Sea Turtle Conservation

Project Information

Nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as endangered. Slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin and shells, sea turtles suffer from poaching and over exploitation. They also face habitat destruction and accidental capture in fishing gear. Climate change has an impact on turtle nesting sites also, in addition to polluted beaches making it more difficult for turtles to find nesting sites for their eggs. Millions of sea turtles return annually to Costa Rican beaches to nest. Our volunteer project sites are chosen due to the influx of turtles to these areas depending on the time of arrival. Typically January through June is on the Caribbean side and June through February on the Pacific side.The nesting season for the different species of sea turtles varies on the program location, but there is plenty of work all year, including research work, which needs to be conducted to collect data information on sea turtles. The projects mainly work with endangered Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback sea turtles. Participants will patrol beaches and nesting sites and help protect turtles and eggs from poaching. Participants also gather valuable research information. We work with various turtle projects, and can help make group placements based on preferences of what tasks your group would like to focus on and which ocean of Costa Rica you would like to visit.

The role of the participants are to help with night patrols for eggs in shifts of 4 hours- the time participants go out will depend on the tide. Participants will also help the nursery in 6 hour shifts, and a staff member is always present if a turtle comes to nest, or if a turtle egg hatches.. Cleaning of the sanctuary, cleaning of the beach, and maintenance on the nursery are also part of the tasks.

Helping create the turtle nest, watching over the turtle eggs, collecting important data and biometrics on turtles, patrolling for turtle eggs, helping in a variety of projects needed for the development and continuation of conservation project.

Additional Information

N/A

Skills & Qualifications

In decent physical condition and able to work in rustic conditions.

PROGRAM

FEES

Volunteer's Role

WHERE WILL WE STAY?

On-Site at the group housing with shared dormitory style bedrooms divided by gender. The bathrooms are also shared and rustic. The housing is near the beach. Limited electricty and water is available. WiFi is not available.

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WHAT WILL WE EAT?

Participants will be given 3 meals per day. Keep in mind that food will be typical Costa Rican food, so participants may want to bring snacks like granola or protein bars with them to the project site.

HOW WILL OUR SCHEDULE BE?

Participants will work a minimum of 4 hours per day, 6 days per week with 1 day off.

WHAT MAY WE DO IN OUR FREE TIME?

Yes! Not only will you be located in a beautiful part of Costa Rica, close to nature, we can also work with your group to schedule planned activities.

Tours & Excursions