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Itinerary
Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
A Typical Day as a Volunteer
Our weekly schedules must be flexible due to the nature of our environmental and community work and therefore if there are any changes to the schedule our staff will let you know as soon as possible. In terms of your work load, this will change depending on how many people are on camp, we may need you too help us out a little more than usual, but we will make sure you have time to rest. We will make sure that everyone has a minimum of one complete day off from required activities, however this will be designated by your camp leader and will fit around the weeks activities. If you would like to request a specific day off, please do so before the start of the week so it can be accounted for in the schedule.
Volunteer Activies
As a volunteer, you will participate in daily turtle patrols, morning patrols (3-5 hrs) or night patrols (4-7 hrs). On the patrols you will protect new nests, record data on the nesting females, see flipper tagging, excavate hatched nests, assist in the tourism element and release hatchlings! During the day, we will also have beach clean-ups, plastic classification, English lessons for local people, presentations at our local schools, and tree planting and other maintenance projects around our camp! We normally work very hard on the project and we do expect all visitors to get involved to the best of their ability to help us achieve our goals, but there’s still always plenty of time to relax and explore.
Mandatory Volunteer Requirements
- Minimum age of 18
- Travel/Medical insurance
- Recommended vaccines: Rabies, Tetanus, Yellow Fever (this is not present in Costa Rica, but depending from which country you enter Costa Rica this is a requirement to enter Costa Rica).
- It is essential for the volunteers that they bring a headlight with Red Led light, a pair of work gloves as well as thick long socks.
- Travel/Health insurance is highly recommended
- Travel/Medical insurance
- Recommended vaccines: Rabies, Tetanus, Yellow Fever (this is not present in Costa Rica, but depending from which country you enter Costa Rica this is a requirement to enter Costa Rica).
- It is essential for the volunteers that they bring a headlight with Red Led light, a pair of work gloves as well as thick long socks.
- Travel/Health insurance is highly recommended
What is included?
- Pre-departure online meeting
- 1 nights accommodation in hostel in Puerto Jimenez
- Transfer with colectivo/bus from Puerto Jimenez to Camp Mariposa Azul
- Meet & Greet with English volunteer coordinator at the camp
- Accommodation at volunteer camp Mariposa Azul
- 3 meals daily (mostly vegetarian)
- Follow up online meetings
- Free activities; night walks, jungle walks, game & movie night, pizza night etc.
- Wifi (but it is not very strong)
- Bus ticket back to Puerto Jimenez
- 1 nights accommodation in hostel in Puerto Jimenez
- Transfer with colectivo/bus from Puerto Jimenez to Camp Mariposa Azul
- Meet & Greet with English volunteer coordinator at the camp
- Accommodation at volunteer camp Mariposa Azul
- 3 meals daily (mostly vegetarian)
- Follow up online meetings
- Free activities; night walks, jungle walks, game & movie night, pizza night etc.
- Wifi (but it is not very strong)
- Bus ticket back to Puerto Jimenez
About Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is a wild, untouched natural wonderland home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, with one of the last remaining tropical-humid rainforests teeming with rare animals and tropical birds, as well as some stunning palm-backed Pacific beaches. You reach Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula via a narrow neck of land in the far south of Costa Rica. This remoteness means the area has a wilder more far-flung feel than many of the country´s other jungle reserves. The Corcovado National Park was recognized by the National Geographic Society as "one of the most biologically intense places on Earth! It cannot be overstated how precious this region of Costa Rica is, where sustainability and the protection of this incredible natural habitat are first and foremost in everyone´s minds.
Climate
The humidity levels in the Caribbean are very high, which means that both infrastructure and your belongings can suffer from this humidity, for example, it can be difficult to dry your clothes. It's best to keep things packed in plastic covers or boxes, and for your personal hygiene we recommend using baby powder ‘talcos’. And do not bring your nicest clothing, which in fact also wouldn’t be very useful at the project.
Please Note
Upon departing any airport in Costa Rica one has to pay a departure tax. This must be done in person and cannot be pre-arranged with a tour company or airline. The tax for some international flights leaving Costa Rica is around USD $29 and for domestic flights, depending on the airport, it varies between USD $3 and USD $5. All prices are subject to change. Please check with your airline to see if the departure tax is included in the price of your flight.
What Makes a Good Volunteer?
Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.
Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.
Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.
How Long Should I Volunteer?
Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. You will receive a certificate at the end of your stay
Summary
What’s included?
