Turtle Conservation Management
Coordinator | Lauren
Coordinator | Lauren
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Night patrols on the beach
Tagging turtles
Relocating nests into hatcheries
Counting eggs and turtle numbers
Beach clean-up efforts
Help to monitor the sea turtles and release hatchlings back into the sea! Work on hatchery management, beach patrols, beach clean-up, data collection.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 16+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
The sea turtle population in Costa Rica is sadly in danger of extinction. The turtle species can vary, and each species distinctively affects the local environment, ecosystem and habitat. They play an important part in preserving the health of our oceans. The turtle conservation project in Costa Rica is run by both local and international environmentalists and biologists. The main focus of this program is to increase the birth rate and survival of turtle hatchlings. You will also be taught how to collect data and educate the local community about environmental and conservation issues, as well as how to maintain this precious marine ecosystem.
You will work with a supervisor who will teach you how to do everything such as hatchery management, beach patrols, beach clean-up, data collection, and community education. You will help to support local biologists and researchers who are involved in overseeing the turtle nesting grounds.
Location
The turtle projects are situated offsite from the volunteer centre. These locations may not have reliable internet, but a phone is available in case of emergencies. Our local coordinators will check in with you by phone and in-person throughout your project. You will spend the first 1-2 days in San Jose for orientation before your project starts.
Typical day
Sunday – Arrival / Welcome and Home Stay Introduction
Monday – Orientation day
Tuesday to Saturday
Here is a rough guide on what to expect:
- Breakfast at the accommodation
- 5-6 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon or evening
- Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
- Free time
- Dinner at the accommodation
Free-time activities
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city and has plenty to do from city tours, watching a show at the theatre, markets, museums, parks, and city walking tours. You can also take day trips to mountains, volcanoes and the beach.
Arenal Volcano
Situated about 90 km northwest of San Jose is Arenal volcano, measuring 1,633 metres high. This scenic volcano is one of the most popular tourist attractions, with daily tours walking around it, plus it’s proximity to the nearby rainforest and waterfalls make it a popular place to visit.
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Close by the where a lot of our projects are, this National park is one of the most popular in Costa Rica. With beautiful beaches, rainforest walking trails and an abundance of wildlife, this is a must visit for any traveller!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Another stunning destination to visit and a lush oasis of green rainforest and misty fog and clouds sitting at the top of the canopy. There are around 420 different types of orchids, ferns mosses, as well as a large bird population- perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. There are also night time walking tours.
Corcovado National Park
A stunning national park with plenty of hiking trails, natural swimming holes, waterfalls, rainforest, wildlife, flora and fauna and camping. Here you will find more than 400 bird species, monkeys, sea turtles, over 40 frog species, 100 butterfly species and perhaps even a jaguar.
Adventure activities
Costa Rica has so much to do for those who like to live on the wild side! From ziplining, white water rafting, canyoning, surfing, snorkelling, diving, horse riding and paddle boarding. This is a nature and adventure lovers paradise!
Beach Hopping
There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. From white sand, black sand, beaches that meet jungle and all with crystal clear, blue waters. Many of the beach town have cafes, restaurants, accommodation and places to grab a fresh coconut juice, the perfect way to chill out after a hot day!
Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.
You need to speak English (basic level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
- Airport pick-up
- Host family accommodations
- Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
- 1 day orientation
- 24/7 in-country support
- Walking tour
- Official certificate of volunteer service
- Letter of recommendation
- Spanish language tutoring table
- Tandem Conversation Program
- WiFi and computer lab
- Salsa dance classes
- Cooking classes
- Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
- Volunteer centre open 7 days/week
Airport pickup is provided. If arriving Sat an extra night will be charged. Full information in the welcome pack or feel free to contact us.
The majority of our volunteers will stay with a pre-approved middle-class Costa Rican family. You have the option of a shared or a private room. For shared rooms, you are placed with 1-3 other people of the same gender and age group. In San Jose, the host families live in the San Pedro area, which is around a 10 to 60-minute walk or bus ride (depending on where you’re placed) from the volunteer centre. You’ll be given a key to the house and are free to come and go as you please, but you must respect the house rules and practices of your host family
The host family can help you with washing laundry. There is a small charge of ₡2,500 or $5 per kilo (2.2 lbs) which is paid directly to the family. If you are staying at a student residence, hostel, hotel or apartment that does not have a laundry service available, you can use a nearby laundrette (lavanderia).
Breakfast and dinner will be served 7 days a week and will usually be local cuisine, cooked by your host family. The food in Costa Rica is a mix of African, Italian, French, Chinese, and Spanish cuisines. Common food are grains such as rice, corn, and beans and different meats mixed with spices like coriander, saffron, parsley, oregano, thyme and nutmeg. The food is usually mildly seasoned and has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica.
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.
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.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 12 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,210
3 weeks
$1,550
4 weeks
$1,865
8 weeks
$2,865
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$3,925
Average fees
$466
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Involvement Volunteers IVI
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Turtle Conservation Management
Help to monitor the sea turtles and release hatchlings back into the sea! Work on hatchery management, beach patrols, beach clean-up, data collection.
$466/week
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