Sea Turtle Monitoring Program

  Costa Rica

• Eastern Lowlands: 
Tortuguero

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Summer, Fall

Description: Volunteers and interns work during the night on two shifts assisting in tagging females and gathering other biometric data on the turtles in the hopes of gathering further information on their travels during their life cycle. Work is done on the same stretch of beach for the Feasibility study, working in different teams. The project is assisted by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) of Costa Rica to establish better protection of the nesting females.

Highlights: Highlights of the project is the chance to better understand marine turtles and to protect these critically endangered species, having the chance to work on the beautiful north -caribbean beaches of Costa Rica and be involved in the great community that surrounds the area.

Qualifications: Must be able to walk the beach in all conditions, good physical stamina, able to handle remote environment. Previous sea turtle work preferred but not a must.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: USD 250 per week

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Most volunteers have no background in the field and we provide all the training necessary for them to accomplish the required work. They are usually open to new experiences and enjoy working outdoors. Some are looking to change their current job situation and want to try something new, while others are looking to gain experience in the field for related work. A minimum of two weeks is required for this program due to protocol training.

Age Range: 18-40

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation's Mission Statement: The Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC) is a registered Canadian non-profit charitable organization. The mission of COTERC is to provide leadership in education, research, conservation and the wise use of natural resources in the tropics. We provide conservation, research and education opportunities at the Cano Palma Biological Station for those interested in sea turtles, resident and migrant birds, neotropical mammals, herptiles, invertebrates and flora.

Year Founded: 1991