Please review the following information, print what is suggested and let us know if you have any questions. Your comfort and safety are paramount for us here at the Tropical Adventures Foundation!

Volunteer Manual

The best thing you can do to help prepare yourself for your trip is to review our Volunteer Manual. There is a ton of information inside that you'll find useful.

Included in this document you will find:
 

• Airport Instructions
   
• Emergency Contact Info
   

Travel Insurance

Tropical Adventures provides our volunteers with free, limited insurance for your trip (details here). However, we highly suggest you consider purchasing some additional and affordable insurance for your trip. We have a great relationship with an international company who provides insurance that covers such things as:

   *   Medical and Dental Emergency Coverage
   *   Emergency Medical Evacuation
   *   Travel Accident Coverage
   *   Luggage Loss or Theft
   *   Sporting Equipment, Computer, & Cell Phone Loss or Damage

   *   Trip Cancellation, Interruption or Delay

 

Click on the button below for more information about this insurance. 

 

 

Please note: If you purchase the insurance using the link above, Tropical Adventures will receive a 10% commission and 100% of the money will be used directly to support our projects. The cost to you will be the same as if you went to the provider yourself. Thank you for your continued support!

It was really a long trip to Playa Ostional. And – as always – very hot!! That road was so dusty and my ass is still sore from all those potholes. But finally we arrived and my face completely changed. I’ve heard it’s not possible to access Ostional at times during the the rainy season. The rivers swell a lot and the village gets cut off from the rest of the world.

It’s wasn’t a problem to talk with the other volunteers. They were very friendly, and in a few minutes I felt very comfortable with everyone. After that, I went to check the beach out  and to see which  magic place I was going to be patrolling at night. It was a lonely beach and it didn’t look like a tourist place.

Patrol time: Everyone was ready with their flashlight – except for me! A friend lent me a red plastic bag to use to cover the lens. Artificial lighting is one of the greatest dangers for turtles, so it is not allowed. When I went out from the house and I looked up at the sky, I thought “WOW!!” The sky was full of stars and I could see 5 planets! (I’m from Spain where it isn’t possible to see planets at all.) It was really a nice night, and I had the feeling that my eyes were going to see something amazing.

Interesting to Know: Do you know that Costa Rica is the only place where you can take the eggs from the turtle and it’s legal!!? I was surprised about this, but nevertheless, there is an understandable reason. During the “arribadas,” the beach is full of thousands of turtles (the lora turtle). They steal each other’s nests because there is not enough space on the beach. So the turtles lay their eggs on top of the other nests, decreasing the possibility the other eggs will hatch. In this case, during the 3-day period for the people who live in the Ostional community to take eggs and sell them on the market legally. This is always done collectively as a community task, never individually (this is forbidden).

Turtle time: It was was really dark, however the shore was smooth, so it was easier to walk. Suddenly we came across a big, black track. That’s evidence that a turtle was or is nearb. And yes! We found the turtle (lora) preparing the hole to lay her eggs. And there we were, ready to do our tasks!!

- When the turtle was ready to lay her eggs, we moved a little bit forward so we could see the hole and the eggs to count them. This was my task. I was really happy and ready. I was holding my breath – and suddenly – she started to pop out the eggs into the hole like ping-pong balls! (See video: lora turtle nesting).

We were a team, so my partners began to do their task too. One was measuring the feet and other body parts and attaching a kind of numbered metal clip on the turtle. With this number we can track when she comes back and learn more about lora turtles. The other volunteer was writing down all the facts and statistics. It was really amazing experience!

The next day around 5pm someone screamed: “The little turtles are hatching!” We started running to where they were and I saw people standing around a hole, and all the little turtles were in a basket, trying to climb. It was so funny!

Race time: Yes, race time! The little turtles were ready to run to freedom, to the sea to start a new life! Around 20 little turtles began to run on the sand. I was laughing out of happiness. They were learning to “walk” on the sand, moving closer the sea, with the waves coming. The first one arrived to the sea, and suddenly, a wave came and took it out to sea! Now yes, this little animal had started to make his/her own story. I wished it the best. Who knows for how long it’s going to be alive? I hope for a long time!!!

Written by marketing intern Óscar Carratalá Climent

I’ve been trying to think about how to explain my experience two weekends ago. I don’t think I have enough words to describe it, but there is no doubt that it was one of the best experiences of my life – ever!

During my first two weeks, I’d seen how beautiful and amazing Costa Rica is: rich in flora and fauna. But…have you ever been inside? When i say inside I mean entering where roads have not introduced yet; where there are still indigenous people who love their lives, based on their own farming and fishing; where you can see animals living in pure freedom; where you can listen to the sound of the tropical jungle and especially where you can breath fresh air – where massive residual contamination has not yet arrived.

