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Big 5 African Wildlife & Conservation
(131 reviews)
18-85 y/o
2-12 weeks
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Sea Turtle Conservation
Experience
Volunteer
Destination
Costa Rica
Duration
2 to 12 weeks
Ages
18 to 85
Book with confidence
Trip overview
Embark on an unforgettable volunteer trip and experience the Costa Rican lifestyle whilst making a real difference to marine life. On this amazing adventure, you’ll volunteer along the stunning shores of Ostional, nurturing sea turtle nests and their eggs. Picture yourself protecting and monitoring marine turtles, relaxing on the white-sand beaches, listening to the local folk music and contributing to an important, real-world research and conservation project.
We offer the complete package for those looking to volunteer abroad and, best of all, we have joined with project partners to secure you a guaranteed volunteering placement overseas. You’ll be contributing to the Costa Rican wildlife with both confidence and purpose. Our team will help you with all the essentials, from visa assistance to airport pickup, volunteer accommodation, provided meals, onsite training and so much more.
Make a sustainable impact on the local sea turtle population, make new friends from all corners of the world and break away from your routine back home as you embark on this incredible volunteer travel opportunity. This trip is perfect for anyone ready to make a difference and lasting impact on Costa Rica’s marine life whilst channelling that soulful and coastal lifestyle at the same time.
Inclusions
Volunteer project placement
We’ll score you a guaranteed volunteering placement so you can start on your journey to make a difference to our planet.
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Handpicked from an experienced team who’ve been there, done that and ready to guide you through your entire journey and leave no question unanswered.
Pre-Departure Guide
Our in-depth pre-departure guide will have all the information you need about your trip & destination, at your fingertips.
Trip visa guidance
Get your visa approved as cheap and easy as possible with our step-by-step instructions and personal guidance by your Trip Coordinator.
Personal Travel Concierge
You'll get a personal Travel Concierge to plan your flights, insurance or any add-ons to synchronise perfectly with your trip. Deal with a real human and get a personalised booking experience that ticks all your boxes.
Comfortable accommodation
Enjoy a night of hostel accommodation in San Ramon when you land and the night before you depart. During your project, relax in a volunteer house with the other international volunteers or with a local host family, conveniently next to the reserve and within walking distance of the Ostional community.
Return airport transfer
To take you straight to your first night of accommodation in San Ramon, then onto your volunteer accommodation in Ostional the following day. Return transfer to the airport upon completion of your volunteer placement.
Project supplies
Get equipped with all the supplies and materials you need to perform your volunteer duties.
Meals
Enjoy three typical Costa Rican meals per day, prepared for you by the onsite cook.
$200 Global Tour Voucher
We know this will be the trip of a lifetime, so you also get a $200 Global Tour Voucher to put towards any Contiki, Busabout, Topdeck or G Adventures tour so you can go and explore some more of the world whilst you’re over there. You’re welcome.
Certificate of completion
In recognition of your hard work and dedication throughout the experience, and, it goes very well with your future resume. Employers will love this addition!
Ongoing support from our local team
Think of us as your family away from home. Whether you need advice or a shoulder to lean on, our team will provide you with unlimited support.
24/7 Global Emergency Line
Feel confident knowing we have a worldwide emergency team on standby, 24/7/365, so you can feel safe and secure throughout your whole trip no matter where you are in the world.
gWorld access
Stay organised with your personalised portal where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global.
Marketplace deals
Get exclusive access to deals and discounts through our online Marketplace. Save big on a huge range of products and services from our brand partners worldwide.
$250 off your next trip
The “Travel Bug” is a very real thing! Once you catch it, it really doesn’t go away! Book any other trip with us later and save $250. Why would you ever stop travelling?
Show all 20 inclusions
Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. .
Qualification
To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18-85 years of age
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years
Ask a question
Chat with us online now, or we can call you back for free, 24 hours Mon-Fri.
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Trip details
Our Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer trip in Costa Rica is designed to get you volunteering overseas in a safe and fun environment and with a genuine and rewarding purpose. Our expert team and local partners take care of everything you need to start making a positive impact, from volunteer placement to accommodation and ongoing support throughout your entire journey.
Book with confidence
Trip location
You'll be volunteering in Ostional.
Trip itinerary
Show full itinerary
Reviews
Sybella T
Booked in Sep, 2019
Alex was lovely and helped me choose the best volunteer experience for me! Very good customer service and she previously had a lot of experience herself which was very helpful. Couldn’t be happier with my decision :)
Leith D
Booked in Sep, 2019
Excellent. Great communication skills.
