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Volunteer Abroad Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation

Costa Rica 3 to 12 weeks From 1,250 € Enquire now

Join our sea turtle conservation program in the stunning Pacific coastal region of Costa Rica and make a significant impact on the preservation of these incredible marine animals! As a volunteer, you will engage in vital conservation efforts, including night patrols to protect nesting turtles and data collection for research. Your work will help contribute to valuable data collection and the protection of sea turtle nests from threats while providing you with a hands-on, immersive experience in wildlife conservation.

This program not only offers the chance to contribute to meaningful conservation work but also allows you to explore Costa Rica's breathtaking beaches and vibrant ecosystems. You will work alongside dedicated conservationists and like-minded volunteers, gaining valuable knowledge and skills in marine conservation. If you are passionate about protecting wildlife, immersing yourself in a vibrant culture and diverse environment and eager to make a difference, this volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica is the perfect way to combine your interests with impactful action.

Your trip at a glance

Highlights

Conduct night patrols to protect nesting sea turtles from poachers and predators.
Assist in measuring and tagging sea turtles and collect valuable data for research.
Engage in educational activities in collaboration with the local community.
Learn about income-generating upcycling projects and sustainable living.
Experience Costa Rica's rich biodiversity and scenic coastal landscapes.
Assist with nest relocations of the sea turtle eggs.

Locations

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The Osa Peninsula

Plan your trip

Included in the programme fee
- Placement in the programme
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Assistance with selecting travel insurance
- Assistance with booking flights
- Risk coverage certificate
- Pre-departure information pack
- Accommodation during the programme
- Full board during the programme
- Training during the programme
- Transfers
- English-speaking support by long-term experienced staff
- 24/7 support throughout the programme

- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Accommodation outside programme hours
- Personal expenses and optional excursions
- Further beverages (e.g. liquors, soft drinks, bottled water)

Write An Email

Meghan, your travel expert for Costa Rica

Don't hesitate to contact me if you would like to learn more about this journey! I answer all of your questions and assist you before, during and after your adventure abroad.

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Sea Turtle Conservation on the Osa Peninsula

Join our dedicated team of volunteers and contribute to sea turtle protection efforts while gaining practical experience in data collection and wildlife conservation.

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Travelling to Rio Oro

To travel to the project site, you will need to make your way to Rio Oro via Puerto Jimenez. You have two options to reach Puerto Jimenez: take a 50-minute domestic flight, or take a bus, departing at 12:00 pm and arriving around 8:00 pm. Once in Puerto Jimenez, spend Sunday night at a hostel and be sure to buy any necessary supplies, like a SIM card, snacks, or toiletries. A colectivo runs on Monday at 1:30 pm and gets you to the remote project site around 3:30 pm, where you will be greeted by staff and ushered into a full day of orientation and training.

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Volunteer activities in Costa Rica

During your stay as a volunteer, you will participate in various essential conservation activities such as:

– Night Patrols: Volunteers will walk the beaches at night to safeguard nesting sea turtles and their eggs from poachers and natural predators.

– Data Collection: Assist in tagging, measuring, and recording data on nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, crucial for ongoing conservation efforts. (Mainly from October to February)

A young sea turtle in Costa Rica on its way into the ocean

– Community Education: Work with the local community to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation and promote sustainable practices.

– Hatchery Management: Help maintain and monitor hatcheries where eggs are relocated for safety, ensuring optimal conditions for incubation and assisting with hatchling releases (not a daily task).

These are just some of the tasks you'll have during your time as a volunteer in Costa Rica.

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Accommodation during the project

The volunteer house includes an open air, shared bedroom with bunkbeds fitted with mosquito nets, communal living spaces, a large kitchen, and bathroom facilities with western toilets and showers (no hot water). The living conditions are basic but comfortable, reflecting the remote nature of the project site. The camp is solar-powered and primarily constructed with sustainable and upcycled materials. How much power the camp has for light and charging your electronic devices depends on the weather, therefore we ask for your flexibility in this regard – same regarding the wifi.

