Local Sea Turtle Conservation Program

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • We have received more than 1500 volunteers from different parts of the world ... Be part of this enriching cultural experience
  • We have protected 97% of turtle nests.
  • 113,626 baby turtles were released
  • Collect memories, live this experience intensely and be part of a new adventure.
  • From June to November 2023, we have received 1562 turtles to spawn on the beach.


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

The program is now in its 19th year and we need all hands on board! As a volunteer, you will take part in the conservation of endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica.

 The Corcovado Foundation sea turtle conservation and volunteering program is now in its 19th year and we need all hands on board!


We offer the opportunity for people who want to make a difference and actively participate in the conservation of endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica’s ...

About the program

 The Corcovado Foundation sea turtle conservation and volunteering program is now in its 19th year and we need all hands on board!


We offer the opportunity for people who want to make a difference and actively participate in the conservation of endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica’s spectacular Playa Hermosa- Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge. 

We fight to protect the species from predators and threats that surround them and we try to maintain harmony between individuals and the ecosystem.

As a volunteer, you will take part in sea turtle conservation activities, including:

night patrols *It is important to bring dark clothes for the night patrols
relocating nests 
recording scientific data
• nest exhumations 
liberation of hatchlings.

You may also be required to work on eco-tourism, environmental education, and construction activities.

 
Sometimes the work on the project can be difficult and is not suitable for everyone. The climatic conditions can be extreme, with heavy rains and floods located often daily. Most work is nocturnal and it will be necessary to sleep during the day, often withstanding high temperatures and humidity It can be very difficult to plan activities as well, and priorities can change suddenly according to the resources that are available at the moment, and volunteers often find that the work plan changes without prior notice. The way of life is rustic and very spontaneous, but the people are warm and genuine and the environment is full of amazing natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity. You will soon release the precepts of the first world and adapt to a local's life.



Typical day

Example of an itinerary:


4:30- Morning census and search for traces

8:00 - Breakfast

9:00 - Day planning and meeting to explain patrols from the night before.

10:00-12:00 Different activities

  • Beach cleaning         
  • Nursery construction       
  • Camp cleaning         
  • Beach preparation

13:

Typical day

Example of an itinerary:


4:30- Morning census and search for traces

8:00 - Breakfast

9:00 - Day planning and meeting to explain patrols from the night before.

10:00-12:00 Different activities

  • Beach cleaning         
  • Nursery construction       
  • Camp cleaning         
  • Beach preparation

13:00 - Lunch

15:00-17:00 - Beach activities

  • Environmental education
  • Work in the nursery

 20:00-00:00- First patrol

00:00-4:00- Second patrol


Free-time activities

We know that volunteers come not only to work but also to discover the incredible nature of Costa Rica. The project offers the possibility of unforgettable tours to the near National Parks, bird watching and activities such as snorkeling, or simply hiking around on surrounding rainforest ...

Free-time activities

We know that volunteers come not only to work but also to discover the incredible nature of Costa Rica. The project offers the possibility of unforgettable tours to the near National Parks, bird watching and activities such as snorkeling, or simply hiking around on surrounding rainforest trails… countless opportunities for the nature-lover.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:00 - 04:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Corcovado Foundation

The amount covers accommodation, three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and training. 

Accommodation

Volunteers stay in mixed dorms with mix bathrooms, rustic but cozy and accommodation includes bed linen.

Food & Beverages

 Our program itinerary includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you have any dietary restriction such as: vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, or allergies please let us know. 

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

 The Sea Turtle Program season starts on 01 July and until 31 December. All volunteers must make their arrangements for the projects. For training purposes, new volunteers are only received on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m to 15:00

 When you arrive in Costa Rica you have to get to the project with the next schedule:

To travel from San José to Punta Mala Beach there are two bus options and it has a travel time of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

 Option 1: TRACOPA STATION SAN JOSÉ TO MANUEL ANTONIO (Recommended)

• Take the bus from TRACOPA to Manuel Antonio at 9:00 a.m. The duration of the trip is approximately 2 hours and a half. It has an approximate cost of ₵ 8500 ($17)

• Once on the bus, you will have to ask at the driver to leave you at the Punta Mala Refuge entrance. You can follow up your trip with waze or google maps. You can find us as “Proyecto de Tortugas, Fundación Corcovado” or Refugio de Vida Silvestre Punta Mala

• Once at the Punta Mala entrance our staff can pick you up and take you to the program place.

