You will be volunteering in the small beach town of San Miguel, located on the north-central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This town has a population of about 100 people, and prides itself on its quaint beauty and efforts in natural conservation.

Our partner organization has actively monitored sea turtles here since 1998, when local town members requested protection of turtles nesting on the beach in front of the town. The three types of turtles that nest on the Pacific Coast-the olive ridley, the Eastern Pacific green, and the Eastern Pacific leatherback-are all endangered species. These animals have been illegally poached, injured by the current surge of tourism in Costa Rica, and had their eggs taken for consumption all over the country.

As a volunteer with the Sea Turtle Project, you will be helping our partner organization revive the dwindling population of these magnificent creatures. Volunteers will be involved in tagging, nesting and releasing the turtles. With the help of volunteers and local residents, over 50,000 turtles have been protected and released into the sea, and poaching rates have dropped from almost 100% to about 10%.

Volunteers in Costa Rica will not only help repopulate the Pacific sea turtles, but will also be participating in important research to understand these animals. You will also become part of the small San Miguel community, whose members truly appreciate the help and presence of volunteers in their town.

Orientation:
A project coordinator will pick you up at the airport and take you to a hotel in downtown San José. The next day, you will be driven to the bus station where you will take a bus to San Miguel. Upon arrival to San Miguel, you will be taken to your accommodations, and be given a tour of the facilities and town. You will also be given a schedule of your night beach-walks, and in-depth instruction on the tagging and handling of turtles.

Transportation:
You will receive transportation for the following:

Airport pickup
Delivery to San José hotel for the first night
Transportation from hotel to bus station in San Jos é
Pick-up at bus station upon return to San José and delivery to hotel
Delivery to airport on day of departure

Accommodations:
You will be staying at the Project Station and cabins in San Miguel. Lodging here includes a shared bedroom, shared bathrooms, a balcony, and a large open-air communal. Bedding is provided and sheets are changed once a week. Volunteers are expected to participate in the daily maintenance of the Station. Homestays are also possible.

Meals:
You will be served 3 meals per day. Meals include items such as rice, beans, tortillas, salads, chicken, fish, pork, beef, tacos, potatoes, pastas, soups, pancakes, cereals, breads, milk, sandwiches, locally made cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fresh-squeezed juices. Vegetarians should have no problem with the diet in San Miguel. Those who follow a vegan diet should note that tofu is not readily available in Costa Rica, especially in San Miguel.

Activities:
San Miguel has a small grocery shop and several open-air restaurants. There is a public phone available in San Miguel and Internet caf é in the nearby town of Jicaral, which you can go to on the weekends or during time off.

This small paradise is also home to extraordinary natural beauty, and outdoor activities are numerous. During your time in Costa Rica, you will have the opportunity to see wildlife such as armadillos, monkeys, anteaters, iguanas, lizards, parrots, frogs and, of course, turtles. During your free time, you are also welcome to do the following:

Hike on local trails
Visit secluded beaches
Swim in tide pools
Visit mangrove forests
Surf
Participate in community events

In-country support:
You will be working side-by-side with staff members who live on-site at this project. The project staff will be happy to help you during your time at the Sea Turtle Project.