Extra expenses at the destination
None
Accommodation
Tucked away in Costa Rica's vibrant jungle, the rustic camp at COPROT offers a down-toearth yet immersive living experience surrounded by nature. You’ll stay in dorm-style cabins with 8-10 other volunteers, making for a friendly, communal vibe. The communal kitchen is where the magic happens - our cook whips up meals, and you can catch up with fellow volunteers over hearty food at the shared table.
The camp also boasts a garden with fruit trees, a small greenhouse, and a chicken coop, all contributing to our sustainable living efforts. We use basic solar power for essential needs and have limited WiFi for staying connected with family and friends.
Nature is all around - trees above the camp are often used by monkeys and birds, and the river behind us is home to small mammals and amphibians. Plus, we have some friendly pets roaming around, adding a bit of extra charm to the camp. Here at COPROT, you’ll experience the simplicity of life in nature while playing a vital role in sea turtle conservation on the Osa Peninsula.
The project requests a deposit for keys and towels. At the end of your volunteer stay and with leaving everything in order and returning the keys and towels, the project will return the deposit at 100%.
The camp also boasts a garden with fruit trees, a small greenhouse, and a chicken coop, all contributing to our sustainable living efforts. We use basic solar power for essential needs and have limited WiFi for staying connected with family and friends.
Nature is all around - trees above the camp are often used by monkeys and birds, and the river behind us is home to small mammals and amphibians. Plus, we have some friendly pets roaming around, adding a bit of extra charm to the camp. Here at COPROT, you’ll experience the simplicity of life in nature while playing a vital role in sea turtle conservation on the Osa Peninsula.
The project requests a deposit for keys and towels. At the end of your volunteer stay and with leaving everything in order and returning the keys and towels, the project will return the deposit at 100%.
Local transport
Included Transportation
From San Jose to Puerto Jimenez: the public bus is around 8 hours, and departs from San Jose at 12:00.
From Puerto Jimenez to the project, the collectivo departs at 13:30 and it takes around 2 hours.
The return transfer at the end of your stay from the project to Puerto Jimenez is at 08:30.
Arrival Package
You can book an arrival package including transfer from the airport to your accommodation in San Jose, one night's accommodation in San Jose in either a private room at Hotel Aranjuez/Fleur de Lys (including breakfast) or a shared dorm at La Capital Hostel San Jose, and a public bus transfer from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. You need to make your own way from your accommodation to the bus station in San Jose.
Departure Package
You can also book a departure package, the colectivo from the project to Puerto Jimenez is included, you then switch to a public bus transfer from Puerto Jimenez to San Jose, one night's accommodation in San Jose in either a private room at Hotel Aranjuez/Fleur de Lys (including breakfast) or a shared dorm at La Capital Hostel San Jose, and a transfer to the airport the following day. You need to make your own way from the bus station in San Jose to your accommodation.
You can also book a combination of both Arrival and Departure packages.
From San Jose to Puerto Jimenez: the public bus is around 8 hours, and departs from San Jose at 12:00.
From Puerto Jimenez to the project, the collectivo departs at 13:30 and it takes around 2 hours.
The return transfer at the end of your stay from the project to Puerto Jimenez is at 08:30.
Arrival Package
You can book an arrival package including transfer from the airport to your accommodation in San Jose, one night's accommodation in San Jose in either a private room at Hotel Aranjuez/Fleur de Lys (including breakfast) or a shared dorm at La Capital Hostel San Jose, and a public bus transfer from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. You need to make your own way from your accommodation to the bus station in San Jose.
Departure Package
You can also book a departure package, the colectivo from the project to Puerto Jimenez is included, you then switch to a public bus transfer from Puerto Jimenez to San Jose, one night's accommodation in San Jose in either a private room at Hotel Aranjuez/Fleur de Lys (including breakfast) or a shared dorm at La Capital Hostel San Jose, and a transfer to the airport the following day. You need to make your own way from the bus station in San Jose to your accommodation.
You can also book a combination of both Arrival and Departure packages.
Meals
3 meals a day, mostly vegetarian, are included. Breakfast included in San Jose only with private rooms at Hotel Aranjuez/Fleur de Lys if you include the arrival/departure packages.
Additional info
What to do in your free time
There are a lot of different activities around the Osa Península.
Corcovado National Park: Explore one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse national parks, filled with stunning wildlife and lush rainforests.
Surfing in Matapalo: Catch some waves at Matapalo, a popular surfing spot known for its beautiful beaches and excellent surf conditions.
Horse-Riding & Chocolate Tour: Experience the local culture with a horseback ride through the jungle and a visit to a cacao farm where you’ll learn about chocolate-making.
