Skip to main content

Supporting Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

  • North America, Costa Rica, Parrita
  • |
  • Duration : 2 to 36 Weeks

Program Highlights

  • Experiencing one of the most biodiverse countries in the world through work and travel.
  • Immersing yourself in the local culture by sharing and exchanging with the locals
  • Contributing to the conservation efforts of sea turtles.
  • Creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever
  • Exploring and visiting nearby stunning locations and attractions
  • Learning about unique wildlife and ecosystems
  • Making new connections and friends from around the world
  • Trying new foods and experiencing local cuisine
  • Challenging yourself and gaining new skills and knowledge
  • Make a difference in the world and leave a lasting impact on the environment and local community.

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:

Climate Action Life Below Water

This program is ideal for

Volunteers who understand that Sea turtles are a very important part of healthy marine ecosystems. You will be helping locals to maintain healthy coral reef ecosystems and transferring vital nutrients from the ocean to beaches and coastal dunes. As your tasks will vary based on various factors, you should be open to helping out in any kind of activity that is prioritised while you’re there.

Support Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica as a dedicated volunteer! Join our mission to protect endangered sea turtles, including Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill species. By working alongside the local community and international volunteers, you'll contribute to the preservation of these incredible creatures and their natural habitat. Here's what you can expect from this unforgettable volunteer experience:

Night Beach Patrols: Participate in evening and night beach patrols with local guides to locate female turtles and their at-risk nests. Your essential role is to relocate their precious eggs to a secure hatchery, safeguarding them from poachers and predators.

Turtle Egg Care: Take on the responsibility of caring for turtle eggs and ensuring they are well-prepared for their journey back to the sea, a critical step in their survival.

Immerse in Costa Rican Culture: Embrace the vibrant Costa Rican culture and make the most of your weekends by exploring stunning beaches, all while contributing to a vital cause.

Forge Lifelong Friendships: Connect with like-minded volunteers from around the world, fostering lasting friendships and sharing unforgettable moments.

Direct Turtle Interaction: Get up close and personal with these magnificent sea creatures, working hands-on to conserve the largest turtles in the ocean.

At Tortugas de Pacuare, our primary mission is to protect endangered sea turtles, collaborating with both local communities and international volunteers to conserve the environment. Through our work with sea turtles and our educational programs, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this integral part of the marine ecosystem.

Turtle Seasons:

  • Leatherback season: Last week of February to the end of June
  • Green turtle season: July to September
  • Hawksbill season: April to August

While wildlife can be unpredictable, one thing is certain: Mother Nature always surprises us, making every moment spent saving turtles a true adventure.

Working with Turtles: Your involvement with turtles entails night beach patrols, egg relocation to a secure hatchery, and caring for hatchlings to ensure their successful journey back to the sea.

The Leatherback Turtle: Leatherbacks are the largest turtles globally, with flexible shells that make them vulnerable to threats. Join us in protecting these ancient creatures from further decline.

The Green Sea Turtle: The green turtle is known for its large size and unique habits, including basking in the sun on land. Help safeguard them from predators and poachers.

Communal Work: Our program extends beyond turtle conservation. Engage in communal work, including camp maintenance, recycling programs, and community service. Contribute to local facilities, schools, and sports fields, and participate in beach cleanups and garden construction projects.

Our program is deeply rooted in the local community of Barra de Pacuare, providing you with a rich cultural experience. As you support turtle conservation, locals offer you fishing tours, kayaking adventures, and boat tours to Tortuguero National Park in return. It's a mutually beneficial relationship that ensures your volunteer experience is truly rewarding and unforgettable. Join us today in the fight to protect Olive Ridley Turtles and their precious habitat in Costa Rica.

In your free time, while volunteering there are a variety of activities to enjoy. Here are some options:

  • Explore Cahuita National Park: This protected area is home to beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.
  • Go on a jungle hike: The lush rainforests surrounding Limon offer countless opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.
  • Take a surf lesson: With its beautiful coastline, Limon is an ideal place to learn to surf or improve your skills.
  • Visit a chocolate plantation: Costa Rica is known for its delicious chocolate, and you can learn about the production process on a tour of a local plantation.
  • Relax on the beach: Whether you prefer the calm waters of Punta Uva or the lively atmosphere of Puerto Viejo, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy in Limon.
  • Go on a river tour: Take a boat or kayak tour of the Tortuguero River to see the area's rich biodiversity and spot wildlife like crocodiles, monkeys, and toucans.
  • Visit a local market: Explore the vibrant local culture and try some delicious food by visiting one of the many markets in the area, like the Mercado Municipal de Limon.
  • Volunteer with a local community project: If you're interested in giving back to the community, consider volunteering with a local project focused on education, conservation, or community development.

Your Volunteering journey simplified

Select a destination & project.
Apply for free.

Directly talk to us & your selected organisation.

Pay a 15% deposit fee to secure your place at the volunteer program.

That’s it! Get ready to volunteer aboard. We’ll support you every step of the way!

Still searching for that perfect trip?

Get weekly inspiration delivered right to your inbox!

We respect your privacy. We will not publish or share your email address in any way.