– Caribbean Coast Sea Turtle Conservation

Live on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica and volunteer for the conservation of leatherback, green and hawksbill sea turtles.

Program Highlights:

• Gain hands-on experience in marine conservation and protect sea turtle nests with the local community.
• Live and work on a pristine tropical beach with volunteers from around the world.
• Join our fun Spanish immersion week before you volunteer with one of the best schools in San Jose.
• Travel during your free time and visit natural wonders, such as the Arenal Volcano National Park.

Your Schedule at a Glance:

Week 1, Sun–Sun: Spanish Immersion Week

Start your Costa Rica experience with our Spanish language immersion week at one of the best Schools in the country. Live with a local family and gain essential Spanish skills to interact with staff and other volunteers. This includes:

• Airport pickup on Sunday
• Orientation sessions to prepare for chosen volunteer project
• Lodging with a host family in a private room
• Breakfast and dinner
• 20 hours of Spanish lessons, 5 hours a day (Mon-Thu)
• 1-3 students per classroom with one instructor
• Latin Dance and Costa Rican cooking classes

Spanish classes run from 9 to 12 noon, with one hour for lunch, and continue from 1 to 3 pm (total 5 hours a day, Mon-Thu). Evenings and weekends are free to enjoy the city or travel in Costa Rica, see tour options below.

Week 2-3 and beyond: Sea Turtle Volunteer Program

Monday: The local team will assist you with the transfer by bus and boat to the sea turtle program (around 5 hours from San Jose), where you will settle in your new home.

Mon–Sun: On-site orientation on Monday or Tuesday, followed by meaningful volunteer tasks on the program. Volunteers usually get one day off a week.

Last day: Transfer back to San Jose is on your last Thursday at the program. You will spend one night in San Jose with our host family, and on Friday, catch your flight home.

We highly recommend! 
Join our Spanish language immersion week before you volunteer. Stay with a local family and gain essential Spanish skills to interact with staff and other volunteers. See “Travel Highlights” below for more details. Planning to come for one month or more? Combine this project with our Animal Rescue and Conservation program, for a diverse wildlife experience. We will assist with the transfers.

Location of the Project: Remote Caribbean beach in Costa Rica, “Barra del Pacuare”, in the province of Limon.

Project length: Minimum 3 weeks – Maximum 12 weeks

Arrival Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

Volunteer Work: Beach patrolling, nest relocation, building hatcheries and assisting new hatchlings

Age:  18-49

Important Note:

What’s Included

Accommodations: Single gender dorms (small cabins) with 3-4 bunk beds, shared bathrooms and showers

Food: Two meals per day during orientation week and three meals per day during project

Airport Transfers: Airport pickup is provided upon arrival to San José

Orientation: You will receive an on-site orientation in San Jose before departing to the volunteer location.

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights, visa (if required), travel health insurance, lunch during orientation week, daily transportation to and from language school (approx. $1.50 USD/day), public transportation between to project site from San José (approx. $50 one way), personal expenses, police clearance document (cost differs depending on your country) and $35 for airport drop-off upon request.