Help Save Sea Turtles

The Project

As a volunteer for this project, you will support the sea turtle population at Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge, which is situated in the province of Guanacaste in the north-western corner of Costa Rica. This area is one of the most important areas for sea turtle nesting. 

In addition to sea turtles, you can also find many different species of plants, mammals, birds, and reptiles in this wildlife area. This makes it one of the most biologically diverse regions on our planet. This diverse range of animal species means that there is a great need for volunteers to help protect them, and people come from all over the world to observe and care for the region's fragile wildlife. As a volunteer, you will observe the sea turtles laying eggs, watch over turtles’ nests, excavate nests, and collect eggs for incubation. 

The work in this project is extremely exciting and a once in a lifetime experience. Witnessing and studying sea turtles that can reach a weight of up to 1,650 pounds with shells up to 100 inches long is a very unique opportunity that most people don’t have. Despite their huge size, you will witness the majestic creatures dig holes at impressive speeds and lay up to 60 eggs!

Your Tasks

As a volunteer, you will provide support to this project, which devotes itself to the protection of different species of threatened sea turtles, their eggs, and hatchlings in the province of Guanacaste. The region where you will be living and working is part of the Camaronal National Park, which is located on the beautiful Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica.

At the beginning of the project, you will be warmly welcomed and given an introduction regarding your tasks and duties. There are numerous exciting tasks in the project, all of which offer a great insight into the work of environmentalists in Costa Rica!

While working, you will be studying and protecting rare leatherback sea turtles and other sea turtle species in their natural environments. You will patrol in groups, typically alongside local scientists. There are turtles all year round, but their activity peaks July-December. 

On a typical day or night, you can expect to patrol beaches that are around 3 km long to help protect and observe the sea turtles. While observing them, you will collect as much research as possible in addition to excavating nests and collecting eggs in order to protect them from predators. 

Throughout this project, you will feel personally rewarded knowing that you are helping an endangered species repopulate. You don’t want to miss this unique volunteer opportunity. 

Climate

Tropical climate, year-round daily average temperature of 30° C (86° F). During the night, temperatures can be a bit cooler. Rainy season is June-October, and peaks in September.

Recommended Packing List

• Comfortable work clothes
• Swimsuit
• Flash light and extra batteries
• Mosquito and sun protection
• Rain jacket

Please Note

There are no special vaccinations required, but be sure to check in with your doctor for additional advice.

If you are interested in joining this program with your family, please keep in mind that the youngest family member should be at least 14 years old.

During this project, you will patrol approximately 3 km of beautiful beaches at night, where you can observe and study the actions of rare Leatherback sea turtles and other sea turtle species in their natural habits. Volunteers never patrol alone, but always go in groups or alongside local biologists. Turtles are present throughout the year; however, July-December is the peak season when turtles lay their eggs. During this time, volunteers can observe sea turtles making up to 30 new nests each night! From January-June, an average of five sea turtles appear per night to make their nests on the beach. No matter which season you volunteer, you will have the unique chance to see sea turtles up-close and help protect them.

When patrolling at night, it’s extremely important to collect data on the turtles so that the population can be evaluated and analyzed.

During this exciting project, will have the unique opportunity to approach these mystical animals that are threatened with extinction. In this region, rare Leatherback Turtles are seen regularly. Their incredibly enormous shells can grow up to 100 inches long, and they can weigh up to 1,650 pounds. They typically appear from October-February on the region's beaches to lay their eggs.

Since this project aims to protect turtle eggs and hatchlings from predators that eat or trample them, you will collect some of the eggs and store them in incubators so that they can safely develop. After a period of 45-60 days, you can observe the baby sea turtles hatch. Afterwards, you will help release them into the ocean. Your efforts to support the sea turtle's population growth in the Pacific Ocean will be greatly appreciated. 

There is a wide range of activites to choose from in your spare time, such as swimming in the sea and exploring the beaches. You can also go hiking in the local area and enjoy breathtaking views.