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Leisure time and catering

Three meals a day are included, featuring a variety of delicious dishes with primarily locally sourced ingredients. Meals are focussed on a vegetarian diet and centred around rice and legumes like lentils, beans, and chickpeas, and include a variety of fruits and vegetables as well. They also offer eggs and occasionally meat or fish. These options can easily accommodate vegan and vegetarian volunteers, as well as those with lactose or gluten intolerances. Although a cook on site prepares the meals, volunteers may assist with cooking duties on off-days, and while lunch and dinner will be prepared for everyone, breakfast is prepared by each individual for themselves.

Volunteers typically work six days a week, leaving one day for rest, exploration, or leisure activities. The nesting beach directly near the volunteer house where you will be working, although beautiful and scenic, is not a suitable swimming beach. Due to the strong currents and powerful waves, volunteers are not permitted to swim here.

However, the popular Matapalo beach is about an hour away and can be reached either by local colectivo (runs Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays only) or by taxi. It's a great place to visit on your days off if you want to swim or take a surf lesson.

Arrival
How to get to Rio Oro
From San Jose
To travel to the project site, you will need to travel to Rio Oro via Puerto Jimenez. To get to Puerto Jimenez, you have two options:

Option 1: Take a domestic flight with Fly Sansa. This is the quickest option, costing $100 or more. Check the website for various times and prices.

Option 2: Take a bus from to Puerto Jimenez with Grupo Blanco (http://www.grupoblanco.cr/). There is only one bus per day, departing at noon. The ticket costs C11,000 (about 20EUR). You will arrive in Puerto Jimenez around 8pm.

From Puerto Jimenez
To arrive at the camp on Monday afternoon, you will need to spend Sunday night in Puerto Jimenez. We suggest La Palapa Hut Nature Hostel. You can buy any supplies you need for the camp in Puerto Jimenez like snacks, a SIM card, or toiletries as the camp is in a remote location without a shop on-site.

A colectivo (old white Toyota 4x4) runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday that will take you to the project site. This transport departs from outside Soda El Collectivo at around 1:30 pm and costs C7,000 (around 12EUR). During the heavy rainy season (October/November), flooding can complicate transportation, and sometimes this service is suspended for the day. In normal conditions, the colectivo departs Puerto Jimenez at 1:30 pm and takes about two hours.

As the project always starts on Mondays, we ask all volunteers to arrive in Puerto Jimenez on Sunday. This will give you the opportunity to do all the necessary shopping and ensure that you catch the bus on time at 13:30. This schedule ensures that:
1. All supplies needed are available on time.
2. The first meal for the volunteers can be prepared after the food supplies arrive.
3. You can concentrate undisturbed on the camp tour, and be welcomed by the team.
Orientation

About Rio Oro

Our beaches—Peje Perro, Rio Oro, and Carate—are crucial nesting sites for Olive Ridley and Pacific Green Sea turtles along the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica. These beaches host approximately 7,000 sea turtle nests annually, representing both vulnerable and endangered species, and have been the focus of our projects since their initiation in 2018. Due to predation and poaching, about 20% of these nests are lost each year. In fact, a study conducted during the 2023-2024 season reported that more than 50% of the nests on Carate Beach were predated.

Our project partner’s conservation efforts are deeply intertwined with community support initiatives, to empower and employ members of the community in areas such as conservation, education, construction, food services and transportation. They understand that long-term conservation efforts are only as strong as their foundation, which they have therefore rooted in a strong cooperation with community members to protect sea turtles and the habitat in which they thrive.
Language

Good to know

The project language is English, as most volunteers come from non-Spanish-speaking countries and have only a basic level of Spanish, if any. However, we strongly encourage all interested participants to learn some Spanish before they arrive, and to be open to learn as much as possible while on site. Our staff on site all speak Spanish and will gladly help you out, and your interactions with locals will be so much more rewarding when you are able to communicate with them in the local language.
Project

Typical Volunteer Day

As a volunteer, you will engage in daily turtle patrols, which include morning patrols lasting 3-5 hours or night patrols lasting 4-7 hours. During these patrols, you will protect new nests, record data on nesting females, observe flipper tagging, excavate hatched nests, assist with tourism activities, and release hatchlings (only in Carate). Additionally, we organize daytime activities such as beach clean-ups, plastic classification, presentations at local schools, tree planting, and other maintenance projects around camp.

Most sea turtle nesting occurs at night or early in the morning. Consequently, our research patrols are scheduled during these times. You may be on the beach from 8 PM to 2 AM or later, and morning patrols typically run from 5 AM to 8 AM or beyond, depending on turtle activity. Your weekly schedule will include these patrols and designated rest periods, but it is essential that you utilize these breaks to rest and recuperate.

While we work diligently on the project and expect all volunteers to contribute their best efforts to help us reach our goals, there is still ample time to relax and explore. The Osa Peninsula offers various activities that can be arranged in advance, often with discounts for volunteers. Some of these activities include visiting Corcovado National Park, surfing at Matapalo beach, horseback riding, a chocolate tour, whale and dolphin tours, waterfall hikes, and guided gold-mining tours - be aware that all of those activities need transportation arrangements. There are also many free activities such as night walks, jungle walks, beach clean-ups, game and movie nights, and pizza nights.
Departure

End of your project

FAQ – Learn more about this trip

Before travelling to Costa Rica

It is important that all participants are in good physical condition and prepared for walking long distances on the beach at night. It is recommended to consult a doctor about vaccinations and health precautions for travel to Costa Rica.

Volunteers do not need to have any previous experience in data collection or conservation work. It is, however, very important that all participants are engaged, eager to learn, able to live and work as a team but also carry out tasks independently. We ask that you bring a positive attitude and an openness to learn not only from project staff but from the community around you and to share your ideas and skills as well.
Our program includes a range of services to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. These services cover your placement in the program, help with travel planning, travel insurance, and flight bookings. Prior to departure, you will also receive a risk coverage certificate and a detailed information pack. Additionally, the price covers your lodging, meals, and all training on site.
Yes, every participant must obtain appropriate international health insurance for the duration of their stay. Additionally, certain medical preparations might be necessary before travel. Since we cannot provide professional medical advice, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor about any required vaccinations, medications, or other health precautions. For more detailed information on health and safety, you can also visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Volunteers should bring sturdy walking shoes, a headlamp with a red light setting for night patrols, plenty of insect repellent, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for both hot and wet weather conditions. A detailed packing list will be provided to all volunteers once they have reserved their spot. It is essential that volunteers pack all mandatory items, as the project will not provide any items that are not brought by the volunteers.
There is a code of conduct that all volunteers will review and sign. It is to ensure that all participants follow basic rules such as abiding by safety regulations, following project procedures, treating all staff and fellow volunteers with respect and dignity, taking your tasks and responsibilities seriously and to doing your best to promote a positive and all-inclusive co-living environment.

Arrival in Costa Rica

Yes, you will need to arrange your own transport from San Jose to Rio Oro, via Puerto Jimenez. You can either take a short flight or an 8-hour bus ride to get Puerto Jimenez, being sure to arrive on Sunday, and a 1.5-2 hour drive on Monday at 1:30 pm to site.

As the camp is quite remote please make sure to shop for snacks, a SIM card, or toiletries beforehand in Puerto Jimenez.

Life on site in Costa Rica

There are always English-speaking staff on site, and most volunteers communicate in English as well. However, knowing Spanish can be very helpful and provides an excellent opportunity to further improve your language skills. We encourage you to brush up on your Spanish knowledge before arrival and to do your best to learn some Spanish while at the project to further enrich your time in Costa Rica.
On your free days, you can choose to relax on-site, nap in the hammock, and read your book, or hire transport to take you and other volunteers to Matapalo beach for a surf lesson. You can go on a horseback riding tour, go whale-watching or enjoy one of the many hiking options nearby – still, you need transportation to get to them. Alternatively, you can head back to Puerto Jimenez for a few hours to stock up on anything you might need, go out to eat, and spend some time in town (only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
On site there are little-to-no costs. You will be located in a rural beach-side setting with the closest town being a 1.5-2-hour drive away. There are no shops or services within walking distance, so volunteers are encouraged to purchase anything they might need during their stay in the town of Puerto Jimenez, before arriving on site. Occasionally, local community members will come by with freshly-baked goods such as cakes, tamales, or empanadas which you won’t want to pass up on! Make sure to have some Colones on you for these small purchases, as well as for your transport to and from the site and any excursions you would like to take part in.
Limited Wi-Fi is available at the project site. A local SIM card can also be useful for staying in touch, with Kolbi being the one network provider with signal in this part of the country. There are a few eco-lodges within walking distance where you can use their Wi-Fi in exchange for buying a smoothie for example.
During the project months of July to March, the weather in Rio Oro, varies significantly due to the region's tropical climate. The period from July to November falls within the rainy season, characterized by heavy and frequent downpours, particularly in September and October. These months often see daily rainfall, increased humidity, and potential flooding, making some roads difficult to traverse. Despite the rains, the landscape becomes lush and vibrant, offering a unique experience for nature enthusiasts.

