Eco-volunteering in Costa Rica: help the sea turtles
Protection of sea turtles
A human-sized organization means personalized support for your eco-volunteering experience in Costa Rica
Our partner is an organization committed to responsible and sustainable tourism in Latin America . Founded in 1997, it offers immersive experiences that combine learning, adventure and volunteering, with the aim of creating a positive impact for both travelers and local communities.
Their mission is to provide authentic and immersive experiences, educate travelers to adopt a respectful attitude, and foster a deeper understanding of cultural differences and the mutual respect that stems from them. Our partners firmly believe that responsible travel is the only way forward for tourism and that, together, we can make this world a better place.
Simple life
and close to nature
5% of global biodiversity
just in Costa Rica
Small group of volunteers
+ local English-speaking staff
Concrete impact
and measurable
- Program and tasks
- Dates
- 2026 Price
- All the projects of this organization
- L&T we care
Program and tasks
Duration & pace
-
Minimum duration : 2 weeks
-
Work : 5 days a week
-
Rest : 2 days off per week
-
Flexible hours depending on the weather, tides and season
Tasks of volunteers (depending on the period)
- June to February – Sea turtle season
This is the most intense and emblematic period of the project, as it coincides with the arrival of sea turtles to lay their eggs
Main activities:
-
Night and dawn patrols
-
Marking and protecting nests
-
Hatchery management
-
Collection of scientific data
-
Assistance during hatching and release of baby turtles
This is the best time for volunteers attracted to wildlife and marine conservation.
- March to May – Off-season for turtles
Even without eggs, the project continues at full speed. The focus is now on the land and the community
Main activities:
-
Permaculture and agroforestry
-
Reforestation
-
Environmental education
-
Community projects
An ideal time for those who want to learn about sustainable living , ecological agriculture, and ecosystem restoration.
- All year round
Some activities remain constant , regardless of the month:
-
Permaculture and sustainable gardening
-
Reforestation and wildlife monitoring
-
Environmental awareness
-
Local community actions
A typical day on the project
(for guidance only, adaptable depending on the season)
-
Early morning : Turtle patrol OR garden work
-
Breakfast
-
Morning : main activity (reforestation, permaculture, data collection)
-
Lunch
-
Afternoon : lighter activity, workshop, community project or free time
-
Evening : group meal, conversation, quiet activities (films, discussions, learning)
A different kind of language immersion
Speak natural Spanish
Discovering exceptional biodiversity
You make yourself useful while being amazed
Dates
The project is open year-round , but activities change according to the seasons and conservation needs. See the “Program & Tasks” section.
2026 Price
| Element | Price |
| Turtle conservation – 2 weeks | 990€ |
| Additional week (accommodation) | 294€ |
✅ What's included
-
7 nights' accommodation (4-5 at the camp, 2-3 in San José)
-
Cobano-project round-trip transfers
-
On-site supervision
-
Welcome and farewell dinner
-
All meals at the conservation camp
-
Guided volunteer activities
❌ What is not included
-
International flights
-
Meals in town (San José)
-
Drinks, tips, personal expenses
All the projects of this organization
Our partner offers immersive experiences with a strong social and environmental impact across several Latin American countries. Whether you're passionate about nature, drawn to languages, or motivated by helping communities, you'll find a project that suits you.
Ecuador
-
itinerant volunteer experience
between Quito, the Andes, the Amazon, and the coast – a complete adventure combining cultural immersion, animal care, and sports activities.
Ideal for a comprehensive first experience. -
Animal Rescue Center – Puyo:
2-week mission in the heart of the jungle to feed, care for, and observe rescued animals.
Open to families. -
Community work in Quito
: Educational or social support for local children, families, and schools.
Duration: 3 weeks – suitable for beginners in Spanish.
Colombia
-
Social project in Bogota:
Educational support, activities, and social missions in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Duration: 2 weeks – beginners welcome. -
Community work in La Boquilla (Cartagena):
Social and cultural project in an Afro-Colombian community by the sea.
Duration: 3 weeks.
Costa Rica
-
Animal Shelter – Puerto Viejo
Volunteering at a tropical animal care center in a paradise setting.
Duration: 4 weeks – suitable for families. -
Sea Turtle Conservation – Osa Peninsula: Spend
one week monitoring, protecting, and releasing baby turtles on the beaches of the South Pacific.
Open to those 18 and older – ideal for a short but intense immersion.
