Help fight against the extinction of one of the most intriguing animals in the world- the turtle. Come to Costa Rica and take part in combating the desperate decline in the turtle populations of the Pacific Coast, in a beautiful and unspoiled tropical location.
Oyster can arrange for you to join a team of dedicated conservationists and scientists striving to protect nesting turtles and their babies on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Take part in patrolling the beaches under the stars, witnessing mother turtles making their slow ascent of the beach to dig a nest for their offspring. You will help to protect these eggs from the threat of poachers and predators, monitor the adult turtles and release tiny hatchlings into the sea, with a dramatically increased probability for survival out at sea. You instantly become an important member of the team, helping out with scientific data and with raising awareness of the plight of turtles in the local community. This work is very necessary, as due to industrial fishing and poaching, the turtle population is fast disappearing.
You have a choice of four sites at which you could volunteer, each with their own charm and appeal. In each site you are continually surrounded by bright wildlife, lush plants and rainforest and of course, the vast expanses of sandy beaches and the warm Pacific.
A typical day volunteering involves the following tasks:
• Patrolling the beach at night time, usually lasting between three and four hours. During the patrol you will record all turtles and tracks, measure turtles and either collect the eggs to move to a hatchery, or ensure that they are well protected and hidden from poachers and predators.
• During the daytime there will generally be a few nests to exhume- this involves digging up hatched nests to see how many eggs hatched and to see if any struggling babies are still left!
• Releasing hatched turtles into the sea- this can range from a single solitary baby to over 200 scuttling hatchlings- a beautiful sight whichever.
• Explaining to the locals the work that you are doing and stressing its importance.
Accommodation, food and linen are provided. Transport can be arranged at an extra cost, from flights to in-country travel.
