Costa Rica – Sea Turtle Volunteering & Adventure Tour for Teenagers

Join us on a transformative journey with our two-week Teen Program in Costa Rica, featuring a dedicated turtle conservation experience on the stunning beaches of the Osa Peninsula. This unique adventure combines educational projects, cultural immersion, and recreational activities, with a group size of 8 to 13 participants aged 15-17.

Program Highlights:

• Engage in meaningful turtle conservation efforts designed for teens aged 15-17 years
• Experience the vibrant culture of San José with a scenic city hike
• Discover the Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Volunteer on the beaches of the Osa Peninsula to support sea turtle conservation
• Enjoy a boat excursion through lush natural habitats
• Dive into thrilling underwater activities with a snorkeling adventure
• Immerse in Costa Rican culture through tastings and guided experiences

Your Schedule at a Glance (Two-week commitment):

• Day 1 – Wednesday: Arrival in San José – Arrive in San José, meet your Tour Leader, and settle into the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Explore on foot, enjoy refreshments, and sample local snacks (‘bocas’) at a traditional Costa Rican restaurant.
• Day 2 – Thursday: Discover Doka, Poás Volcano, and La Paz Waterfalls – Enjoy a full-day guided excursion that showcases Costa Rica’s breathtaking natural beauty. Visit the famous Doka Coffee Estate for a behind-the-scenes tour, marvel at the active Poás Volcano, and explore the lush La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which are home to stunning waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Lunch is provided before returning to the Hostel for the evening.
• Day 3 – Friday: Transfer to Manuel Antonio – Leave the bustling capital behind as you head to the coastal paradise of Manuel Antonio. The scenic private transfer will take approximately five hours, giving you a chance to soak in the diverse landscapes along the way. Check into your dorm accommodation at Selina Hostel, and unwind as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventure. Meals included: Breakfast.
• Day 4 – Saturday: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park – Embark on a half-day guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its pristine beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife. Your guide will help you spot sloths, monkeys, and a variety of colorful birds as you stroll through the park’s trails. Enjoy some free time afterward to relax at the hostel or explore the local area.
• Day 5 – Sunday: Journey to Puerto Jimenez – Travel from Manuel Antonio to the remote town of Puerto Jimenez, a gateway to the stunning Osa Peninsula. This private transfer will take around five hours, giving you more views of Costa Rica’s scenic countryside. Settle into your dorm accommodation at a hostel in Puerto Jimenez and get ready for the exciting days ahead at the turtle conservation project.
• Day 6 – Monday: Transfer to Carate and Begin Your Turtle Volunteer Experience – Take a group bus from Puerto Jimenez to the secluded area of Carate, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll begin your Turtle Volunteering Experience, diving into your conservation work. Enjoy a warm welcome from the project team and get a detailed orientation about your upcoming activities.
• Day 7 to Day 12 : Turtle Conservation Volunteer Work – Dive into hands-on conservation work focused on sea turtle protection. Each day, you’ll participate in morning and night patrols along the beach to monitor nesting females and protect vulnerable nests, while also recording data to assess nesting behaviors and trends. Conservation efforts extend to the environment as you join beach clean-ups, sort plastic waste, and help maintain a sustainable environment for the turtles. You’ll also engage with the local community, sharing insights on marine conservation through educational sessions and assisting with initiatives like permaculture gardening and tree planting around the camp, contributing to the area’s ecological health.
• Day 13 – Monday: Return to San José – Head back to San José, with free time to explore the city’s attractions and enjoy a final night out with your group.
• Day 14 – Tuesday: Departure – Say farewell to Costa Rica as you head to the airport for your flight home.

Note: The schedule is flexible, subject to weather conditions and local considerations, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience.

Note for Parents: This itinerary is designed specifically for teenage volunteers, offering a higher level of supervision throughout the program. GoEco also offers the convenience of flight booking services to assist in coordinating participants’ travel arrangements after registration and approval.

Location of the Project: Nestled along the Osa Peninsula’s pristine beaches on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

Project length: 14 days, 13 nights

Arrival Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

Volunteer Work:  Sea turtle conservation efforts in their natural habitat.

Age:  15 – 17

Number of Volunteers: 8 to 13 participants

What’s Included

Accommodations: Various locations around Costa Rica. Includes hostels and volunteer houses. All destinations provide shared single-gender dorm rooms with other teen participants only.

Food: Three meals per day, except lunch on specific tour days or arrival and departure days.

Airport Transfers:  Round trip airport transfers are included on the arrival day and departure day.

Support: Teen groups benefit from designated support staff for itinerary support and chaperoning, comprehensive pre-departure travel guidance, a 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, and an experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses, lunches on specific tour days, some meals on arrival and departure days.