OVERVIEW
Costa Rica is renowned for having incredible wildlife, and the part of the country that stands out for the most biodiversity is the Osa Peninsula on the southernmost tip. The Peninsula is home to the Corcovado National Park (considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet), and on the surrounding edges of the rainforest you will find some of the busiest sea turtle nesting beaches on the South Pacific coast.
The beaches of Carate, Pejeperro and Rio Oro are some of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the area, with approximately 7,000 nests being laid there each year by Olive Ridley (classified as Vulnerable) and Pacific Green (classified as Endangered) sea turtles. There are also much smaller numbers of the rarer Hawksbills and Leatherback species on occasions. Sea turtle populations are threatened on a global scale due to the impacts of climate change, plastic pollution and fishing practices, amongst others, and on these nesting beaches the nests are facing problems from predators, high tides and sand erosion specifically. Volunteers play a huge role in supporting conservation efforts in this rural area of Costa Rica, and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact with this important work.
On this volunteer experience, you will be collaborating with the local sea turtle conservation organization that monitors the nesting activity in the area. You will participate in daily beach patrols, morning census (3-5 hrs), or night patrols (4-7 hrs), as well as other small environmental projects that the organization is involved in. On the patrols you will mark new turtle nests, record data on the nesting females, excavate hatched nests, and release hatchlings! There are also a number of environmental, sustainable development, and community activities that volunteers participate in, so there is always plenty to do. This could be carrying out beach cleans and helping with waste management, developing plastic-free solutions, planting and maintaining the project food garden, or giving environmental education or English language classes to local people.
For the duration of your trip you will be staying in the beautiful beach-front ecolodge, Finca Exotica, in one of their rustic but extremely stylish tiki tents. You will be located right by all of the sea turtle action, but will also have the added benefit of staying in private and comfortable accommodation with the opportunity to unwind. In addition to the sea turtle conservation activities, you can also take time to relax and enjoy the peaceful, regenerative environment that the lodge grounds have to offer. There is a full restaurant and lounge area, yoga deck and rainforest trails and a number of extra activities available (see Add-Ons).
The Sea Turtle Conservation Tour includes:
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All domestic travel (domestic flights and shuttles/taxis) from the international airport to every one of your Irth Tours trip destinations.
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Three delicious meals a day.
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All accommodation..
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Irth Tours support throughout your trip for a smooth, enjoyable experience.
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5% contribution to the Irth Foundation
The Sea Turtle Conservation Tour does not include:
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International flights and travel to Costa Rica
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Additional activities (see our add-on options for this trip!)
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Personal medical insurance
sea turtle
conservation
ADD-ONS
These "add-on" experiences are optional and available on the Sea Turtle Conservation Tour. Visit each one to learn more and add it to your tour!
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
All forms of outdoor recreation have a higher level of risk than most ordinary activities, and therefore can be potentially hazardous and/or dangerous. This includes hiking/walking trails and especially off-trail adventure hiking. Risk is always a factor in hiking and off-trail adventure hiking, especially when weather is adverse or unpredictable, or when unforeseen events or conditions create a hazardous condition. There are many risks, both natural and/or man-made, that could lead to injury or death while hiking, especially while off-trail adventure hiking.
For these reasons, it is the responsibility of our guests to learn the necessary skills for safe hiking and off-trail adventure hiking. All participants must assume responsibility for their own actions and safety, exercise sound judgment, be prepared for all conditions, and seek advice on current weather and current trail conditions. These conditions change from day to day, and from season to season.