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Brilliant 4.72rating (40)
  • Life Below Water

Sea Turtle Supporter

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Create a more sustainable environment for Sea Turtles, so that they can recover as a species.
  • Improve and gain valuable first-hand knowledge in biology such as nesting beach monitoring, scientific data collection and turtle nesting habits.
  • Practise your Spanish and learn more about Panama's culture by being around locals

Highlights

  • Create a more sustainable environment for Sea Turtles, so that they can recover as a species.
  • Improve and gain valuable first-hand knowledge in biology such as nesting beach monitoring, scientific data collection and turtle nesting habits.
  • Practise your Spanish and learn more about Panama's culture by being around locals
  • Encourage social responsibility within these communities.
  • Enjoy some of the interesting and beautiful things Panama has to offer: tropical beaches, beautiful landscapes, a very rich and unique culture.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help local turtle populations prosper by spreading awareness about them in nearby communities, protecting them, and creating an adequate environment for them to exist in.

    Sea turtles are currently facing great threats in the coasts of the Pacific Ocean right now: poaching, pollution, lack of available mating partners, among others. The main objective of this project is diminishing the impact of all of those threats through many activities volunteers perform, so that ...

    About the program

    Sea turtles are currently facing great threats in the coasts of the Pacific Ocean right now: poaching, pollution, lack of available mating partners, among others. The main objective of this project is diminishing the impact of all of those threats through many activities volunteers perform, so that the different endangered Sea Turtle species that nest in this area will be able to sustainably keep on existing in the area. This project is supported by volunteers, local students and residents, and biologists. 

    This project is an extremely valuable and enriching experience to any volunteers because it allows them to directly collaborate with the survival of many endangered species, while also acquiring first-hand scientific knowledge, such as turtle nesting habits, scientific data collection methods, identifying different turtle species, among many others. Additionally, you will have the unique chance of immersing yourself in the local Panamanian culture found in the communities you will be staying at. 

    In the Pacific coast of Panama, turtles tend to nest from mid-June until February. The turtles that nest at this site are:

    • Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)
    • Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
    • Green or black Turtles (Chelonia mydas)
    • Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys olivacea)

    This is a particularly important nesting site, as four out of the seven known species of Marine Turtles nest in this area.

    As a volunteer, you will be guided by a biologist working as a coordinator during the project; you may expect to perform tasks such as:  preparing sand for nurseries, protect female turtles while they lay their eggs, measure turtles, identify the type of turtle species, relocate eggs into the nursery, follow up and take care of eggs within the nursery, release any turtles that hatch to the beach, patrolling nesting areas at night (usually between 22:00 and 00:00), give maintenance to areas where the project is developed (beaches, nursery stations..), giving workshops at local schools and to the general community about the importance of caring for the environment and turtles, among many other tasks that may arise based on specific needs that may arise.

    Typical day

    This volunteer project takes place in the province of Veragues, about 7 hours from the capital, Panama City.
    Volunteers work all week (Monday to Sunday, but you can take one or two days off, which you should check with the coordinators upon arrival).
    • A typical day for a volunteer usually starts at ...

    Typical day

    This volunteer project takes place in the province of Veragues, about 7 hours from the capital, Panama City.
    Volunteers work all week (Monday to Sunday, but you can take one or two days off, which you should check with the coordinators upon arrival).
    • A typical day for a volunteer usually starts at 9:00, where they may perform various maintenance, cleaning, and workshop tasks within the community. Many other tasks specific to current nesting conditions may arise.
    • At night, volunteers can also expect to work night patrols on nesting sites; these patrols usually take place between 22:00 and 00:00 depending on the tide.

    Free-time activities

    A rich cultural heritage, beautiful mountains, tropical beaches, historical monuments, and a bustling capital city —Panama has it all, directly within your reach to discover while you volunteer in this exciting country. Panama is a rather small country with a high density of remarkable and ...

    Free-time activities

    A rich cultural heritage, beautiful mountains, tropical beaches, historical monuments, and a bustling capital city —Panama has it all, directly within your reach to discover while you volunteer in this exciting country. Panama is a rather small country with a high density of remarkable and memorable locations, which is something you can completely take advantage of, through cheap and accessible transportation, ease of visiting, and a welcoming people. 

