Volunteering in Costa Rica

This volunteer project, located on the Caribbean east coast of Costa Rica, aims at protecting the endangered sea turtles, helping the country preserve its many natural wonders for future generations. You will be integrated into the project as a volunteer and – along with other volunteers from all over the world – will assist with research and conservation of animals and their habitats along the coast of Costa Rica.

Working in a professional environment, this project will teach you how nature conservation and animal welfare work, how nature reserves are developed and at the same time how you can acquire international experience through interaction with people from different parts of the globe. This is an overseas trip which combines adventure with further education, giving you an insight into the country and its lush nature in a unique way.
For once the project aims at protecting the sea turtles, their nests and eggs from dangers like encroaching human habitation along the coast, from predators and natural catastrophes such as coastal erosion or severe flooding. Another very important part of the project is the generation of data about the turtles and their nests as well as the hatchlings to better understand the animals to facilitate the development and implementation of appropriate protective measures.
Sea turtles return to the beach they were born on a regular basis. Therefore the beach will be patrolled on a regular basis at night to find nesting turtles, collect data and dig up their eggs. In the safe environment of the hatchery these eggs will be buried again and volunteers will keep an attentive eye on them until they hatch. Volunteers will collect the hatched animals and take them to the beach where they will make their way to the sea. Moreover, it is very important to preserve the beaches and include local residents in the conservation work to contribute to their protection. By participating in this project you will have the opportunity to learn about nature conservation work and make an active contribution to preserving Costa Rica’s beautiful and lush nature.