Costa Rica – Sea Turtle Protection & Eco-Oasis

The Osa Peninsula is a breathtakingly beautiful and biodiverse region of Costa Rica, home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. It offers a mix of tropical-humid rainforests, rare wildlife, and stunning Pacific beaches. Its remoteness adds to its untouched, wild charm, making it a significant area for conservation efforts. The project’s proximity to Corcovado National Park, recognized as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, underscores the importance of its conservation mission.

This program is dedicated to making a real impact on the conservation of sea turtles and their natural environments through initiatives driven by the community. It is founded on the belief that engaging volunteers in meaningful activities not only fosters personal and professional development but also contributes substantially to conservation objectives. Volunteers play a vital role, participating in diverse tasks such as turtle patrols, safeguarding nests, gathering data, and conducting outreach within the community, all crucial for the aim of protecting sea turtle populations and their habitats.

In our commitment to sustainable development, we are developing a permaculture project on our new site. This endeavor will enable us to produce a significant portion of the food needed by our staff and volunteers, lessening our dependence on food sources that are not sustainable and supporting local food production efforts. Moreover, one of our ambitious goals is to transform our facility into a completely zero-waste operation, furthering our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable living.

Volunteer tasks may include:

• Daily turtle patrols (morning and night).
• Protecting new nests and recording data on nesting females.
• Participating in beach clean-ups and plastic classification.
• Providing English lessons and presentations at local schools.
• Assisting with tree planting and maintenance around the camp.
• Assisting in community-oriented activities to improve local facilities.
• Assist in sustainable permaculture gardens and other sustainability initiatives

Internet: Poor Wi-Fi availability in this destination, expect to obtain a SIM card before arrival and to have poor reception.

Accommodations: Our camp has been constructed with a deep respect for the environment, utilizing sustainable and natural materials wherever possible. We’ve even repurposed wood and other materials from disused buildings for our construction. Volunteers are accommodated in rustic, dormitory-style cabins that foster a sense of community, complete with a shared kitchen, a relaxation area, and a garden. Our vision for the camp is to achieve zero waste and to operate in the most eco-friendly manner achievable. Amenities include basic solar-powered electricity, WiFi, western-style toilets, and access to clean drinking water.

Food: Three meals a day are provided, they are simple and mostly vegetarian.

Please note the project’s minimum requirements:

• GoEco interview
• Minimum age of 18
• Basic Spanish knowledge will be helpful, although not mandatory.
• National Police Clearance
• Physically fit: the three-four hour night patrols and daytime monitoring require hard physical work
• Adaptable to high temperatures and humidity
• Ability to cope with remote locations and rustic living conditions (volunteer dorms offer bunk beds, shared showers and toilets)
• Consideration of the project’s goal to become a zero waste facility.
• Flexible and open-minded in order to carry out a variety of tasks, depending on the project needs

The Osa Peninsula offers an array of activities for volunteers during their free time, including visits to Corcovado National Park, surfing, horse-riding, chocolate tours, whale and dolphin watching, waterfall hikes, and guided tours. The area’s rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty provide a unique backdrop for adventure and exploration.