    Some of the sites most enjoyed by our volunteers are: 
    • Panama city: a modern and bustling city, it's a city that may offer you both big malls and modern architecture, as well as the scenic old city (in Casco Viejo), old monuments (such as the Panamá Viejo colonial area), a natural park filled with sloths and ñeques in the middle of the city (Parque Metropolitano), plenty of museums and seaside spots (such as the Amador area). In the city you can also go visit and discover first-hand how the Panama Canal works. 
    • Portobelo: a city in the Colón province, it has history that dates centuries back to the colonial era, some very picturesque traditions such as the yearly Cristo Negro festival, and it has direct access to beautiful Caribbean beaches and tropical islands (most famous is Isla Grande). 
    • Bocas del Toro: A province in the northwest of Panama, near Costa Rica; its archipelagos and beaches are very famous among tourists, as they provide near pristine sands, near transparent water, a lot of wildlife you can see in some of its islands, and activities such as partying, scuba, or just swimming in the beach.
    • Guna Yala: An indigenous region, it has 365 islands which all have a fair share of white sand and crystal clear water. The Guna people that inhabit this region have a culture that is very tied in to the Ocean and to life in these islands, so coming here will not only allow you to enjoy the beautiful and picturesque beaches on these islands (each island having something particular, such as Isla Estrella, an island filled with Sea Stars or Isla Perro, an island filled with corals and fish), but also to appreciate a unique culture tied to life in these islands.
    • Valle de Antón: A very famous valley with cool weather and lots of nature, you can go hike the famous mountain of La India Dormida (the sleeping indian woman, tied to a well-known local legend), see lots of native flora and fauna, and also enjoy the beautiful scenery.
    • Boquete: Located in the Chiriquí province and known as the "Switzerland of America", it's a small yet very beautiful city in the middle of the mountain, known for its tasty coffee, colourful yearly flower festival (although flowers are an important part of the city any time of year), scenic trekking routes, and all the nature around the city.

    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 Spanish (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at Basic studies level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Volunteers must be respectful of nature, of the rules at the project (no smoking, no drinking), open to learning, and passionate about helping turtles.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Your fees cover the following:
    • Accommodation during your volunteering
    • 3 meal per day
    • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
    • Monitoring and evaluation of the program
    • Orientation and induction to the program
    • Certificate of weeks completed in your volunteering
    • Accident insurance during your volunteering
    • Civil liability for your activity
    • Guidance, advice and management in the choice of program

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will stay at a house that has common amenities such as a washing area, a kitchen, bathrooms, and others all available for volunteers to use. Volunteers will be sharing rooms with other volunteers and using bunk beds. WIFI

    The house has internet at certain times of day.
    Additionally, certain house rules must be followed by all volunteers, such as:
    • The consumption of drugs and alcohol is not allowed.
    • Smoking is not allowed.
    • Don't throw garbage away.
    • Maintain the cleanliness of the bedrooms and the shared areas.
    • Take care of the utensils used.
    • Be respectful towards other volunteers, staff members, visitors, and locals.
    • Inform those in charge if you will be away from the project premises.
    • Swimming in the beach is forbidden during the project.

    Food & Beverages

    3 meals per day local food. Special diets are not included.

    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 Tocumen International Airport

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

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Panama. 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 Panama provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Panama you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Panama. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This project is open on the nesting dates of the various turtles that come to the area, that is from July to December. That being said, volunteers must arrive on  on either a Friday, a Saturday, or a Sunday, as this makes their induction into the program easier.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $328 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 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

    4.72
    ・
    40 reviews

    •
    2018
    My experience as a volunteer and coordinator in the programs I have had the opportunity to participate in in Panama has been very productive ...
    Evelin Pineda

    Sea Turtle Supporter

    •
    2018
    Hi, my name is William & I am an 18 years old French Canadian Volunteer. I was in the turtle project for 6 weeks. It is not always easy ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Panama > Veraguas

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sergio
    40
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    2017
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in Panama
    Contact Sergio
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    Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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