Marine Conservation Supporter

The program

This essential program aims to conserve Costa Rica's turtle, dolphin and whale populations, which have been decimated by human activities to the point of endangerment. Sadly, without preservation efforts, these incredible creatures may cease to exist.

During the nesting season (August - February) this program focuses on ensuring the survival of the majestic Sea Turtle; in particular the endangered Green and critically endangered Hawksbill. In conjunction with beach based conservation work, volunteers undertake boat trips to monitor and research Sea Turtle, Dolphin and Whale populations in the local marine area.  A willing volunteer workforce is critical to completing the many tasks and ambitious goals of this program.

Goals of this Project:

• Save endangered sea turtle species from extinction
• Assist on projects to improve the environment in which sea turtles, dolphins and whales live, feed, breed and nest
• Rescue, rehabilitate and release turtles in need of assistance
• Monitor turtle, dolphin and whale populations with a view to protection and preservation.
• Research these wonderful creatures for a greater understanding of how to ensure their survival
• Enable inter-cultural exchange between international volunteers and locals.

How you can help

Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project. Like many conservation programs funds are greatly lacking and a willing volunteer labor force is essential to its success. Those working on this program will support research and conservation efforts which involve monitoring and scientific data collection on sea turtle, dolphin and whale populations.

Protection of the Sea Turtle during the breeding season (August to February) requires nightly beach patrols to protect nests and eggs from human and animal destruction. Eggs are carefully collected and taken to the nursery for care and monitoring. Hatchlings are released back onto the beach to begin their epic journey to adult-hood! Volunteers may have the fantastic opportunity to participate in the rescue of injured turtles, rehabilitation and release of both hatchlings and recovered adults!

Outside of the breeding season volunteers will be involved in research, habitat improvement and rescue activities. This is a wonderful program that has a direct impact on the safety and survival of sea turtle, dolphin and whale populations on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Volunteers will gain unique experience on conservation projects, learn more about the Costa Rican people and culture and travel to beautiful locations.

Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:

• Beach patrols to protect and conserve turtle hatching grounds, turtles and eggs.
• Undertake on-water research tasks to record population numbers and ecology data on turtles, dolphins and whales
• Habitat and food source monitoring and preservation  
• Assist as needed in rescue, rehabilitation and release tasks 

A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:

7:00am Breakfast at the accommodation

Early morning beach patrols may be scheduled, particularly during the breeding season. If so the remainder of the morning is likely to be free to relax.

VOLUNTEERING DUTIES Volunteers are provided with bikes to travel to and from the project site

During the nesting period (peaking August through January) volunteers will be involved in night and early morning beach patrols and preparing the hatchery. During hatching season volunteers will be releasing baby turtles and helping in the nursery. In the off-season volunteers will be involved with in-water research, mangrove reforestation efforts and monitoring grass sea beds as well as ongoing maintenance of turtle conservation facilities and preserving the beach environment.

Afternoons/Evenings Free time

Volunteers will have part of the day free to relax and explore the local area. Weekends are an opportunity to get amongst the incredible natural beauty and adventure on offer in Oso!

This project is based on stunning Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica's South Pacific coast. Off the beaten tourist track, Osa is a veritable paradise and Costa Rica at its very best! 

The Peninsula is dominated by the Corcovado National Park with its vast array of native wildlife including endangered species and Costa Rica's big cats. Guided jungle adventures can be arranged from Puerto Jiménez. Marine enthusiasts and beach lovers will enjoy the attractions of Drake Bay, Caño Island marine reserve and the surf beaches of Cabo Matapalo and Carate.

Puerto Jiménez is the peninsula's largest town and provides a great base for exploring the region, providing easy access to both the vast expanse of the Parque Nacional Corcovado for hiking and wildlife and the emerald waters of the Golfo Dulce for beaches and surf.  

Immersing volunteers into its unspoilt natural beauty and providing a genuine insight into the 'Tico' way of life; Osa peninsula is the genuine article!