Every year, hundreds of thousands of sea turtles crawl out of the Pacific Ocean and nest their eggs on shore in Costa Rica. This process is known as the “arribadas,” and can lead to the arrival of up to 200,000 threatened olive ridley turtles each month. Though the species’s fate remains fragile at best, there is still hope as volunteers can travel to Costa Rica and aid in conservation efforts. Participants have the opportunity to choose between two project sites: either Ostional Beach along the Pacific, where the arribada occurs, or Barra de Pacuare along the Caribbean Sea. Regardless of where volunteers end up working, they will build up skills and experiences patrolling beaches, relocating sea turtle nests and aiding hatchlings. In their free time, volunteers can explore the local area, or perhaps just relax on the beach. This opportunity is offered by GoEco and lasts a minimum of one week for $780, with the opportunity to extend volunteering for up to three months. Basic Spanish language skills are recommended, but volunteers can enroll in class for an extra fee.
With a goal to inspire an excitement for volunteering around the world, GoEco makes it their mission to ensure that travelers get the opportunity to experience over 150 extraordinary communities around the globe. By acting as a gateway company, GoEco partners with diverse, local, and global organizations that specialize in volunteer travel experiences that create a captivating and inspiring trip for all participants. They hope that all travelers find meaning in their trips while leaving the host community with a passion for volunteerism and sharing their experiences. Starting at $X per person, this experience lasts over the course of X days. GoEco programs include a shared room in a volunteer house, 3 meals a day, and airport pickup and dropoff, and 24/7 GoEco travel guidance and emergency support.