• Life Below Water

Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Help to protect the environment of sea turtles and their ocean ecosystems
  • Provide support to biologists and locals.
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.
  • Make memories you'll never forget during your time abroad.
  • Learn more about the Latin American ways, customs and habits.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Save the sea turtles! Endangered & vital. Be their hero in Costa Rica!

Volunteers help us protect the environment of the sea turtles and their ocean ecosystems. They provide support to biologists and locals who are involved in managing the turtle nesting grounds.

These projects normally include sustainable egg harvesting programs that feed or provide income to the ...

About the program

Volunteers help us protect the environment of the sea turtles and their ocean ecosystems. They provide support to biologists and locals who are involved in managing the turtle nesting grounds.

These projects normally include sustainable egg harvesting programs that feed or provide income to the local communities. These programs are designed to prevent over-harvesting and poaching, and are overseen by the Costa Rican government. Volunteers take part in nightly beach patrols, tagging turtles, relocating nests into hatcheries, counting eggs and turtles, contributing to beach reforestation efforts, community outreach programs, project upkeep and maintenance. 

During this project volunteers work with very impoverished communities in a rural setting. That said, the turtle conservation projects are located on gorgeous beaches where swimming, surfing and local culture are easy to find nearby. Beach patrols require a lot of walking and volunteers should be physically fit and prepared for this.

We strongly encourage to bring work gloves, and long-sleeved shirts and pants that they do not mind getting dirty or even ruining. Participants should bring a set of dark clothes for nighttime beach patrols. Closed-toed shoes are required and water shoes, hiking boots, or crocs make beach patrols much more comfortable.

They need a flashlight, extra batteries, insect repellent, and sun screen. A flashlight with a red light is preferred, but red cellophane will be provided in-country if they do not have this.

We recommend to use pack-style luggage. Traditional suitcases with wheels are strongly discouraged due to the difficult terrain and frequent walking.

Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 6-8 hours per day, Monday to Saturday. Working hours are split into shifts, and volunteers should be prepared to have late night or very early morning shifts patrolling the beach as well as daytime working ...

Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 6-8 hours per day, Monday to Saturday. Working hours are split into shifts, and volunteers should be prepared to have late night or very early morning shifts patrolling the beach as well as daytime working hours.

Free-time activities

Along the beaches, volunteers will find SCUBA, surfing, snorkelling, body boarding, and more or they can do land excursions with hiking, horseback riding or adventure tours and zip-lining that are also easily found. Opportunities to tour other parts of Costa Rica are also available if they want to ...

Free-time activities

Along the beaches, volunteers will find SCUBA, surfing, snorkelling, body boarding, and more or they can do land excursions with hiking, horseback riding or adventure tours and zip-lining that are also easily found. Opportunities to tour other parts of Costa Rica are also available if they want to explore outside of the area they will be staying in. Tours and trips can be easily booked through our on-site travel partner.

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)

Criminal Background Check

required

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

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Maximo Nivel

Our fees include:

- Airport pick-up
- Host family / Dorm accommodations (shared room with half board in San José and full board at the project site)
- Program and safety orientation
- Walking tour
- Official certificate of volunteer service
- Emergency contact number 24/7
- Program management

While in San José:

- Free Tandem Conversation Program
- Free office-wide WIFI and computer lounge
- Free social activities
- Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
- Maximo Nivel Institute open 7 days/week

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

Airport pick up in San José and public bus transportation to and from the project and San José at the beginning and end of the program are included.

Accommodation

The first two days in San José volunteers stay in a local Costa Rican family with a shared room and breakfast and dinner included. At the turtle project, they are housed in either a family-stay or dorm-style accommodations where they are provided with three meals a day. There are no laundry facilities available at the turtle projects. They should be prepared to hand-wash their clothes and dry them in the sun.

