Costa Rica Marine Conservation Volunteer Program

Last Updated: January 15, 2024

Costa Rica's national parks are known for thrilling sports such as river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, and zip line. If you're an animal enthusiast, it's also one of the greatest sites to see uncommon species like macaws, sea turtles, and adorable sloths. Costa Rica is famed for its "rich coast," which has pioneered a number of movements, including surfing, farm-to-table dining, and sustainable tourism. It is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, with half a million species ranging from insects to the huge anteaters that eat them, and it also protects one-quarter of its natural lands by legislation. Costa Rica is a hotspot for biodiversity. It is home to virgin rainforests, volcanic volcanoes, and tangled mangroves, all of which support a diverse diversity of wildlife, from birds to reptiles.

The gorgeous Sea Turtle, particularly the endangered Green and severely endangered Hawksbill, is the subject of this show. Volunteers go on boat outings to monitor and investigate sea turtle, dolphin, and whale populations in the nearby marine environment in addition to beach-based conservation efforts. To complete the various activities and high aims of this program, a motivated volunteer workforce is essential. The participant's major responsibility is to assist with egg patrols at night.

Volunteer’s Roles Responsibilities and Activities

The duration of the patrol will be determined by the tide. Participants will also assist with the nursery in 6-hour sessions, and if a turtle arrives at the nest or a turtle egg hatches, a staff member will be there. Other important tasks include cleaning the sanctuary, cleaning the beach, and maintaining the nursery, which includes assisting in the creation of turtle nests, watching over turtle eggs, collecting important turtle data, and assisting in a variety of projects necessary for the development and continuation of the conservation project.They will also participate in boat trips with a marine biology researcher to assist with dolphin and whale monitoring in the region. The attendees will get a firsthand look at how essential data is acquired by watching these videos.

This critical initiative strives to protect Costa Rica's turtle, dolphin, and whale populations, which have been destroyed to the point of extinction due to human activities. Unfortunately, without conservation efforts, these amazing species may go extinct.

Arrival and Orientation

Our staff will pick you up from the Juan Santamaria Airport and take you to your community house or host family. You have the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy Costa Rica's friendliness. You will meet your coordinators and fellow group members in a formal setting. During orientation, you will learn more about Costa Rica and your program. You'll visit Puerto Jiménez later in the journey, which is noted for its waterfalls and natural beauty.

Accommodation

Ten to fifteen persons can be accommodated in the communal home. Gender-specific dormitory rooms are provided in a hostel-style atmosphere. Each of the group leaders sleeps in his or her own room. The dining and living spaces, as well as the restrooms, all have Wi-Fi access. Host families may be available as an option, depending on the size of the gathering. Our host families have passed thorough background checks, have been a part of our program for several years, and come highly recommended by former participants. On request, upgraded lodging is available.

Free Time Travel Activities in Costa Rica

Many people and animals live in Puerto Jiménez, which is surrounded by fresh water. A terrific place to plan an adventure, acquire supplies, enjoy a nice supper, and recuperate before hitting the trails.

Until then, relax and enjoy Puerto Jimenez. If this is your final day in the program, our team will assist you in making preparations for the future. Those that stick with the program will be given a two-day weekend to unwind. Placements that last more than a week are considered in the same way. Monday through Friday, you'll be working on the project. Saturday and Sunday are entirely yours to spend as you like.