At this moment I arrived, I felt like one of the luckiest people on Earth. And best of all, it was just the beginning.

Our main goal was to get to know our new project at Playa Pacuare, to learn and to participate in the activities that the volunteers usually do. And out of sheer luck, to help the biggest turtle ever: the LEATHERBACK.

Here below is a little information about the leatherback (as written by the University of Maryland).
 

• The majestic leatherback turtle is the largest sea turtle in the world, growing to more than 6 feetin length. It is also one of the most threatened. A major new study of migration patterns has identified high-use areas, potential danger zones, in the Pacific Ocean for this critically endangered species. This new understanding could help inform decisions about fishing practices to help reduce further deaths of this fragile species, said researchers.
   
• “The study shows that leatherbacks can be found throughout the Pacific Ocean and identifies high-use areas that are of particular importance to their survival, ”This information on their movements is essential for identifying hot spots and assessing where limiting fishing at particular times of year may be effective for protecting leatherbacks.
   
• “Leatherback turtles are long-lived animals that take a long time to reach maturity, so when they are killed in fishing gear, it has a huge impact on the population,”
   
• Leatherbacks are the widest-ranging marine turtle species and are known to migrate across entire ocean basins. Female leatherbacks lay their eggs on tropical nesting beaches, but then migrate to foraging areas to feed on jellyfish.
   
• “Their numbers are declining so rapidly it is critical that measures are taken quickly to ensure these animals don’t go extinct.”

We have to assess how important these foundations are for helping endangered species. At the camp, I was surprised to see how incredible this turtle looks like. I could really appreciate the important investment has been made to improve the comfort and operations for the volunteers and staff.

When night was falling, the moment that we were looking so forward to was nearing. We crossed our fingers as we all hoped to see a leatherback laying eggs on the beach. The possibilities were few as peak nesting time had yet to start. Some of our volunteers had been there several weeks working very hard – and yet had still not seen a single turtle.

After a long walk (10 km / 6 miles) on the beach in the pitch dark (so as not to do damage to the turtles who are sensitive to light), we were all pretty bummed out because we hadn’t had any turtle sightings. Though it was certainly still a great pleasure to go on such a peaceful walk underneath the stars.

Then all of a sudden, just as we nearly arrived back at the project location after 2 hours walking, our guide stopped us with a “sssshhhhh.” We were all wondering what had happened and… yeeees! Here we were, with a leatherback in front us.

My first impression was that it looked like a huge, black rock trying to move in the sand. It was moving forward ever so slowly and throwing up sand with these legs which looked pretty small compared to her big body. I was just standing there with an open mouth, watching what she was doing. She seemed to be zig-zagging the whole time.

After we all stayed there staring at her 20 minutes, suddenly, she changed her course. She turned around and heading back into the sea. I understand that if they don’t lay their eggs during the first attempt, it’s because they didn’t feel like they were in a safe place. Their pure instinct is beautiful!!!

Even though I didn’t get a chance to see her lay her eggs, I had a huge smile on my face, revealing my big moment of happiness. It’s an experience I’ll never forget!

Written by marketing intern Óscar Carratalá Climent

IRS Form 990 is an informational tax form that most tax-exempt organizations must file annually. In a nutshell, the form gives the IRS an overview of the organization's activities, governance and detailed financial information. Form 990 also includes a section for the organization to outline its accomplishments in the previous year to justify maintaining its tax-exempt status. In collecting this information, the IRS wants to ensure that organizations continue to qualify for tax exemption after the status is granted.

Because Tropical Adventures (Casa Milagro Foundation) is a tax-except organization – and a public benefit charity – we are required to report all of the above information to the IRS each year. And it's something we are proud to do. The more people understand the work we are doing and how hard we are working, the more support we believe we will have.

Below please find our 990 forms from 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2010 we were not required to file a 990 form because we had less than $50,000 in gross receipts. 

If you have any questions about any of these reports, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Download (PDF, 1.99MB)

Download (PDF, 1.48MB)

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The sun was shining that beautiful morning and I was excited to see our new Reptile and Animal Rescue Center. After all, being the new intern, it was my first time visiting exotic animals in Costa Rica!

I knew that in this kind of place the animals have been rescued for different reasons, but I didn’t know why.  Rodolfo, the founder and director (really nice guy) was there to explain to us all about their stories.