Food & Beverages

The first 2 days in San José volunteers have 2 meals included (breakfast and dinner), while at the turtles project they have full board with 3 meals/day.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

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

Projects start every Monday, all year round. Volunteers arrive on Sunday and spend the first couple of days in San José, where they receive the orientation. In San José, they stay in a local Costa Rican family with a shared room and breakfast and dinner included. At the turtle project, they are housed in either a family-stay or dorm-style accommodations where they are provided with three meals a day. 
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,268€
3 weeks 1,660€
4 weeks 2,013€
5 weeks 2,301€
6 weeks 2,590€
7 weeks 2,878€
8 weeks 3,166€
9 weeks 3,455€
10 weeks 3,743€
11 weeks 4,031€
12 weeks 4,319€
13 weeks 4,608€
14 weeks 4,896€
15 weeks 5,184€
16 weeks 5,473€
17 weeks 5,761€
18 weeks 6,049€
19 weeks 6,338€
20 weeks 6,626€
21 weeks 6,914€
22 weeks 7,202€
23 weeks 7,491€
24 weeks 7,779€
25 weeks 8,067€
26 weeks 8,356€
27 weeks 8,644€
28 weeks 8,932€
29 weeks 9,221€
30 weeks 9,509€
31 weeks 9,797€
32 weeks 10,085€
33 weeks 10,374€
34 weeks 10,662€
35 weeks 10,950€
36 weeks 11,239€
37 weeks 11,527€
38 weeks 11,815€
39 weeks 12,104€
40 weeks 12,392€
41 weeks 12,680€
42 weeks 12,968€
43 weeks 13,257€
44 weeks 13,545€
45 weeks 13,833€
46 weeks 14,122€
47 weeks 14,410€
48 weeks 14,698€
49 weeks 14,987€
50 weeks (max. stay) 15,275€
Average fees 469€/week

Program fees

469€ per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 50 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 Maximo Nivel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Maximo Nivel

Brilliant 4.7 rating (110 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Georgie

Spoken languages: English, Spanish

About the project

Maximo Nivel offers Volunteer Abroad and International Internship programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.

Meet your organization

Who we are? 

Maximo Nivel is a family-owned organization that has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru, where we also own and operate 4 intercultural centers in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; San José, Costa Rica.

What we do? 

We offer a wide range of work-study-travel programs, including Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, TEFL Certification, Gap Year, Spanish Immersion, Adventure & Culture, and more! 

Where we work? 

Maximo Nivel’s work-study-travel programs take place in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; and San José, Costa Rica. We also have off-site programs on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica and Guatemala and in the Amazon Jungle and Sacred Valley of Peru. 

Our mission/vision: 

Maximo Nivel is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, client, faculty leader, and partner who joins us.

Our goals: 

  • Deliver high-quality, safe, affordable programs 
  • Provide the best Spanish language immersion in all of Latin America 
  • Improve impact at every volunteer project site where we work 
  • Train and certify world-class ESL teachers 
  • Organize excellent internships and other opportunities for international work experience 
  • Help people experience the world through education, adventure, and cultural travel.

Who are we looking for? 

Adventurous people who are passionate about travel, culture, languages, and helping others.

Why choose us? 

Maximo Nivel's program fees are affordable and transparent. We pride ourselves on providing great client service!

110 reviews · rating4.7

Joseph Adams rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

For me I think the best thing was the people and staff that I met while traveling. They helped me when I had trouble planning, sorting out issues that came up, and making sure my time here was the best that it could be. Staying with a host family is such a good way of getting to learn all about the ...
Chloe Tremblay rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

Exploring the beach at night while volunteering with sea turtles in Costa Rica was an unforgettable adventure. Witnessing the nesting process under the moonlight was both serene and mesmerizing. The supportive staff and the bond shared among volunteers made this experience truly ...
Aisha Rahman rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

Observing the hatching of baby sea turtles in Costa Rica was an unparalleled experience. Everyone made me feel welcome and supported. It was great to be able to explore Tamarindo and other beach towns during the weekends and I met so many great people I still keep in touch today. Thank you for the ...
Daniel White rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

Experiencing an arribada in Costa Rica was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. Thousands of turtles arriving simultaneously to lay their eggs was a remarkable sight to behold. As a volunteer, I felt privileged to contribute to the conservation of these endangered ...
Javier Jiménez rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

The project that I was in was the turtle conservation in Junquillal and it was for 3 months. I didn't know what to expect at all but I fell in love with the little town and the wonderful locals that were so loving and caring towards me. When we had to release the baby turtles into the wild I really ...
Carmen González rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

Being able to see an arribada in Costa Rica was a memorable memorable everyone should see with their own eyes. The sight of thousands of sea turtles arriving on the beach to lay their eggs was breathtaking. I'll be forever greatful for the opportunity to help this organization in conserving these ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > San Jose

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in Costa Rica
Contact Georgie
  Very high response rate
English, Spanish

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