Our turtle rescue center on Costa Rica's Montezuma coast offers an incredible opportunity for you to make a real difference. This center is dedicated to the preservation of sea turtles and the surrounding protected areas, which have been at risk for many years. Despite being among the oldest species on the planet, turtles face severe threats from pollution and egg poaching. The project began in 1989 with the goal of bridging the gap between local communities and the essential conservation efforts needed to protect national parks and marine life. The mission is to inspire more people to volunteer in efforts to conserve nature and protect endangered species, thereby reducing the impact of pollution and the illegal consumption of turtle eggs.

At our Montezuma location, turtle eggs are carefully relocated to a safe hatchery to prevent them from being stolen or eaten by predators. After hatching, the baby turtles are guided safely to the ocean. Each turtle that comes ashore is monitored, documented, and checked for health issues. If injured turtles are found, they receive medical care at the center.

Over the years, this project has expanded to include 20 different locations across Costa Rica's beaches, working with volunteers from around the globe. Thanks to these efforts, the turtle population has seen a significant increase over the past two decades—an incredible achievement for both the team and the turtles. Montezuma is one of these crucial locations, and the project doesn't just focus on sea turtles; it also aims to protect Costa Rica's ecosystems, nature reserves, and responsibly manage scarce natural resources. Volunteers will help monitor and clean protected areas such as forests, rivers, and coastal regions, while also collaborating with the local community to preserve the native flora.

If you’re interested in biology, the project offers essential research opportunities aimed at the preservation of sea turtles. This includes monitoring hatching success rates, documenting birth and crawl numbers, and much more. Volunteers, students, and researchers work together to analyze environmental conditions in the hatcheries and on the beaches. It's a fascinating aspect of the project where you'll gain extensive knowledge.

Additionally, the project works closely with surrounding communities, raising awareness about environmental protection and developing sustainable projects together. This includes educational outreach, lectures in local schools, and offering internships and volunteer opportunities for community members. Everyone comes together for the common goal of conservation. The diversity of the volunteers and staff in terms of nationality, age, and background makes this organization particularly special, with mutual respect and trust at its core.