In contrast, the weather from December to March is part of the dry season. During these months, Rio Oro experiences more stable and pleasant weather conditions, with less rainfall and lower humidity levels. January to March is particularly favourable, featuring warm temperatures and clearer skies.
Living in a tropical environment means we experience a range of extreme weather conditions. While we enjoy sunny days and stunning sunrises and sunsets, it can become very hot during the midday hours. Since our camps lack fans and air conditioning, coping with the heat can be difficult. It's crucial to listen to experienced team members who will plan activities during cooler periods and ensure you have time to rest when it's hottest.

Additionally, be prepared for sudden and heavy rains by bringing the right gear for both hot and rainy weather. The volunteer accommodation has several hammocks under the shade of the stilted accommodation, and since volunteers sleep on the top floor of an open-air cabin, they get a bit more of a breeze when sleeping.

1. The Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is located in the southwestern part of Costa Rica and is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. This remote peninsula is renowned for its pristine rainforests, which encompass much of Corcovado National Park, as well as its stunning coastlines and beaches.

The Osa Peninsula is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including jaguars, tapirs, and numerous bird species. Despite its remoteness, the region attracts nature lovers, adventurers, and researchers eager to experience the authentic, wild side of Costa Rica.

The Osa Peninsula is located in the southwestern part of Costa Rica and is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. This remote peninsula is renowned for its pristine rainforests, which encompass much of Corcovado National Park, as well as its stunning coastlines and beaches.

The Osa Peninsula is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including jaguars, tapirs, and numerous bird species. Despite its remoteness, the region attracts nature lovers, adventurers, and researchers eager to experience the authentic, wild side of Costa Rica.

Purpose of the turtle project in Costa Rica

Our project partner began their initiative in mid-2018 in response to various environmental and social challenges in Carate, a rural town on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. The nearby beaches of Carate, Pejeperro, and Rio Oro are critical nesting sites for vulnerable and endangered species of sea turtles and therefore in high need of research attention and implementation of conservation-focused initiatives. Despite the area's rich biodiversity and eco-tourism developments over the past 25 years, many locals still resort to harmful activities like poaching turtle nests, hunting, and gold-mining due to limited job opportunities. Recognizing the need for more conservation and education efforts, the project partner collaborated with the local community, aiming to create jobs in conservation and indirectly benefit residents through a successful community-led project.

Over the past five years, the project has consistently collected valuable data on the sea turtle populations in Rio Oro, establishing itself as a reliable conservation and community support initiative. It has achieved significant milestones, including providing employment for locals and opening a second project site in Carate, where a hatchery protects turtle nests from predatory dogs. As the project expands, it focuses on recruiting more assistants, interns, and volunteers to increase beach coverage, conduct regular patrols, and enhance educational outreach. Additionally, the project is developing a research program on Pacific Green turtles and climate change, while also promoting sustainable development through permaculture and waste management efforts. The project encourages the community to upcycle marine plastic, supporting both environmental and economic goals. Efforts are also being made to revitalize the local tourism industry, which has been affected by the pandemic, to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation and its economic benefits for the community.

The camp also tries to be as close to zero waste as possible, and they ask volunteers to be considerate of this. All waste must be reused, recycled, or transported back to the nearest town of Puerto Jimenez as trash. Therefore, you help support the project and the environment when you bring biodegradable soaps and shampoos, and avoid bringing plastic packaging to site when possible.

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