Volunteer: Endangered Leatherback Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

Overview

Volunteer for the Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation project in Barra de Pacuare, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica. This project is part of a community-based conservation programme working with local residents and former poachers to protect critically endangered sea turtles.

Location & Duration

• Location: Barra de Pacuare, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
• Duration: Minimum 3 months commitment (or 7 days as a volunteer)
• Daily cost: $10 USD (negotiable)

Benefits & Costs

• Fee includes: all food, accommodation, pre‑departure and in‑country support, orientation, and all project‑related activities
• Does not include: flights, travel insurance, personal spending, visas, and vaccinations

Responsibilities

• Collect data about nesting dynamics
• Relocate eggs to a hatchery
• Collect data on hatchlings and release hatchlings
• Engage in hands‑on conservation efforts, including research, plastic contamination solutions, and community projects

Ideal Candidates

• Students or professionals in environmental science, marine biology, zoology, ecology, or conservation

Project Overview

The project works collaboratively with the local community of Pacuare. Volunteers assist with nightly and daily beach patrols, hatchery operations, and data collection that informs broader conservation efforts. The income generated by volunteer fees helps support local livelihoods and reduces dependence on poaching.