Costa Rica Turtle Conservation

Volunteering in Costa Rica

Fact: Leatherback turtles are under serious threat of extinction, as their numbers diminish due to egg poaching and drowning in fishing nets.

Only one in 1000 hatchlings survive to adulthood.

Gap year projects and volunteering opportunities in Costa Rica with AV are in partnership with Rainforest Concern and Endangered Wildlife Trust. Experience Costa Rican city life, tranquil Caribbean beaches, turtle
protection and travel all in one project!

Outline Experience

3 weeks	2 weeks	4 weeks
Welcome and briefing in San Jose - Spanish language course and home stay, Costa Rican culture and history	Turtle induction training, conservation volunteering at Pacuare - beach patrols, turtle monitoring and egg protection	Explore Costa Rica with a period of independent group based travel

What & Why?

AV is working in partnership with Rainforest Concern and Endangered Wildlife Trust, two highly respected charities working closely for the benefit of the world's environment in South America. During your volunteer project you will be guaranteed to have some very personal contact with the great leatherback and/or green turtles, as you will join us in the laying season on the Caribbean coast at Pacuare - the most important turtle beach in the country. Working under the direction of biologists, you will keep overnight vigil, collect data, monitor birth sites and, perhaps, even help deliver the eggs.

Living Arrangements

Turtle Hatchlings - Gap Year Projects & Volunteering Opportunities in Costa Rica During your two weeks on the reserve you will live with the other volunteers in a basic but adequate cabins. There is a communal area for cooking and getting to know each other and to talk turtles. There is no electricity! By the end of your time on the reserve you will appreciate the luxuries you have at home!

Independent Travel

As your time at Pacuare draws to a close you will be thinking about the opportunity to travel to some of Costa Rica's ‘must see' spots and be a tourist for four weeks. Pacific or Caribbean? Wild rivers, fiery volcanoes or rainforests? Oh... animals? Costa Rica has more biodiversity than all of North America or Europe. What else is there....? Birds, frogs, mammals, butterflies - we reckon you won't be stuck for things to do. Of course,
you will also have time to pop over to Panama and see
what's on offer there. They also have two oceans, turtles
and gorgeous, golden beaches to lie on, too!

And Afterwards...

If you're like 99% of those who have been before you, you'll agree that it will have been the best two months of your life so far. You'll find leaving difficult...and returning easy! We say that "Once an AV, always an AV!" What this means is that you will be joining an exclusive club that will be there for you to help out if you ever get into difficulties and will always be pleased to see you again in Costs Rica. As an AV, we hope your relationship with us will continue long after your initial time in Costa Rica.