Whale and Dolphin Tour: Embark on an unforgettable tour to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, a must-do activity in this region.
Waterfall Hike: Take a guided hike to one of the many breathtaking waterfalls in the area, perfect for cooling off and enjoying nature.
Guided Gold-Mining Tour: Discover the rich history of gold mining in the region with a guided tour that takes you through the process and shows you how it’s done.
Free Activities: Enjoy a variety of free activities such as night walks, jungle walks, beach clean-ups, game and movie nights, and pizza nights.
Swimming is not permitted at the beach next to the camp, however you can enjoy activities such as beach playing games, looking for animals or taking in the awesome views.
Volunteers are also welcome to use the pool at a nearby lodge for a small fee.
These activities give you a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and local culture, making sure your time volunteering at the Osa Peninsula is fun and memorable.
What to bring
- Small backpack (for turtle patrols/day bag, preferably a dry bag backpack)
- Drybag (especially important in wet season, can be a smaller size to keep your electronics in if you already have a dry bag backpack)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water bottle (at least 1L capacity)
- Wash kit:
• Toothbrush (2), toothpaste, hairbrush
• Tweezers, small scissors, nail file
• Sanitary products (a menstrual cup/reusable pads are preferred to reduce waste)
• Talc powder (very important to keep your feet dry during rainy season)
• Antibacterial soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant (all shampoos/soaps etc. must be fully biodegradable)
• Natural insect repellent (must be DEET-free)
• Suncream (factor 50+), after sun/moisturizer, aloe vera/coconut oil (both very useful as after sun, for mosquito/sandfly bites)
- Headtorch WITH RED LIGHT FUNCTION (in all night patrol work we use red light only, rechargeable’s preferred and if you are staying for a long period, it’s a good idea to bring a spare) and its batteries
- Waterproof wristwatch
- Medical kit
- Travel documents (passport, copy of medical insurance, personal medication information, vaccine card)
- Personal / prescription medicines. Do take in consideration that although there are pharmacies in town, you must bring your personal medication (to last the duration of your stay) if you need any)
There are a lot of different activities around the Osa Península.
Corcovado National Park: Explore one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse national parks, filled with stunning wildlife and lush rainforests.
Surfing in Matapalo: Catch some waves at Matapalo, a popular surfing spot known for its beautiful beaches and excellent surf conditions.
Horse-Riding & Chocolate Tour: Experience the local culture with a horseback ride through the jungle and a visit to a cacao farm where you’ll learn about chocolate-making.
Whale and Dolphin Tour: Embark on an unforgettable tour to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, a must-do activity in this region.
Waterfall Hike: Take a guided hike to one of the many breathtaking waterfalls in the area, perfect for cooling off and enjoying nature.
Guided Gold-Mining Tour: Discover the rich history of gold mining in the region with a guided tour that takes you through the process and shows you how it’s done.
Free Activities: Enjoy a variety of free activities such as night walks, jungle walks, beach clean-ups, game and movie nights, and pizza nights.
Swimming is not permitted at the beach next to the camp, however you can enjoy activities such as beach playing games, looking for animals or taking in the awesome views.
Volunteers are also welcome to use the pool at a nearby lodge for a small fee.
These activities give you a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and local culture, making sure your time volunteering at the Osa Peninsula is fun and memorable.
What to bring
- Small backpack (for turtle patrols/day bag, preferably a dry bag backpack)
- Drybag (especially important in wet season, can be a smaller size to keep your electronics in if you already have a dry bag backpack)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water bottle (at least 1L capacity)
- Wash kit:
• Toothbrush (2), toothpaste, hairbrush
• Tweezers, small scissors, nail file
• Sanitary products (a menstrual cup/reusable pads are preferred to reduce waste)
• Talc powder (very important to keep your feet dry during rainy season)
• Antibacterial soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant (all shampoos/soaps etc. must be fully biodegradable)
• Natural insect repellent (must be DEET-free)
• Suncream (factor 50+), after sun/moisturizer, aloe vera/coconut oil (both very useful as after sun, for mosquito/sandfly bites)
- Headtorch WITH RED LIGHT FUNCTION (in all night patrol work we use red light only, rechargeable’s preferred and if you are staying for a long period, it’s a good idea to bring a spare) and its batteries
- Waterproof wristwatch
- Medical kit
- Travel documents (passport, copy of medical insurance, personal medication information, vaccine card)
- Personal / prescription medicines. Do take in consideration that although there are pharmacies in town, you must bring your personal medication (to last the duration of your stay) if you need any)