Our community-driven sea turtle conservation project is based on the extraordinary Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica — one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. While the region is rich in wildlife, local communities often face limited economic opportunities due to its remote location. That’s why we’re committed not only to protecting endangered sea turtles, but also to empowering our local community through conservation training and employment. We protect the busiest beaches on the South Pacific of Costa Rica, seeing thousands of turtles a season.
About COPROT
Founded in 2018, COPROT (Comunidad Protectora de Tortugas de Osa) was created to safeguard vital sea turtle nesting beaches, collect essential scientific data, and promote sustainable development within our region. We’re looking for passionate, motivated individuals who want to make a tangible impact in a rural coastal area of Costa Rica.
Life on Camp
Volunteers live at our rustic, off-grid jungle base camps. You should be comfortable with basic living conditions, a mostly vegetarian diet, and working outdoors in a remote environment. Flexibility, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed are key!
What You’ll Do
No previous experience is required — all are welcome to apply! As a volunteer, you’ll be involved in a variety of meaningful tasks, including:
- Conducting morning (3–5 hours) or night (4–7 hours) turtle patrols
- Collecting data on nesting females and hatchling success
- Supporting with relocating nests and releasing hatchlings
- Supporting community-led ecotourism
- Assisting in the construction and management of our beachside hatchery
- Teaching and planning English lessons for local children and adults
- Helping with gardening, construction, and general camp maintenance
With nearly 7,000 turtle nests recorded annually on our beaches, your work will play a direct role in conserving critically important sea turtle populations.
Why Volunteer with COPROT?
If you’re seeking a hands-on, immersive experience where you can contribute to real conservation efforts, connect with local communities, and live in one of the planet’s most remarkable ecosystems — COPROT is the project for you.
