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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
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Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Our Travel Roots Turtle Conservation Program in Costa Rica takes place along the pristine Pacific coastline of Bahía Drake, where volunteers support the protection of endangered sea turtles and fragile coastal ecosystems.
This hands-on conservation program is designed to protect nesting turtles, monitor beach activity, and improve hatchling survival rates while supporting wider environmental awareness in the local community.
Protect Endangered Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are among the most threatened marine species in Costa Rica. Despite legal protection, illegal egg harvesting and environmental pressures continue to threaten turtle populations.
Volunteers assist with essential conservation work including:
• Monitoring beaches for turtle activity
• Identifying tracks and nesting sites
• Protecting vulnerable nests
• Relocating nests when necessary
• Preparing hatchery areas
• Supporting hatchling releases (seasonal)These activities help improve survival rates and support long-term conservation strategies.
Seasonal Conservation Work
Activities vary depending on the time of year.
During the wet season (July–November), volunteers participate in night patrols to monitor nesting turtles and protect eggs. Patrols typically take place between 8:00 PM and midnight.
From September onwards, volunteers may assist with hatchling releases and nest monitoring.
During the dry season (December–June), volunteers conduct daytime beach surveys to identify turtle tracks and nesting activity. Hatchling emergence can still be observed during December and January.
Volunteers may also assist with preparing nesting areas and maintaining hatcheries as the nesting season approaches.
Training & Environmental Education
Volunteers receive training sessions covering:
• Sea turtle biology
• Nesting behaviour
• Conservation challenges
• Monitoring techniquesThis ensures you understand the science behind your work while contributing to real conservation outcomes.
By volunteering on our Turtle Conservation Program in Costa Rica, you will:
• Help protect endangered sea turtles along the Pacific coast
• Monitor nesting beaches and identify turtle tracks
• Assist with hatchery preparation and nest relocation
• Participate in night patrols during nesting season
• Support hatchling releases (seasonal)
• Learn about sea turtle biology and conservation
• Gain hands-on wildlife conservation experience
• Live near one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse coastal regionsWhat to Expect: Life as a Turtle Conservation Volunteer
Your weeks will combine beach monitoring, conservation work, and environmental learning.
Volunteers typically work Monday to Friday, with weekends free for exploring the surrounding region.
Morning Conservation Activities
Most days begin with morning fieldwork.
On turtle monitoring days volunteers may:
• Walk nesting beaches to detect turtle activity
• Identify tracks and nesting sites
• Monitor protected nests
• Maintain hatchery areasWork usually takes place during the cooler morning hours.
Night Patrols (Wet Season)
During nesting season (July–November), volunteers participate in two night patrols per week.
Patrols typically run between:
8:00 PM – Midnight
These patrols allow volunteers to observe nesting turtles and assist with conservation work.
Training & Workshops
During your stay you will participate in training sessions covering:
• Sea turtle biology
• Conservation methodsWorkshops may include:
• Seed bomb making
• Coconut cheese making
• Tropical fruit tastingYour Impact on Sea Turtle Conservation
Sea turtles face growing threats from climate change, habitat loss, and illegal egg harvesting.
Your work helps:
• Protect vulnerable turtle nests
• Improve hatchling survival rates
• Reduce egg poaching risks
• Monitor nesting activity
• Support long-term conservation effortsEven small actions — such as relocating a nest or monitoring tracks — can make a meaningful difference to turtle populations.
Supporting Coastal Ecosystems
Healthy turtle populations are an important part of balanced marine ecosystems.
Your contribution supports:
• Biodiversity protection
• Ecosystem monitoring
• Environmental awareness
• Sustainable conservation practicesYour work helps ensure these beaches remain safe nesting grounds for future generations.
Your Home in Costa Rica – Naturaviva Volunteer House
Volunteers stay in a rustic eco-house located just a five-minute walk from Ganadito Beach in Bahía Drake.
The accommodation includes:
• Three shared bedrooms
• Eco-bungalow surrounded by nature
• Shared living spaces
• WiFi access
• Bedding providedThe volunteer house is surrounded by tropical forest and coastal wildlife, creating an immersive nature experience.
Meals
Three daily meals are included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• DinnerMeals are prepared using local ingredients and reflect traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
History
Our trusted conservation partner operates along the biodiverse southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, working to protect fragile coastal ecosystems where beaches, lagoons, wildlife, and local communities coexist.
The project was created in response to growing environmental pressures affecting the region, including beach pollution, climate-related coastal changes, and increasing threats to local wildlife populations. In particular, sea turtles face ongoing risks from habitat disturbance and illegal egg harvesting, making active conservation efforts essential.
Over time, the initiative has developed into a hands-on environmental volunteering program that combines wildlife conservation, environmental monitoring, and sustainable land management. By involving volunteers directly in conservation work, the program helps generate meaningful environmental impact while raising awareness about the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.
Mission & Vision
The mission of this project is to protect coastal biodiversity while promoting environmental awareness through hands-on volunteer participation.
