Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Brilliant 4.71rating (174)
  • Life Below Water

Marine Life Protector Sea Turtles

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Be a guardian for endangered marine species and share moments with captivating aquatic creatures.
  • Showcase your social commitment and be a force for good on a global scale, leaving a legacy of positive change.
  • Explore Costa Rica's natural wonderland, renowned for its rich biodiversity and pristine beaches, where each day is a postcard-worthy adventure.

Highlights

  • Be a guardian for endangered marine species and share moments with captivating aquatic creatures.
  • Showcase your social commitment and be a force for good on a global scale, leaving a legacy of positive change.
  • Explore Costa Rica's natural wonderland, renowned for its rich biodiversity and pristine beaches, where each day is a postcard-worthy adventure.
  • Elevate your CV with international volunteer experience, demonstrating your dedication to meaningful causes.
  • Immerse yourself in a new culture, opening your heart and mind to fresh perspectives, creating lasting memories and global connections.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Spotting and observing sea turtles in their natural habitat is an experience that really gets under your skin. Help to protect endangered marine life in Costa Rica. 🐢

    Encountering sea turtles in their natural habitat is an experience that really will thrill you. It is indescribably impressive to see these huge creatures in real life and to contribute to their protection.

    The Placement
    With this volunteer project you will help protect sea turtles on the picturesque ...

    About the program

    Encountering sea turtles in their natural habitat is an experience that really will thrill you. It is indescribably impressive to see these huge creatures in real life and to contribute to their protection.

    The Placement
    With this volunteer project you will help protect sea turtles on the picturesque Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The project was founded in 1984 and serves to protect the sensitive ecosystem on land and in the sea, in particular the habitat and breeding grounds of sea turtles. The project site includes an area of over 500 hectares made up of a marine and land reserve. The dreamlike landscape is characterized by mountains, small bays, beautiful beaches, mangrove forests and countless small islands. Local communities support and benefit from this project through sustainability work such as ecotourism, environmental education, beach cleaning and similar efforts. The reserve is located on the coast where the so-called "arribada" takes place. This is a natural phenomenon and describes the natural synchronized mass nesting of the olive ridged turtle. In the main season, an average of 200,000 turtles come to the beaches, making the region the second largest sea turtle breeding site in the world. In addition to the olive ridged turtle, there are two other species of turtles that nest in this region. The leatherback turtle and the green sea turtle are also among the 7 turtle species worldwide that can be found on this part of the coast of Costa Rica. In this Sea Turtle protection project you will learn a lot about the habitat and threats of these wonderful animals. 

    Location
    The turtle protection project is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, in the Guanacaste Province in the north-west of the country. The capital San José is about 5 hours away by car. The beautiful seaside resort of Nosara is close by. Especially in the last 10 years, Nosara has turned out to be a very popular holiday destination for tourists from Costa Rica and abroad. Samara is the next larger town and is about 45 minutes away by car/taxi. Samara is a laid-back sunny town with beautiful beaches as far as the eye can see and a variety of outdoor sports, mainly water sports. The Sea Turtle Project and its surroundings offer the ideal place to relax and enjoy. Species-rich flora and fauna, impressive coral reefs near the coast, evergreen landscape in the hinterland, great national parks and a wide range of outdoor sports await you here.

    Typical day

    After arriving at the nature reserve, all new volunteers will have a welcome talk and project introduction. You will learn important things about the project and the sea turtles, their habitat and dangers.

    Volunteers have different tasks
    • On one side, there are the exciting night patrols on the beaches ...

    Typical day

    After arriving at the nature reserve, all new volunteers will have a welcome talk and project introduction. You will learn important things about the project and the sea turtles, their habitat and dangers.

    Volunteers have different tasks
    • On one side, there are the exciting night patrols on the beaches to observe rare species of turtles and to monitor their habits and behavior. These inspection rounds are always carried out in teamwork with other volunteers and/or with local project staff. Although in this area sea turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs all year round, the high season is from August to January (olive ridged turtle, leatherback turtle).
    • On the other side there is the project's research program that is extremely important for long lasting sea turtle preservation. Volunteers and local staff collect data on the population and the success of breeding. In order to protect the eggs of the sea turtles from natural and human predators and illegal theft (turtle eggs are traded as delicacies) and to ensure the growth of the animal population in the Pacific, some of the turtle eggs are collected by the volunteers and kept in incubators until the baby turtles hatch after about 45-60 days. After successful breeding, the hatchlings are then released into their natural habitat again.
    • Beaches have to be kept clean. So, during the day volunteers are also instructed to help with beach cleaning and collecting garbage. It is very important that the breeding grounds of the sea turtles are free of garbage. Great importance is attached to the recycling of the various materials such as plastic, glass and aluminum.

    We would like to point out that mother nature is unpredictable and we cannot give any guarantee about the number of sea turtles for a certain period of participation. This is also why it is not possible to divide a typical work day into predetermined working hours. If volunteers go on patrols after dark, work shifts are much shorter during the day. On the other side, if volunteers do not have beach patrols in the evening/at night, working hours will be during the day. Volunteers do not work longer than 35 to 40 hours / week.

    Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, time of year, weather, current needs of the project and self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

    Free-time activities

    The project is located at the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica surrounded by dream beaches and a rich vegetation. Things to do include:

    • For surf enthusiasts, the Pacific Ocean beckons with its world-class waves. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just learning the ropes, nearby beaches like Playa Guiones ...

    Free-time activities

    The project is located at the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica surrounded by dream beaches and a rich vegetation. Things to do include:

    • For surf enthusiasts, the Pacific Ocean beckons with its world-class waves. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just learning the ropes, nearby beaches like Playa Guiones and Playa Nosara offer the perfect setting to catch some breaks. 
    • With miles of untouched coastline, Ostional Beach is a haven of tranquility. Sink your toes into the soft, golden sands, bask under the warm sun, and let the rhythmic sound of the waves soothe your soul. These uncrowded shores are where you can truly unwind. Beautiful seaside resorts like Samara and Nosara are close by with dream beaches as far as your eye can see.
    • Adventure seekers, gear up for thrilling mountain biking expeditions. Explore the rugged Costa Rican terrain as you pedal through scenic trails, taking in the breathtaking landscapes that make this region so special. 
    • As the day winds down, don't miss the mesmerizing sunsets on the beach. The sky transforms into a canvas of colors, casting a spell of serenity over the coastline. It's the perfect backdrop for evening strolls and creating picture-perfect moments. 
    • Nature enthusiasts can embark on birdwatching excursions, exploring the lush tropical surroundings. Keep an eye out for vibrant avian species as they flit among the vibrant foliage. 
    • Lace up your hiking boots and venture into nearby trails. These paths lead you to hidden waterfalls, cascading down through emerald canopies, and open up to secluded, natural beauty waiting to be discovered. 
    • Satisfy your palate with the flavors of Costa Rica. Try fresh seafood, indulge in traditional Costa Rican dishes, and dine at charming local restaurants and beachfront eateries. The cuisine is a delightful blend of cultural influences, reflecting the nation's rich heritage.

    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)

    Required Documents

    CV and volunteer questionnaire

    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 and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Shared room in Volunteer House
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Airport pick-up in San José with 2 overnight stays in San José (single room, breakfast & dinner)
    • Transfer from San José accommodation to bus terminal for journey to project site *
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • Welcome meeting in San José
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

    *the costs for the bus ticket to the project site are not included.

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    Airport pick-up in San José with 2 overnight stays in San José, incl. homestay single room, breakfast, dinner. The day after the orientation session, you will be brought from you San José accommodation to the bus terminal for the onward journey to the project site. The costs for the bus ticket to the project site are not included.

    Please keep in mind that the check-in for new volunteers at the Sea Turtle Center is always on Mondays. This having said, when you arrive earlier than a Saturday, you will be staying more days in San José instead of the Sea Turtle project.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers live in the volunteer house on site on the grounds of the natural reserve at the Pacific beach, surrounded by evergreen nature. 
    • The Volunteer house has dormitory style rooms, a kitchen and shared bathrooms. 
    •  The volunteer house is simple but cozy according to local standards
    • The spacious terrace is a popular meeting point and serves as a communal area. The volunteer house is simple but cozy according to local standards.
    • Internet connection is available, but might not be stable all the time. 
    In order to promote intercultural exchange with the local community there are also single rooms available with host families in the vicinity if the volunteer house. 
    • This type of accommodation is used in case the volunteer house would be fully booked. 
    • The families are only a few minutes' walk away. 
    • You will have your meals at the family's house or at the volunteer house.

    Food & Beverages

    The program includes full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner, prepared by the local kitchen staff. Water and fruits are also available during they day. There is also a refrigerator that volunteers can use to store personal groceries.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    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 project is up and running all year round. Your arrival to San José is ideally on a Saturday, as the onward journey to the volunteer project takes place on a Monday. Depending on the day of arrival in Costa Rica, the program includes 2 or more overnight stays in San José (single room in a homestay with breakfast and dinner).

    In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our local team in Costa Rica located in San José, as well as the volunteer coordinator on-site. Before you leave for the project site, you will take part in an orientation talk with our local team in San José. 

    Please note that the local travel costs from San José to the project site on the Pacific coast are not included in the program costs.



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

    Program Fees

    $454 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 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
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Ostional

    Meet your project coordinator

    Marion
    174
    reviews
    4.71
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English, German
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in Costa Rica
    Contact Marion
      Good response rate
    Spanish, English, German

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Marion
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details