Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Nicoya Peninsula
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Puntarenas,  Cartago

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: Interested in beautiful beaches and preserving our flappy-friends?

This is an ideal project if you want to play an important role in preserving an endangered species and gaining an insight into marine biology. Leatherback turtles are critically endangered (i.e. over 80% of the population lost in the last 10 years!), so you'll receive specific training which will enable you to help with research and data collection. You could be working on a specialised marine turtle conservation project where you can get involved in clearing beaches in preparation for the nesting season, as well as regular beach patrols. This is a great opportunity to help safeguard the existence of these fascinating animals, whilst spending lots of time on the sun-kissed beaches of Costa Rica's pristine coastline.

*Project details:
We support a number of research and conservation organisations working with several species of turtle, such as Leatherbacks and Olive Ridleys, who nest on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. As the turtle seasons vary you will be allocated to a project where there are most likely to be turtles and your mission to protect these much poached and predated creatures will focus on night patrols of the beaches and guarding eggs in the hatcheries.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
Before the projects started, turtle poaching claimed around 95% of eggs laid on beaches but, with the help of dedicated locals and volunteers, this figure has dropped to 10%. You will be making a very real difference to the survival of turtles in Costa Rica!

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Spending your days on stunning beaches - and your evenings helping ensure the survival of these wonderful creatures
* Sampling the local food - beans and rice may not sound much but when you're in Costa Rica it tastes great!
* Experiencing a totally different way of life - unless you're lucky enough to usually live on a tropical beach

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Think pristine tropical paradise, think of stepping out of your every day life. Think, did Robinson Crusoe have air con, nice hot showers, an extensive menu of tasty nibbles and access to his mates on Facebook? No, he didn't and neither, dear traveller, shall you! If you have a genuine interest in nature and conservation and are happy to spend time in the close company of like-minded individuals, giving the project of your best and with a bit of physical labour thrown in, you will love your stay in Costa Rica. You may not love the cold showers, the back-of-beyond-without-electricity and rice and beans, rice and beans and more rice and beans, but the turtles will thank you for it (metaphorically at least!) and you will be immersed in the genuine cultural experience.

Your role as a volunteer:
You will usually do a mixture of day and night work, over 6 days a week with one day off by agreement. Warning - this can be a bit tiring! As well as nightly beach patrols and shifts guarding the hatchery from said poachers and other predators you could be involved in collecting turtle eggs, gathering data, clearing up the beach, preparing hatcheries and general maintenance at the project. When you are off duty you may need to make your own entertainment - the more jokes and card games you know the more friends you will have!

Cost in US$: USD 1,095.00 for 1 week, USD 385.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared basic hut, tent, dormitory or homestay dependent on location
* Food: All meals
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, local in-country team and 24 hour emergency support

When you go on an i-to-i volunteer vacation, we want you to have the best possible experience abroad, so we include these important services.

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- contact details to pass along to your family

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 17-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 4+

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994