Sea turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Nicoya Peninsula
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Puntarenas,  Cartago

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: You could be working on 1 of 2 specialized marine turtle conservation projects, involved in the day to day preservation on the endangered leatherback turtle species. You could be helping out with the preparation of hatcheries, beach clearance and night patrols. The Leatherback turtles are considered critically endangered, i.e over 80% of the population lost in the last 10 years! Your work with turtle conservation will be one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences you could ask for.

You will receive training on the subject of marine turtles and therefore will be able help with research and data collection.

You may get involved in night beach patrols, clearing the beach, preparing hatcheries, training others on what happens on the patrols, collecting nesting turtles eggs, gathering data to keep track of the turtles during the season, and general maintenance work.

Highlights: Where you are located will depend on the time of year, the Turtle seasons are on the Caribbean coast mid March to July and on the pacific coast July to December. We work alongside research organizations and you will be assisting in vital research and conservation work to reduce the deaths of these creatures.

Qualifications: Resume is required, basic studies in Biology, Marine Biology, tropical studies or related field would be preferred but not essential.

What kind of skills you need to go on this type of placement:
You must like the outdoors and be happy without any luxuries. You must be prepared to get involved in any activities required to the best of your ability and be prepared for some physically hard work. You may be required to take part in night patrols and also work during the day and so this work can be very tiring. Please note there is no guarantee that you will see any turtles but it is more than likely you will come into contact with them during your placement.

Cost in US$: $1995 for 4 weeks; $225 each additional week

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- English teacher training course (TEFL)
- contact details to pass along to your family

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date
- welcome orientation
- accommodation and food
- well-researched, quality placement
- support of in-country i-to-i team
- comprehensive insurance

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 4+

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 500 projects on 5 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, media, health, conservation, building, marketing or tourism.

Year Founded: 1994