Sea Turtle Conservation at Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge

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

CONTENTS:

• Description
• About the Work
• About Free Time
• About the cost
• Requirements
• Documents to apply
• The Wildlife Refuge

Description

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 wants to make a difference and actively participate in the conservation of endangered sea turtles in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica.

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.

Volunteering for the 2024 Season

We are incredibly pleased to announce that in 2024 we will continue to work, for the third year, on the sea turtle project of the Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge, with the collaboration of ACOPAC, and thus protect the population of sea turtles of the Central Pacific, which is little known.

Placements are available from July 01st December 15th. 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

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 that surrounds the projects, so the program offers unforgettable tours and activities.

How much does it cost?

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

$315 per person, per week

*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.

* Ask for the daily rates and rates for stays longer than 30 days.

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.

Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge:

We started this project with great enthusiasm, with the support of the park rangers, ACOPAC, to protect the nesting females on this beach and estimate their real population. Not much is known about the population and what the turtle species are.

The Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge has 6 kilometers of beach, and is located in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica, south of Jaco and north of Manuel Antonio Beach. The camp is located in Punta Mala facing the sea, with mixed rooms with shared bathrooms, where the 3 meals and training are offered. The camp has several common areas, and relaxation and at the same time some of the best views of a surf beach. There is electricity in the area, and mobile phone reception.

Apply Now!

Please complete the Volunteer Registration Form and send via email to zoraida@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.