Sea Turtle Conservation Experience in Costa Rica

Protect, Learn, Explore - 7, 11 or 14 Day Itinerary

Join a Wilde Tracks Collaboration passionate team of conservation experts on the stunning shores of Costa Rica and take part in meaningful efforts to protect endangered sea turtles and support local communities.

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You’ll be staying in shared same-sex rooms and contributing to the community atmosphere of the research base, where daily life is as much a part of the experience as the conservation work. Everyone pitches in—you’ll help with shared cooking (once a week when the local cook takes a well-earned day off), as well as cleaning, tidying, and general upkeep of the space. Take pride in your Costa Rican home-away-from-home and be part of a team that truly lives its mission.

Nestled in nature right next to the world-renowned Corcovado National Park, you'll be surrounded by wildlife every day. It’s not uncommon to wake up to the calls of howler monkeys, spot multiple species of birds from your doorstep, or even catch a glimpse of a tapir wandering nearby. This unique location offers daily encounters with the incredible biodiversity that makes Costa Rica a conservation hotspot.

🐢 Turtle Conservation Work

• Assist in the transfer of sea turtle eggs to a protected hatchery, safeguarding them from poaching and giving hatchlings the best chance of survival.

• Conduct wellness checks on nesting turtles—monitoring their shell and body condition, behavior, and providing basic aid when needed.

• Help with data collection including identification tagging, nest documentation, egg counts, and more to support long-term research.

• Take part in day and night patrols along the beach, monitoring for nesting activity and ensuring turtle safety.

• Assist in the release of hatchlings—about 45 days after hatching—while recording important growth and size data.

🌍 Community Engagement

• Join educational outreach programs, teaching local children about sea turtles, environmental conservation, English, and recycling.

• Participate in beach clean-ups and support local recycling initiatives to help preserve the region’s natural beauty.

🌴 7-Day Costa Rica Adventure

Highlights Include:

• Scenic Flight to the Osa Peninsula:
  Take in breathtaking aerial views as you fly from San José to Puerto Jiménez — the gateway to the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

• Sea Turtle Conservation Work:
  Participate in hands‑on activities with experienced biologists to protect nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings—help relocate eggs to safe hatcheries, monitor nesting females and nests, collect data on egg counts and nest conditions, assist in the emergence of hatchlings, and support research to ensure more babies safely reach the sea.

• Return Flight to San José:
  Conclude your inspiring experience with a scenic return flight to San José, reflecting on your meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation.

🌋 11-Day Costa Rica Conservation & Adventure Journey

Includes all experiences from the 7-Day Itinerary, plus:

• Arrival and Stay in San José:
  Begin your trip with a comfortable stay in Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city, setting the stage for an incredible adventure ahead.

• Isla Tortuga Day Excursion:
  Explore the breathtaking tropical paradise of Isla Tortuga on a full-day boat tour. Swim, snorkel, and soak in pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

• Poás Volcano, Waterfall & Coffee Tour:
  Experience the stunning volcanic landscapes of Poás Volcano National Park, visit majestic waterfalls, and tour a coffee farm to learn about one of Costa Rica’s most iconic exports.

• Final Stay in San José:
  Conclude your journey with a relaxing final stay in San José before your departure.

🐢 14-Day Ultimate Costa Rica Explorer

Includes everything from the 7-Day and 11-Day Itineraries, plus:

• Extended Stay in San José:
  Kick off your journey with a relaxing stay in Costa Rica’s bustling capital, filled with vibrant culture and local charm.

• City Tour in San José:
  Begin your trip with a guided exploration of the city’s historic landmarks, museums, colorful markets, and lively neighborhoods.

• Local Coffee Tour:
  Deepen your appreciation for Costa Rican coffee on a guided tour of a local coffee farm. Learn the full process from bean to cup and enjoy a tasting of fresh, aromatic brews.

• Corcovado Day Hike Tour:
  Embark on an unforgettable guided day hike through Corcovado National Park — one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Traverse lush rainforest trails, spot exotic wildlife, and immerse yourself in pristine natural beauty.

🐾 Open To

• Anyone With A Passion For Conservation

🔍 Available Trips

• Available January to March and July to December

• Start date depends on trip length - Turtle Conservation portion begins Mondays

• Available as a 7 day, 11 day or 14 day standard itinerary

• Option to add additional Turtle Weeks to your custom itinerary

  • Click Book Now and input your preferred dates into Join Waitlist. A Wilde Tracks Team Member will be in contact!

