Project Overview
Overview
Interested in beautiful beaches and preserving our flappy-friends?
This is an ideal project if you want to play an important role in preserving an endangered species and gaining an insight into marine biology. Marine turtles are an endangered species, so you’ll receive specific training which will enable you to help with research and data collection. You could be working on a specialised marine turtle conservation project where you can get involved in clearing beaches in preparation for the nesting season, as well as regular beach patrols. This is a great opportunity to help safeguard the existence of these fascinating animals, whilst spending lots of time on the sun-kissed beaches of Costa Rica’s pristine Pacific coastline.
When you book this trip, in addition to the 52% typically of your programme fee that is spent in country, we will also use US$75 of your fee to purchase 1 tag applicator, 20 tags to identify individual turtles or equivalent through our Big Giving programme.
Trip Highlights
- Spending your days on stunning beaches - and your evenings helping ensure the survival of these wonderful creatures
- Sampling the local food - beans and rice may not sound much but when you're in Costa Rica it tastes great!
- Experiencing a totally different way of life - unless you're lucky enough to usually live on a tropical beach of course
Itinerary & Details
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! After being picked up at the airport you will spend the night in a guest house in Alajuela, a small city close to the capital. You can arrive at anytime during the day and our every helpful staff will be there to pick you up. Use the rest of the day to get settled into the tropical climate and exciting rhythm of this unique Latin American paradise.
Please note that if you are on a flight departing from Mexico on Sunday evening (Arrival day) that arrives into San Jose at 00.10am on Monday morning, you will need to pay for a late pick up fee - please arrange this with our office in advance.
If you are on a flight departing Mexico on Saturday evening that arrives into San Jose at 00.10am on Sunday morning your airport pick up will be included however you will need to pay for an additional night’s accommodation - please arrange this with our office in advance.
As you are not able to check into your rooms before 2pm on the arrival day, anyone arriving earlier than 12 midday who would like to have a room available for them will need to pay for an additional nights fee for accommodation - please arrange this with our office in advance.
Day 2: Orientation
Today you will have a detailed orientation on life in Costa Rica, dos and don’ts and of course information about the sea turtle project. After you’re so full of information that you’re ready to burst, you’ll have the rest of the day to do some more exploring (or relaxing!). The team is on hand to point you to the best places for your chosen activity and get the most out of your time in Alajuela.
Day 3: Transfer to your project
Today you will transfer to your project by public transport which will take between 5 and 6 hours depending on which of the 3 projects you are placed at. Here you will be welcomed to the wonderful world of sea turtle conservation and have a little bit of time to settle in to your accommodation and explore the local area.
Day 4 and onwards: Project work and enjoying Costa Rica
During your time at the project you will get involved in loads of activities such as night beach patrols, collecting turtle eggs, gathering measurements and data of turtles and new hatchlings, general maintenance of the hatcheries and other activities requested by the project. You’ll be working different shifts, with a mixture of day and night shifts, 5 or 6 days per week. You’ll feel like a real part of the team and in your time off you’ll definitely appreciate having an opportunity to relax in paradise.
Your Last Day
At the end of your project (which of course depends on how long you have booked for!) you will need to make your way back to San Jose Airport (SJO) for your flight home - or if you are lucky you'll be heading on for more travels and adventures in Central America. Don't forget that our in country and the project team are there to advise you as needed. Budget about $10-20 for your return transfer to the airport.
Stories
Nick Tanner gives this project 10/10
Here is what Nick had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The whole experience was fantastic for me and i've apparently not shut up about it! meeting so many like-minded enthusiastic people was a real plus and tagging the turtles and setting the little ones off on their adventure were just amazing.
Costa Rica was a beautiful and welcoming country and the wildlife and scenery were stunning, and i may've mentioned the beach on more than one occasion.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
There were times when you found yourself alone in the hatchery late at night or on the beach during the day when the whole world seems to stop and lets you relax and think about the world and have deep and meaningful thoughts (dangerous i know!) and It did change the way I look at things and has changed the way I do things back home. i was only away for just under 3 weeks, but living without any luxuries was awesome, and i realised that i dont need half the stuff i've got at home.
Also when ii sent the 1st batch of baby turtles out to sea was one of the most satisfying thing i have ever done and it has really re-ignited my bug to do more similar projects.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Take lots of mosquito repellent!
2. Be comfortable living in your own sweat and grime.
3. Follow your nose, open your mind and you'l find yourself in your own personal paradise.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Awesome, Satisfying, rewarding, Fun, Time of my life. Awesome, Awesome.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
About 6 months more on the project and a slightly better grasp of Spanish.
Elizabeth Eichinger gives this project 10/10
Here is what Elizabeth had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seing turtles lay eggs and dig holes for eggs.
Surfing
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Confortable clothes
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A fun and also interesting experience
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Seing baby turtles
Amy Gray gives this project 10/10
Here is what Amy had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Camp group, atmosphere in Samara, seeing turtles, ice cream
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Expect the unexpected
Don´t worry about a thing
Just go with the culture
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An experience that leaves you wanting more and more!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Transport back
Lukas Wozniak gives this project 10/10
Here is what Lukas had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
New Experience
Living with nature
kayaking/zipwiring
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Learn Spanish
take lots of clothes
lots of anti-mosquito spray
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
better preparation to the trip
more information given to us
Maia Claman gives this project 10/10
Here is what Maia had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The lovely people at the project, the beuty of any surroundings, the food, the people.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Have more money than you think you need. Don't bring too much stuff or bag that's difficult to deal with. Bring two towels. International phone plan.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Extensive loveliness and joy.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Not having a ridiculous bag.
Being able to speak Spanish.
Seeing turtles at turtle project.
Chris Macey gives this project 9/10
Here is what Chris had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
the sparse population on the beach, the natural beauty, the turtles were cool as hell too!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Biology work is dirty
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
its not the 4 seasons
dont complain
everything you do has a purpose
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
immerse yourself its better that way
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
a little more food - its hard work and we didn´t get to eat all that much!
in country evaluation
Rebecca Pulcrano gives this project 9/10
Here is what Rebecca had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
amazing experience realeasing newlyhatched turtles. Collecting eggs from a mother @ 2 in the morning, meeting people from all over, being in Beautiful Buenavista
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
not really - i have been interested and involved in conservation for a while, but it was definately an amazing and enlightening experience
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
learn spanish, check bus schedules before going, bring clothes that will inevitably get dirty, be ready to get dirty
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Turtles, surf, ticos, no electricity, cold showers, beach, reggae - LOVED IT!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I regret not doing any spanish but I got on well with the ticos anyway. I also should have stayed a little longer
in country evaluation
Amy Lawrence gives this project 9/10
Here is what Amy had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
lots of things from bad to good! finding out I had parasites right through to seeing a mother turtle laying eggs...to crossing the river every time I wanted to leave...an overall amazing adventure
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
being in such a remote place really made me think about everything we have and take for granted and whether we really need al that to be happy
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
learn some spainish
take buckets of mosquito repellant
get as involved as possible - you will enjoy it more
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
a rollercoaster ride, hard, hot, exciting, unforgettable ( parasites and fainting!)
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
more training on what to do with the turtles and hatchery - we had to learn from others and we did not get as much help from the staff as I would have liked.
in country evaluation
Jack Cooper gives this project 9/10
Here is what Jack had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The camp, people, surfing, turtles, beach, day off
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Do it at peak season for both the wildlife and for travelers, cos more people is better
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A completely different and rememberable experience
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Seeing bay turtle would have been awsome
Trish Stevens gives this project 9/10
Here is what Trish had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Turtle laying eggs/ trutle hatching
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
travel light
mosquito repellent-tons
long troussers/tops
Hayley Sherwood gives this project 9/10
Here is what Hayley had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working with turtles, kayaking, zip wire
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Pack light
pack clothes you dont mind getting dirty
keep busy
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An amazing trip that I would love to do again
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Not having to cross the river
Lia Karras gives this project 8/10
Here is what Lia had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
seeing baby turtles hatch and releasing them, being involved in conservation, being immersed in a new culture
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
try to learn spanish and speak to the locals
keep an open mind, dont be quick to judge different lifestyles
sun lotion
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
fun, relaxing, inspiring, rice and beans!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I would have liked to have learnt more about the turtles, and I didn´t expect as much down time. It seemed like there wasn´t as much work for us to do as it wasn´t the best season
Verna Eaton gives this project 8/10
Here is what Verna had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
experience of living on the beach
working with Eric and Roy
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
mingle withe the local people at the project
ask questionsabout costa rica rather than talking about home
accept the culture as equal to your own
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
it was great and I am thankful for the opportunity
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
getting to the project one day earlier, perhaprs orientation could take place on the bus.
clearer communication prior to arrivalregarding transportation and accomodation after the project ends
in country evaluation
Fiona Grimer gives this project 8/10
Here is what Fiona had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing turtles lay eggs, surfing, getting ice cream, going to Samara, meeting new people.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Do not take a lot of clothes
Be prepared to eat rice and beans every day
Go with the flow
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Once in a lifetime experience, seeisg turtles so close
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Getting transport back to the hostel, seeing baby turtles
Jordan Savell-Boss gives this project 8/10
Here is what Jordan had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Doing the zip wire and meeting the people
great funny guide!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
ask a lot of questions so you know what your doing
ask to build a bridge
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
fun, exciting, scory, overwhelming, fantastic
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
more information
Emma Connor gives this project 7/10
Here is what Emma had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
releasing the baby turtles into the sea and seeing the adult turtles laying eggs.
Going to Samara on days off
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
living in such basic conditions showed me that I shouldn't feel so reliant on my creature comforts because there is more to life.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Don't overpack, there are places to buy things when you are in the project.
be prepared fo very physically demanding work in very hot temperatures.
you will need to drink more water than what you think.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
eye opening and rewarding
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
being allowed more freedom to leave the camp as we had every afternoon off but could only stay in or very near to the camp. It felt too restricted.
Verna Eaton gives this project 7/10
Here is what Verna had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
-seeing the dedication of the people who manage the conservation area.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
-get to know the local people
-ask questions about the project and Costa Rica far more than share stories of your home country
-be prepared
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in this great project.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
There should be more work for the volunteers to do. I feel there was a little too much down time.
Adam Davey gives this project 7/10
Here is what Adam had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Being able to see what I did had made a difference
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Read up on what is involved
Be prepared for basic living conditions
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Once in a lifetime opportunity
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Safer route over the river
Chloe Priestland gives this project 7/10
Here is what Chloe had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing a turtle laying its eggs and collecting the eggs afterwards!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
- Stay optimistic and be patient
- Rest during the day! It makes the night patrols much more enjoyable when you have energy!
- Learn to love rice and beans!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A beautiful location and unforgettable experience!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Staying there longer and seeing the babies hatch! One week was not enough time!