Asha G
Booked in Oct, 2018
Jaz, my travel concierge, was extremely helpful in getting my trip organised for me, both financially and logistically. She was incredibly accommodating and super supportive whenever I had a concern. She organised everything promptly, making sure I got the best deal I could. All in all she was just generally lovely to deal with and talk to. She made the whole process very comforting and easy. Thanks heaps Jaz!
Alina S
Booked in Feb, 2019
Absolutely fabulous
Anna P
Booked in Jun, 2018
It was amazing
View All Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Can I travel now?
Yes! There are several destinations that are open to travellers right now! And if you’re from Australia, you could be able to get an exemption to travel if you’re travelling for over 3 months*, which is the majority of our trips. We can advise how to apply for this exemption. We recommend our travellers book their trips at least 6-12 months in advance, so by the time you’re ready to depart we’re confident your destination (if it’s not already open) will be open and ready to go. *Full exemption info here.
What happens if COVID affects my trip?
If you have to make any changes to your departure date, you’re protected by our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee and our Ultimate Corona Booking Flexibility. With this, we will change your trip dates for free. If this doesn’t fit around you and you can’t go on your trip anymore, we will give you a 100% refund in the form of a Trip Credit with us (See terms). If you’re unable to use it, you can also transfer that credit to someone else for them to put towards any trip too.
If you’re affected by COVID while you’re overseas, you will have all the support you need from our team or partners in-country as well as have access to our 24/7 Global Emergency Line. We work with a travel insurance company that provides COVID protection, and people going on Volunteer trips will get this for free currently!
Are you still taking bookings?
Yes we are! All of our trips are still being planned for and taking new bookings. We always recommend that our travellers take 6-12 months between booking their trip to departure. This gives you plenty of time to arrange all the finer details of your trip, and pay it off. If things don’t go as planned you are always able to rearrange your trip using your Lifetime Deposit Guarantee and Ultimate Corona Booking Flexibility! So there is really nothing to worry about.
Why should I book now?
In 2020, the world stopped. This means that we have a backlog of travellers, just like you, who are desperate to get out and explore the world! Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12 months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. If COVID affects your trip, you are protected for any changes with our Ultimate Corona Booking Flexibility. Why not give yourself something to look forward to, by booking that trip!
Can I travel with a friend?
Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips (excluding Summer Camp in the USA) we should be able to have you and your friends placed together. If availability doesn’t allow it, we’ll get you in the same area. So you’ll be able to have this experience together!
What happens if I want to cancel my trip?
Our Ultimate Corona Booking Flexibility means you can change your trip’s start date up to 56 days before departure without incurring ANY charges, and you’re able to rebook it for ANY time (or even any other trip) in the next 2 years from your original start date.
In the event that you want to cancel your booking altogether, if you give us over 56 days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Travel Credit which you can put towards booking absolutely anything travel related with your Travel Concierge within the next 3 years!
How it works
Make your decision
Choose your trip style and destination, and confirm your spot with a deposit. Then, open your gWorld account and celebrate, the hardest part is over and the fun is about to begin.
We become friends
You’ll be matched with a personal Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs. They’ll guide you through everything we need to do together, so you can leave your worries behind.
Time to go
We’ll get your tickets in-hand and your transfers ready. Then, our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared for your arrival. It’s now time for the real adventure to start.
24/7 support
Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support and check-ins. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24/7.
Why go Global
Flexible trips
The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.
Worldwide support
Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/7.
We're the experts
With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 100 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.
Partner network
We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.
From $1,885
$49
deposit now
Deposit is 100% refundable if you don’t qualify.
Inclusions
Volunteer project placement
We’ll score you a guaranteed volunteering placement so you can start on your journey to make a difference to our planet.
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Handpicked from an experienced team who’ve been there, done that and ready to guide you through your entire journey and leave no question unanswered.
Pre-Departure Guide
Our in-depth pre-departure guide will have all the information you need about your trip & destination, at your fingertips.
Trip visa guidance
Get your visa approved as cheap and easy as possible with our step-by-step instructions and personal guidance by your Trip Coordinator.
Personal Travel Concierge
You'll get a personal Travel Concierge to plan your flights, insurance or any add-ons to synchronise perfectly with your trip. Deal with a real human and get a personalised booking experience that ticks all your boxes.
