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VOLUNTEER IN
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN COSTA RICA
Sea turtles have been living and thriving in the world’s oceans for more than 150-million years, but today they are in danger of extinction. Each sea turtle species uniquely affects the diversity, habitat, and functionality of its environment, and they play a vital role in maintaining the health of the oceans. Sea turtle projects in Costa Rica are managed by both local and international environmentalists and biologists. The primary focus of these projects is to increase the birth rate and survival of baby sea turtles. The projects also work to collect data and educate the local community about sea turtles and the marine eco-system.
Turtle Conservation projects are located on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica. Volunteer responsibilities and duties vary greatly from project to project. Program supervisors let you work as independently as possible based on your Spanish language skills, commitment level, and expertise. You are expected to take direction and follow the work plan that the conservation project dictates. As an international volunteer, you get involved with hatchery management, beach patrols, beach cleanup, data collection, and community outreach.
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Why I Maximo Nivel
I lucked out by going to Ostional during an ‘arribada’ which was absolutely fantastic to see thousands of turtles making their way up the beach. I met fantastic people and i worked alongside dedicated and hard working people. The team is absolutely amazing and kept the place fun and exciting. Anyone would be lucky to work alongside the team at Ostional.
WHAT WILL YOU DO AS A SEA TURTLE VOLUNTEER?
Sea turtle conservation programs begin with 2 days in San Jose, Costa Rica. This is an important step to be sure you go through orientation and prepare for your project. Once you arrive at the turtle project, you provide support to local biologists and researchers who are involved in managing the turtle nesting grounds. You take part in nightly beach patrols, tagging turtles, relocating nests into hatcheries, counting eggs and turtles, beach cleanup efforts, and other support activities such as community education programs.
Sea turtle conservation projects in Costa Rica are directed by environmentalists, biologists, and other local professionals. Specific tasks vary greatly and program supervisors let you work as independently as possible based on your Spanish language skills, responsibility level, and expertise. You are expected to take direction and follow the required work plan.
Sea turtles projects are located offsite and away from the Maximo Nivel institutes. Most of our offsite projects have limited internet access, but there is a phone in case of emergency. Our Field Managers check in with you by phone and in-person throughout your program.
If you are scheduled to work at a sea turtle project, you receive general orientation on Day 1, followed by an orientation specifically for your project. Travel to/from your project is clearly explained and you receive your transportation tickets, which are included in your program fees. Depending on your project and bus schedules, you leave for your volunteer placement on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. Sea turtle volunteers who arrive on Monday instead of Sunday may not get to their volunteer site until Tuesday or Wednesday. At the end of your program, bus transportation back from your project site is also included in your program fees. Volunteers usually return either Friday night or very early Saturday morning.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION IN COSTA RICA
Known for being one of the most bio-diverse countries, Costa Rica is home to 5 of 7 sea turtle species in the world. Each turtle species faces threats from poachers, habitat destruction, and commercial fishing. As a sea turtles volunteer you help reverse the risk of extinction by taking an active role in protecting both adult and baby sea turtles.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION IN GUATEMALA
Sea turtle projects in Guatemala are located on the Pacific Coast, and are led and managed by both international biologists and local researchers. As a sea turtle volunteer, you take part in various support activities and outreach programs including nighttime beach patrols, tagging and counting eggs and turtles, hatchery management, and beach cleanup.
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH
MAXIMO NIVEL?
Maximo Nivel has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Our volunteer program fees are affordable and transparent.
- New volunteer programs start every Monday year-round
- Professional Field Managers
- Volunteer programs available from 1-52 weeks
- All-inclusive—accommodations, meals, and many extras
- 24/7 in-country support
- Academic credit available
- No Registration or processing fees
- All-inclusive program fees from $735
We bring structure and organization to your volunteer program, and we match you with the best project according to your personal goals and the positive impact you want to have. Schedule a call with a program advisor today!
EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT
FOR VOLUNTEER ABROAD & SERVICE LEARNING
Maximo Nivel is one of the few organizations in the world to offer academic credit for volunteer abroad and service learning programs. Our School of Record issues official transcripts and academic credit for your program. Get the credit you earn!
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