Programme Details
This ambitious project consists of four main objectives in which volunteers play a vital role:
- Document the nesting dynamics of the female sea turtles that arrive on the beach enabling their protection for the next season
- Protect and closely monitor the recovered nests in the protected ground known as 'vivero' (hatchery)
- Transfer the information collected to the local authorities as recommendations to be included in the regulating plan of the beach and present the findings to local communities, with the purpose of creating alternatives of non extractive use of these resources
- Co-ordinate fundraising activities with the aim of building a conservation station in Buena Vista
During your time as a volunteer you will undertake a number of varieties which may vary depending upon your location. You may take part in some or all of the following:
- Carrying out beach patrols to look for sea turtles and their nests either during the day or the night, in shifts of two or four hours
- Collecting the eggs you find on the beach, and taking them directly to the hatchery ('vivero') for their protection
- Collating information on the whole process by monitoring the hatchery and keeping track of every event
- Taking neonatos (little sea turtles) from the hatchery, taking them to the beach and releasing them into the ocean
- Helping to maintain the facilities at the project (the shelter), and ensuring that the beach is kept clean (during the day)
- Helping to build hatcheries
- Moving nests to the hatchery
- Marking turtles that are either nesting or returning to the ocean
- Identifying marked turtles and collecting data
- Planting trees in the town and at the beach
- Assisting with the extraction and packaging of eggs that are sold lawfully (just 1% of eggs laid)
- You will be allocated to one of two locations, so please advise us at the time of booking if you are travelling with a companion
Surf Lessons
During the programme, you will be able to practice and improve your surfing skills, or, learn to surf from scratch. Throughout week one, you will have a two-hour lesson each day for four days (one hour of instruction, one hour of practice). You will then have a two hour practice session every day with the instructors during the second week. Surfing will generally take place between 8am and 10am although this is dependent upon tides, weather and turtles - if large numbers of turtles are arriving on the beaches an alternative beach will be selected for surfing.
What’s Included in the Programme
- Co-ordination from the language school
- Accommodation in the camp
- All meals during project (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Transfer to project location
- Surf lessons
- 24-hour emergency support number
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals in San Jose
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenditure
Prices and Durations
Costa Rica Turtle And Surf - 2 weeks £849
Costa Rica Turtle And Surf - 4 weeks £1,349
Get the most out of your trip by combining this programme with a Spanish language course:
Costa Rica Turtle And Surf (2 weeks) + Language (2 weeks) £1,399
Costa Rica Turtle And Surf (2 weeks) + Language (4 weeks) £1,899
Costa Rica Turtle And Surf (2 weeks) + Language (6 weeks) £2,399
Costa Rica Turtle And Surf (4 weeks) + Language (2 weeks) £1,899
Costa Rica Turtle And Surf (4 weeks) + Language (4 weeks) £2,399
