Playa Tortuga Volunteer Feedback
Jon and Charlie Cummins, Philadelphia, USA volunteered in April 2012
My son, Charlie (16), and I spent four days at this project in April 2012. The team was very engaging and clearly very passionate about their work, particularly the on-site biologist, Oscar. In a short time, we had the opportunity to work on several very interesting projects. Our work included assisting in the team’s ongoing testing of the local river for evidence of pollution, as well as their research projects regarding the local cayman and river otter populations.
We found our time at the Reserva to be well spent, interesting and relevant. We also enjoyed being “embedded” in the local village for several days; this really gave us a flavor for local living beyond what one would get staying in a hotel environment.
Harley Elliott, from Essex, UK volunteered on the Playa Tortuga programme for 5 weeks in September 2011
I loved the experience, it was like nowhere I have even seen. The staff made me feel welcome and were pleased to see me, they also provided lots of advice on the volunteer activities.
I found the night walks tiring if you had to do them every night for a few nights – but I loved watching the turtle eggs hatch and carrying them out to see and watching them swim off it was worth it all for that.
I had a great time and learned so much. I would love to go back one day
Marina Coelho Monteiro, from Brazil, volunteered in October 2011
I really loved all the staff, they were very welcoming, helpful, friendly, considerate, respectful. Summarizing, I can say that I made really good friends there! I really enjoyed all of the activities we did - reforestation, aquatic and beach bird watching, turtle patrol, butterfly garden project, night walking, etc.
The food was absolutely amazing, never ate so good. I would love to join the project again, and I hope I will. I had already indicated to all my friends!
Nelly Reusse, from Geneva, Switzerland, volunteered from September-October 2011
My favourite activity was the sea Turtle programme, and my most memorable moment was the birth of the hatchlings and when they were released on the Beach. Unfortunately I only stayed for 2 weeks, and wish I could have joined for longer.
Good luck With the continuation of the project!
Tracy Weatherall from Texas, USA, joined for 12 weeks from September to December 2011
Thank you so much for all of the field experience I received while working and volunteering at the project. I hope I helped make a positive contribution to the various science projects. Obviously, working with Oscar and his sea turtle research was the highlight of my experience since sea turtle research and fisheries is the main focus of my studies. I learned valuable information concerning the hatchery and the process of maintaining a VERY successful hatchery with an extremely high hatch rate. The entire sea turtle project is very impressive and well organized. I have so much respect for Oscar as a biologist. It’s clear that he has invested his heart and soul into his project.
I also enjoyed working with Elena and the butterfly project. The butterfly garden is beautiful and the system for maintaining and monitoring butterflies from egg to adult is very organized. I also feel Elena is a wonderful educator for the local children on conservation and the butterfly lifecycle. Her presentation was very professional and well received.
Aitor is an excellent and very talented cook (chef) and I really appreciate the fact that he took great care of me and made me feel at home. I think I gained at least 5 pounds from his great cooking! Alana also welcomed me from the beginning and was always caring and kind to me. They both work very hard and are very happy working at the Reserva. I love both of them.
I am also very excited about the upcoming fisheries project. I know you will make a huge impact on bringing awareness to the public concerning the importance of sustainable fisheries along the southern Pacific Costa Rican coasts. Also, measuring species diversity and monitoring quantity decrease and/or increase of fish species will be a major factor to illustrate to the community the need for fisheries management and ultimately to demonstrate the success of your efforts by an increase in fish diversity and numbers. It will be a long and hard journey, but in the end, the fishermen, local businesses, restaurants and the fisheries itself will benefit from all of your efforts.
Again, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer at your Reserva. Working and helping with all of your various science projects has given me valuable field experience in many different research topics. I was extremely sad to come back to Texas because I felt like I was leaving home.