Costa Rica Sea Turtle and Surf

Not only is this a hugely worthwhile programme, it also gives you the chance to experience at first hand these amazing creatures.

The nearby beach also offers fantastic surfing and you will get the chance to learn the sport or hone your skills as part of the project.

The Volunteer Programme

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
Coordinate fundraising activities with the aim of building a conservation station in Buena Vista.

During your time as a volunteer you will undertake various activities including:

Carrying out beach patrols to look for sea turtles and their nests either during the day or the night, in shifts of 2 or 4 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).

Surf Lessons

Samara is a renowned surfing location. Participants have the chance either to practice the sport or learn it from scratch as part of the volunteer programme. The surf school offers two programmes:

First week: You will have a two-hour lesson each day for four days (one hour of instruction and one hour follow up.)

Second week: Instructors will lead a two-hour practice session everyday. Practice can be done either in Samara beach or Buena Vista beach. The instructor decides which is more convenient according to the level of the participants.

Project Location

The project is located three kilometres away from Samara, a small town in the district of Nicoya, Guanacaste.

Accommodation and Meals

The accommodation at the project is rustic and basic but comfortable. Meals will mainly consist of rice, beans, pasta, meat, cereals and a variety of vegetables and seasonal fruits.

Programme Overview

Combine this project with Costa Rica Spanish Language School

Price:
2 weeks volunteer £649, 4 weeks volunteer £949
2 weeks language followed by 4 weeks volunteer £1249
4 weeks language followed by 4 weeks volunteer £1549

How to book & pay:
Secure with £195 deposit. The balance is due 12 wks before departure.

What is included?
Coordination from the school
Accommodation for two weeks in the camp
All meals during the project (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Surf lessons
24-hour emergency help
A surf school t-shirt

What is not included?
Flights
Travel insurance
Meals in San Jose
Alcohol beverages
Personal expenditure

Programme Summary:
Night turtle patrolling, collecting eggs, rescuing and tagging turtles and helping the baby turtles get to sea! Plus learning to surf in Samara!

Programme start dates:
First Monday of each month

Ask us a question

If there's anything you'd like to know, call on 01892 701 881
or complete the form below and we'll be able to help.