Pura Vida: Sea Turtles, Conservation, Waterfalls and Rafting

Costa Rica is a land of waterfalls, lush rainforests and hugely varied wildlife. This trip is about exploring these whilst also positively contributing to the natural environment, by looking after sea turtles and their habitat, as well as spending time in eco-lodges. The only footprints you leave will be in the sand, but the memories from Costa Rica will stay with you forever.

On this project, you will assist with sea turtles both at sea and on land. You will also help support the local environment by planting new trees and helping clean up the beaches. 

And once the work is over, it’s time for fun. White-water rafting, snorkeling and waterfalls abound. You will learn how to make chocolate, improve or begin your Spanish language adventure, and learn more about this wonderful country of Costa Rica.

Pura Vida! 

As an added bonus, your volunteer effort will earn you community service credits.

Day 1: Transport from San Jose to Playa Blanca

Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! You land at San Jose airport where you will be met by your tour manager, who will be with you throughout your trip. You will make your way down to a spectacular and still relatively unknown part of Costa Rica to begin working on a sea turtle and conservation project. Snacks and drinks will be provided for the journey. 

Upon arrival you will have the chance to settle in, get to know your hosts and project coordinators, and learn about what you will be doing for the next few days. 

During the project your accommodation will be in locally-owned guest houses with WiFi available.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 2: Sea Turtle Volunteer activities.

Early rise this morning, to have breakfast before helping the biologists load the boat for sea turtle monitoring, then off to sea to do the very same. Lunch will be packed to eat on the beach.

Back to shore in the afternoon and time to clean the equipment and nets before you finish for the day. Now it’s your time to relax and swim at the beach before dinner.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 3: Turtle Rescue center

Turtles can suffer all kinds of incidents, from fishing-related to dehydration and parasites. In order to help them, there is a rescue center where they can be cared for and recover before being released back into the wild.

While there is no guarantee that any turtles will be present during your visit (which is clearly the best case scenario for the turtles) the hospital still requires looking after, ready for any new arrivals. You will therefore assist at the hospital with whatever needs doing during your stay - today is a day dedicated to such work before some down time to swim and relax at the beach.

Overnight:

Day 4: Mangrove Project & Chocolate Making

After an early start, you will head out to help the biologists working on a Mangrove Reforestation project. Mangroves are absolutely fundamental to sea turtles, as it is here where they feed. Unfortunately so much of the forest has been destroyed, it needs replenishing. You will be involved in collecting seeds and mud, planting seeds, measuring trees, and reforestation. Lunch will be served at your accommodation.

In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to make chocolate. You can learn about the importance of chocolate to the region, its history and also have lots of fun making your own!

Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 5:  Carate

Today you will depart the Sea Turtle Conservation Project and travel north along the coast until the road comes to an end. Leave your 4x4 transfer vehicle and walk along the beach and rainforest trail until you arrive at your eco-lodge. This is a spectacular chance to be immersed in nature as you are situated between the rainforest and Pacific Ocean with fantastic views. It’s an authentic eco-lodge so there is no electricity in the rooms - you will truly be cut off from the modern world; an amazing opportunity to be at one with nature. It’s also an opportunity for a brief digital detox, to experience what it was like to live pre-internet! And you are also doing good just by staying there, as for every booking a tree is planted.

Overnight: Eco Lodge

Day 6: Carate: Corcovado National Park

Wake up in the heart of the Osa Peninsula and enjoy a half-day hike to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, the Corcovado National Park. Explore your surroundings during the afternoon.

Overnight: Eco Lodge

Day 7: Uvita & Kayaking/Rafting

Depart the Peninsula, without leaving Osa. Your next tent lodge is closer to civilization but still secluded in the jungle. Before checking in, get your adrenaline pumping again with a Mangrove Kayak / Stand-up Paddle in the mangroves / Rafting in Costa Rica’s most pristine river.

Overnight: Eco lodge

Day 8: Uvita

Full-day Caño Island Snorkeling Tour. This is one of the best places for snorkeling and diving in Costa Rica. Chances are you will spot dolphins and/or humpback whales along the way.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 9: Cerro de la Muerte

Start traveling up the mountains to the Cloud Forest of Cerro de la Muerte. Before lunch, you will stop along the way and hike to one of Costa Rica’s most impressive waterfalls. Later, arrive in your family-owned lodge, home to beautiful hummingbird gardens and wonderful lookout points, for a delicious farewell dinner.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 10: Departure

Say hasta luego Costa Rica!

Total Cost: From $3800
What is included:

Activities:

  • White water rafting / Kayaking

  • Surfing lessons

  • Visiting local waterfalls and swimming in them

  • Chocolate-making class

Accommodation and services

  • A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip

  • Private transportation throughout the trip

  • Eco-lodges and hotels in perfect harmony with the surroundings  

  • Project accommodation in project center

  • All meals (please note we can cater to all dietary requirements)

  • Medical insurance up to $50,000, and baggage insurance       

Project:

  • Contributing to the sea turtle project by:

  • Assisting with the monitoring of sea turtles and their environment 

  • Assisting in the sea turtle rescue center

  • Planting seeds and reforestation

  • Practice your Spanish by working alongside locals

Not included in this Trip

  • International flights not included (we can arrange these for you)

  • Visas, where applicable

  • Any vaccination required

  • Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included).