Description

Expedition Summary
Help save leatherback sea turtles from extinction at one of the most important remaining nesting beaches in the world.

Expedition Details
Each night on the beaches you'll monitor nesting leatherbacks, measure and tag them, record nest locations, and count eggs to help the researchers determine which factors from El Nino and La Nina to coastal development influence nesting success for this critically endangered species.

Depending on the season, you may relocate threatened nests to the hatchery, protect hatchlings as they crawl seaward, excavate nests to determine hatching success rates, and rescue stragglers. You may also help attach transmitters or data-loggers to adults to monitor their behavior and migrations, or help maintain the turtle hatchery.

After beach patrols end, there is always time for a swim and snack at a beachside restaurant. You can spend recreational time touring the mangrove estuary, taking a sailboat cruise, using the pool at the field station, or just enjoying the beach.

Meals and Accommodations
You and the research staff will share a beachfront duplex at the Goldring Marine Biology Field Station. The field station is down the beach road from the restaurant where you will eat most of your meals. Each cabin is comfortably equipped with air conditioning, full bathrooms, and four sets of bunk beds. Most mornings youll be treated to a free concert of sorts by the areas howler monkeys, a sound youll come to tolerateor maybe even appreciateas you drop off to sleep after a night on the beach.

About the Research Area
The Northwest coast and Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica is sometimes called the Wild West of Costa Rica. The area is covered with dry tropical forest, savannas, and pasture-like areas that are well-grazed by cattle. Adjacent areas are cut and burned annually to regenerate grassland and to prevent woody vegetation. Yet the province still holds areas of natural dry forest where Cortes trees dot the grasslands like large umbrellas.

The coastline has beautiful white sand beaches with numerous rocky outcroppings. Tidal pools full of fascinating marine organisms appear at low tides and vanish again under the waves. Mangrove estuaries adjacent to Playa Grande and Playa Langosta will be explored with a local guide. American crocodiles, howler monkeys, green iguana, ctenosaurs, countless wading birds, and tegue are the dominant large animals in the adjacent areas, which have a rich overall array of lizards, snakes, and amphibians as well. More than 60 species of birds are common in the region, and numerous migrants pass through seasonally.

Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles nest on the Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, and Playa Langosta beaches. The Ridley arribada (arrival) beaches at Nancite are quite close (north one hour in Santa Rosa National Park, and south one hour in Ostional). Arribadas of the Ridley turtles are impressive, with thousands of turtles emerging in one evening on small stretches of beach.

Highlights

The world population of leatherback sea turtles has fallen by more than two-thirds in the last 20 years. Emerging during the Cretaceous period, these majestic and gentle animals have survived for more than 100 million years but now face extinctionwithin one human lifetime. Imperiled by egg poaching, hunting, the lights of coastal development, and long line fishing practices, leatherbacks are also under threat from climate change and ocean pollution.

One of the most important remaining nesting areas in the Pacific Ocean, the three scalloped beaches of Las Baulas National Park have won national protection thanks to the dedication of Drs. Frank Paladino and James Spotila, and countless volunteers whove worked tirelessly to stop poaching of turtle eggs. For more than 15 years, Earthwatch teams have supplied nesting data to conservation officials to guide turtle management and have established conservation partnerships with local groups. The local community is now invested in the success of nesting efforts, making it a model for sustainable coastal communities around the world.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Nature Tours
• Volunteering
• Photography
• Tours

Qualifications

No experience is necessary - all you will need is enthusiasm and the desire to make a difference. For over 40 years Earthwatch Institute has pioneered the involvement of ordinary people in peer-reviewed scientific research worldwide. By joining an Earthwatch Expedition, you have a unique opportunity to get up-close and personal with some of the worlds rarest animals and visit remote and beautiful locations, while directly supporting conservation science. We offer life enhancing experiences in nearly 50 countries each year, with projects for teens, adults, and families.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,795 USD

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Our volunteers not only contribute essential funds that help to cover the cost of the research, but also, through their inspiration and effort, they provide the people power without which many of our vital projects simply couldn't take place. We are a non-profit organization but accommodation, meals, insurance, training and transport in the field are also included in your contribution cost. As a non-profit organization that supports scientific research, your contribution and airfare costs are usually tax-deductible for U.S. citizens.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people, including students, retirees, families, educators, and anyone seeking an exciting journey that enables them to give back to the environment. Our expeditions have a wide range of activity levels, from hiking intensive to easy expeditions with limited physical activity. There is an Earthwatch expedition out there for everyone!

Age Range

Adult (age 18-90) teams available.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6-8

Scholarships are Available

Very limited fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

Brief

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement

Our mission is to inspire connections between people and the environment by engaging them in worldwide scientific field research and education. These efforts will promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. We believe it is essential that people participate in solving the environmental challenges we face.

Year Founded

1971