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& Volunteer in Costa Rica? But Can't Afford it?
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Make a positive difference to people's lives in disadvantaged areas of Costa Rica.
Guaranteed lowest Costa Rica program fees in the US – starting at $175.
Fees paid directly to host families and projects – no middlemen.
Life-changing experiences for volunteers AND aid recipients.
Volunteer in Turtle Conservation on the Pecaure, Caribbean
Do you want to be part of team of turtle conservationists in the beautiful Osa region of Costa Rica? Global Crossroad’s volunteering in turtle conservation opportunity on the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica is perfect for the nature loving, humanitarian adventurer!
- Volunteer abroad in turtle conservation on the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica for a low starting price of only $175
- Reside on a pristine beach where you will have the opportunity to help protect sea turtles
- Highly reviewed and recommended program since 2003
- Safety is our top priority and you will always feel that way
In Pacuare, Costa Rica, do you want to be part of a team trying to save endangered species in one of the pristine locations in the world? Are you motivated enough to live in a rustic but beautiful landscape and work with scientists to patrol beaches, collect eggs, and regenerate the population of turtles? If you are then the volunteering overseas in turtle conservation the Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica is the perfect project for you.
Work in protecting the nesting site and the eggs the turtles will deposit in a beach in Pacuare, near the town of Limon. The volunteer in turtle conservation program on the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica covers over 7 km of coastline. The work is extensive and their data is slowly emerging of the treatment the sea turtles population faces, and how using the hatchery, an immediate threat to turtle population can be eradicated. These turtles always return to their nest on the beach where they were hatched, but many never return due to natural predators. The ones who return face eroding beaches, pollution and other physical challenges upon arrival. Conservation efforts can do little to combat natural predators, but the project focuses on protecting the nesting population that does return "home". Human poachers also pose a threat on top of natural challenges. The rate of decline is so high that if not slowed the Sea Turtle will be extinct in two decades.
Role of Volunteer
The fight to save turtles is focused on 4 areas. You will work in all areas of the volunteer abroad in turtle conservation on the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica project and gain a thorough understanding of conservation work and contribute in saving the turtle.
The first part of the work is egg collection. It is vital our volunteers get there before the poachers take the eggs away and sell them in the local market. Collecting eggs is fun but you need to be careful also. Volunteers will usually patrol the beach at night when the turtles lay eggs. In front of your eyes, you will see the turtles dig pits and deposit eggs in front of your eyes. While they are doing this, you will also conduct research on the turtle, which includes measuring and tagging them. This will have to be done without distracting them. The eggs that you collect will be transferred to the hatchery.
You will also look after the eggs in the hatchery. You will keep records, monitor air and water in the hatchery, clean the hatchery, fill the water tank and help the young hatchings emerge without touching them. You will then release them.
Twice in a week you will also clean the beach. The debris in the beaches are deposited from Pacuare River and they need to be kept clean for turtles to come to lay eggs. You will also work in a rescue center looking after turtles that come there when found sick or injured. You will feed the turtles, change water in the water tank and will also learn to conduct assessment of turtle's health.
Skills and Qualifications Needed
Volunteers must be 18 or above in order to volunteer abroad with turtle conservation on the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica. If you are underage either your parents accompany you, or you must produce proof of permission from your parents. You must also have a basic knowledge of Spanish.
Much of the volunteering with turtle conservation on the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica work is physical in nature, so volunteers must be in good physical health, able to walk long distances, swim and resistant to the heat and humidity of this climate.
Good eyesight is necessary, non-smokers are preferred for this placement, and illegal drugs and alcohol won't be allowed in the area. Please sure all the cigarette stubs are binned. Challenging conditions are the norm and night patrols are an important part of this volunteer with turtle conservation program on the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica. Volunteers should be aware of any insect allergies as mosquitoes and sand flies are persistent. First-aid training is preferred, and previous experience with sea turtle conservation efforts is appreciated, but the local staff will provide training.
Volunteers must have a copy of health insurance with them. In Costa Rica, without insurance you will not be able to participate in a volunteer project.
Dates and Prices
Dates: Volunteer in Costa Rica
All volunteer programs in Costa Rica start every Monday of each month. However, if there is travel constrains, you can start any project on any day.
Busy Season in Pecaure:November-May
Prices: Volunteer in Costa Rica
Global Crossroad is committed to offering the most affordable and highest quality volunteering programs in Costa Rica. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.
Global Crossroad's volunteer program in Costa Rica application and registration fee cost US $299. The application fee covers the cost of advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries in USA office).
In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee. You will pay your weekly fee directly to the country coordinator, who in turn will allocate it to your host family, project and other in-country support we offer to our volunteers. This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and not for company profit.
| Duration | Pecaure, Caribbean |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | $175 |
| 2 Weeks | $350 |
| 3 Weeks | $525 |
| 4 Weeks | $700 |
| 5 Weeks | $875 |
| 6 Weeks | $1050 |
| 7 Weeks | $1225 |
| 8 Weeks | $1400 |
| 9 Weeks | $1575 |
| 10 Weeks | $1750 |
| 11 Weeks | $1925 |
| 12 Weeks | $2100 |
- Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance $3.49 a day »
- No Spanish Language Program with the Turtle Conservation Project
Pacuare (Airport Pick Up and Transportation) »
Pacuare (airport pick up and transportation)
Pacuare Turtle Conservation site is 80 miles from San Jose. There are two options for you to choose from.
Option one- organized by Global Crossroad
- Airport Pick, spend the first night in a hotel in San Jose $45
(If you arrive before 2 p.m. you can go directly to the project by taxi without staying in a hotel.)
- San Jose to Pecaure in a private taxi $150
- The boat transportation cost is 35$
Option two- travel by yourself to the project
If your flight arrives early in the morning, or before 10 a.m., you can choose to go to the project directly by public bus
- San Jose to Siquirres $6
- Siquirres to Las Vegas de Imperio $3
- The boat transportation cost is 35$
Bus Departure time from San Jose: 11 a.m.
Directions - traveling to your project
1. From the Gran Terminal del Caribe of San José, take the 11:00 a.m. bus to Siquirres. You will arrive at Siquirres around 1:15 p.m.
2. From the terminal at Siquirres walk to La Estación Intercantonal, also called Parada de los Calvos, (300m). (If you are not sure, just ask people where you can get on a bus to Las Vegas de Imperio).
3. Take the 2:30 p.m. bus to Las Vegas de Imperio, getting off at the last stop.
4. A staff member will be waiting for you there. The boat transportation cost is 35$ per person, both trips.
Links
Gran Terminal del Caribe of San Jose: Map
*You will pay your airport pick up/transfer fee directly to staff in Costa Rica: Map
The volunteering overseas in Costa Rica program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.
Most Frequently Asked Questions:Volunteer with Turtle Conservation on the Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
- Where are the volunteers going to live while volunteering overseas with turtle conservation on the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica? What are the commuting options? What's the distance between project location and home stay?
- How do the two projects (Caribbean/Osa Peninsula) differ?
- What's the airport I should fly into for this volunteer with turtle conservation program on the Caribbean coast, Costa Rica? What's the distance between airport and project location?
- What's the number of daily working hours I'll work?
- Should volunteers bring any auxiliary supplies?
- Are there any details volunteers should know about before applying?