The Turtle Conservation Projects are designed to give our volunteers a hands-on experience in marine and sea turtle conservation. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. Volunteers applying should enjoy manual work, handling wildlife, and working unusual hours; as turtle nesting occurs during the night. The main objective of this Project is to protect the turtle nests from human poachers, predators, and more recently from the erosion of the beach.
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Where will I be volunteering?
There are several locations to choose from: the North and Central Pacific coast, North and South Caribbean coast and Osa. Depending on the availability and which locations need the most help, you may choose your location.
Project Testimonial: Laure Van Grootel, Belgium
When I signed up for the Buena Vista turtle project I was a little nervous. It was the first real trip on my own and although I had seen pictures I couldn't really imagine what it would be like. Read My Full Testimonial »
What will I be doing?
The main work of the volunteers involves: night patrols and hatchery shifts, beach cleanup and hatchery construction.
- Patrol the beach
- Release the newborn turtles
- Collect research information
- Prevent natural predators eating the eggs
- Maintain construction and infrastructure of site
- Clean the beach
- Transport food and water to the campsite from the river
- Collect data about breeding, nesting and incubation
- Digging up nests and transferring eggs to the hatchery
- Monitor the artificial hatchery
What is required to volunteer on this project?
- Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
If you are interested in learning more Spanish, we offer Spanish Language Courses that can be taken prior to project placement. - Must be 18 years or older.
What will my schedule be like?
Depending on the type of work that you are performing, your hours can vary between 4-8 hours in the morning, afternoon, or night. Patrolling activities will typically be performed at night while research is conducted during the day.
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Will I be able to communicate with family and friends?
Depending on your location you may be very remote or have internet and public phones just around the corner.
Project Testimonial: Michelle Chung, Canada
This was first trip alone into a place I’ve never gone before. Read My Full Testimonial »
What can I do in my free time?
The activities during your free time will be dependent on the location. You may decide to take advantage of the local culture and spend time within the community over the weekend or explore nearby beaches and towns.
Great weekend activities include:
- Surfing (In some locations)
- Swimming (Be cautious of strong currents)
- Hiking
Project Testimonial: Antonina Pondo, USA
Spending three weeks in Costa Rica on Camaronal Beach and working with others from around the globe was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had abroad. In a heartbeat I would go back and continue to work with uVolunteer. Read My Full Testimonial »
- Program Name: Volunteer Costa Rica
- Project Name: Volunteer in Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
- Project Category: Conservation
- Project Location: Pacific and Caribbean Coasts
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Project Testimonial: Marie Bateson, England
At turtle camp, you find out just how little you need in order to have a really good time. Read My Full Testimonial »
- Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $850; add $140 for each additional week
- Program fees include:
- Airport Pickup Service
- Welcome Orientation and debriefing
- A volunteer project
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Program Activities
- Project Donation
- The best in-country coordination support
- 24/7 emergency hot line
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate
- Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, vaccinations, visa costs, personal expenses, and any other expense not listed above
- Project Transport Arrangements: Accommodations on project site
- Suggested transportation budget: None (does not include weekend travel expenses)
- Working Schedule: Monday through Saturday; 5-8 hours per day EMPTY
- Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
- Accommodation Type: Dorm
- Meals: 3 Meals Daily
- Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
- Volunteer Gender: Male & Female
- Minimum age: 18
- Minimum project length: 2 Weeks
- Maximum project length: 52 Weeks
- Maximum number of volunteers: 20
- Resume or CV required: No
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Project Testimonial: Etain McGucklain, Ireland
On my first night, 200 eggs hatched. It was so exciting. It's like seeing a swarm of little aliens emerge from the ground! Read My Full Testimonial »
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