We offer a turtle conservation program based in Costa Rica; whose aim is the protection of sea turtles with the help of volunteers. The participation of volunteers contributes to the improvement of the living conditions and education of the local inhabitants. By helping to generate an income for the locals through an affordable turtle volunteer program; our goal is to take away the necessity for them to poach the turtles and their eggs. The turtle conservation project is almost 4 hours travelling time away from San Jose; the capital of Costa Rica and is located on the Caribbean coast approx. 1km north of where the River Pacuare enters the Caribbean Sea. We are situated at a beautiful isolated beach and right behind the project begins; what people call; The Amazon of Costa Rica; a mangrove rainforest of rivers; canals and lagoons. They form a unique area to visit and one can only get there by motor boat. The conservation and protection promoted by us is focused predominantly on the endangered leatherback and green turtles that come to nest in large numbers in this area of Costa Rica. Leatherbacks can exceed 540 kg (1180 lbs). Leatherback turtles are generally not killed by poachers for their meat but for their eggs which are among the most desirable turtle eggs. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are not actually green but take their name from the colour of their body fat. These turtles are hunted for both their eggs and their meat; which is widely held to be the most delicious of all the sea turtle species. Poachers; fishing nets; pollution and other threats are the cause of an alarming decline in turtles hatching on this beach. Especially the 9 km covered by our volunteer turtle conservation program La Tortuga Feliz is in danger; for it has no protection whatsoever. Volunteer conservation efforts play a very important role in changing this situation for the turtles of Costa Rica. The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the most critically endangered of the marine turtles and is also the largest. The collective vision of our organisation is to realize a future where all inhabitants of the wider Caribbean Region; human and sea turtle alike; can live together in balance; where healthy populations of sea turtles fulfil their ecological roles and economic potential; and critically natural habitats are sustainably managed.
If you have any questions; check out the FAQ-page. If you cannot find an answer to your question you may send it to us at the bottom of the FAQ-page. Within 4 days you’ll have an answer.
The turtle conservation project is almost 4 hours travelling time away from San Jose; the capital of Costa Rica and is located on the Caribbean coast approx. 1km north of where the River Pacuare enters the Caribbean Sea
From the 1st of March until the 1st of September every year
1 week minimum
Adults of both sexes 18+ (when you are under 18 years old you need to be under supervision of your parents; so families are welcome)
Anyone who is enthusiastic and open-minded is welcome at La Tortuga Feliz. On average you are with around 15 others at the project. Our volunteers come from all over the world and are between the 18 and 65 years old (lower age limit rigid unless you will be participating with a parent or guardian). The work can sometimes be physically demanding as you have to walk for several hours on the beach in all weathers looking for nesting adult turtles so you should be fit!
As the project is non-profit the costs are relatively low. The costs are from US$35 per day and a one-time only contribution of US$45 towards transportation costs (two-way boat trip and taxi rides). The price includes comprehensive adult turtle training; turtle hatchery training (practical and theory); 3 meals per day; lodging; coffee and tea; and of course you will have the best time of your life. Your contribution is spent on food costs; the salaries for the local participants and investments in the project. We are 100% sure you will not find a cheaper or better turtle project anywhere!
