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GoEco
Costa Rica - Sea Turtle Conservation logo

Costa Rica - Sea Turtle Conservation

by: GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.53 (19)Verified

Volunteers are needed to help protect the magnificent leatherback, hawksbill and green sea turtles on the beaches of Southeast Caribbean of Costa Rica. Currently, all eight species of sea turtle worldwide are recognized as 'endangered' by International Conservation Union (IUCN). The leatherback sea turtle, the largest of its kind (its carapace can measure up to 2 meters long), nests in Costa Rica ...

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Program Highlights

Experience the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica!

Begin your volunteer adventure with one week of Spanish lessons and cultural immersion activities

Help protect vulnerable sea turtles from both poachers and erosion

Make memories while exploring Cosat Rica with fellow volunteers

Experience the thrill of releasing baby sea turtles from the hatchery to their ocean home!

Quick Details

Locations
  • Talamanca, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 1-2 Weeks
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Marine Conservation
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad ProgramTop Rated Provider 2023 - Notable MentionInnovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.53

Total Reviews

19

One of the most beautiful things I’ve seen!

July 21, 2024by: AmberProgram: Costa Rica - Sea Turtle Conservation
10

My most memorable experience was the night patrol watching for nesting turtles. We happened upon a turtle as she was making the nest and laying her eggs. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen! Just to be a part of an amazing team and to be able to take part in such an important mission. The whole experience was life changing. Seeing the garbage on the beaches that the tide brought in has made me want to change my way of living. After my experience in Romelia I intent on living a more intentional and purposeful lifestyle. I want to educate all my students that their choices impact the world, even thousands of miles away.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization logo
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization responded to this reviewSeptember 26, 2024

Hey Amber Wow, what an amazing experience! Watching a turtle nesting and laying eggs must have been so special—those are the kinds of moments that stay with you forever. It’s awesome to hear that your time at Romelia has inspired such a positive shift in your life. The fact that you're bringing that passion back to your students is incredible—what a ripple effect! Thank you for being part of the mission and for sharing your journey. Here's to living with purpose and making a difference! - GoEco Team✨

I will cherish every part of this experience

December 03, 2023by: PiperProgram: Costa Rica - Sea Turtle Conservation
10

After dinner I would oftentimes sit with fluent Spanish speakers and we would exchange words in English/Spanish. Not only was this extremely helpful to improve my Spanish, but there were moments I laughed so hard that water came out of my nose. I will cherish every part of this experience, but I might remember the little, seemingly insignificant, moments more than others.

I felt like my work really had an impact

August 13, 2021by: ZoƫProgram: Costa Rica - Sea Turtle Conservation
10

I really enjoyed the turtle project! I felt like my work really had an impact and I was grateful that I could work with the turtles. I also loved the other volunteers and got to interact with the locals who were also super friendly.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Talamanca, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Cooking
  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Fields
  • Environmental Management

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 1-2 Weeks
Intern Duration:
  • 1 Year

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Group Meals
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • In-Country Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English
  • Spanish

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Carly Mellon

Participated in 2017

Alumni

I was really craving adventure. I felt like I was so stuck in my city and needed to go away and experience something else. I wasn't quite sure if I could manage planning a trip all by myself, so I figured travelling with some sort of volunteer organization would give me the experience that I wanted and be organized. I have always had a passion for animals and wildlife, so I wanted to do something around that.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.53Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Volunteers are needed to help protect the magnificent leatherback, hawksbill and green sea turtles on the beaches of Southeast Caribbean of Costa Rica. Currently, all eight species of sea turtle worldwide are recognized as 'endangered' by International Conservation Union (IUCN). The leatherback sea turtle, the largest of its kind (its carapace can measure up to 2 meters long), nests in Costa Rica and is severely threatened by human poachers and beach erosion resulting from human development. Before this project began in 1986, the poaching rate was over 95-99%; but with the presence of volunteer night patrols and protected hatcheries on the beach, the survival rate has recently increased to over 90%. As a volunteer in this project, you will take part in this crucial and exciting conservatio...

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