The goal of this project is to help conserve and protect 4 different species of sea turtles Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill & Black, and the surrounding areas. The turtle egg poaching problem needs to be resolved not only by the volunteers, but also with help from the local community. Another goal is to educate the community on the effects of poaching. With the help of our volunteer program and locals, we hope to finally bring an end to the marketing of turtle eggs.
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Where will I be volunteering?
This Turtle Conservation Project is located on the beach of Caletas-Ar?o and is part of the Tempisque Conservation Area. The Project is located in the South Pacific Coast, in the Nicoya Peninsula, and is surrounded by the River Bongo, a mangrove swamp, and an abundance of wildlife, not to mention the beautiful beaches and ocean.
What will I be doing?
- Picking up and welcoming the new volunteers
- Give orientation
- Provide training
- Follow and enforce rules of the Refuge station
- Organize all volunteer shifts
- Organize and plan meals
- Plan the patrol schedules etc.
- Conduct Turtle research
- Monitor the hatchery and the hatchery schedules
- Organize weekly meetings
- Collect weekly reports
- Send weekly feedback and news to head office in San Ramón, Costa Rica
- Maintain effective communication between head office and project sight
What is required to volunteer on this project?
- Must Be 25 years or older.
- Language: Intermediate Spanish and English
However, you can still join this project if your Spanish does not meet the requirements, by taking our Spanish language course. - Calm and Efficient: Must be able to remain calm and efficient under pressure.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Must be able to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Must be able to work in a new and different environment.
- Team Leader: Works well in group settings, and can take direction and accept feedback.
- Hard Work Ethic: Must be willing to work 6 days a week.
What will my schedule be like?
Schedule is dependent on turtle season and number of volunteers available.
- 6 days a week, with 1 day off
- 6 to 8 hour shifts
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Will I be able to communicate with family and friends?
Due to limited resources, Caletas-Ario does not have any internet cafes and limited mobile coverage. Santa Teresa is where you'll find the closest internet café, which is about an hour bus ride. The coordinator will need to communicate via email with the head office, once or twice a month to send weekly reports and news. Project manager has a mobile phone and can be used for emergencies.
What can I do in my free time?
As a Volunteer Coordinator you will only have one day off, therefore you won't have enough time to travel to further destinations. 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.
Beaches near project sight:
- Santa Teresa
- Mal pais
- Montezuma
- Program Name: Volunteer Costa Rica
- Project Name: Volunteer as a Coordinator for our Sea Turtle Conservation Project
- Project Category: Conservation
- Project Location: Caletas-Ario
- Program Fee: A 8 week experience starts from $450; add $0 for each additional week
- Program fees include:
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Aport pick-up
- Orientation
- Transportation to the Project site
- Full Training
- Items not included: Flights, travel insurance
- Project Transport Arrangements: Accommodation is on the project site
- Suggested transportation budget: None (does not include weekend travel expenses)
- Working Schedule: You will work 6 days per week with one day off EMPTY
- Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
- Accommodation Type: Dorm
- Meals: 3 Meals Daily
- Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
- Volunteer Gender: Male & Female
- Minimum age: 18
- Minimum project length: 8 Weeks
- Maximum project length: 52 Weeks
- Maximum number of volunteers: 12
- Resume or CV required: No
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