VOLUNTEERS
Why your help is important
Turtles are tranquil harmless creatures but lead a hard, turbulent life due to multiple challenges imposed by Man and Nature. It has been reported many times that only 1 in 1000 hatchlings reach adulthood and could face extinction in as little as 50 years. Without conservation efforts, their situation can only worsen. Help us save a life and prolong thier existance on this Earth, you might even have fun in the process too.
In addition, immerse yourself in Costa Rican local culture, make friends and create special memories, marvel at nature, step back to basics and become amazed at the biodiversity of the Osa Peninsular.
Volunteer Requirements
Is this for me: LFL require enthusiastic, open minded and hardworking individuals whom are dedicated to completing conservation tasks to a timely schedule. The work is physically demanding therefor strong fitness levels and mental strength is needed, especially under unforgiving weather conditions.
Experience: Previous experience preferred, however we welcome individuals from all backgrounds that have a keen interest. Training will be given so please don’t hesitate to apply.
Age limit: 18 years +
Minimum stay: 3 weeks. LFL recommend at least 6 weeks so you can experience the full ‘egg excavation to hatchling release’ process (season dependant).
Language: Good Spanish and/or English required.
Working Seasons: March to December.
Volunteer Duties
A typical month: During mid/high season (July – December) daily duties will involve 4.30am or evening beach patrols in search for turtle tracks & their eggs combined with recycling beach trash to help maintain a healthy ‘turtle nesting’ environment. You’ll practice safe nest excavation, egg reburial, monitoring, data inputting, hatchling care, hatchery maintenance and finally turtle release. There is also great opportunity to educate local school children about the importance of turtle and environmental conservation. There are no turtle sightings during low season (March – June) therefor hatchery maintenance work and beach clean ups is high on the agenda.
Hours: 4 per day.
Days off: Around 1-2 per week, depending on season and moon cycle.
What Do I Need To Bring?
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Rubber boots & long socks for comfortable beach patrolling (you’ll be crossing rivers too)
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Dark coloured clothing for low key beach patrolling
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Head torch with red light option
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Dry bag
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Waterproof jacket
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Towel
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Factor 30+ sun cream (eco-friendly preferred)
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Mosquito repellent (eco-friendly preferred)
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Personal medication
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Small First Aid Kit
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Alarm clock (Battery operated only)
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Books/games/playing cards
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Spanish/English Dictionary (if applicable)
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USA plug adaptor
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Dolores or Costa Rican Colnes (there are no bank/cash machines in Drake)
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Alcohol/cigarettes/treats (please consume responsibly)
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Rain cover for your backpack
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Volunteer Travel Insurance
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A sense of ADVENTURE!
ACCOMMODATION
Choices, choices
There are multiple rustic, comfortable sleeping options available on camp ranging from homestays to private room in a cabana. Browse through the pictures below for a better understanding of what we offer.
Camp life
Your accommodation is located at a peaceful yet sociable volunteer camp near the local School (by Moringa Beach) nestled in by the jungle; it is a 45 minute coastal walk from LFL hatchery which is adjacent to Rio Claro. The camp is run by local families and provides base for a community of volunteers who are involved in animal, marine or plant conservation around this area. This is an exciting opportunity to meet, live and socialise with local and international volunteers, biologists, teachers and local families. The camp’s distance from the turtle refuge provides a balanced work-play lifestyle. Pura Vida!
Why can’t I stay next to LFL hatchery?
Every year the hatchery suffers gradual land loss due to strong seasonal waves. As a result, there isn’t enough space here to accommodate comfortable living quarters and jungle excavation is not possible. On occasion (perhaps 2 days a week), volunteers can camp here for a change of scenery (it’s beautiful) and don’t forget you’ll spend 50% of your time here for work and leisure. In the coming future, LFL plan to re-site the hatchery closer to camp.
Camp Facilities
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Mixture of watertight wooden cabanas with locking door
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Shared kitchen/dining area
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Flushing toilets & running showers
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Running drinking water (straight from the spring)
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Electricity (lights and power)
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Phone signal (but no wifi hot spots)
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Laundry area (for old school hand washing)
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Lockers (bring a padlock)
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Brick BBQ
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On site snack shop
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Chill out areas
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TV (homestay only)
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Direct boat service to/from Drake (this is chargeable)
RATES
Option 2 - Private room: £27 per night p/p
Option 1 - Male or female Dorm (same sex only): 27 per night p/p
1
2
Option 3 – Homestay (roomshare with other volunteers): £27 per night p/p
3
Whats Included In The Rate
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Camp accommodation, bed linen and use of facilities
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3 traditional meals per day (served at set times)
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Tea, coffee and sometimes juice
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Training & stationary items
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Snorkel, kayak and surf gear are all included at the Rio Claro hatchery (leisure time only & small donations appreciated)
Whats Not Included
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Transport, this is kindly your responsibility. CLICK HERE for helpful directions
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Alcohol, cigarettes and other items like chocolate. DO NOT BRING DRUGS & PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBILLY!
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Protective rain clothing and footwear
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Towel
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Travel insurance
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Vaccines
SPARE TIME
Free Activities
Although the area is distanced away from Drake town, nearby activities are plentiful. Volunteers can surf, kayak, snorkel, fish, hike, spot wildlife, pick fruit, make jewellery or simply chill in a hammock, bronze up and read a book.
Chargeable Activities
A nearby hotel or lodge can arrange horse riding treks, jungle night walks, scuba diving, snorkelling, whale watching and sea fishing trips and also Corcovado National Reserve day trips. You can venture into Drake to buy treats, visit a restaurant or relax in a bar.
Alternative Activities
Help restore the school or develop more accommodation at camp, make furniture or artwork using driftwood, create your own ‘Wilson’, chat to the school kids, play volleyball or football with other volunteers, learn Spanish and much more.
ENQUIRE HERE
Please state your room preference (eg option 1, 2 or 3), desired start and end date along with any questions not shown on our FAQ page.
PLEASE NOTE
Upon confirmation of availability, we require a $200 deposit (via Paypal) ASAP in order to fully secure your place. We kindly require the remaining balance (figure dependant according to your length of stay) to be paid in cash on arrival.
We will get back to you within the next 72 hours. Thank you for your interest.