➢ Note: If you want to take another scheduled bus, please check the schedules and rates on the website: https://www.tracopacr.com/Rutas_Horarios 


Option 2: TRACOPA STATION SAN JOSÉ TO JACO (If you will need to buy something at Jaco before getting to the project)

• Take the bus from TRACOPA to Jaco at 10:15 a.m. The duration of the trip is approximately 2 hours and a half. It has an approximate cost of ₵ 8500 ($17)

• Once in the bus, you will have to ask at the driver to leave you at the Jaco entrance. You can follow up your trip with waze or google maps. You can find us as “Proyecto de Tortugas, Fundación Corcovado” or Refugio de Vida Silvestre Punta Mala.

• Once at Jaco you will have to pay for a taxi to take you from Jaco to Punta Mala entrance. This taxi has a cost of $30 approximately. If you let us know in advance, we can organize this taxi for you.

• Once in the Punta Mala entrance our staff can pick you up and take you to the program place.

➢ Note: If you want to take another scheduled bus, please check the schedules and rates on the website: https://www.tracopacr.com/Rutas_Horarios


*Please let us know in advance how you will arrive at the program because we will need to coordinate with the staff to pick you up at the entrance, the taxi if you take the Jaco option, and to be attentive to your arrival.

If you want to arrive on your own to the place or something happens on your way to the program and don´t have the option to contact us, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CALL THE TAXI NUMBERS that you can see previously, because both Lillian and Miguel are trustworthy and they know the route perfectly. You will have to tell them that you are a Corcovado Foundation Volunteer and you will need to get into the program at Punta Mala Refuge.

In addition, to access the place it is necessary to have prior approved permission, and the guards of the entrance need to know the license plate number of the vehicle that will arrive. This process would be facilitated using the recommended transportation since these you already have the required information.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 515€
3 weeks 772€
4 weeks 1,030€
5 weeks 1,287€
7 weeks 1,802€
9 weeks 2,317€
24 weeks (max. stay) 6,180€
Average fees 257€/week

Program fees

257€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Corcovado Foundation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Corcovado Foundation

Fantastic 4.5 rating (7 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Zoraida

About the project

We are a nonprofit organization fighting to protect Costa Rica´s natural heritage for future generations by uplifting communities through education and engagement

Meet your organization

The Corcovado Foundation was established in 1996 by concerned neighbors of Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Our founding project involved working with ACOSA to establish patrols and rangers stations in the biodiverse area surrounding the national park, greatly reducing illegal hunting and logging. We are a hands-on, down to earth local leader in conservation, with an excellent reputation for our volunteering programs and our commitment to a practical and community led approach to environmental protection.

The Corcovado Foundation currently has four main areas of work in the Osa Peninsula: -Sea Turtle Conservation – Environmental Education – Sustainable Tourism – Community Development.

We work on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, that is one of the most biologically intense places on earth. The area contains 25-30 different eco-systems and is home to a staggering variety of wildlife and plant life, many of which are endangered. It has one of the most significant populations of large endangered mammals in Central America, including predators

such as Jaguars and Pumas and is also home to many endemic species of birds and trees. The harpy eagle, believed to be locally extinct since 1989, was discovered in small numbers in Corcovado National Park and there are important calving sites for humpback whales in the waters surrounding Caño Island and Gulfo Dulce.

In short, The Osa Peninsula represents one of the world’s most important sources for future knowledge about rainforest ecosystems and the conservation of biological diversity on earth.

7 reviews · rating4.5

The turtle project work the Foundation does is amazing. The accommodations are basic, but safe and clean and the opportunities they give volunteers to make a difference are a once in a lifetime ...
Norma Jean Profitt rating4.8

2020 at Local Sea Turtle Conservation Program

Wonderful experience helping out turtle conservation I very much enjoyed my volunteer experience, particularly patrolling the beach at night. I also liked participating in the exhumations and beach cleanup. I liked learning about turtle conservation and what changes need to take place to ensure ...
I joined this project with the expectation of learning a lot and getting some hands on practical field experience in something that I am very passionate about, but I got out so much more than that. The 12 weeks that I spent on Rincon with all the volunteers that came through and the amazing ...
I have been with the Corcovado foundation as a volunteer in 2007 and I am following the progress of their projects since. I am convinced they really do a good job and make a difference for the ...
Cathrin Kuesters rating4

2023 at Corcovado Eco Community Development

My time in the Biohostel, Corcovado Foundation was nice. People have been really nice and the food was amazing. The volunteer work was ok, but I expected to learn more and I did expect to have more volunteers there. I can recommend it for two weeks, but not longer, because it is super remote and not ...
Siana Marie Ungemach rating3.4

2023 at Corcovado Eco Community Development

I was in the project for 2 weeks in march 2023 and spendet a good and changeable time there. It was really important that I can speak good basics in Spanish, as the most of the people there just speak Spanish. The hostel that belongs to the project was very tidy and the food really good. The ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Puntarenas, Jaco

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