Volunteers help us protect the environment of the sea turtles and their ocean ecosystems. They provide support to biologists and locals who are involved in managing the turtle nesting grounds.
These projects normally include sustainable egg harvesting programs that feed or provide income to the local communities. These programs are designed to prevent over-harvesting and poaching, and are overseen by the Costa Rican government. Volunteers take part in nightly beach patrols, tagging turtles, relocating nests into hatcheries, counting eggs and turtles, contributing to beach reforestation efforts, community outreach programs, project upkeep and maintenance.
During this project volunteers work with very impoverished communities in a rural setting. That said, the turtle conservation projects are located on gorgeous beaches where swimming, surfing and local culture are easy to find nearby. Beach patrols require a lot of walking and volunteers should be physically fit and prepared for this.
We strongly encourage to bring work gloves, and long-sleeved shirts and pants that they do not mind getting dirty or even ruining. Participants should bring a set of dark clothes for nighttime beach patrols. Closed-toed shoes are required and water shoes, hiking boots, or crocs make beach patrols much more comfortable.
They need a flashlight, extra batteries, insect repellent, and sun screen. A flashlight with a red light is preferred, but red cellophane will be provided in-country if they do not have this.
We recommend to use pack-style luggage. Traditional suitcases with wheels are strongly discouraged due to the difficult terrain and frequent walking.
