Overview
Join a sea turtle conservation programme on the remote and spectacular Osa Peninsula — one of the most biologically rich places on the planet. Volunteers work as part of a close-knit team carrying out night beach patrols, protecting nesting females, relocating at-risk eggs, managing the hatchery and releasing hatchlings. The work is genuinely hands-on, the setting is extraordinary, and the impact is real. This is a grassroots project that depends on committed volunteers to protect two IUCN-listed turtle species on some of the most important nesting beaches in Costa Rica’s South Pacific.
Testimonial
“I’ve been to the Osa project as a volunteer twice now. I have met so many amazing people and learned so much through this conservation. From working with the turtles to spending time with other volunteers and research assistants, I loved every part. The coordinators are super helpful and kind. The work is amazing and fair. I 100% recommend this experience for everyone!!” – Taylor
About Costa Rica
A country that consistently ranks among the happiest on earth, Costa Rica holds more than 5% of the world’s species despite covering just 0.03% of its land area. The Osa Peninsula is one of its most extraordinary corners — remote, wild, and largely untouched. Here, dense jungle meets the Pacific Ocean, Corcovado National Park lies on the doorstep, and the beaches remain some of the least disturbed nesting grounds for sea turtles on the Pacific coast. This is Costa Rica as it was meant to be experienced.
Highlights
Night patrols on remote Pacific beaches, watching Olive Ridley and Pacific Green turtles haul ashore to nest under starlit skies. Excavating hatched nests, carefully transferring eggs to the hatchery, and releasing hatchlings to the ocean. Days spent on conservation work, beach clean-ups and community activities beside the jungle. With Corcovado National Park on the doorstep, free time brings some of the best wildlife watching in Central America.
Location
The project is based on the Osa Peninsula in the South Pacific of Costa Rica — one of the most remote and biologically diverse regions in the world. Volunteers are based at a field camp just moments from the beach, with primary jungle all around and Corcovado National Park nearby. The nearest town is Puerto Jimenez, roughly 1.5–2 hours away by road. It is a genuinely wild location, and exactly that remoteness is what makes it so special.
Free Time
Days off offer access to some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Explore Corcovado National Park with its extraordinary wildlife, surf at Matapalo, go horseback riding, take a boat trip for whale and dolphin watching, hike to waterfalls, or join a tour to a gold mining camp. Many activities can be organised through the project at discounted rates. At camp, evenings are spent on night walks, jungle hikes, beach clean-ups, game nights and occasional pizza nights around the fire.
