Costa Rica Travel Center: Volunteer in Costa Rica

Volunteer in Costa Rica

The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work in turtle rescue projects along Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coasts. There are two different programs working with two species of turtles, the Leatherback and Olive Ridley; between them these programs run year round.

These programs will give you the chance to make an important contribution to the preservation of these species. This includes assisting NGOs and local communities who carry out conservation work. You will also gain first-hand knowledge about Costa Rica's biodiversity and its culture.

The Program
Volunteers will work with Leatherback turtles between January and July and Olive Ridley Turtles between August and December. The Leatherback turtle is the biggest marine turtle in the world, weighing as much as 1,900 pounds and reaching nine feet in length. Their name is indicative of their backs, which are actually not a shell but a pliable thick leather-like skin. The Olive Ridley, 'Lora' or Carpintera is the smallest of its species, weighing in at 75 pounds and measuring only 2 feet. Both species' populations are in sharp decline due to over harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and being killed for their meat and leather.

These programs are run by NGOs which employ biologists, and volunteers are supervised by trained personnel, who will pass on their expertise to volunteers on site. The work is very "hands on" and involves close contact with the turtles. Volunteers are not required to have particular biological knowledge, and so the projects are both rewarding and educational. Volunteers are often required to work at night, when turtles lay their eggs, and demanding work during the day under the heat is also needed. Accommodation is very basic, and some of the facilities are built only for the turtle season.

Volunteer roles include beach patrolling, clearing the beach of obstacles, preparing nests, relocation of nests, handling eggs, helping to release baby turtles in season, counting and recording eggs, taking temperatures in nests, repairing protection around nests, and recording the number of turtles arriving. Volunteers will work night and day on a rota basis. This means that each person will work shifts of 4 hours and then rest, and will work 6 to 8 hours a day in total with one free day per week. Days off are negotiable with the director of the project.

In addition, we also offer non-turtle projects for longer-term volunteers who may participate in more than one project during their time in the program. These include working with eco-cooperatives, at national parks and teaching English in local schools. For more info call USA/Canada: 1800 963 1198 or Email info@volunteer.org.nz.