Leatherback Turtle Conservation

About the Program
Pacuare beach is located on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. Surrounded by beautiful nature, Pacuare beach is very remote, only accessible by boat, and it is a nesting site for Leatherback, Green and occasionally Hawksbill turtles. 

Illegal egg poaching and hunting for sea turtles, pollution and beach erosion are threatening the survival of the already critically endangered animals in Pacuare. This has caused an alarming decline in turtles being born on this beach. In particular the 7.1 km covered by the program are in danger, it has no legal protection whatsoever. Volunteers play a very important role in changing this situation. In Costa Rica the poaching of sea turtles or sea turtle eggs is considered a crime by the Law 8325, but the enforcement remains rather difficult.

This conservation program works together with the local community, former poachers trained in sea turtle conservation who, together with volunteers protect the critically endangered animals. The program does nightly beach patrols and operates a hatchery to protect the fragile eggs . 
Volunteers play an important part in Pacuare, as their fees generate an income for the local inhabitants. We strive to increase alternative livelihoods for coastal communities to take the need for poaching and hunting turtles away. From March to October, volunteers help patrol 7.1 km of nesting beach, collecting important data on nesting female turtles and their nests. Outside of main nesting season, volunteers are needed to help with vital hatchery construction and station maintenance.

The Location
The program is located on a remote Caribbean beach in Costa Rica, 2km north of the Pacuare river mouth. It covers 7,1 km of coastline of a black sand barrier, surrounded by rain forest and several coastal lagoons and palm swamp forests. The beach is part of the 50 km stretch between Tortuguero National Park (famous for its sea turtles) on the north Caribbean coast and the Port of Limón city. Fresh water canals and the tropical vegetation in Pacuare provide habitat for not only an abundant quantity of birds and mammals such as monkeys, tamanduas, raccoons, coati, sloths, but also for manatees and fresh water dolphins, turtles, crocodiles and iguanas. 
The area is not only unique in every way, but is also a famous nesting site for many Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs. 
Remember we do not have standard electricity (we use solar panels), there are no grocery stores, no roads, and no public phone service or internet facilities.
You will need to purchase a SIM card from ICE Kölbi (1000 colones), due to the fact that this is the only provider that works in Pacuare and in most remote areas. Your phone needs to be 3G and unblocked for it to work.

The Best Time to Volunteer
At the Caribbean Pacuare program, sea turtle work depends on nesting seasons. From March - October you have the chance to work with nesting turtles and to observe the babies hatch (usually from May to November). Volunteers who want to participate during November - February will support our program with maintenance work at the station, beach clean-ups and beach preparation for turtle season, hatchery construction, inventory, etc. to keep the program station and our surroundings in good shape.

What to Bring
Pack for hot weather and dirty conditions. Lightweight, DARK and fast-drying articles are best. Don’t bring denim. It NEVER dries in tropical humidity.

• Besides sufficient t-shirts and shorts, also dark* long sleeved shirts and long trousers for the nightly patrols
• Raincoat or poncho, mosquito protection, Anti-ich 
• Plenty of socks/ underwear
• Swimsuits; Sunglasses/ hat; Towels (fast drying); Sunblock, A water bottle; Alarm clock
• Headlamp with RED LIGHT – essential for night work since sea turtles don’t get disturbed by this light.
• Padlock
• Extra batteries, or a charger with rechargeable batteries
• Day backpack for hikes 
• Close-toed beach shoes that can get wet; Flip flops; Sneakers

• Observe giant Leatherbacks, beautiful Green and rare Hawksbill turtles in the wild
  
• Actively protect endangered species from being poached
  
• Support a good cause and to contribute to the improvement of local living conditions and the economy, to minimize poaching
  
• Live surrounded by nature and in a remote place which offers a unique experience for everyone who is used to a modern life style
  

Volunteers receive one free day per week, but due to the remoteness of the program there are few activities to do! Time is spent catching up on sleep, relaxing on the beach or sharing with the local community. We often organize football or volleyball games with the locals.
For an additional cost, you can take a boat trip to Tortuguero, and the National Park.

There are many areas to walk or hike to , for wildlife spotting - including monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and birds!
Our staff can help with organizing any free time activities.