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Costa Rica Turtle and Surf

From £599, 1 week, Costa Rica

  • Volunteering
  • Sports
  • Adventure 3 out of 5
  • Relaxation 3 out of 5
  • Culture 3 out of 5
Learn to surf in Costa Rica

Trip Highlights

  • Help hatch and look after baby turtles ready for release to the wild
  • Monitoring turtle behaviour
  • Releasing turtles into the wild
  • Learn and improve your surfing technique in one of the most stunning locations in the world in central America

 

Trip Summary

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What's included?

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Airport pick-up
  • Support in-country
  • Surf lessons
  • 24-hours emergency support

What's not included?

  • All flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Return airport transfer
  • Local transport

Set on some of the world’s finest palm-lined beaches, the surfing in Costa Rica and turtle conservation programme gives you the unique opportunity to protect the wildlife of Costa Rica while enjoying the incredible surf.

 

As a volunteer working on one of the two conservation projects based in Costa Rica you will have the opportunity to help protect four different species of sea turtles that inhabit the Pacific Coast of this beautiful country. From beach patrols, to hatchery duties the work you will be involved in will play an important role in the survival of the species. 

 

For those of you who are also interested in catching some waves and honing your skills on the surfboard, this trip is ideal, as you will have plenty of time for surfing lessons and supervised practice on some of Costa Rica’s most incredible beaches.


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When do I want to go?

Showing all departures (48)

Dates of Departures Duration Price (Land Only) Trip Status
Sun, 15 Jul 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 15 Jul 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 5 Aug 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 5 Aug 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 19 Aug 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 19 Aug 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 2 Sep 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 2 Sep 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 16 Sep 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 16 Sep 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 7 Oct 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 7 Oct 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 21 Oct 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 21 Oct 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 4 Nov 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 4 Nov 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 18 Nov 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 18 Nov 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 2 Dec 20121 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 2 Dec 20122 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 21 Jul 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 21 Jul 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 28 Jul 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 28 Jul 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 4 Aug 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 4 Aug 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 11 Aug 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 11 Aug 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 18 Aug 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 18 Aug 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 1 Sep 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 1 Sep 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 15 Sep 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 15 Sep 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 6 Oct 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 6 Oct 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 20 Oct 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 20 Oct 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 3 Nov 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 3 Nov 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 24 Nov 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 24 Nov 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 1 Dec 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 1 Dec 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 8 Dec 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 8 Dec 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now
Sun, 15 Dec 20131 week£599AvailableBook now
Sun, 15 Dec 20132 weeks£799AvailableBook now

What will I be doing?

  • Head to the Beach (1 to 2 weeks)

Head to the Beach: 1 to 2 weeks

Destination info

It is very easy to see why Costa Rica is such a popular destination with travellers from all over the world. It has something to suit everyone, from the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Coast to the untouched rainforest that covers much of the country. With over 27% of the country being made up of protected habitats and national parks, this is a haven for nature lovers with its variety of landscapes, flora and fauna. Your experience of Costa Rica will take in everything from wildlife conservation and surfing to getting to know its rich colonial heritage and vibrant, friendly people.

  • Location: Buena Vista or Playa Matapalo

As a volunteer on this trip you will be based at one of two turtle conservation centres in Costa Rica. You will be helping to protect and preserve some of the few remaining natural nesting sites of four turtle species that currently receive no official protection from the Costa Rican government. 

 
These species are currently in danger of extinction as a result of various human activities such as infrastructure development, pollution and the capture of adult turtles. This is not just an important environmental project for you to get involved in, it is also an incredible experience to be working so closely with these beautiful creatures.
 
The Costa Rica surfing and turtle conservation programme may not have a set itinerary, however our travel advisers are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about this trip. 
 
You will be based at one of two locations dependent on the project needs at the time. If you are travelling with a friend don’t forget to let us know so that we can ensure you will be based at the same location:
 
  • Buena Vista, located 3km from Samara, Guanacaste
  • Playa Matapalo, about one hour from Quepos in the province of Puntarenas 
Depending on which beach you are based at, your turtle conservation volunteer duties may include anything from helping to construct and maintain hatcheries, monitoring laying females and nest sites, observing and collecting information, and releasing baby turtles back into the wild. 
 
Hatchery duty takes place in two-hour shifts and night patrols can last for around three hours and sometimes more.
 
At both locations in Costa Rica you will be able to take advantage of your surroundings and fit some surfing in around the conservation programme. This is a great opportunity for beginners to learn to surf or for more experiences surfers to practice their skills and have some fun in the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. Each week you will have two hours of surf lessons along with two hours of practice time.
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Trip Notes include a full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather. By filling in your details you'll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!

Additional Information & FAQs

Minimum age

Minimum age 17 years with parental consent, maximum dependent on health and fitness of potential participant.

 

Accommodation

On arrival in Costa Rica, you will be taken to a hostel in Alajuela where you will be spending your first two nights for your orientation. Following this you’ll be transferred to your project location, this will be decided by our in-country team and is determined by the needs of each project at the time.

 
Buena Vista: The accommodation at the project is rustic and very basic but comfortable with a lovely relaxed atmosphere. There is no electricity, however both a shower and a bathroom are available (cold water only).
 
Matapalo: The accommodation at this project is also very basic with just cold water for showers but it does have electricity. However you will be close to a local supermarket, internet access and a number of local and international style restaurants. 

 

Meals

At both locations there is an on-site cook who will prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for you. Meals will mainly consist of rice, beans, pasta, meat, cereals and a variety of vegetables and seasonal fruits.

 

Advice & Safety

Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.

You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.

In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our staff at any time should you need to.

 

FAQ

1. Do I need to be able to surf before?

No, you can be a complete beginner.

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2. Do we have hands on experience with the Turtles?

You will be able to get up close and handle the baby turtles if and when they need releasing.

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3. Do we get a day off?

Yes, you will get one day off a week to go sight seeing.

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4. Do I need to speak Spanish

No, you do not need to speak Spanish.

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5. Can I go with my friend?

Yes and we will make sure you are together.

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What will I see in Costa Rica?

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What other travellers thought

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Joshua Shelley, 14th Nov 2010 - 12th Dec 2010

Please rate your overall experience
(10/10)
What were the highlights of your trip?

The people from different places around the world, travellers and locals, that I met.

What top 3 tips would you give other travellers?

Don't worry about going by yourself, you will always meet fun and interesting people who are like yourself. Accept the cultural mind-frame and leave behind your attitudes towards things at home, take things with an open mind. Make sure you always take more money than you think you will need, because you don't know what other opportunities may become available. Also try to get a flexible leaving date for the same reason.

How would you sum up your trip in 10 words?

The best thing I have ever done, exhilarating and fun.

Please rate your pre-departure service
(9/10)
Please rate your in-country service
(7/10)
Please rate your accommodation
(8/10)
How worthwhile was your trip?
(8/10)
Would you travel with Real Gap again?

Yes

Would you recommend Real Gap?

Yes

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