Tortugas de Pacuare

Leatherback turtle conservation supporter

Limon, Costa Rica show on map
Volunteer Abroad Animal Marine Life in Costa Rica

Agency | Tortugas de Pacuare

Magical Caribbean place south to Limón is where the biggest turtle in the sea comes to lying eggs, you can be part of communal initiative This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

The sea turtle conservation project in natural refuge gandoca is a joint effort of the association of this community with the inhabitants of this beautiful corner of the Caribbean. Here, volunteers from all over the world and local guides work every night to protect one of the most endangered species of sea turtles, such as the leatherback turtle, through night patrols we look for turtles to take scientific information such as biometrics, marking and geolocation of the nests, with the objective of recovering the population of these turtles that are one of the species that are in serious danger of extinction. Its large size of 2 meters on average will surprise you and make you realize why it is so necessary to protect these beautiful and impressive animals, at the same time you are going to enjoy one of the places cataloged as the most beautiful of the Costa Rican Caribbean, full of friendly people and desires to protect nature. 

What do we expect from our volunteers? We want people with love for nature who are willing to collaborate with us in the protection of our flora and fauna and who are willing to work as a team with people from different places and cultures. 
What can you expect from us? We are people who were born and love this paradisiacal and beautiful place of the Caribbean, so you will find people committed to conservation and with our characteristic way of being (Costa Rican) very fun friendly to all our volunteers. 
For this program, you should bring flashlights with red light, dark clothes (for patrols), comfortable shoes for walking on the beach, rain jacket, mosquito repellent, sunblock and personal care items.

Sea Turtle Conservation
Leatherback Turtle

Typical day

Typical day

Your schedule as a volunteer can vary each day, but mostly it will look like this one:

Meals
  • 8:30 am: breakfast 
  • 12:30 am: lunch 
Communal work
  • 9:30 am: communal work
  • 2:30 pm: communal work 
The total communal work during the day is approx. 2 hours
Among the communal work we do is the plastic collection on the beach and the apt to the improvement program of the Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge
Beach patrolling 
The most important time to patrol on the beaches is at night. This is when the turtles usually come ashore to lay their eggs and thus, the most dangerous moment for them. 
  • 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
  • 12:00 am to 4:00 am 

Details on Arrival

If you come from San José, you must take a bus to Manzanillo. This bus takes approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to arrive, in Manzanillo a staff member will wait for you to take you to the camp.

Free-time activities

Free-time activities

Our volunteers will have the chance to spend their time enjoying the wild life and meeting many different animals.

Furthermore, they can do sports on the beach or simply tan and relax while enjoying a good book. 

Also they can spend time together with the locals and enjoy getting to know a new culture. This is always a great opportunity to make new friends as well.

In thy our time off you will have the chance to go to Puerto viejo, the most funny place on the Caribbean of Costa Rica, visit cauita National Park, or even crooks the border to go to Bocas del toro Panama 

Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Diving/Snorkling
Hiking
Sports
Riding

Program Requirements

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
Language Skills
You need to speak English (basic level)
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 - 11:00

Included Services

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Tortugas de Pacuare cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Tortugas de Pacuare.

Before your journey

Profound consulting and ongoing support (free)
Tortugas de Pacuare (your host organization) provides consulting and is keen to answer all your questions. Once you reserved your spot, you will receive the contact details of your volunteer project.
Online preparation course (optional, from $49)
Prepare yourself and become a confident and well informed traveler. Global Travel Academy takes you on a journey before you leave home, helping you to become one of the world's greatest travelers. Our trusted partner for online learning offers courses in "International Volunteering", "Travel Health & Safety" and "Travel Safety Abroad".

On-site services

Services by Tortugas de Pacuare

Accommodations, meals, fee for communal Asotiation, mantainance of the camp and educational activities 
Accommodation

we live in a house with 5 rooms for 4 people each, each room has a bath and shower

Our house is in the village of Gandoca just 150 meters from the beach, surrounded by the vegetation of the Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge
Dorm Room
Food & Beverages

The basis of the Costa Rican diet is rice and beans, which we accompany with salad, vegetables or meat, always with the typical flavors of the Caribbean and seasonal fruits at breakfast,
Internet Access
Sorry, no access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees. An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica.
Travel Insurance
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have.
Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica.

Program Fees

Why do I have to pay to volunteer abroad?
Costs: Prices in USD
2 weeks (min. stay)
$ 570
3 weeks
$ 855
4 weeks
$ 1,140
5 weeks
$ 1,425
9 weeks
$ 2,565
17 weeks
$ 4,845
36 weeks (max. stay)
$ 10,260
Average fees
$ 285 /week

Best Price Guarantee
You can volunteer at the project site in Limon/Costa Rica between 2 weeks and 36 weeks. Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Tortugas de Pacuare will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Crowdfunding Service
Generally, volunteering abroad involves certain costs. In case you need financial support, we will assist you to fundraise your volunteer program in Costa Rica.
Deposit (15%)
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with Tortugas de Pacuare during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
  Americas Central America Costa Rica  Limon, Gandoca Manzanillo

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