Sea Turtle and Surf in Costa Rica

Human interference cannot be held solely responsible for the diminishing number of turtles in Costa Rica, although our behaviour has greatly influenced the decline in population.

One way in which we can help is to assist during the turtle-nesting season and this project provides you with the opportunity to do just that.

Volunteer Role

During your time as a volunteer you will undertake various activities including:

Patrolling the beach to look for sea turtles and their nests either during the day or the night, taking turns of 2 or 4 hours.
Collecting the eggs you find on the beach, and taking them directly to the hatchery (“vivero”) for their protection.
Collecting information on the whole process by monitoring the hatchery and keeping track of every event.
Release “neonatos” (little sea turtles) from the hatchery, taking them to the beach and into the ocean.
Helping with the maintenance of the facilities of the project (the shelter), and being in charge of keeping the beach clean (during the day).

Surf Lessons

Samara is a well-known place to go surfing. Participants have the chance either to practice the sport or learn it while volunteering in the programme. The surf school offers two programmes:

First week: you will have a two-hour lesson per day for four days (one hour of instruction and one hour follow up).
Second week: you will have a two-hour practice everyday with the instructors. Practice can be done either in Samara beach or Buena Vista beach. The instructor decides which is more convenient according to the level of the participants.

Location

The project is located three kilometres away from Samara, a small town in the district of Nicoya, Guanacaste.

Accommodation and Meals

The accommodation at the project is rustic and basic but comfortable and has a great-relaxed atmosphere. There is no electricity, however a shower and a bathroom are available.

An on-site cook prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner for the volunteers.

Alternative Costa Rica turtle conservation projects:
Sea Turtle Conservation

Programme Overview

Combine this project with our Costa Rica Spanish Language School

Duration & Prices:
2 weeks volunteer £649
4 weeks volunteer £949
2 weeks language followed by 4 weeks volunteer £1249
4 weeks language followed by 4 weeks volunteer £1549

How to book & pay:
Secure with £195 deposit. The balance is due 12 wks before departure.

What is included?
Coordination from the school
Accommodation
All meals
Return transfer
Surf lessons
24-hour emergency help
A surf school t-shirt

What is not included?
Flights
Travel insurance
Meals in San Jose
Alcohol beverages
Personal expenditure

Programme Summary:
Night turtle patrolling, collecting eggs, rescuing and tagging turtles and helping the baby turtles get to sea! Plus learning to surf in Samara!
Other Costa Rica volunteer work. More Surfing programmes.

Arrival dates:
First Monday of every month.
(Aim to arrive the Sunday before)

Costa Rica Travel Advice:
Visit our Costa Rica Travel Advice page for useful travel information.

Ask a question

If there's anything you'd like to know, call 01892 516 164
or complete the form below and we'll be able to help.