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Great 4.47rating (6)

Local Sea Turtles Conservation

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • We have received more than 1500 volunteers from different parts of the world ... Be part of this enriching cultural experience.
  • We have protected 97% of turtle nests.
  • 113,626 baby turtles were released.

Highlights

  • We have received more than 1500 volunteers from different parts of the world ... Be part of this enriching cultural experience.
  • We have protected 97% of turtle nests.
  • 113,626 baby turtles were released.
  • Collect memories, live this experience intensely and be part of a new adventure.
  • From June to November 2023, we have received 1562 turtles to spawn on the beach.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    The program is now in its 19th year and we need all hands on board! As a volunteer, you will take part in the conservation of endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica.

     The Corcovado Foundation sea turtle conservation and volunteering program is now in its 19th year and we need all hands on board!


    We offer the opportunity for people who want to make a difference and actively participate in the conservation of endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica’s ...

    About the program

     The Corcovado Foundation sea turtle conservation and volunteering program is now in its 19th year and we need all hands on board!


    We offer the opportunity for people who want to make a difference and actively participate in the conservation of endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica’s spectacular Playa Hermosa- Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge. 

    We fight to protect the species from predators and threats that surround them and we try to maintain harmony between individuals and the ecosystem.

    As a volunteer, you will take part in sea turtle conservation activities, including:

    night patrols *It is important to bring dark clothes for the night patrols
    relocating nests 
    recording scientific data
    • nest exhumations 
    liberation of hatchlings.

    You may also be required to work on eco-tourism, environmental education, and construction activities.

     
    Sometimes the work on the project can be difficult and is not suitable for everyone. The climatic conditions can be extreme, with heavy rains and floods located often daily. Most work is nocturnal and it will be necessary to sleep during the day, often withstanding high temperatures and humidity It can be very difficult to plan activities as well, and priorities can change suddenly according to the resources that are available at the moment, and volunteers often find that the work plan changes without prior notice. The way of life is rustic and very spontaneous, but the people are warm and genuine and the environment is full of amazing natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity. You will soon release the precepts of the first world and adapt to a local's life.



    Typical day

    Example of an itinerary:


    4:30- Morning census and search for traces

    8:00 - Breakfast

    9:00 - Day planning and meeting to explain patrols from the night before.

    10:00-12:00 Different activities

    • Beach cleaning         
    • Nursery construction       
    • Camp cleaning         
    • Beach preparation

    13:

    Typical day

    Example of an itinerary:


    4:30- Morning census and search for traces

    8:00 - Breakfast

    9:00 - Day planning and meeting to explain patrols from the night before.

    10:00-12:00 Different activities

    • Beach cleaning         
    • Nursery construction       
    • Camp cleaning         
    • Beach preparation

    13:00 - Lunch

    15:00-17:00 - Beach activities

    • Environmental education
    • Work in the nursery

     20:00-00:00- First patrol

    00:00-4:00- Second patrol


    Free-time activities

    We know that volunteers come not only to work but also to discover the incredible nature of Costa Rica. The project offers the possibility of unforgettable tours to the near National Parks, bird watching and activities such as snorkeling, or simply hiking around on surrounding rainforest ...

    Free-time activities

    We know that volunteers come not only to work but also to discover the incredible nature of Costa Rica. The project offers the possibility of unforgettable tours to the near National Parks, bird watching and activities such as snorkeling, or simply hiking around on surrounding rainforest trails… countless opportunities for the nature-lover.


    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 (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:00 - 04:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The amount covers accommodation, three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and training. 

    Accommodation

    Volunteers stay in mixed dorms with mix bathrooms, rustic but cozy and accommodation includes bed linen.

    Food & Beverages

     Our program itinerary includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you have any dietary restriction such as: vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, or allergies please let us know. 

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    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

     The Sea Turtle Program season starts on 01 July and until 31 December. All volunteers must make their arrangements for the projects. For training purposes, new volunteers are only received on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m to 15:00

     When you arrive in Costa Rica you have to get to the project with the next schedule:

    To travel from San José to Punta Mala Beach there are two bus options and it has a travel time of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

     Option 1: TRACOPA STATION SAN JOSÉ TO MANUEL ANTONIO (Recommended)

    • Take the bus from TRACOPA to Manuel Antonio at 9:00 a.m. The duration of the trip is approximately 2 hours and a half. It has an approximate cost of ₵ 8500 ($17)

    • Once on the bus, you will have to ask at the driver to leave you at the Punta Mala Refuge entrance. You can follow up your trip with waze or google maps. You can find us as “Proyecto de Tortugas, Fundación Corcovado” or Refugio de Vida Silvestre Punta Mala

    • Once at the Punta Mala entrance our staff can pick you up and take you to the program place.

    ➢ Note: If you want to take another scheduled bus, please check the schedules and rates on the website: https://www.tracopacr.com/Rutas_Horarios 


    Option 2: TRACOPA STATION SAN JOSÉ TO JACO (If you will need to buy something at Jaco before getting to the project)

    • Take the bus from TRACOPA to Jaco at 10:15 a.m. The duration of the trip is approximately 2 hours and a half. It has an approximate cost of ₵ 8500 ($17)

    • Once in the bus, you will have to ask at the driver to leave you at the Jaco entrance. You can follow up your trip with waze or google maps. You can find us as “Proyecto de Tortugas, Fundación Corcovado” or Refugio de Vida Silvestre Punta Mala.

    • Once at Jaco you will have to pay for a taxi to take you from Jaco to Punta Mala entrance. This taxi has a cost of $30 approximately. If you let us know in advance, we can organize this taxi for you.

    • Once in the Punta Mala entrance our staff can pick you up and take you to the program place.

    ➢ Note: If you want to take another scheduled bus, please check the schedules and rates on the website: https://www.tracopacr.com/Rutas_Horarios


    *Please let us know in advance how you will arrive at the program because we will need to coordinate with the staff to pick you up at the entrance, the taxi if you take the Jaco option, and to be attentive to your arrival.

    If you want to arrive on your own to the place or something happens on your way to the program and don´t have the option to contact us, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CALL THE TAXI NUMBERS that you can see previously, because both Lillian and Miguel are trustworthy and they know the route perfectly. You will have to tell them that you are a Corcovado Foundation Volunteer and you will need to get into the program at Punta Mala Refuge.

    In addition, to access the place it is necessary to have prior approved permission, and the guards of the entrance need to know the license plate number of the vehicle that will arrive. This process would be facilitated using the recommended transportation since these you already have the required information.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $259 per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.47
    6 reviews

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Puntarenas, Jaco

    Meet your project coordinator

    Zoraida
    6
    reviews
    4.47
    Great
    1998
    Founded

    Verified

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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