Turtle Conservation Project - Caribbean coast, Northwest coast, or Osa peninsula
Project Summary
 These sites are chosen due to the influx of turtles to these locations. These are critical to the sea turtles as they are the nesting sites for endangered sea turtle species. The nesting season for the different species of sea turtles varies, which is why there are multiple sites with varying dates. Patrolling of the beaches by volunteers protects the turtles and the eggs from poaching, research information is collected, and newborn turtles can reach the sea safely.
Project At A Glance |
Location: Caribbean coast, Northwest coast, or Osa peninsula depending on the project
Start Point: Heredia for most sites, arrive first into San Jose
End Point: Leave from San Jose
Duration: 1-12 weeks
Hours: approximately 42-45 hours per week
Food: Provided by the site
Room: Depends on the site-most are in the biological stations.
Date: First and Third Monday of each month, dates depending on the site:
Caribbean:
Gandoca-February 15 to August 15
Cahuita-February 15 to October 31
Tuba Creek beach-February 15 to August 15
Osa: August 15 to January 15
Guanacaste: September 15-January 15
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Skill/Qualification
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Volunteers need to be in good physical condition to walk long distances (between 7 to 15 km per night) and ability to withstand the hot, humid climate.
- No severe eyesight problems (work is at night with no artificial lights).
- No abuse of illegal drugs, consumption of alcohol during working hours, or abuse of alcohol at any time.
- Preferably non-smoking. Those who do smoke should do so only in open areas and never on nightly patrols.
- Be willing to work under difficult and uncomfortable conditions.
- To know if you are allergic to mosquito and sand fly bites.
- Have fluent English.
- Must be at least 18 years old or have a letter of permission from the parents.
- Personal insurance (provided by IFRE)
Desired skills:
- Degree in biology, conservation or related issue
- First aid course or experience in this area
- Previous experience in sea turtle conservation work
Volunteer Responsibilities
Typical night patrols are between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. even in the rain. An average patrol takes 4 hours, but if turtles are found, can take longer. Once a turtle is located, the turtle is measured and tagged, the eggs are collected and relocated and the data is recorded.
Hatchery shifts take 6 hours. The tasks include relocating the nest, keeping out predators, giving information to tourists, taking nest temperatures, measuring, and releasing hatchlings.
Maintenance of trails and cleaning of the beaches are also duties for the volunteers.
Volunteers may be asked to work longer than a normal shift upon occasion. Depending upon the time within the season, more time may be spent on one activity versus another. Room/Food
Room (shared room with other volunteers, own bed) and board (3 meals per day) will be provided at the site, usually in biological stations. Gandoca does have the opportunity to stay with homestay families. Shared facilities at the accommodation (toilet facilities, etc). Electricity in limited hours.
Turtle COnservation PROGRAM FEE for Guanacaste (Northwest): Gandoca (Caribbean): Cahuita (Caribbean): Tuba Creek (Caribbean), Osa (Southwest)
IFRE is a 501 (C) 3 organization so your program fee will be tax deductible as provided by law.
IFRE application fee: US $349. The application fee covers advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries)
- 1 week: US $799
- 2 weeks: US $849
- 3 weeks: US $999
- 4 weeks: US $1149
- 5 weeks: US $1299
- 6 weeks: US $1449
- 7 weeks: US $1599
- 8 weeks: US $1749
- 9 weeks: US $1899
- 10 weeks: US $2049
- 11 weeks: US $2199
- 12 weeks: US $2349
IFRE does not offer free Spanish in turtle conservation project |
