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Great 4.41rating (301)

Wildlife Conservation and Surfing

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • One of the best beaches in Costa Rica to do surfing. Try something new or take the chance to work on your surfing skills!
  • Near to biologist reserve.
  • Many beautiful beaches around to visit in your time off.

Highlights

  • One of the best beaches in Costa Rica to do surfing. Try something new or take the chance to work on your surfing skills!
  • Near to biologist reserve.
  • Many beautiful beaches around to visit in your time off.
  • 35 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica.
  • Only 3.5 hours to the airport.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Learn surfing and enjoy one of the best beaches with perfect waves while being part of the wildlife conservation programs in a paradisiacal place full of nature.

    The conservation of natural resources such as sea turtles, sloths, monkeys and hundreds of animal species is our main objective. Located in a suitable place for surfing, we have looked for the balance between the protection of the environment while enjoying one of the most exciting sports on the ...

    About the program

    The conservation of natural resources such as sea turtles, sloths, monkeys and hundreds of animal species is our main objective. Located in a suitable place for surfing, we have looked for the balance between the protection of the environment while enjoying one of the most exciting sports on the waves. Here you can learn surfing with a professional, who is also a person dedicated 100% to sea turtles conservation since many years ago.

    We work day by day in union with different sectors, such as the blue flag committee that is dedicated to the cleanup of our beach which has certification of excellence for this work. We collaborate with the community school in environmental education programs, with the association of volunteers of Costa Rica ASVPA in the protection of sea turtles and with this same association in a mammals monitoring  program.
    Make your contribution to conservation in one of the most biodiverse areas in the world and live a real experience with us. 


    Typical day

    The day starts at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast, surfing lessons vary depending of the tide,the person in charge of the surf school will let you know the schedules for practicing surfing each day you have lessons. We start surfing lessons for one hour a day. A professional will teach you how to practice ...

    Typical day

    The day starts at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast, surfing lessons vary depending of the tide,the person in charge of the surf school will let you know the schedules for practicing surfing each day you have lessons. We start surfing lessons for one hour a day. A professional will teach you how to practice this sport. Classes are taught 4 lessons oer week 

    Meals
    • Breakfast – 8:00 am 
    • Lunch – 12:00 pm
    • Dinner – 6:00 pm 
    Volunteer Obligations
    Communal Work Shifts
    9:30 – 11:00 am
    3:00 – 5:00 pm
    Turtle patrol, (depending of the tide) 
    Take care of the hatchery, six-hour shifts each, 24 hours a day; of course, it won't be every day, as some days you'll have to patrol in search of turtles and other days you'll be on nursery shifts.
    It is very important to keep in mind that your volunteer duties must be completed; these will be scheduled so as not to interfere with the surf lessons.
    Sea turtle conservation – As a volunteer with us, you’ll have the opportunity to be involved in the entire turtle hatching process. This includes taking shifts patrolling the beach in the evenings to locate female turtles who have come ashore to lay their nests. Nests are then transported to a hatchery, where they can be monitored 24/7 to protect them from poachers and predatory animals. You will take one shift every few days to keep watch of the hatchery. Finally, upon hatching, you will assist the baby sea turtles in reaching the ocean safely to ensure maximum survival rates. You may also help in the general maintenance of the hatchery. 
    Sea turtles season - 
    Turtle season, from June to November  hatching season from August to January 
     
    Please note that if you apply for this program outside the nesting and hatching season, it is not year-round, so during the non-nesting season the program will perform other tasks, mainly community work.
    Other tasks – Volunteers will also 
    participate in sloth walks to monitoring and record the migration patterns of local sloth populations. Additionally, you’ll assist us in gathering beach litter once per week. You can expect to help with cleaning the kitchen and bedrooms once per week. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in community service work with local schools and community facilities. 


    Free-time activities

    Here you'll have many different activities to do. 

    - A surfing school in the camp (100 meters), our beach offers the best chance to go surfing, the waves are awesome. 
    - Amazing waterfalls.
    - Manuel Antonio National Park is one hour south by bus. 
    - Dominical beach is 1.20 minutes south by bus. Here ...

    Free-time activities

    Here you'll have many different activities to do. 

    - A surfing school in the camp (100 meters), our beach offers the best chance to go surfing, the waves are awesome. 
    - Amazing waterfalls.
    - Manuel Antonio National Park is one hour south by bus. 
    - Dominical beach is 1.20 minutes south by bus. Here you can also do sports, snorkeling, fishing or recreational fishing. 
    - Jaco beach 15 minutes north by bus 

    The beach is just in front of our house, so sunbathe, enjoy the beach and live in a tropical place.

    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)

    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 10:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Our program includes: accommodation on site, 3 meals a day as well as the support of 2 Volunteer coordinators who will be attentive to coordinate anything you need before during and even once the program is over.

    We also offer the opportunity to our volunteers to combine programs, even if you only applied for one program and wish to divide your stay in any of our programs, we will take care of coordinating your reservation and transfer to the other camp (the change of programs is subject to availability of space in the programs)

    Accommodation

    You will live in hostel-style accommodations with fellow volunteers. There are mixed rooms with bunk beds and an attached bathroom. The site has a personal chef that will prepare three meals per day. There is also a restaurant and convenience store located directly beside the site if you would like to purchase additional food, beverages, or toiletries.

    Food & Beverages

    Costa Rican food.We provide 3 meals a day: Rice and beans, spaghetti, empanada, picadillo, and many more typical local foods. 
    Drinks will be always tropical flavors.

    Internet Access

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

    Add-ons & Experiences

    Mangrove Kayak Experience
    Explore Costa Rica’s Pacific coast on a guided Mangrove Kayak Tour! Paddle through lush mangroves, spot wildlife like birds and monkeys and discover ...
    $160 / once
    Poás Volcano Excursion
    Kick off your volunteer journey with an unforgettable introduction to Costa Rica!
    This experience is ideal for anyone who wants to explore the ...
    $195 / once

    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

    You can arrive any day of the week except for Sunday. From the TRACOPA bus stop near the San Jose airport, take the bus going to Quepos. You should stop on Esterillos este. There, a member of the staff will pick up you to the camp.
    After you apply for our program we will get in touch with more information regarding your arrival. We provide options for transportation from the airport to the site at an additional cost.  
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $746 per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 8 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
    4.4
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

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    Meet your project coordinator

    Luis
    301
    reviews
    4.41
    Great
    2012
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English
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    Contact Luis
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    Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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