After breakfast and check-out from your San José hotel, transfer to the airport for a scenic flight to Puerto Jiménez on the Osa Peninsula. Upon arrival at Puerto Jiménez Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by project staff and transferred to the beachfront conservation site at Playa Blanca.
Settle into your comfortable accommodation and meet your dedicated team. Attend a welcome orientation session covering important safety guidelines, an overview of the conservation project, and what to expect during your stay.
Over the next 7 days, you’ll work alongside a qualified biologist on critical sea turtle conservation tasks.
Begin with training in turtle handling techniques, including measuring, weighing, microchipping, and conducting injury assessments. Take part in passive in-water turtle catching, where you’ll help safely capture turtles for data collection before releasing them back into the wild.
You'll assist with collecting tissue and blood samples (if applicable), checking for abnormalities, and supporting the rehabilitation of injured or sick turtles when needed, including feeding and care.
A key part of the project also involves mangrove replanting, helping to restore essential foraging habitats.
Outside of structured fieldwork, you’ll take part in beach cleanups and recycling collection to reduce pollution, enjoy swimming and beachfront living for rest and reflection, and given the location in Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula, have the chance to see whales and dolphins in the bay when conditions are right.
In the afternoon on your last day with the turtle program, take your return flight from Puerto Jiménez to San José. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. Enjoy the evening at your leisure as you prepare for the upcoming full-day excursion.