  • Email info@wildetracks.com with any questions.

Private group bookings available on request!

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On Day 1, you’ll begin your journey by flying from San José (SJO) to the small, remote town of Puerto Jiménez on the Osa Peninsula—one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions.

From there, you'll be met by your local program coordinator and transferred by 4x4 along rugged jungle roads to the conservation site at Playa Carate, a remote beach nestled between the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean.

Upon arrival, you'll settle into your eco-accommodation, meet the rest of the team, and enjoy a welcome dinner while getting your first taste of life by the sea.

As the sun sets, the sound of crashing waves and calls of howler monkeys will mark the beginning of your unforgettable conservation adventure.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of San José, exploring the city’s vibrant culture and rich history. Visit notable landmarks, bustling markets, and key neighborhoods to get a well-rounded feel for the capital’s unique charm.

Take in local sights, experience everyday life, and learn about the traditions and stories that shape the city. In the evening, relax at a local café or restaurant and sample authentic Costa Rican flavors before returning to your hotel.

Start your day early with a scenic boat trip from San José to the stunning Isla Tortuga, a tropical paradise renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

A delicious meal is included to keep you energized throughout the day.

After an unforgettable day on the island, return to San José for a restful night’s stay as you prepare for your next adventure to the Osa Peninsula.

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour to Poás Volcano National Park. Experience the awe-inspiring views of the active crater and explore the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Next, visit a beautiful nearby waterfall to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s lush nature. The day concludes with a visit to a local coffee farm where you’ll learn about the country’s renowned coffee production.

Meals are included during this full-day tour.

Return to San José for your final overnight stay before departure.

Your first full day begins with an orientation session where you’ll learn about the goals of the conservation project, daily responsibilities, and safety protocols.

You'll receive training on proper turtle handling, data collection methods, and hatchery operations.

Over the following days, you’ll dive into hands-on conservation work. Morning shifts often include beach clean-ups, hatchery maintenance, and wellness checks on nesting turtles—monitoring shell condition, behavior, and providing basic care when needed. In the afternoons, you may take part in educational outreach programs with local children, teaching them about environmental stewardship, English, and recycling.

As the sun sets, you’ll prepare for night patrols along the beach, walking beneath the stars to monitor nesting activity, collect data, relocate eggs to the hatchery, and, if you're lucky, witness a mother turtle laying her eggs.

When hatchlings are ready—usually around 45 days old—you’ll help measure and record their size before releasing them into the ocean at dawn.

In between conservation tasks, there’s time to relax on the beach, visit nearby eco-lodges, and connect with fellow volunteers.

Each day offers a balance of meaningful work, cultural exchange, and immersion in the natural rhythms of Costa Rica’s wild coast.

Start your day with breakfast before heading out on a fascinating tour of a local chocolate farm. Learn about the history and cultivation of cacao, the key ingredient in chocolate, and discover how it is grown, harvested, and processed.

Experience hands-on activities like tasting fresh cacao beans, participating in the chocolate-making process, and sampling a variety of delicious, locally made chocolates. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful farm surroundings and gain insight into sustainable farming practices.

Return to your accommodation in the afternoon with sweet memories and a deeper appreciation for this beloved treat.

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day guided hike in Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Trek through lush rainforests, spotting a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, colorful birds, and maybe even tapirs or jaguars.

Your guide will share insights about the park’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts as you explore scenic trails, rivers, and pristine natural habitats. Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature before continuing your adventure.

Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon, feeling refreshed and inspired by your immersive experience in this incredible wilderness.

As your final day begins, take a moment to soak in the sights and sounds of Playa Carate one last time—the gentle rhythm of the waves, the calls of scarlet macaws overhead, and the footprints of hatchlings in the sand.

After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the conservation team and the beach that has become your temporary home. A 4x4 transfer will take you back through the lush rainforest to Puerto Jiménez, where you’ll catch your domestic flight to San José.

Though your journey ends here, you leave with unforgettable memories, hands-on conservation experience, and a lasting connection to the sea turtles and the vibrant Costa Rican community you helped protect.