SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT

PROGRESO PENINSULA OSA COSTA RICA

This is your opportunity to be part of sea turtle conservation and experience Costa Rican culture.

If you are interested in working with sea turtles directly in the field, you can be part of our sea turtle protection program in the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica ’s south pacific region.

The project consists in patrolling the beaches at night for endangered nesting females and releasing baby turtle hatchlings, into the sea 6 weeks later.

There you have the unique opportunity to combine this professional guided experience with a nature experience as you will be right in Costa Rica ’s most exciting eco-system. The Osa Peninsula is famous for its untamed natural beauty, where the rainforest meets the ocean and scarlet macaws above our heads. This is the habitat of jaguars, sea turtles and dolphins. Humpback whales can be seen year round on their migration to the south and to the north.

Furthermore you will work side by side with the easy going Ticos and Ticas and experience local cultures. Participate now in our project located on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica in a place that is called El Progreso on the Osa Peninsula.

The sea turtle monitoring and conservation season at this site runs from June through December. Participants are invited to stay from 1 to 7 months. You will take part in our research team and all their activities. This includes beach cleaning activities, night watch, searching the beach for turtle eggs (mostly at night), taking scientific data, learning about sea turtle habits and population, taking care of the nesting area, construction activities, environmental education activities and the liberation of hatchlings.

You will stay directly at our Research Station in one of the newly built rustic cabins or in tents that are located under a roof to protect you from heat and rain. The Station is located directly at the beach but has all facilities you need like an outside kitchen, shared bathrooms and a large communal space with hammocks. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided in the community kitchen, served at 9:00 am, 1:00 pmand 6:00 pm, respectively.

Homestay: If you would like to add a more intense cultural feature to your experienceyou may be interested in staying with a host family close by. Locals like to open up their homes for our international volunteers and give you an inside view in Costa Rican culture and an opportunity to learn the language. Your host family will provide as well breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ability to speak Basic Spanish would be helpful butis not a requirement.

What to Bring

• Good-quality poncho or rain jacket
• Alarm clock (battery powered).
• Waterproof wristwatch.
• Flashlight, LED head lamps are ideal, with rechargeable batteries (we have chargers).
• Quick drying clothing for a warm tropical climate (cotton takes a long time to dry) that you are not worried about ruining.
• Sturdy shoes for walking the beach at night (water shoes/booties work great for the beach walks) and hiking in the area (bulky hiking boots are not necessary).
• Sandals, Swimsuit, Bath towel
• First-aid kit, Insect repellant, Mosquito netting is recommended.
• Easy-to-pack hammock, . Sunglasses.
• waterproof sunscreen (the rays are powerful).
• Camera, Photo copy of passport
• Things to share with local kids are welcomed.
• Forms of entertainment: books, games, music, guitar, paints, surfing equipment, etc
• Anything Else You Think Would Help

Go to Registration Form

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