L&T we care
L&T is very careful in choosing its volunteer projects , which too often turn into voluntourism and do more harm than good to the community. Project leaders were selected based on their actual impact on the community or the environment; the organization is a certified B corporation, which provides an objective criterion for this impact.
Our partner organization is small and has a personal touch. The person in charge of volunteers has been personally interviewed and provides exemplary support and guidance.
Other possible eco-volunteering projects organized by other partners:
PHOTO AND VIDEO GALLERY
OUR TRAVELERS' REVIEWS
FOR THIS PROGRAM
Volunteering - Turtles in Costa Rica
Hello Maelle, Fantastic!!! I'm thrilled 🤩 The tasks: a mix of permaculture (I'm working on renovating an irrigation system for the cacao plants), minor maintenance (building supports for the rooms and painting), night patrols on the beach to find turtle nests and bring them to safety in the vivero (a fishpond?), and my favorite part: releasing the newly hatched baby turtles—it's so magical. There's also a monitoring component for the animals at the wildlife sanctuary, including turtles, mapaches, pumas, etc. The people are lovely! I'm the only volunteer this week, but new arrivals are coming on Monday. I feel great with the staff and the director of CIRENAS. It's an exceptional place nestled in the middle of the jungle, with access to a stunning beach, a wildlife sanctuary with many trails for walking, and above all, incredibly safe despite the wildlife surrounding me. I'm staying in the ranger house, a very rustic, all-wood cabin with basic amenities, but honestly, that's all you need. I have delicious meals three times a day, unlimited water, and I can help myself to fruit in the kitchen or pick it directly from the trees on the property. It's truly a total immersion in unspoiled nature where you respect the land and the animals. The meals aren't vegetarian and are varied, there's no cell service at all, and only a few places have Wi-Fi. INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE
Justine, 01.2026
Volunteering - Turtles in Costa Rica
Hello Maelle, Fantastic!!! I'm thrilled 🤩 The tasks: a mix of permaculture (I'm working on renovating an irrigation system for the cacao plants), minor maintenance (building supports for the rooms and painting), night patrols on the beach to find turtle nests and bring them to safety in the vivero (a fishpond?), and my favorite part: releasing the newly hatched baby turtles—it's so magical. There's also a monitoring component for the animals at the wildlife sanctuary, including turtles, mapaches, pumas, etc. The people are lovely! I'm the only volunteer this week, but new arrivals are coming on Monday. I feel great with the staff and the director of CIRENAS. It's an exceptional place nestled in the middle of the jungle, with access to a stunning beach, a wildlife sanctuary with many trails for walking, and above all, incredibly safe despite the wildlife surrounding me. I'm staying in the ranger house, a very rustic, all-wood cabin with basic amenities, but honestly, that's all you need. I have delicious meals three times a day, unlimited water, and I can help myself to fruit in the kitchen or pick it directly from the trees on the property. It's truly a total immersion in unspoiled nature where you respect the land and the animals. The meals aren't vegetarian and are varied, there's no cell service at all, and only a few places have Wi-Fi. INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE
Justine, 01.2026
Volunteering - Turtles in Costa Rica
Hello Maelle, Fantastic!!! I'm thrilled 🤩 The tasks: a mix of permaculture (I'm working on renovating an irrigation system for the cacao plants), minor maintenance (building supports for the rooms and painting), night patrols on the beach to find turtle nests and bring them to safety in the vivero (a fishpond?), and my favorite part: releasing the newly hatched baby turtles—it's so magical. There's also a monitoring component for the animals at the wildlife sanctuary, including turtles, mapaches, pumas, etc. The people are lovely! I'm the only volunteer this week, but new arrivals are coming on Monday. I feel great with the staff and the director of CIRENAS. It's an exceptional place nestled in the middle of the jungle, with access to a stunning beach, a wildlife sanctuary with many trails for walking, and above all, incredibly safe despite the wildlife surrounding me. I'm staying in the ranger house, a very rustic, all-wood cabin with basic amenities, but honestly, that's all you need. I have delicious meals three times a day, unlimited water, and I can help myself to fruit in the kitchen or pick it directly from the trees on the property. It's truly a total immersion in unspoiled nature where you respect the land and the animals. The meals aren't vegetarian and are varied, there's no cell service at all, and only a few places have Wi-Fi. INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE
Justine, 01.2026
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