just about turtles and you will be helping to monitor and then inventory some of the crocodile, small mammal, and bird species from the region!

Beach Clean Up
This is a major part of the work here; as you will need to make sure the nesting sites remain as healthy and safe as possible to give the turtles the best chance of survival. Something as simple as a plastic bottle can be a death trap for a baby turtle, so you will need to be thorough in this task.

School Visits
You will help educate the local children about the wildlife in their area with the help of the Butterfly Garden. You’ll be preparing workshops, making crafts, and participating in outreach activities like beach and river cleanups alongside helping in the maintenance of the butterfly garden!


Free-time activities

This project is not all work and no play and there is good opportunity to enjoy some time off. You will have the chance to take part in many different activities including surf lessons, horseback riding, hiking, diving and many others! There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking ...

Free-time activities

This project is not all work and no play and there is good opportunity to enjoy some time off. You will have the chance to take part in many different activities including surf lessons, horseback riding, hiking, diving and many others! There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance of the Reserva, but if you want to take part in any of the activities then get in touch with your project facilitator.


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 (intermediate level)

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

For this project you will be walking through the forest floor and maybe through river beds so you will need to have a moderate level of fitness to take part. You won’t need any particular skills to be a volunteer except a passion for animal conservation!

Time Commitment

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

What's Included

What's Included

Services by The Great Projects

Airport transfers to and from San Jose Airport - Three meals a day - Accommodation at the project site - Wifi access - Snacks - Use of the washing machine and drying room once a week - Knowledgeable project coordinator

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

You will need to arrive at the San Jose International Airport (SJO) before 3pm on the day of your project start date. If you do then you will be collected and transferred to the project site. If this is not possible then we recommend arriving the day before and staying the night in San Jose before being picked up from your hotel the following day, which may incur a small fee. We recommend staying at the Holiday Inn Express San Jose as this hotel provides 24-hour transfers from the airport.

Accommodation

On this project, you will be accommodated in the volunteer centre where there is enough room for up to 15 volunteers to stay at once. You will have your own room which is spacious with a good quality mattress, storage for your clothes, and screened windows to keep out the bugs. Linens and a towel will be provided, and once a week you will be able to use the washing machine and the solar powered drying tent.

Food & Beverages

All food and drinks are included within the cost of the project (apart from extra alcoholic or soft drinks you may want to buy in the local towns and villages) and you will receive 3 meals a day. You will prepare these meals on your own with the assistance of the volunteer coordinator, and the food will give you a taste of the local cuisine with elements of what you are used to back home! Dishes may include: tortillas, salads, chicken, beef, pasta, cereals, sandwiches, and fresh fruit and vegetables

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

Turtle season in Costa Rica falls between August and December. It is possible to join the project on any date between this period, up until the middle of December. Please contact us to see if your preferred start date is available.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 1,003€
2 weeks 1,382€
3 weeks 1,761€
4 weeks 2,139€
5 weeks 2,518€
6 weeks 2,897€
7 weeks 3,275€
8 weeks 3,654€
9 weeks 4,033€
10 weeks 4,411€
11 weeks 4,790€
12 weeks (max. stay) 5,169€
Average fees 717€/week

Program fees

717€ 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 The Great Projects during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

The Great Projects

Perfect 4.6 rating (195 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

The Great Projects work with organisations worldwide to establish high standards in animal welfare and conservation within the responsible tourism sector.

Meet your organization

Looking to volunteer abroad with animals? Here at The Great Projects we believe that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.

It all began with The Great Orangutan Project in Malaysian Borneo and after a number of years working with local authorities, passionate project facilitators, and hard-working volunteers to create a sustainable, progressive, and effective project - The Great Projects decided to use the experiences and knowledge we had gained to expand our expertise to other projects in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe!

Now with over 35 projects, you can be confident in the fact that you’ll be able to volunteer with some of the world's most incredible wildlife species in completely breath-taking environments. From orangutans in the Bornean rainforest to whale sharks in the Indian Ocean; you’re sure to find something suited to your interests. What’s more, The Great Projects make sure that with us, volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the matter, at site, delivering an experience like no other as you become familiar with the life of an animal keeper, game ranger, or wildlife conservationist.

Plus, every time someone volunteers with The Great Projects  in addition to their fee which covers accommodation, food, and transfers, we donate up to £350 to the project visited to help the project itself. Therefore, our ecotours and projects are not only designed to be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, but you will also join a project knowing that your travel truly does help to save endangered animals and the local communities with which they live alongside.

Here at The Great Projects, we believe that we should practice what we preach. We send volunteers to worldwide destinations on a range of truly unique and thoroughly worthwhile projects that make a real, sustainable difference to their causes. What’s more, The Great Projects provide them with dedicated UK-based staff that ensure volunteers have informative and friendly help throughout all stages of their experience, from initial enquiry to their return.

Through this, we can show volunteers that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.


Further, The Great Projects does not only aim to provide travel destinations that hold responsibility for animal welfare, but also to the environmental, economic and social impact of our conservation projects as a whole.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Here at The Great Projects, we are completely dedicated to providing our volunteers with the utmost protection with regards to health and safety.

Adventurous travel always involves some degree of risk. Our priority is to keep you safe and protect you as much as possible whilst still giving you an authentic experience of life in your chosen destination.

We conduct extensive risk assessments to make sure we have identified potential hazards and done everything we can to reduce them and we make sure you have the information you need about the destination you are visiting and how to stay safe and healthy while you are out there. We also are partnered with Endsleigh Insurance who are able to offer volunteers comprehensive insurance for all of our projects.

195 reviews · rating4.6

Ivan Shirshin rating5

2023 at Turtle Conservation Experience

I have spent a bit more than a week at the program, which felt too short. The support from the team, experience of helping the turtle to lay eggs at night, safely moving those eggs to the hatchery and seeing how small turtles are born and actively push to get to the ocean - all of this is a lifetime ...
SHAYNE PORTER rating3.8

2023 at Turtle Conservation Experience

TURTLE PRGRAMME. Was a great experince and was good to contribute in a meaningful way. The assistance required is ongoing and team make a great differance to the turtle ...
Matthew Turner rating5

2018 at Turtle Conservation Experience

I participated in the Turtle Conservation Experience in Costa Rica and enjoyed it tremendously!!! I was able to witness an Oliver Ridley Turtle laying over 100 eggs on the beach, which we safely retrieved and stored at the hatchery. I also participated in the release of a large batch of Oliver ...
Melissa Kraehenbuehl rating4.4

2018 at Turtle Conservation Experience

This past week was pretty amazing. I was pushed to try new things and face some fears I didn't even know I had. Costa Rica is beautiful and so are the people who live there. We worked on many projects which included sea turtles, macaws, butterflies, sharks, etc. and all of them were interesting and ...
Alice rating4.6

2017 at Turtle Conservation Experience

My favorite moment was finding the first turtle nest of the season and moving 99 eggs to the hatchery which we had built, before sleeping in the hut we had also built, on the most beautiful ...
Holly rating4.6

2017 at Turtle Conservation Experience

I loved the friendly people, finding a turtle nest on the beach and collecting turtle eggs, and the drama of the Pacific case on a daily basis was just ...

Location


You might also be interested in

Contact Lauren
  Very high response rate
English

Most volunteers ask about


Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Lauren
Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy