Sports: Surf and save turtles in Costa Rica
Project Overview
Want to make waves in the world of conservation?
If you are looking for a beach break then these projects on the beautiful Pacific coast need you on board. You will be learning to surf and helping to conserve the local sea turtle population during two sun-kissed weeks. You’ll be living on the beach coupling surfing lessons and supervised surf practice with patrolling the beaches and preparing turtle hatcheries. Providing you can swim, love the outdoors and have a passion for working with animals you will make a big difference and a lot of friends!
Project details:
Wow! These projects provide you with the best of Costa Rica in the shape of turtle conservation and surfing lessons. Situated on the beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, you can pack a truly wonderful experience into 2 short weeks.
Working with a Costa Rican NGO, the municipal government and a local surf school, you take an active part in vital efforts to conserve the Olive Ridley, Black, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles. All this, combined with daily surfing lessons or practice, adds up to a rewarding and fun project.
Why the project needs volunteers:
Turtles are under threat in Costa Rica and volunteers are really needed to help out with conservation efforts. This is your opportunity to play a part in an ongoing struggle to save a remarkable piece of Costa Rica's heritage. Turtle poaching is very common in Costa Rica and before the conservation projects started up the poaching rate was over 95% however this has now decrease to 10% but volunteers are needed to continue protecting these marvellous creatures.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
You need to love the outdoors, be enthusiastic and like working with animals. You do not need to be able to surf but you must be a good swimmer to do this project. A fun and positive attitude comes in handy too! The work and lessons are hard work be prepared to fall asleep exhausted each day.
Your role as a volunteer:
Your day will be filled with a combination of surfing lessons, supervised surf practice and also turtle conservation. You could get involved with night beach patrolling, research gathering and preparing turtle hatcheries. There will also be daytime activities such as beach cleaning, camp maintenance, hatchery duty, manual labour from building hatcheries to construction work to maintain the facilities at the camp. You will work 6 days a week and have one day off a week to be arranged with the project.
Where the project is based:
The project will be based on either the Nicoya Peninsula, the nearest town being Samara or Matapalo also on the Pacific coast but further south. They are both the perfect place if you want to swim, surf, and relax.
You will be staying in beach hut or tented accommodation, they have just added a cold running water pipe but the conditions are still very basic.
You need to fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO) on your official arrival date.
Fast Facts
Fast Facts
Project Information
- Project Duration: Min 1 week - Max 2 weeks
- Project Costs: US$ 1425.00 for 1 week, US$ 220.00 for every week thereafter
- Location of project:Either Samara on the Nicoya Peninsula or Matapalo further south; both on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
- Arrival Airport:San Jose (airport code SJO)
- Activities:Surfing sessions and practice, turtle beach patrols, monitoring nests and recording data
- Working Hours:Flexible; 6 days a week with one day off. Will include night patrols
- Getting to the project:On site; 1 hour walk to the surf lessons
- Requirements:Minimum Age 17
- Others:Semana Santa (Latin America Holy week) will be from April 3rd to 12th 2009 and March 26th to April 4th 2010, you may have some disruptions to the placement during this time
What's Included
- Accommodation:Shared basic hut
- Food:Breakfast and dinner
- Airport Pickup:Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you’re arriving early!
- Training:In-country orientation
- Support:Pre-departure helpdesk, local in-country team and 24 hour emergency support
What's not included
- Flights, Insurance, Visas, Return Airport transfer, Local Transport, Food (lunch not provided)
Stories
Donovan Cordova gives this project 10/10
Here is what Donovan had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The camping atmoshere, but on the beach! The camp is secluded almost as your personal private beach.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Life doesn't have to be fast paced. After nightfall with no electricity, a beautiful world comes out from lifes noises.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Flashlights, open mind and some jokes to keep people entertained.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
"A place to unwind the Soul"
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If I brought my own salsa for our wonderfully prepared meals of rice and beans
Kathryn Drummond gives this project 10/10
Here is what Kathryn had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
Bunjee Jumping Seeing turtles lay their eggs Releasing baby leather backs Surfing
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The basic accomodations and manual labor Living like I was poor. Costa Rica is very basic compared to the US but even without the spas, designer shops and gormet cusine, it is rich in so many other ways.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Be prepard to work hard Have realistic expectations Embrace the differences and dont judge Go with the flow
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
It was the most rewarding, action packed, road to self discovery I have ever travelled.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Nothing
Ally Ng gives this project 10/10
Here is what Ally had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
seeing over a 100 baby turtles at night at releasing them into the ocean. having a perfect beach to ourselves a stones throw away going back to basics, falling asleep with the sound of the sea in the background
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
the turtle project has made me appreciate nature and wildlife so much more - there was so much to see and experience just on our doorstep. It has also helped me realise how little I actually need to survive and live happily and comfortably
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Dont overpack! 11kg weighs a lot when walking in the sun to the project. Go with an open mind and a willing heart Savour every moment - the trip will fly by!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An awesome 2 weeks that I didn´t want to end
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Spending more time in Costa Rica afterwards to travel. Having a better knowledge of spanish.
jason branton gives this project 10/10
Here is what jason had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
where to begin? everything was perfect...even the rustic housing was part of the overall experience. i guess my favorite part was the beauty of the beach at Bueana Vista and the friends - long-term friends - that i made.....
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
completely! I really thing being disengaged from phone, tv and electricity reminded me of how little I really "need" to be a happy individual.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
1. take 1/2 the stuff out of your bag. 2. relax..go with the flow and you will love it! 3. plan an extra week to travel around afterward.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The best time that I wish hadnt had to end....
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
more time to stay :) really....I would have preferred less time in Alajuela and more tim eon the beach....but not sure if that is avoidable.
Melissa platts gives this project 10/10
Here is what Melissa had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
bein able to see and assist the baby turtles!!!!!! and being able to view 2 adult turtles one of the most amazing experiences of my life!!!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
the project has inspired me to either join or create a research or volunteer organise to sustain our environment!
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
MUST BRING!!!! mosquito repellent pillow sleeping bag
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
PURA VIDA!!!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
NO
Melissa platts gives this project 10/10
Here is what Melissa had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
being able to see adult and baby turtles
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
no
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Mosquito repellent sleeping bag
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
PURA VIDA!!!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
nothing
Melanie Lambert gives this project 10/10
Here is what Melanie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
saving the turtles - so cute!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
no
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
bring a torch bring bug repellent have fun
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
so much fun!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
no mosquitos
Joseph Bittner gives this project 10/10
Here is what Joseph had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
seeing the turtles and feeling a real sense of accomplishment with the work. Fabricio was an incredible surf instructor
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
acheiving small goals as part of a worldwide mission gives you a sense of unparralleled accomplishment
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
pack everything on the suggested items to pack list (no matter how silly it sounds!) pack light and pack clothes that you can afford to throw away afterwards. pack a solar charger and everything battry operated
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
an incredible life experience that I could never forget
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
more pictures of the camp site online so we can get a real idea of the surrondings hot sauce for the gallo pinto! staying longer!
Brett Best gives this project 10/10
Here is what Brett had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The entire experience was unlike anything I've ever experienced.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
If I had stayed longer perhaps there would be.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
-Read the list of things to bring carefully -Keep an open mind Be more flexible
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A really incredible, once in a lifetime experience-
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Nothing. It was great. Wish I could have stayed longer. (incountry evaluation)
Helen McGuinness gives this project 9/10
Here is what Helen had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
Seeing all the amazing wildlife, the beautiful countryside and how lovely the town and the locals were.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I think everyting about it changed my perspective, especially the attitude of the people of Costa Rica and their way of life. What people here think is imprtant is just really silly.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Don't underestimate high factor sunscreen and insect repellent!! Just be friendly, smile and open your mind. But still be careful and be smart.
rebecca adelson gives this project 9/10
Here is what rebecca had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
how wonderful the chill atmosphere of costa rica was, and how cool Buena Vista and Samara were
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
This trip showed me how to really relax and just take every as it comes. It showed me how you don't need to work on a schedule which was very refreshing
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Be ready to work really really hard. Be prepared to maybe not see any turtles. Go with the flow and don't stress about anything
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
even though you may not physically see it, you are making a difference
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The website doesn't explain what the project is at all... i had an amazing time, but it was nothing that i expected. It would have been nice to have more factual information about the project, rather then just vauge generalities.
Nickeline Schmidt Larsen gives this project 9/10
Here is what Nickeline Schmidt had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The experience of living totally basic in the middle of nature was amazing! It was great to get a break from my busy everyday life and just enjoy the sea and all the animals in nature.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I don't think it is possible to come home and not have been affected by an experience like this. I learned things about my self and have been inspired by the local culture to maybe change some little things in my everyday life.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
1. Learn a few frases of the local language 2. Have an open mind to what you will experience 3. Enjoy every second and try to make as much of the experience as possible
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A refreshing break from my hectic everyday life!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Having learned a few frases of the local language would have been helpful when trying to make conversation with the locals, but it was a minor detail though and I still had a wonderful time and managed to get by all right using my english.
Bonne Bete gives this project 9/10
Here is what Bonne had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
Everything. It was very exciting as it was the first time truly out of the country (US) for my daughter and myself other than a couple of cruise experiences to the Bahamas! The country was beautiful and we stayed in such simple, rustic accomodations that you could truly appreciate the natural beauty around you. Now that we have done a trip like this we both feel totally prepared and not at all nervous about doing it again. We survived! We met really interesting people and saw a very different way of life.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Not too much, because I like to consider myself very aware of other people's circumstances and remind myself often that I am so very fortunate to be so blessed here in America. On the other hand, the living in Costa Rica is very simple, at least where we were, but it is not a bad way of life at all. I could live quite comfortably there and be very happy, especially if that was all I knew. I do think it is good to see how much of the world does live and seeing it first hand is the best way to do it. You would not soon forget it.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Research your destination and read all of your materials sent by i-to-i, but don't stress too much about what you may forget. Less is always better! Especially when you have to carry it everywhere you go! Don't expect to have many modern conveniences, in fact, don't expect to have any! Leave your phone, blackberry, whatever at home and enjoy the silence!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Everyone should do this at least once in their life.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Some of the literature sent to us was very general in nature and it turns out that it applied to other trips and not really to ours. It would be most helpful to get a realistic update just before you left so you could eliminate some stuff you really don't need and can't use. We were told the reason we got all this general information was because it wasn't definite where we would actually be stationed until close to the departure date. But it would have been helpful to get the final instructions in an email the week before we left with our final destination and details.
Helle Lund gives this project 9/10
Here is what Helle had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
surfing and the house on the beach
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
10 days without electricity makes you appreciate things in a good way
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
take time to see other places
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
great time to relax
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
to see a turtle
Elisabeth petersen gives this project 9/10
Here is what Elisabeth had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
staying at the beach was great! Wake up to the sound of the waves
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
that we had to pump water - SAVE WATER please!
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
A very good and big mosquito net Enjoy your stay - even in situations that seem a little boring - make the most of it! Take a few weeks to see Costa Rica in general
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Good experience that makes me look differently on some general stuff in life
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
to see some turtles - but it was low season
Christina defelice gives this project 9/10
Here is what Christina had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
i helped keep sea turtle eggs safe! And surfing was so great
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
meeting everyone from all over the world was very eye opening
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
keep a very open mind dont complain - be mindful of people from other cultures look forward to everything and have fun while you are here
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
enlightening , fun, amazing experience with great people
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
if I had stayed longer
Keara Murphy gives this project 9/10
Here is what Keara had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
seeing the baby sea turtles, the people I met!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
That people are just people no matter where we come from
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
make sure to pack everything
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Fabulouso
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Nothing incountry evaluation
Marta Martinez gives this project 9/10
Here is what Marta had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
How the conservation for the turtle project works. And all that it does
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The entire project
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Travel light- but clothing suitable for the project -Enjoy the culture -Relax and go with the flow
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A great learning experience
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Like I said earlier... travel light and proper clothing incountry evaluation
Samantha Basterfield gives this project 9/10
Here is what Samantha had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The surf lessons were really good. Had me standing up on the board on the first lesson, lots of fun. Being able to help collect the eggs of a sea turtle as she was laying them into the nest. such a beautiful experience.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I feel that after living very basically that i will be less materialistic in the future.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
1. wear long trousers and shirts and repellant in the evenings, lots of sandflies and mosquitos.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Blissful isolation on your own private beach.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I found the orientation video a little patronising at times. It put unecassarily heavy emphasis on not consuming alcohol during the project.
Samantha Basterfield gives this project 9/10
Here is what Samantha had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
the location- so basic but really cosy and everything you need the people- you spend 24 hours a day together, really cool.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Made me feel a little bit materialistic
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
1- good mozzy net and repellant! 2- charge appliances before arriving 3-learn some useful spanish phrases
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
isolation at its best!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
less rice and beans- more fruit and veg incountry evaluation
Deji Oguntebi gives this project 8/10
Here is what Deji had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The surfing was awesome and meeting people from all over the world. It was also nice for me to experience being in a different country by myself. I have traveled to many other countries but this was the first time i wasnt with a group of friends or family.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
It was nice to see that you can have a laid back society that seems relatively safe and easy to learn. Also, traveling to a developing country always makes you appreciate what you have back at home if your coming from the States or London.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Dont be Scared to overpack Make sure to have fun try to participate in every aspect of the project
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The beginning of a new type of travel
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Another week of travel. More free time. Sharing the bathroom with less people. Being able to see who has already signed up for a particular project before booking my project.
Deji Oguntebi gives this project 8/10
Here is what Deji had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
My favorite part was being able to meet people from all over the world. It was also nice to see the Costa Rican beaches and people. Wish i could have stayed for longer.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
It was interesting to see how much Cosa Ricans valued tourism. I could tell that they are starting to focus more of there efforts to generate more tourism. Unfortunately I didnt get to see any turtles but it was nice to be away from the daily grind of life in the States and live a more easy going life for a moment
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Bring enough clothes Be open to trying new things Attempt to speak in the native language even if you think you cant
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A great way to start international travel
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
It would have been nice to have demographic information about people who usually book these type of trips. There were probably too many volunteers when i went because i really didnt get to do too much to help.
Manu Mago gives this project 8/10
Here is what Manu had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The surfing experience was amazing, and ive never seen so many stars.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
yes the project gave me a lot of time to think about what I would like to do with my life.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
-bring the right type of bag so you can carry it easier -bring a book for travelling -bugspray is a must
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A place where I was able to understand myself better.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If I spent more time than just a week. (incountry evaluation)
Sahil kapoor gives this project 8/10
Here is what Sahil had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
surfing, people
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
the time I had to think about myself
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
However you pack, pack lighter drink more water
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
awsome, sweaty, hot, fun
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Being allowed to drink on the beach. (incountry evaluation)
Maxine Sells gives this project 8/10
Here is what Maxine had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
working with Oscar collecting the eggs one night. Great surf lessons and I was able to stand up by the end!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
No t really - I have learnt that some things take a long time to change
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
take clothes you dont mind getting ruined take ear plugs and mask to sleep well go in high season
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Orange! Great food, basic, great waves, interesting, diverse, and sometimes like being at school!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
more leadership, older volunteers - I should have gone at a different time of year - I wished I could speak spanish!
Alan Jones gives this project 8/10
Here is what Alan had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
seeing turtles
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
style of accomodation
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
beware of sandflies bring snacks ensure you have backup of everything as you only get to go into town once a week
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
more pancakes! better food
Alex fawcett gives this project 8/10
Here is what Alex had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
Seeing a turtle
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
no
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
-take lots of suncream -take lots of insect repellant -relax
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
its really hot in costa rica
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Nothing incountry evaluation
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