Help protect the endangered Olive Ridley turtle, as well as other vulnerable wildlife species in coastal Costa Rica.
Founded in 2009, the Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Experience is a conservation initiative which was started by community members and local scientists in an attempt to create a culture of environmental conservation in the country. Based on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the project is surrounded by a wide variety of habitats which are unique to this part of the world, while the nation itself is home to four species of sea turtle!
In addition to working alongside local communities and various organisations (both governmental and non-governmental) in their understanding of conservation, the project team also work hard to bring a sense of responsible tourism to the area. By working alongside the team and your fellow volunteers, you could make a difference to their efforts, helping them to achieve this goal whilst also learning a great deal about turtle conservation, particularly that of the endangered Olive Ridley species.
Whilst on the project, you will contribute to the welfare of Costa Rica's wildlife through methods such as collecting crucial scientific data, taking part in beach clean-ups, and monitoring the animals in the area. Each of these tasks is crucial in protecting Costa Rica's wildlife species, particularly the vulnerable sea turtles. Your support will help the project continue its mission of securing a future for these at-risk wildlife species - so what better way is there to visit one of the most species-rich destinations on earth, than by volunteering to protect the animals which call this nation home?
Founded in 2009, the Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Experience is a conservation initiative which was started by community members and local scientists in an attempt to create a culture of environmental conservation in the country. Based on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the project is surrounded by a wide variety of habitats which are unique to this part of the world, while the nation itself is home to four species of sea turtle!
In addition to working alongside local communities and various organisations (both governmental and non-governmental) in their understanding of conservation, the project team also work hard to bring a sense of responsible tourism to the area. By working alongside the team and your fellow volunteers, you could make a difference to their efforts, helping them to achieve this goal whilst also learning a great deal about turtle conservation, particularly that of the endangered Olive Ridley species.
Whilst on the project, you will contribute to the welfare of Costa Rica's wildlife through methods such as collecting crucial scientific data, taking part in beach clean-ups, and monitoring the animals in the area. Each of these tasks is crucial in protecting Costa Rica's wildlife species, particularly the vulnerable sea turtles. Your support will help the project continue its mission of securing a future for these at-risk wildlife species - so what better way is there to visit one of the most species-rich destinations on earth, than by volunteering to protect the animals which call this nation home?
Your time spent on the project is vital for the protection of Costa Rica's wildlife, and some of the ways in which will you assist are outlined below. Activities can vary, but may include:
The following is an example itinerary for a 1-week stay, however, itineraries are subject to change depending on the needs of the project when you visit.
To secure a place on this project, a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.
Please be advised, although we are able to offer a 7-night option, a minimum duration of 14 nights is recommended for a more in-depth experience. If taking part for only 7 nights there is no guarantee that you will be involved in all the activities listed.
Select a duration below to see the available start dates. All dates shown are currently available for you to join this project! Please note that you can join this project on any day of the week; please contact our travel team if your preferred start date is not listed.
Whilst on the project, you will stay in the volunteer centre which can accommodate up to 15 volunteers at any one time. You will stay in a private room, complete with a single bed, storage for your belongings and screened windows to keep any bugs at bay. The bathroom facilities are shared but split by gender and there are western toilets and warm showers in each.
There are also two rooms available for couples or small families, one with a queen-size bed, and one with a queen-size bed as well as a bunk bed. Should you wish to book either of these, please contact us to check availability.
All meals are included in the cost of the project. From Monday to Friday you will prepare your own breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be made for you by a member of the team. On the weekends you will need to prepare your own meals. The food will give you a taste of the local cuisine with elements of what you are used to back home, with dishes including salads, chicken, beef, pasta, cereals, sandwiches, and fresh fruit and vegetables! If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and suitable items will be bought for you.
This project only runs from August to December each year as this is turtle season. Turtles start nesting at the beginning of August, with the eggs taking seven weeks to hatch. From then, hatching season begins around mid/late September, with the peak hatching season typically falling in October. December is usually the last time you are able to see turtles.
If you are looking to travel between January and May, you may want to take a look at The Great Turtle Project in Sri Lanka.
You will need to arrive into San José International Airport (SJO) before 3pm on your project start date. You will be met at the airport and transferred by car to the project site.
If you are unable to book a flight that arrives by 3pm on your start date, we recommend arriving the day before and spending the night at a hotel close to the airport. You can then be met at your hotel the following morning and be transferred to the project site. A popular hotel choice is the Holiday Inn Express San José as it offers 24-hour transfers between the hotel and the airport. Please note that while your transfers are included in the price of the project, there will be an additional charge if you stay in the centre of San José/a hotel further away from the airport.
On your final day, your return transfer will arrive at San José Airport at 11am at the earliest, so please ensure your departure flight is booked for no earlier than 1pm.
Most nationalities, including British and American citizens, do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica and will be granted entry for up to 90 days on arrival. You will, however, need to provide evidence of onward travel plans such as a flight ticket or bus ticket exiting the country. As entry requirements can change, we recommend checking with your local embassy regarding visa requirements prior to your time of travel.
During the project, you will take part in a number of walks through the forest or across tricky terrain, therefore, a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Please be aware that the forest walks can be particularly treacherous, as the rains can make the ground and metal staircases rather slippery – be sure to bring along a pair of boots/shoes with good grip! No particular skills are required to take part, all we ask is that you have a passion for animal conservation and are willing to work as part of a team!
There are no specific vaccination or medical requirements needed to join this project. The vaccinations required will depend on the individual medical history of each volunteer. We recommend that you consult with your doctor/GP regarding your own vaccination needs as this will ensure you are protected and prepared to travel. In conjunction with this, we also recommend that you take a look at the Fit for Travel website for more helpful information on how best to prepare for your experience.