Global informations
Looking for a sea turtle conservation volunteer program in Costa Rica? Join this exciting project, where volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the survival of magnificent and endangered sea turtles. Gain valuable skills and experience in marine conservation while stationed at Villas Jacquelina in Quepos, Costa Rica.
Highlights:
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Affordable fees from $465 per week
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Program includes accommodation, 2 meals, airport pick up, orientation, and 24/7 support
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Durations from 1-2 weeks
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Protect endangered sea turtles and their nesting grounds
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Up to 6 hours of volunteer work per day with 2 days off per week
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Explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural environment
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Stay with other volunteers at Villas Jacquelina and meet people from around the world
What's included ?
01. Transportation
We offer volunteer transportation from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Villas Jacquelina in Quepos.
Our airport transportation is on a two-week schedule so you just need to plan to arrive on a Sunday when we have a shuttle pick-up. We will help you organize this when we confirm your position.
02. Accomodations
The Villas Jacquelina tree-house-style accommodation provides an exciting and comfortable option for volunteers who want an incredible volunteer opportunity where they rest comfortably after a hard day's work. Volunteers can choose from a shared room, a private room, or a premium private room.
03. Two meals per day
We'll take care of providing two delicious and healthy meals per day, prepared by our talented chefs using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. You will receive breakfast before you start your day and lunch when you return from your workday. For dinner, we encourage volunteers to taste local restaurants or you can use our communal kitchen to prepare meals. We can account for all dietary restrictions and varieties.
About the volunteer program
Our mission
We are dedicated to connecting passionate individuals with impactful conservation opportunities worldwide. Our Costa Rica Turtle Conservation program in Quepos invites volunteers to actively contribute to the protection of sea turtles and their ecosystems. Join us in fostering environmental stewardship and creating a community committed to the well-being of these magnificent creatures. Together, let's make a positive impact on marine conservation for a sustainable future.
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We recommend booking flights 60-90 days in advance.
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Watch flights using Google Flights, as flight prices will fluctuate.
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Flights from the US should cost $450-$800 if you are savvy with your purchase.
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If you find a round-trip US flight for under $500, you should purchase it.
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Keep in mind luggage restrictions. Packing small will normally save you money.
Location
Our volunteer initiative is based in Quepos and Manuel Antonio, a cherished destination in Costa Rica known for its rich biodiversity. Exploring this region will immerse you in nature, offering numerous chances to observe and engage with diverse wildlife.
All volunteer work will be conducted on Isla Damas. Villas Jacquelina designed in a treehouse-style, provides guests with a distinctive lodging experience that fosters a sense of community while respecting individual privacy.
Your impact
Turtles, revered worldwide for their exceptional nature, face a grim reality as numerous species teeter on the brink of extinction. In Costa Rica, various protected turtle species, such as the Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill, call this home. Despite these turtles generating thousands of hatchlings, only a fraction survive to adulthood. The Villas Jacquelina Turtle Conservation project seeks to lend support to these endangered creatures, ensuring their protection and fostering the survival of hatchlings to bolster the turtle population for sustained prosperity.
Enlisting as a Turtle Conservation volunteer entails aiding the local team in diverse tasks crucial for the safeguarding and survival of turtles. Balancing both day and night shifts, your responsibilities will vary seasonally and may involve:
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Conducting beach patrols
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Constructing hatcheries to shield eggs from predators
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Locating nesting female turtles and monitoring their behavior
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Gathering turtle eggs for protective measures
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Counting and tagging sea turtles
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Participating in mangrove replanting
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Engaging in beach clean-ups
Recognizing that conservation efforts hinge on community involvement, volunteers also contribute significantly to initiatives benefiting the local communities. Beyond turtle-related duties, volunteers can anticipate:
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Facilitating informal English lessons for local children and patrol guides
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Participating in light construction and beautification activities at local schools and community centers
It's essential to acknowledge the physically demanding nature of the work, with a volunteer schedule spanning 5 days a week for 4 to 6 hours per day. Additionally, volunteers should be prepared for up to 4 hours of nightly patrols, emphasizing the need for comfort with extended walking during nighttime activities.
Accomodations
Our tree-house-style accommodation provides an exciting and comfortable option for volunteers who want an incredible volunteer opportunity where they rest comfortably after a hard day's work. Volunteers can choose from a shared room, a private room, or a premium private room.
Shared Room
The Shared Room is our most budget-friendly choice for the volunteer program. Opting for this, you'll be allocated a twin bed in a shared room, partnering with one other volunteer. These rooms feature a ceiling fan and a shared bathroom, accommodating a maximum of four guests.
PRICE FROM
1 week (7 nights) = $465
2 week (14 nights) = $930
Home Stay
With the homestay option, you will not stay at Villas Jacquelina. Instead, you will stay near the turtle rescue center in a local family home on Isla Damas. We organize this homestay option but are not responsible for your stay here. This option is much more rugged so volunteers should be ready for a true cultural experience. Housing will be fundamental. You will eat all meals with your host family, there is no wifi, and your accommodations will be basic.
PRICE FROM
1 week (7 nights) = $400
2 weeks (14 nights) = $800
Private Room
The Private Room choice is tailored for volunteers seeking the seclusion of their own space. This selection provides volunteers with an exclusive room featuring a double bed, a ceiling fan, and access to a shared bathroom that is only shared with a maximum of two other guests.
PRICE FROM
1 week (7 nights) = $600
2 weeks (14 nights) = $1,200
Deluxe Private Room
The Deluxe Private Room is ideal for those travelers who seek to volunteer in both comfort and style. This option offers a spacious private room equipped with a private bathroom and air conditioning for an elevated experience.
PRICE FROM
1 week (7 nights) = $775
2 weeks (14 nights) = $1,550
Location
Information
Volunteers are responsible for their transportation around the area. Taxis and public buses are always a great way to get around and grocery stores, shops, and restaurants are all within 15 minutes walking from Villas Jacquelina. Volunteers will walk to the volunteer center/beach daily (around 20 minutes of walking).
Facilities available
Laundry services
Workout accessories
Free parking
Pool
Shared kitchen
Sauna (additional cost)
Free Wifi
Cold plunge (additional cost)
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
Please note, schedules can vary as projects take place in either the morning, afternoon or evening so volunteers should be flexible. A typical volunteer schedule might look like this:
Day Shift:
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7:30 A.M - 8:00 A.M: Breakfast at the Villas Jacquelina or homestay.
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8:00 A.M - 2:00 P.M: Join the local staff on Isla Cocal and work with the team
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2:00 P.M - 3:00 P.M: Lunch at Villas Jacquelina
Night patrols:
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7:00 P.M - 11:00 P.M or 11:00 P.M - 3:00 A.M: Night patrols. Patrolling the beach to spot nesting turtles, tag turtles, count eggs in nests. You will be scheduled night patrol once or twice a week or a much or as little as you desire.
Weekends
Weekends on the Turtle Conservation project can be spent discovering the wonders of the natural environments of Costa Rica. We recommend spending a day in Manuel Antonio National park. Other days can be spend doing adventure tours or activities off our top ten free things to do in Manuel Antonio list.
