Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteering in Costa Rica

What is Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica all about?

Volunteer abroad on our Sea Turtle conservation in Costa Rica projects. These projects have been created with the purpose of protecting the female sea turtles, their nests and hatchlings laid on beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica. Protection is needed, against poachers and natural and introduced predators. This is done using a man-made shelter called a “vivero”. Refuges have been created in order to protect important nesting sites for the Pacific Olive Ridley, the Leatherback, Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles.

Research for the nesting activity of the turtles takes place alongside the conservation work and is used to improve the next seasons activities and techniques. The information is shared with the community, local and regional authorities with the goal of increasing awareness about conservation. The sea turtle conservation programme is a scientific based conservation activity, which aims to raise the number of sea turtle hatchlings and to improve survival rates of these beautiful reptiles. Sea turtles are a wonderful legacy from prehistoric times and the goal is to preserve the species and associated ecosystems.

Why choose this Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica?

On this sea turtle conservation project, more volunteers, there is an increased chance that more hatchlings can be saved, so there can never be enough people involved. Working with a local team, build relationships and use the Spanish that you acquire during your intensive Spanish lessons prior to your project placement. These are great items for addition to your CV/Resume. It is also an opportunity for members of the local community to practice their English skills with native English speaking volunteers which helps them to appreciate different accents and gain confidence.

Role of the Marine Conservation Volunteer

In preparation for your two weeks volunteering you will spend your first week in San Jose developing your Spanish skills on an intensive Spanish course. You will then make your way to your placement location, where you will be involved with a number of different protection and maintenance activities. These may include beach patrolling at night; collecting eggs; trail and camp maintenance or research and data collection. As a volunteer you will have the amazing opportunity to help release baby sea turtle into the ocean. Much of the work on this project is carried out at night, generally between the hours of 8pm and 4am. Volunteers also work in the day time as well but are given time off to rest between the different shifts.

Tasks may include the following, depending on the needs of your project at the time of your placement:

• Night beach patrols
• Collecting biometric data from nesting turtles
• Day/night hatchery duties
• Beach cleaning
• Relocating of nests
• Nest Monitoring
• Hatchling liberation
• General maintenance
• Reforestation work – collecting/sorting of seeds, planting saplings
• Basic construction work, building hatcheries for example

What skills do I need to be a Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer?

This project is great for those who love the outdoors, and are interested in conservation and wildlife especially turtles! There will be many hands-on activities which require loads of enthusiasm and energy especially for long nights of patrolling. Volunteers will be in close contact with the turtles and must be comfortable with this.

A good basic level of Spanish is required. (Basic User Level A2 of CEFR). One week is included in your placement and additional weeks can be arranged if needed for an extra cost. Please discuss your language levels with a Kaya Placements Advisor.

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