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Fantastic 4.50rating (105)

Save Turtles in Montezuma

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

Highlights

  • Experience the ultimate getaway, far from civilization, where you can reconnect with the wild and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
  • Wake up to the soothing sounds of the waves and let the ocean breeze refresh your soul every day.
  • Dive into the "pura vida" lifestyle and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and warm community of Costa Rica.

Highlights

  • Experience the ultimate getaway, far from civilization, where you can reconnect with the wild and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
  • Wake up to the soothing sounds of the waves and let the ocean breeze refresh your soul every day.
  • Dive into the "pura vida" lifestyle and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and warm community of Costa Rica.
  • Step off the beaten path and explore a tranquil haven where nature, adventure, and serenity come together for an unforgettable experience.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Help to collect and record data for research and conservation of marine turtles in an extraordinary nature surrounding and in a pittoresk village.

    About the Program

    On breathtaking beaches you and other volunteers protect the marine turtles that are in danger of extinction. 

    Volunteers play a crucial role in conservation efforts! 

    Illegal egg poaching and hunting for sea turtles, pollution and beach erosion are threatening the survival of the ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    On breathtaking beaches you and other volunteers protect the marine turtles that are in danger of extinction. 

    Volunteers play a crucial role in conservation efforts! 

    Illegal egg poaching and hunting for sea turtles, pollution and beach erosion are threatening the survival of the already critically endangered animals. This has caused an alarming decline in turtles being born on this beach.

    This program aims to sensitize local communities about the importance of protecting and preserving sea turtles by trying to create direct incomes from contracted work at the conservation program and the development of community-based ecotourism initiatives. In this way, it aims to achieve a reduction of the consumptive use of the sea turtles in the region through the preservation of this natural resource.

    Your food - breakfast, lunch, dinner - will be prepared in the camp and consists of the typical costarican cuisine: rice, beans, vegetables, meat and fruit.

    The Location

    Montezuma is a picturesque small village in the south of the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its bohemian atmosphere and the great scenic beauty of its beaches, rivers and waterfalls. For a long time a multi-ethnic mix of individualists and artists came to Montezuma in search of an alternative life and a special charm was formed.

    The turlte camp is just five minutes walking distance from town – what makes it quite special compared to other turtle camps that are usually in remote areas. As the camp is situated just beneath a school,  environmental education is also a part of the work.

    Our Volunteers

    Our Volunteers should have a love for nature and fun with outdoor-living. They should be prepared for sometimes physically demanding work and work at unusual hours as most of the turtle nesting occurs at night. The volunteers should bring a sleeping bag, repellent, mosquito net, flashlight, batteries, rain protection (May - November), sun protection and a hat or cap. 



    Typical day

    Your Tasks

    You will take part in various conservation activities as a member of a team of investigators in the program, between 4 and 6 hours a day. 

    Activities include:

    • Night patrols
    • Relocation of nests to the hatchery
    • Recording scientific data
    • Tagging of turtles 
    • Looking after the hatchery
    • Construction ...

    Typical day

    Your Tasks

    You will take part in various conservation activities as a member of a team of investigators in the program, between 4 and 6 hours a day. 

    Activities include:

    • Night patrols
    • Relocation of nests to the hatchery
    • Recording scientific data
    • Tagging of turtles 
    • Looking after the hatchery
    • Construction activities
    • Nest exhumations
    • Freeing of hatchlings
    • Taking part in environmental education
    • Ecotourism activities


    Free-time activities

    Montezuma is a very relaxing place with a lot of culture and art and also a big variety of natural beauty: waterfalls, rivers, beaches, forests ...

    So, after your project you can plan to visit other places: see us in Sámara and enjoy the beaches in Guanacaste or travel to the caribbean coast and ...

    Free-time activities

    Montezuma is a very relaxing place with a lot of culture and art and also a big variety of natural beauty: waterfalls, rivers, beaches, forests ...

    So, after your project you can plan to visit other places: see us in Sámara and enjoy the beaches in Guanacaste or travel to the caribbean coast and chill in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo. There are fascinating volcanos like the Arenal, Irazú or Poás ... and lots of adventure tours like canopy, rafting and much more!


    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)

    Required Documents

    Copy of health insurance and valid in Costa Rica

    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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    We provide accommodation and food. We organize the journey to the project and we also do hostel reservations in San José if needed (mostly it is needed!) - and, if you will combine projects, we will also organize the transportation between the projects. You will have to pay the cost for the pickup and the transport.

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    You will be picked up at the airport by our driver with a sign with your name and you will directly get in contact with your german, english, spanish speaking coordinator via phone. The driver will drive you to the reserved hostel (if necessary). The cost will be around 70 US$ plus the hostel night (between 13-15 US$ (dorm) and 40 US$ (single/double room).
    This project is in a very remote area and there are two options to get to the project - via bus or via airplane. We will get in contact to plan the best option for you.

    Accommodation

    All volunteers will stay in a guesthouse that is specially for volunteers. Three meals per day are included.

    Food & Beverages

    Your food - breakfast, lunch, dinner - will be prepared in the camp and consists of the typical costarican cuisine: rice, beans, vegetables, meat and fruit.

    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

    This program is available from July until January. It starts every Monday. Please arrive at least one day before the programs starts.

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

    Program Fees

    $441 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
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Osa Peninsula

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sofia
    105
    reviews
    4.50
    Fantastic
    2006
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish, French, 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.

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    Contact Sofia
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    English, Spanish, French, German

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details