Volunteer Role
The sea turtle conservation project was established a couple of years ago as an initiative to protect and preserve a few natural nesting sites that do not hold an official category of protection from the Costa Rican Government. This is the nesting site of four different types of sea turtles.
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. During high season, the patrols could last longer - up to 4 or 5 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:
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 is done at Samara beach, which is accessed from Buena Vista by crossing a low river. During rainy season, the water level of the river gets higher and less accessible to cross. Participants should follow all Ranger recommendations from the project.
What’s Included in the Programme
- Co-ordination from the language school
- Accommodation in the camp
- All meals during project (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Transfer to project location
- Surf lessons
- 24-hour emergency support number
- A surf school t-shirt
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals in San Jose
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenditure
