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Ecoteer - Cheap volunteering abroad

Check out these 2 facebook pages, devoted to the project. Big thank you to all volunteers for your efforts!

 

 

 

La Tortuga Feliz is a non-profit organization and can only stay successful if volunteers participate in the project. With your contribution you help with the protection of the sea turtles and the improvement of the living conditions of the local inhabitants. Maybe even more important you will have the best time of your life!

You can learn Spanish and make many friends.

Anyone who is enthusiastic and open-minded is welcome at La Tortuga Feliz. On average you are with 20 others at the project. Our volunteers come from all over the world and are between the 18 and 65 years old (Lower age limit rigid).The work can sometimes be physically demanding as you have to walk for several hours on the beach in all weathers looking for nesting adult turtles so you should be fit!

La Tortuga Feliz is situated almost 3 hours traveling from San Jose at a beautiful isolated beach. Right behind the project lies, what people call, The Amazon of Costa Rica: a mangrove rainforest, rivers, canals and lagoons. They form a unique area to live in and one can only get there by motorboat. Among the animals that you'll certainly see are: monkeys, fish, crocodiles, 145 species of birds, iguanas, turtles and our dogs! You may also see dolphins, sloth’s, foxes and wild cats.

You can help with the realization of the project objectives by patrolling the beaches at night together (in all weathers) with the local inhabitants, guarding the hatchery and supporting the agricultural activities (mowing, sowing, digging and harvesting) and in the off-season (Dec & Jan) help with maintenance of the buildings and preperations for the next season by creating an ideal environment for turtles to lay their eggs.

 

You will lodge in a dormitory style beach cabin that sleeps up to 6 people.

Besides the local meals three times a day, there is tea and coffee. Furthermore we have our own fresh water source. We cater to vegetarians too.

After volunteering you can fish, sunbathe on the beach, read a book in a hammock, play several games, play soccer or volleyball, kayak, hike, and of course learn Spanish.

 

• We expect you to volunteer your time to ensure the effective running of the project. Most volunteers don’t see the work as ‘work’ and experience it more as a fun activity.
• The minimum stay is 7 nights.
• You are enthusiastic , social and interested in conservation.
• The project is alcohol and drug free.
• Minimum age is 18 years old.

As the project is non-profit the costs are relatively low. The costs are from $15 US per day and a one time only contribution of $25 US towards transportation costs (two-way boat trip of 30 minutes and taxi rides). The price includes 3 meals per day, lodging, coffee and tea and of course you will have the best time of your life. Your contribution is spent on food costs, the salaries for the local participants and investments in the project. We are 100% sure you will not find a "cheaper" or better project anywhere!

Some dark-coloured clothing for patrolling.

Suncream

Mosquito spray

Rain clothing

Head Flashlight (with red light option for turtle work) with batteries (bring a few extra)

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 bin bag for your bag pack if it is raining on the boat. Rains are usually sudden and very heavy.

You can reserve/check availability by just starting the reservation process. Volunteers arrive and depart on Mondays and Thursdays only.

 

 

You can support the project principally by participating at the location itself and furthermore it would be nice if you can share your experiences with other people you meet and of course donations and/or sponsorships are always welcome.

If you have any questions, check out the FAQ-page. If you cannot find an answer to your question you may send it to us at the bottom of the FAQ-page.  Within 4 days you'll have an answer (no internet access at the beach). You can also try to call: (506) 8361 3592. Atmospheric circumstances can influence the quality of the phone line. If you experience such problems, simply try again a little bit later or the following day. Email/Voicemail is ONLY checked each Monday and Thursday between the hours of 8.00AM and noon Costa Rican time. Calls can be taken at these hours too.