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Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Volunteer Programme, Costa Rica

2 -12 weeks from

£685
£18 +
minimum age

  • Experience the amazing phenomenon of nature called "Arribadas"
  • Cultural exchange with a Costa Rican family in a homestay setting
  • Long term Research Assistant positions also available
  • This project was featured on BBC4's Secrets from the Nest
Overview

Overview

Become a sea turtle conservation volunteer and help conserve the populations of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in Costa Rica.  Live and work on the spectacular Ostional beach on the Pacific coast where Olive Ridley turtles come up in thousands at a time for this incredible phenomenon of nature called “Arribadas”.

Testimonial

Testimonial

Thank-you for this wonderful experience. I’m not only proud but honoured to have worked with the endangered turtle species of Latin America. This was the trip of a lifetime, as I was brought closer to others from other countries and brought closer to the breathtaking nature of Costa Rica. A journey I would only dream of being able to relive.
Cristina, UK

Video

This video highlights some of the previous research that has been carried out in Ostional on Leatherback and Black turtle populations.  At present, research at Ostional is mainly focused on the populations of vulnerable Olive Ridley turtles, although you may still see Leatherback and Black turtles nesting there!

Highlights

Highlights

Work and live on one of the most breathtaking beaches on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica with a strong chance of experiencing an “Arribada” on one of the most important nesting beaches in the world. If you join for over 4 weeks, you can also be considered for a Research Assistant role with more responsibilities such as turtle tagging and night patrol leader.

Location

Location

The Guanacaste Province is located in the North West of Costa Rica and its Pacific coastline is made up of countless stretches of beautiful sun-swatched beaches, divided by rocky bluffs and mangrove-lined river estuaries. Some of Costa Rica’s main surf spots are found here too.

Free Time

Free Time

In your free time, there are plenty of opportunities to learn to surf. You can also visit Nosara which is 30 minutes away, which has a very relaxed, yoga-vibe.  There are also beautiful waterfalls and hikes that you can do too and of course, learning and speaking Spanish is a great way to improve your Spanish skills!

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Volunteer Programme, Costa Rica

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