Tambor Bay Sea Turtle Conservation

We are a grassroots initiative of the Tambor area community. In 2015; a group of local residents decided to do something to protect the remaining Olive Ridley sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches around Tambor Bay. We are now a registered not-for-profit organization in Costa Rica. Our primary mission is simple – to reduce threats to local turtles and their nests; so that many more hatchlings are produced each year. The goal is to ensure that; in 20-25 years; there will once again be enough adult Olive Ridley sea turtles to sustain the local population naturally. In just four seasons; We have already released almost 40.000 hatchlings. We operate under the direction of qualified biologists; under a Scientific License and Hatchery Permit issued annually by the government of Costa Rica. We have a very high-quality hatchery; one of the finest in Costa Rica; with an outstanding hatch success rate! Although sea turtle conservation is our top priority; we are also committed to both conservation education and sustainable ecotourism.

In their free time; volunteers are encouraged to explore the beautiful nature that is hiding in such a small and beautiful place such as Tambor. The coordinator of the project is also a nature tour guide; there are amazing places and a beautiful beach to visit. There are local tour operators that can provide a variety of excursions. Also to sustain the project we have a special fundraiser event called “For the Love of the Turtles”; which supports local business and provides sponsorship to the project in order to cover the expenses for the upcoming season.

Volunteers are an integral part of our program and are essential to our success. One hundred percent of what you will pay to participate in this exciting project goes back into the project. Under the direction of our Project Coordinator/Guide and experienced long-term volunteers from the local community; you will; during the turtle nesting season (July to mid-December); participate in night and early morning patrols of our beautiful 5.8 km long beach; searching for turtle nests; to collect the eggs and take them to the hatchery. During the turtle hatch season (late August through January); you will assist with monitoring the hatchery; handling and releasing hatchlings; assisting with nest exhumations; compiling data on the local turtle population; and on the results of the hatchery program. Volunteers will also assist with the development and the day-to-day operation of the hatchery; including developing interpretative information and programs; interacting with visitors; providing information; delivering simple educational messages; promoting our Adopt-a-nest program; seeking donations; and selling branded merchandise. Volunteers will also participate in regular beach clean-ups; carry out nature trail development and maintenance; assist with the delivery of environmental education programs; assist with tours/excursions and special events and work on various community projects.

Some time off will be scheduled and local excursions may be organized at an additional cost (e.g. whale watching; tropical waterfall hike/swim; zip-line canopy tour; Playa Muertos; Tortuga Island/snorkelling; bioluminescence tour; kayaking; paddle boarding; beach volleyball; horseback riding; surfing day; dining out; ‘Jesus tree hike’; Cabo Blanco; Curu Wildlife Refuge).