The program focuses on practical conservation activities including:
• Sea turtle protection
• Wildlife monitoring
• Coastal ecosystem conservation
• Sustainable environmental practicesThe long-term vision is to create a future where coastal ecosystems are protected through education, citizen science, and collaboration between volunteers and local communities.
By supporting conservation initiatives and increasing environmental awareness, the project aims to help preserve Costa Rica’s coastal biodiversity for generations to come.
Program Fee
Duration | Fee (EUR)
1 week | €193
2 weeks | €386
4 weeks | €772
8 weeks | €1,54412 weeks | €2,316
Payment Terms
• Fees are due 30 days before your start date
• If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hoursWhat’s Included
Your program fee includes:
✅ Volunteer accommodation
✅ Bed linens
✅ Three meals per day
✅ WiFi access
✅ Sea turtle conservation training
✅ Bird monitoring training session
✅ Bird identification guide
✅ Environmental workshops
✅ Volunteer certificate
✅ Full support before, during and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
Where You'll Be – Bahía Drake, South Pacific Costa Rica
Your volunteer placement is located along the remote southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the beautiful region of Bahía Drake, part of the world-famous Osa Peninsula — one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth.
You will stay just a short walk from Ganadito Beach, a peaceful stretch of coastline where rainforest meets the ocean. This unique environment supports a wide variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife, making it an ideal setting for conservation work and nature immersion.
The region is known for its untouched landscapes, quiet beaches, and extraordinary wildlife. Scarlet macaws, monkeys, sloths, reptiles, and tropical birds can often be seen in the surrounding forests, while the nearby ocean is home to dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and seasonal whale migrations.
Unlike more developed tourist destinations, Bahía Drake offers a truly authentic Costa Rican experience where nature remains the dominant force. Life moves at a slower pace here, allowing volunteers to disconnect from busy modern life and reconnect with the natural world.
The Osa Peninsula – One of the Most Biodiverse Places on Earth
The Osa Peninsula is internationally recognised as one of the most biologically intense regions on the planet. National Geographic has described the area as "the most biologically intense place on Earth" due to the incredible concentration of species found within a relatively small area.
The surrounding region includes vast areas of protected rainforest, mangroves, lagoons, and coastal ecosystems that support thousands of plant and animal species.
This region serves as an important transition zone between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, providing essential habitat for:
• Sea turtles
• Tropical birds
• Amphibians and reptiles
• Marine species
• Migratory wildlife
• Endangered mammals
The proximity of multiple ecosystems makes this an exceptional location for environmental volunteering and conservation research.
Free time Activities
& Tours
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Free Time Activities & Nature Exploration
Your placement on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast offers incredible opportunities to explore one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. With weekends free and afternoons often available, volunteers have plenty of time to experience the natural beauty and adventure this region is known for.
Whether you prefer wildlife encounters, jungle hikes, or relaxing on quiet beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Beaches & Coastal Walks
Several beautiful beaches are located within walking distance of your accommodation. These peaceful stretches of coastline are perfect for relaxing, swimming, or exploring tidal pools.
You can enjoy:
• Quiet tropical beaches
• Coastal sunset walks
• Swimming in warm Pacific waters
• Wildlife spotting along the shore
Hidden beaches and scenic coastal trails can be reached on foot, making it easy to explore the surrounding area independently.
Snorkelling & Marine Life
The waters along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast are home to an incredible variety of marine species.
Snorkelling trips offer the chance to see:
• Tropical fish
• Rays
• Sea turtles
• Coral formations
Nearby coastal areas provide excellent snorkelling conditions, and guided trips can often be arranged locally.
Rainforest Hiking & Wildlife Spotting
The surrounding rainforest offers excellent hiking opportunities where wildlife sightings are common.
Along jungle trails you may encounter:
• Monkeys
• Sloths
• Toucans
• Scarlet macaws
• Frogs and reptiles
Guided hikes and independent walks allow volunteers to experience Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity up close.
Waterfalls & Jungle Adventures
Short trips inland reveal hidden waterfalls and freshwater swimming spots surrounded by rainforest.
These natural locations are perfect for:
• Swimming in clear jungle pools
• Photography
• Relaxation in nature
• Wildlife observation
Exploring the Osa Peninsula
The wider Osa Peninsula region offers some of Costa Rica’s most memorable adventure opportunities.
Popular excursions include:
• Guided rainforest tours
• Boat tours along the coastline
• Wildlife observation trips
• Visiting remote villages
• River exploration
Relax & Experience Pura Vida
Not every moment needs to be an adventure. Many volunteers enjoy spending their free time simply relaxing and enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings.
You might choose to:
• Relax in hammocks
• Read or journal
• Watch sunsets over the Pacific Ocean
• Socialise with fellow volunteers
• Enjoy local Costa Rican meals
Life here moves at a slower pace, giving you time to unwind while surrounded by nature.
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