Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteering Costa Rica

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi


CONTENTS:

Description

The Corcovado Foundation sea turtle conservation and volunteering program is now in its 16th year and we need all hands on board!

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

As a volunteer, you will take part in conservation, environmental education and ecotourism activities. You will meet new people and can immerse yourself in pristine wilderness and genuine Costa Rican culture. Our successful strategy works to combine environmental education and conservation activities to give local communities a viable socioeconomic alternative to poaching.

Your financial contribution not only will be used for your room and board, but also will help us pay for supplies, and the salaries of biologists that will work with you. You will be contributing with your talent and your financial support to maintain the program.

About the Work

As a volunteer you will take part in sea turtle conservation activities, including night patrols, relocating nests, recording scientific data, tagging of turtles, nest exhumations and the liberation of hatchlings. You may also be required to work on eco-tourism, environmental education and construction activities.

What about Free Time?

We know that volunteers come not only to work but also to discover the incredible nature. The project offers the possibility of unforgettable tours and activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, rural tourism and farm activities.  In the Osa Peninsula you can take trips to Isla del Cano and Corcovado National Park, or simply hiking around on surrounding rainforest trails… countless opportunities for the nature-lover.  In Laguna Urpino there is also a wide array of options to discover.

How much does it cost?

Please see below the rates per person, per night expressed in US dollars:

  • Costa Rican and Residents:
    • $25 per night
  • Foreigners
    • $35 per night, staying 27 days or less.
    • $30 per night, staying more than 28 days

This amount covers accommodation, three meals per day and training. It does not cover the arrival and departure costs to/from the project, nor tours and other expenses.

Important Notes:

There are no ATMs in any of the places, so we recommend that volunteers travel with enough cash for possible tours. If you want to buy snacks or sweets, better buy them in San José or on the way to the project.


Volunteering for the 2021 Season

In 2021, we will continue to focus our activities on the turtle conservation project located in the Osa Peninsula, Rincón de San Josecito. This year we have our own camp, 50m in front of the sea, with on of the best sunsets of the world. Visit us and once there, you will be part of and collaborate directly with the organization and the community.

Placements are available from July 01st to December 31st.  In order to optimize the orientation and training process volunteers are asked to arrive at the project on Tuesdays.

Requirements:

  • Age: 18 years old or more
  • Minimun stay: 2 weeks
  • Good physical condition,
  • Basic Spanish or English.
  • You must be friendly, communicative.
  • Able to work in extreme weather conditions for 4-6 hours per day.
  • You must have a medical travel insurance policy for the duration of your stay.
  • COVID-19 vaccine or Negative PCR from your country.

ABOUT RINCÓN DE SAN JOSECITO:

The project has been protecting the turtles in the area for more than 15 years, by Fundación Osa and several premises. This year the Corcovado Foundation and RASCAREY have taken over and have decided to join the cause so as not to let all the work done in all this time be lost. The camp is located at the south of Rincon beach surrounded by extreme wild nature. You will stay in co-ed rooms with private bathrooms. 3 meals are offered, you can also help to cook.  The camp has several common areas, and it is located a few steps from the beach.  There is electricity in the area and mobile reception.

The project site is locate in Playa Rincon beach.  This beach harbors the endangered hawksbill seaturtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), the Green Turtle  (Chelonia mydas) and  the olive ridley (Lepidochelys kempii).

The project has a nursery in which we relocate and protect the nests, to prevent their looting and loss by the tide.

Apply Now!

Please complete the Volunteer Registration Form and send via email to aida@corcovadofoundation.org at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival.

You will receive a confirmation email, along with a comprehensive Volunteer Orientation Manual with detailed information about transportation, what to bring and what to expect.

Payment for your stay must be received before you arrive. In order to pay, please use this secure link and select ‘Volunteer Program’. Please note that payment for the first two weeks is non-refundable.

Follow the Sea Turtle Program on Facebook!


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Amigos of Costa Rica
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International Conservation Fund of Canada
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Fundación Corcovado

Moravia

San José

2297-3013

info@corcovadofoundation.org