FAQ
What are the daily activities?
You can help with the realization of the project objectives mainly by patrolling the beaches at night (in all weathers) looking for adult nesting turtles together with the local inhabitants in shifts and by guarding the hatchery. There are daily operational duties too.This means that you will be working irregular hours. No 2 days are the same!!
In the off-season from Decemberto January, you can help with maintenance of buildings and creation of an ideal environment for turtles to lay their eggs. You are also involved with day to day running of the project. Expect to be busy!
In which months am I welcome?
You are welcome all months of the year. The only months in which you can't see turtles are December and January, but we have lots of other essential working activities. We have to deconstruct the hatchery and then reconstruct another and prepare the sand for the new season. Cabins need to be painted and prepared. Beaches need to be cleaned of plastic bottles and trash. Fruit tress need to be planted and maintained. Day to day operations continue with cooking for volunteers and bathrooms to be cleaned. Tortuga Feliz seems to be a meeting point in December for travellers who would prefer not to be on the road alone at Christmas or New Year but in the company of others... You will see monkeys, fish, crocodiles, 145 species of birds, iguanas, turles and our own dogs (Rolf, Jansen, Susie & Vicky) for sure. You may also see dolphins, sloth’s, foxes and wild cats.
What is the availibility?
You can check availibility by just starting the reservation procedure. We get booked up quite quickly. As soon as you know your travel plans check availability for the dates you can commit to. We have a very advanced live online reservation system.
What do I have to bring?
- Some dark-coloured clothing for patrolling.
- Suncream
- Mosquito spray
- Rain clothing
- Head Flashlight (with red light option for turtle work) with batteries.
- Good shoes/training shoes (old ones are best as they will get wet and sandy).
- Alarmclock (Battery operated)
- Books/playing cards
- Towel
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Small padlock for your locker
- Black Bag for your backpack should it rain on the boat. Rain is usually very heavy and starts suddenly.
Do you cater to vegetarians?
Yes we do.
Do I need vaccinations?
Vaccinations are a personal decision. Check with your doctor as to what is recommended for Costa Rica so you can make an informed choice.
Are hiking shoes a must, or is it possible to use firm training shoes?
That depends.... Some people like hiking shoes and others training shoes.
You have to imagine that the sand is not hard, but very soft (old ones are best as they will get wet and sandy).
Can I wash my clothes at the project?
We provide soap powder, buckets and sunshine for handwashing.
Can you make sure I am in the same dormitory as my friend/partner?
Depending on space we can usually make this happen if you mention this on arrival at the project. For those couples who wish to have more privacy we have a cabin with a double bed with private bathroom package for $22usd per person per night. Minimum Stay 14 nights.
Is there a medical service nearby?
We can get you to a hospital in just under an hour. Travel/medical insurance is essentioal and a basic first aid kit helps.
Do you have electricity?
No. We have solar power to pump water from our well and it provides lighting in public areas only.
Do you have internet access?
No. Please let family/friends know that you will be out of contact during the period of your stay.
What can I do in my spare time?
After volunteering you can fish, sunbathe on the beach, read a book in a hammock, play several board/card games, play soccer or volleyball, kayak, hike, make friends with co- volunteers/world travellers and of course learn spanish.
Do I have to speak spanish?
No, You dont have to speak spanish! But we stimulate you to learn and speak it. It makes it easier to communicate with the local inhabitants because they hardly speak any English. You can download a list of important words you can learn before arriving and you may participate in Spanish lessons fitted in around volunteering.
Are there shops near La Tortuga Feliz?
We are located in the jungle on an isolated beach with no shopping options. On arrival in Bataan there is the possibility to do some last minute shopping at a supermarket before we head off by taxi and boat to the project.
Does my cell phone work at (or around) the project?
There are some spots around the island that sometimes, with much patience, provide you with a tiny signal. No guarantees.
Is there a phone connection?
Not yet. You will receive Emergency Contact details for your family in your reservation confirmation email after booking.
Where should I go after I arrive in Bataan?
You will be met off the bus at the bus stop in the centre of Bataan. If you arrive from Limon you will need to cross over the street to the San Jose bus stop and we will meet you there at 11.20am. WE ALWAYS MEET THE BUS.
My flight home is on the day I arrive/leave the project!
We do not recomend leaving or arriving on the same day that your flight is scheduled. Costa Rica suffers extreme rains which sometimes results in long delays in traffic. As you are usually replacing volunteers who have just left the project you will be needed to begin working with the turtles the night you arrive. Arriving tired to the project after flying is not a good idea.
I reserved for 3 weeks but I might leave after 2 weeks?
Breaking your commitment sometimes has negative effects on the turtles, local community and your co-volunteers. If you are undecided as to whether this volunteering opportunity is for you we recomend making a short reservation with a view to extending if you love it. We expect you to pay your full reservation on arrival at the project and don't offer refunds.
Is it possible to send post to the project?
Yes it is. Letters and small parcels can be sent to the project. You will find the address in the confirmation email after making your reservation. Letters from North America can take upto 2 weeks to arrive and upto 3 weeks from Europe.
Do you know of safe budget accomodation in San Jose?
Most volunteers stay the night before their reservation at La Tortuga Feliz at one of either of the 2 recommended accomodation options in San Jose that have taken good care of our volunteers in the past. They are safe areas and offer airport pick ups. Website and reservation details for both options are contained in your confirmation email after making your reservation with us.
Are flights included?/Which airport do I need to fly to?
Transportation costs to and from Costa Rica is your responsibility. You will need to fly into San Jose International Airpost Costa Rica (SJO).
What shouldn't I bring to La Tortuga Feliz?
Surfboards,diving equipment, laptops or anything that relies on electricity.
I am a young female who has never travelled alone before and I love the thought of helping to save turtles but am a little nervous about the trip.
Many of our volunteers fall into this category and we have taken this into account by giving you all the necessary information you need to get here safely in your confirmation email.
I still have some questions that are not answered anywhere on your website.
Green Turtle
You will receive intensive training on how to take your responsibility in helping to save endangered turtles whilst they are laying eggs as well as assisting baby turtles as they hatch ....