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Turtle and Marine Conservation in Costa Rica logo

Turtle and Marine Conservation in Costa Rica

by: Kaya Responsible Travel

4 (3)VerifiedSince 2008

Be a part of the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica! Join Kaya on its Turtle and Marine Conservation Project located near Bataan in the Limon Province of Costa Rica. This is an opportunity to help protect sea turtles and their eggs while learning more about these magnificent creatures alongside a dedicated marine biologist. You will assist a local team with the conservation and protection of up to four of the seven different species of sea turtles: loggerhead turtle, hawksbill turtle, green turtle, and leatherback turtle. As a turtle sanctuary volunteer, you will help in caring for injured animals, moving eggs to safe hatcheries, and collecting and processing biometric data. Your tasks will largely depend on your level of experience and the time of the year. This placement is aimed at those who have a good level of scientific knowledge. You must be adaptable, enthusiastic, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. A basic level of Spanish is also helpful for this project.

Program Highlights

Give an extra pair of hands in securing environments for the survival of sea turtles in Costa Rica.

Assist in the stopping of population decline of these endangered marine species.

Complement your knowledge with this hands-on experience in protecting these animals and their habitats.

Learn how climate change is affecting the marine wildlife.

Explore the stunning scenery in Costa Rica and make friends with other international volunteers.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Limon, Costa Rica
Availability
Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Fields:
  • Marine Science
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Reforestation
  • Wildlife
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Awards

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4

Total Reviews

3

Ostional was wonderful!

December 17, 2023by: Alexandria Alma - United States
4

The turtle project in Ostional. Kaya was helpful with helping me discover the program and lineup my multiple volunteer positions. Ostional and my host family were wonderful. I got to witness an arribada wiry thousands of turtles on the beach too!

Una experiencia que cambia vidas

February 04, 2023by: Valeria Boetsch - Chile
4

Voluntariar en junquillal es una experiencia que cambia vidas. Se conoce gente nueva todas las semanas y te permiten involucrarte verdaderamente en lo que es la conservacion de tortugas, ya sea dando informacion sobre las especies de tortuga o su conservacion hasta trabajos practicos. Si bien estos trabajos son fisicamente demandantes, son extremadamente gratificantes. Me voy con una experiencia inolvidable a mi casa, grandes aprendizajes y con lazos muy fuertes con gente de todas partes del mundo. Muchas gracias.

Turtle paradise!

September 10, 2022by: Samantha Kerr - United Kingdom
4

Volunteering in Junquiall has been great fun, it's an eye-opening experience and you'd have to be prepared for hard, physical work but it's worth it when you get to see baby turtle hatchlings and large females laying their eggs. The accommodation is basic, there are no home comforts that most people would be used to but its expected considering where you're based. It's a 20 minute walk to the beach which can be tiring when you're walking to and from the beach multiple times a day but there are plenty of opportunities to relax and rest. Weekends are kept free giving volunteers the option to travel close-by or stay at the project to explore the local area and help with tasks if desired. Staff are knowledgeable and passionate, there is a lot of time to learn and absorb from them. Overall, a wonderful experience to get stuck into a wonderful conservation project doing great work to help turtle populations.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Limon, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Marine Science
  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Reforestation
  • Wildlife

Availability

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
Intern Duration:
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Short Term
  • Spring
  • 1-3 Months

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • In-Country Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Phone/Video Interview
    • Resume
    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you need a qualification to be a Marine Conservation Volunteer?

    You do not need a marine science or biology qualification, however, you do need prior interest and knowledge in the scientific elements of the field to complete this volunteer program. Adaptability, enthusiasm and willingness to join in are a must!

    Do you need to know Spanish to volunteer in Costa Rica?

    A basic understanding of Spanish is valued in a volunteer position like this, as you will be working with local people in a bilingual environment. If you wish to have lessons before embarking on your adventure, ask one of our Kaya advisors!

    Why should I choose Kaya Responsible Travel?

    Kaya Responsible Travel has been a volunteer and intern abroad provider for 15 years, we offer 150 different placements across 33 countries and 4 continents. If anyone has the course that’s for you, then it’s Kaya!

    Why does Costa Rica need international volunteers?

    Costa Rica doesn’t NEED volunteers, the organizations in Costa Rica that we provide volunteers or interns for, benefit from having:

    • An extra pair of hands 
    • Particular skills eg. medical.
    • Program fees to create real change
    • Raising awareness to the cause

    Is Costa Rica a good destination for diving?

    Costa Rica is one of the best destinations for diving! Whilst this program focuses on the on-land aspects of turtle and marine conservation, meaning you will have plenty of spare time to explore the ocean and all of its wonders and see for yourself!

    Kaya Responsible Travel

    Kaya Responsible Travel

    4Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Be a part of the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica! Join Kaya on its Turtle and Marine Conservation Project located near Bataan in the Limon Province of Costa Rica. This is an opportunity to help protect sea turtles and their eggs while learning more about these magnificent creatures alongside a dedicated marine biologist. You will assist a local team with the conservation and protection of up to four of the seven different species of sea turtles: loggerhead turtle, hawksbill turtle, green turtle, and leatherback turtle. As a turtle sanctuary volunteer, you will help in caring for injured animals, moving eggs to safe hatcheries, and collecting and processing biometric data. Your tasks will largely depend on your level of experience and the time of the year. ...

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