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Fantastic 4.50rating (105)

Save Turtles - South Tortuguero

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Witness the magic of marine turtles in their natural habitat and be part of their journey—an experience you'll cherish forever!
  • Discover the fascinating world of marine turtles and gain invaluable insights into their behavior and habitats while making a positive impact.
  • Embrace a back-to-basics lifestyle that reconnects you with what truly matters and rejuvenates your spirit in nature.

Highlights

  • Witness the magic of marine turtles in their natural habitat and be part of their journey—an experience you'll cherish forever!
  • Discover the fascinating world of marine turtles and gain invaluable insights into their behavior and habitats while making a positive impact.
  • Embrace a back-to-basics lifestyle that reconnects you with what truly matters and rejuvenates your spirit in nature.
  • Relax and unwind on breathtaking beaches, soaking in the tranquility and vibrant culture that Costa Rica has to offer.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 17+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Help to monitor the habits of marine turtles and work with injured turtles in our rescue center.

    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!

    The program is located on a remote Caribbean beach, about 30 km south of Tortuguero. Fresh water canals and 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!

    The program is located on a remote Caribbean beach, about 30 km south of Tortuguero. Fresh water canals and the tropical vegetation provide habitat for not only an abundant quantity of birds and mammals such as monkeys, tamanduas, raccoons, coati, sloths, but also for manatees and fresh water dolphins, turtles, crocodiles and iguanas. The area is not only unique in every way, but is also a famous nesting site for many Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs. 

    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 is a very established camp with rather comfortable facilities – compared to other programs. They have a rescue center for taking care of injured sea turtles. The program site can be only reached by boat.

    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. 

    The program is available from mid February until November. Until June there will be many Leatherback turtles and from then on it's time for the Green sea turtles. 



    Typical day

    Your Tasks

    Together with local research assistants of the community you will patrol the beach in three sectors (2.4 km each) and two shifts from 8 pm to 12 am and 12 am to 4 am. It takes at least 4 hours to patrol the beach effectively.

    If a nesting turtle is found, the eggs are collected and ...

    Typical day

    Your Tasks

    Together with local research assistants of the community you will patrol the beach in three sectors (2.4 km each) and two shifts from 8 pm to 12 am and 12 am to 4 am. It takes at least 4 hours to patrol the beach effectively.

    If a nesting turtle is found, the eggs are collected and relocated into a hatchery. The turtle work is done following an official protocol and involves tagging, taking biometry and other important data of the turtle. Additionally, you help maintaining the rescue center and take care for injured sea turtles. You will also build new breeding grounds and maybe help building up new camps. Additionally you clean and mark the beaches.


    Free-time activities

    Your camp is in a very remote area - save your free days to go on a longer trip at the end of your Project!

    You can travel down the coast to visit Cahuita, Puerto Viejo or our rainforest lodge. Or hop over to the pacific coast and visit us in Sámara! Also, there are many beautiful National Parks to ...

    Free-time activities

    Your camp is in a very remote area - save your free days to go on a longer trip at the end of your Project!

    You can travel down the coast to visit Cahuita, Puerto Viejo or our rainforest lodge. Or hop over to the pacific coast and visit us in Sámara! Also, there are many beautiful National Parks to see: Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Rincón de la Vieja ...  


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 17 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at level

    Required Documents

    Copy of health insurance (valid in Costa Rica)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    If you are 17 years old, then you have to bring the written allowance of your parents - we provide a form for this!

    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

    Accommodation and meals are included.

    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.

    Accommodation

    You will be living an cabinas – shared with other volunteers.
    The remoteness of the beach and the basic living conditions at the project site offer an exclusive condition. The lack of phone signal, cars, shops, and other modern life facilities enriches the quality of an extraordinary experience and allows a connection between people and nature, creating the best environment for making a difference in the life of these amazing creatures – the marine turtles.

    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

    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

    This program is available all year. It starts every Monday or every Thursday. Please arrive at least one day before the programs starts.

    You can only leave this project on Monday or on Thursday.

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

    Program Fees

    $416 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 17 - 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


    Meet your project coordinator

    Sofia
    105
    reviews
    4.50
    Fantastic
    2006
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish, French, German
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details