If you have a yearning to help conserve at-risk wildlife while in a beautiful coastal setting in Costa Rica, this program is for you! Based in a gorgeous beach village, this hands-on volunteer program focuses on preserving the endangered sea turtle population, while also supporting native sloth conservation efforts. During nesting season (August- February) this popular conservation project focuses on protecting and nurturing the critically endangered Green and Hawksbill sea turtle’s nests. Out of breeding season, the program focuses on research, awareness raising and sloth conservation, including monitoring the local sloth population. Join us in Costa Rica to learn about these amazing creatures, support their conservation and immerse yourself in this spectacular country and welcoming culture!
Without conservation programs, the future of sea turtles is extremely bleak. This marine and wildlife conservation program plays an essential role in protecting these magnificent creatures now and into the future. With limited funds and resources, volunteers are vital to this program’s success and to ensuring their survival. You’ll gain hands-on experience in marine and wildlife conservation and support research and conservation work which includes counting turtles, measuring nests and collecting information.
Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San Jose
Project Location: Matapalo, near Quepos
The turtle conservation program is available all year with arrivals every Saturday. The program’s duration is 1 week to 8 weeks depending on your preference. If you wish to stay longer than 8 weeks this can be arranged with the local team.
Volunteers are accommodated in a special volunteer house
Our prices don’t include flights, travel insurance, visas or vaccinations, but we can provide information and support on obtaining these. You may also need additional spending money to purchase additional foods and snacks, local transport, weekend tours and excursions, and return airport transfer.
During the sea turtle breeding season (August-February) the program focuses on protecting nests and eggs from human or animal destruction, including nightly beach patrols to collect eggs and rehome them to the nursery for safekeeping and monitoring until hatching. Volunteers then have the heart-warming experience releasing them back onto the beach to start their journey in the Pacific Ocean! You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in beach conservation and maintenance, learning important skills along the way. These important projects ensure the safety and preservation of these ancient creatures. The location of this program with its forestation also offers the exciting opportunity to assist with protecting the local sloth population and monitoring their activities. Join the team now and play your part!
Your base for this project is 30 minutes south of the small town of Quepos on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coastline. The town of Playa Matapalo has a restaurant and store so any everyday needs are covered.
There is no short supply of activities to do in your free time. Surfing and horseback riding are popular in the area. Just a short hike away from you is an amazing swimming hole and waterfall. Not too far away are Quepos town and Manuel Antonio National Park.
This remote paradise is unpolluted by noise and light, making it a popular nesting ground for thousands of sea turtles each year.
