Costa Rica

Sea Turtle Conservation Project

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The conservation site is located on the eastern most beach on the Caribbean coast. It is estimated that 50,000 baby Leatherback turtles hatched in the area in 1997. It is a relatively inaccessible area with a humid tropical climate and periods of heavy rain. The driest periods are March-April and September. The conservation project carries out activities related to:

• Community based training and environmental education workshops
• Marine turtle tagging
• Conservation and investigation
• Management of turtle hatcheries
• Plan for limited domestic use of turtle eggs

Volunteers assist the project staff in:

• Patrolling the beach to protect nesting turtles from predators and poachers (volunteers are not expected to interact with poachers, the presence of patrollers is typically enough to stop poaching)
• Relocating eggs to safe locations
• Collecting research information on nesting behavior
• Monitoring nests and the hatchery

The project is based in an area with no electricity or running water. Outhouses are used and other services are minimal.

Volunteers should be self-motivated and prepared to work nights on the beach, they should be in good physical condition (able to walk up to 6 miles a night), have enough visual acuity to work at night without artificial light, be willing to work under difficult and sometimes uncomfortable conditions, carry personal health insurance, be available for a minimum of 7 nights.

Five different accommodation options are available, including camping, dormitory or hotel. Prices vary from $3 per day to $20 per day.

Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the site. There is public bus service available from San Jose.

Contact us with any questions regarding this placement.

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