Comfortable accommodation
Enjoy a night of hostel accommodation in San Ramon when you land and the night before you depart. During your project, relax in a volunteer house with the other international volunteers or with a local host family, conveniently next to the reserve and within walking distance of the Ostional community.
Return airport transfer
To take you straight to your first night of accommodation in San Ramon, then onto your volunteer accommodation in Ostional the following day. Return transfer to the airport upon completion of your volunteer placement.
Project supplies
Get equipped with all the supplies and materials you need to perform your volunteer duties.
Meals
Enjoy three typical Costa Rican meals per day, prepared for you by the onsite cook.
$200 Global Tour Voucher
NEWWe know this will be the trip of a lifetime, so you also get a $200 Global Tour Voucher to put towards any Contiki, Busabout, Topdeck or G Adventures tour so you can go and explore some more of the world whilst you’re over there. You’re welcome.
Certificate of completion
In recognition of your hard work and dedication throughout the experience, and, it goes very well with your future resume. Employers will love this addition!
Ongoing support from our local team
Think of us as your family away from home. Whether you need advice or a shoulder to lean on, our team will provide you with unlimited support.
24/7 Global Emergency Line
Feel confident knowing we have a worldwide emergency team on standby, 24/7/365, so you can feel safe and secure throughout your whole trip no matter where you are in the world.
gWorld access
Stay organised with your personalised portal where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global.
Marketplace deals
NEWGet exclusive access to deals and discounts through our online Marketplace. Save big on a huge range of products and services from our brand partners worldwide.
$250 off your next trip
The “Travel Bug” is a very real thing! Once you catch it, it really doesn’t go away! Book any other trip with us later and save $250. Why would you ever stop travelling?
Trip itinerary
Day 1
Once you have touched down at San Jose Airport, your pre-arranged transfer will take you straight to your initial hostel accommodation in San Ramon.
Day 2
After your night’s stay in San Ramon, you’ll head straight to your volunteer accommodation in the heart of Ostional. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have an orientation where you’ll meet the on-site project coordinators and the other volunteers and learn about your volunteer duties.
Day 3+
8.00am: Indulge in a fresh Costa Rican breakfast, prepared by your in-house chef and cooks.
9.00am: Your volunteer duties are predominantly in the afternoon and nights as that’s when the turtles and hatchlings are most active. Spend your mornings lazing on tropical beaches, exploring the rainforests and getting to know the friendly locals.
12.00pm: Enjoy a prepared lunch by the in-house chef or opt for a traditional meal at one of the local cafes and restaurants.
1.00pm: Spend the afternoon partaking in important volunteer duties. You could find yourself making information signs, participating in reforestation and environmental awareness education, beach clean-ups/recycling and helping out with general infrastructure maintenance.
5.00pm: Join the other volunteers for dinner and group meetings before you begin your night patrol shift.
8.00pm: Start a 4-hour beach patrol shift, alternating between 8pm-12am and 12am-4am. During your shift, you could be responsible for searching for sea turtle nests, digging up at-risk nests and placing them in a safer man-made nest, guiding mother turtles to shore to lay their precious eggs, monitoring relocated turtle nests and temperatures and taking biometric measurements. If you’re lucky, you may even assist freeing turtle hatchlings and releasing them for their initial journey to the sea!
Weekends: You’ll have every weekend off, which gives you the perfect opportunity to explore. Discover the local area, famous for water sports, its beaches and volcanic hikes, or head to Costa Rica’s capital, San José, and spend your time off exploring the museums and bars!
Ongoing
Our dedicated team will check in regularly and keep in touch with you throughout your stay but, if at any point during your trip you need travel advice or assistance, we’ll be here to answer all your questions. Don’t forget you can always jump on our social media pages too or buzz our 24/7 emergency support line for urgent matters.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Experience
Volunteer
Destination
Costa Rica
Duration
2 to 12 weeks
Ages
18 to 85
Book with confidence
Limited spots. Earliest available arrival is currently Mar 2022, and closing very soon.
Volunteer Costa Rica Reviews
Melinda-rae W
Booked in Feb, 2020
My service was great. I receive lots of good help. Read more
Melinda-rae W
Booked in Feb, 2020
My service was great. I receive lots of good help. Read more
Emily P
Booked in Dec, 2019
Really warm and friendly staff. Didn’t feel pressured at all and they were extremely understanding and knowledgeable. Read more
Xavier S
Booked in Oct, 2019
The person I was on the phone was very nice Read more
Ben R
Booked in Nov, 2019
Great service. I got all the information I needed. Read more
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