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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Life On Land

Turtle Conservation Management

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

Highlights

  • Night patrols on the beach
  • Tagging turtles
  • Relocating nests into hatcheries

Highlights

  • Night patrols on the beach
  • Tagging turtles
  • Relocating nests into hatcheries
  • Counting eggs and turtle numbers
  • Beach clean-up efforts
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help to monitor the sea turtles and release hatchlings back into the sea! Work on hatchery management, beach patrols, beach clean-up, data collection.

    The sea turtle population in Costa Rica is sadly in danger of extinction. The turtle species can vary, and each species distinctively affects the local environment, ecosystem and habitat. They play an important part in preserving the health of our oceans. The turtle conservation project in Costa ...

    About the program

    The sea turtle population in Costa Rica is sadly in danger of extinction. The turtle species can vary, and each species distinctively affects the local environment, ecosystem and habitat. They play an important part in preserving the health of our oceans. The turtle conservation project in Costa Rica is run by both local and international environmentalists and biologists. The main focus of this program is to increase the birth rate and survival of turtle hatchlings. You will also be taught how to collect data and educate the local community about environmental and conservation issues, as well as how to maintain this precious marine ecosystem.

    You will work with a supervisor who will teach you how to do everything such as hatchery management, beach patrols, beach clean-up, data collection, and community education. You will help to support local biologists and researchers who are involved in overseeing the turtle nesting grounds.

    Location
    Turtle Conservation project sites and accommodations are located 2 to 5 hours outside the city of San Jose. These locations may not have reliable internet, but a phone is available in case of emergencies. Our local coordinators will check in with you by phone and in-person throughout your project. You will spend  the first 1-2 days in San Jose for orientation before your project starts.

    Typical day

    The Turtle Conservation program begins with a mandatory 2 day orientation session in San Jose, where you receive vital information about your project and trip to the project site.

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but you can expect to work 6-8 hours per day, Monday to ...

    Typical day

    The Turtle Conservation program begins with a mandatory 2 day orientation session in San Jose, where you receive vital information about your project and trip to the project site.

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but you can expect to work 6-8 hours per day, Monday to Saturday. 

    Your working hours are split into shifts, and you should be prepared to sometimes work late at night or very early morning when
    patrolling the beach. You have one free day a week, please notify the project director if you plan to leave the
    site.

    Monday to Saturday
    Here is a rough guide on what to expect:
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 6-8 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon or evening
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at the accommodation

    Free-time activities

    San Jose
    San Jose is the capital city and has plenty to do from city tours, watching a show at the theatre, markets, museums, parks, and city walking tours. You can also take day trips to mountains, volcanoes and the beach.

    Arenal Volcano
    Situated about 90 km northwest of San Jose is Arenal volcano, ...

    Free-time activities

    San Jose
    San Jose is the capital city and has plenty to do from city tours, watching a show at the theatre, markets, museums, parks, and city walking tours. You can also take day trips to mountains, volcanoes and the beach.

    Arenal Volcano
    Situated about 90 km northwest of San Jose is Arenal volcano, measuring 1,633 metres high. This scenic volcano is one of the most popular tourist attractions, with daily tours walking around it, plus it’s proximity to the nearby rainforest and waterfalls make it a popular place to visit.

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
    Close by the where a lot of our projects are, this National park is one of the most popular in Costa Rica. With beautiful beaches, rainforest walking trails and an abundance of wildlife, this is a must visit for any traveller!

    Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
    Another stunning destination to visit and a lush oasis of green rainforest and misty fog and clouds sitting at the top of the canopy. There are around 420 different types of orchids, ferns mosses, as well as a large bird population- perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. There are also night time walking tours.

    Corcovado National Park
    A stunning national park with plenty of hiking trails, natural swimming holes, waterfalls, rainforest, wildlife, flora and fauna and camping. Here you will find more than 400 bird species, monkeys, sea turtles, over 40 frog species, 100 butterfly species and perhaps even a jaguar.

    Adventure activities
    Costa Rica has so much to do for those who like to live on the wild side! From ziplining, white water rafting, canyoning, surfing, snorkelling, diving, horse riding and paddle boarding. This is a nature and adventure lovers paradise!

    Beach Hopping
    There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. From white sand, black sand, beaches that meet jungle and all with crystal clear, blue waters. Many of the beach town have cafes, restaurants, accommodation and places to grab a fresh coconut juice, the perfect way to chill out after a hot day!

    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)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    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

    • Airport pick-up
    • Host family accommodations
    • Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
    • 1 day orientation
    • 24/7 in-country support
    • Walking tour
    • Official certificate of volunteer service
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Spanish language tutoring table
    • Tandem Conversation Program
    • WiFi and computer lab
    • Salsa dance classes
    • Cooking classes
    • Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    • Volunteer centre open 7 days/week

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    Arrival to San Jose
    You will spend the first 1-2 nights in San Jose, before heading to the offsite location. Our local team will pick you up from San Jose airport on the Sunday before your project. Sunday night accommodation is included in the fees.

    If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.

    If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee.

    Turtle Conservation project sites and accommodations are located 2 to 5 hours outside the city of San Jose. Public bus transportation to and from the project site is included at both the beginning and end of your program.

    We will explain to you how to get to your project site, and you will be given transportation tickets. You will leave on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning to reach your offsite project. Transportation back is included, and this will usually be Friday evening or Saturday morning.

    Accommodation

    While in San Jose for your orientation, you stay in a traditional home stay with a pre- approved middle class Costa Rican family in a shared room. You share with 1-3 other people of the same gender.

    At the offsite project, you stay either with a host family or in dorm-style accommodation – please note that as assignments are made based on availability rather than preference. You are provided with three meals a day. Because Turtle Conservation sites are very rurally located, some of the comforts and conveniences you are used to may not be available. While you have access to all the standard Local Services while in San Jose, please keep in mind that at Turtle project sites somethings may be limited, such as wifi, transportation and medical facilities. 

    While the areas may be remote, the location is beautiful and there is plenty to do! Along the beaches there are activities like scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling, body boarding, and more! You can also enjoy land excursions like hiking, horseback riding, adventure tours, and zip-lining, all of which are easily found nearby.


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing. 

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner will be served 7 days a week and will usually be local cuisine, cooked by your host family. The food in Costa Rica is a mix of African, Italian, French, Chinese, and Spanish cuisines. Common food are grains such as rice, corn, and beans and different meats mixed with spices like coriander, saffron, parsley, oregano, thyme and nutmeg. The food is usually mildly seasoned and has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

    Internet Access

    Limited 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

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

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

    Program Fees

    $707 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
    4.7
    Top Pick
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    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > San Jose

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Contact Lauren
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    English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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