Costa Rica

This program will take you to the rural coastal communities of San Miguel and its surrounding areas, where you will learn about community-based conservation programs that protect endangered sea turtles. Your days will be spent working alongside local researchers conducting night turtle patrols, relocating sea turtle nests to protected hatcheries, and maintaining nesting sites. Through each of these activities, you will discover how Turtle Trax promotes rural tourism, protects sea turtles, and empowers local communities.

While based in San Miguel, you will have the opportunity to work at one of four community-based sea turtle conservation sites. You will participate in environmental education programs at local schools, teaching students about sea turtle conservation and coastal ecosystems. Additionally, you will participate in rural ecotourism activities led by local community members, including mangrove tours, bird and wildlife watching, reforestation projects, and learning about sustainable fishing practices from local fishermen.

Outside of turtle conservation work, you will explore the diverse habitats of the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Your program will culminate with three days in San Rafael de Peñas Blancas, where you will immerse yourself in rural Tico culture by working with local students from area schools, playing soccer, preparing traditional foods together, and participating in evening activities with local youth while practicing Spanish and English through interactive games.

This program is designed to help you understand the connections between community empowerment, biodiversity protection, and sustainable tourism while gaining hands-on research experience. You will leave Costa Rica with field research skills and a new perspective on how conservation programs can provide economic opportunities for rural communities while protecting endangered species.

Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.