One might wonder, ”Why do these animals have to be there? Why don’t they give them freedom?”  Each animal has a different story, but the main reason is that some people want to keep a wild animal like a pet. They get them when they are puppies, living all their lives with humans, and later, they abandon or look for places like this rescue center and donate their pets to them. What happens later? These people are not aware about what are they doing. After this, almost half life living with humans, they will not able to return to their natural habitat. They didn’t learn how to survive in the jungle, so most likely they will not be accepted by the other animals, nor would they know how to fend for themselves. It’s a near certainty that they would die. It sounds harsh, but this is the reality.

One of the things that impacted us most was the case of the crocodile named “Sobek.” Some hunters caught him and for an unknown reason they cut his front legs off. He lost this mobility that they need for hunting and to live like a normal reptile.

“Why people could do this such of things to the animals?”  Money, excitement, just to waste time? We honestly don’t know why. There are a lot of things that we can do nothing about. It’s something sad…but at least there are people aware of this problem and doing something to try and fix it. For this we can be proud.

One thing is clear: we are living with a lot of different animal species, and the most dangerous among us who can destroy the beauty of the Earth is ourselves.

Written by intern Óscar Carratalá Climent.

By Kelly Reid, Marketing Intern

In the Talamanca region of Costa Rica lays the quiet and very small community of Alto Katsi, which has about eighty people residing in around sixteen structures. The subsistence economy is particularly fragile because the region is susceptible to flooding, which makes a fruitful harvest impossible. There is no electricity, no running water, and no commercial goods close by. The simplicity is serene, but because of its remote location, necessities such as educational supplies and feel-good items like soccer balls are often hard to come by. In fact, before Tropical Adventures assisted with the construction of a schoolhouse nearby, the children often had to walk very long distances in the morning and evenings to attend classes. Thankfully, this is no longer the case and lessons are now held within the community. Materials, however, are still a challenge for the locals.

            This past December, a group of Tropical Adventures staff and volunteers from Stony Brook University visited the Alto Katsi village to deliver a wide range of valuable goods that were generously donated by our supporters.  The children were thrilled to be presented with sports equipment, educational tools, and health items such as tooth brushes and toothpaste. Volunteers were able to play with the children and teach them essential personal hygiene skills. And few things can bring a group of people together like a soccer ball. The volunteers and Indigenous folks alike were able to enjoy a few impromptu games in the lush green spaces of this beautiful region.

            To see many more pictures of these volunteer efforts, please visit our Facebook page as well as our Flickr page – the photos of the smiling children won’t disappoint!

By Kelly Reid, Marketing Intern

How do you think you might react if your significant other handed you a box of latex surgical gloves for Christmas? For most of us, such a gift would probably earn our loved one a night on the couch or, at the very least, some time in the proverbial doghouse.

And yet this is where Peggy found herself on Christmas morning: on the receiving end of a box of latex gloves that her husband Mark had gifted her with for the holidays. More strange goodies followed between Christmas and their anniversary in early January: cotton swabs, a rain poncho, a flashlight, ziplock baggies, Dramamine, bug spray, and more. Luckily for Mark, Peggy realized that the “12 Days of the Anniversary” was going to be a puzzle and that each bizarre gift was part of an elaborate surprise planned for the day of their anniversary. Despite a whole team of coworkers trying to help her guess the surprise, Peggy had no idea what to expect. Even with the help of Google, she was still in the dark.

Finally, the reveal came: Mark had planned a two week volunteer trip with Tropical Adventures at the Osa In-water Sea Turtle project. Each of the daily gifts was an item necessary for the trip, which Mark assembled with the help of some Tropical Adventures correspondence. Peggy, who has been passionate about sea turtles for her entire life, was overwhelmed by excitement and nerves, but luckily there was little to worry about. Mark truly planned it all down to the details. He arranged in advance to have their three chocolate labs cared for by their twenty-two year old son while the couple is in Costa Rica, which he knew would be Peggy’s first concern.  Even better, Mark arranged for a professional cleaning service to visit their home the day that they arrive back at the house, since, as Mark puts it, “a 22 year old….Need I say more?” Peggy, you found a keeper!

The couple, which has never been to Costa Rica, will be staying in the Osa peninsula for two weeks in mid-Spring of this year. Mark expects that they both will have a wonderfully close experience with the sea turtles and some peaceful time away from their hectic schedules. “I thought this trip would give Peggy the opportunity to get close to the sea turtles, help important research efforts, and to provide an experience that can be shared with her current and future sixth grade students. For me, I'm just happy being on the water and watching my wife enjoy the experience,” Mark says of his hopes for the trip.  Now that is love.  

Congratulations on your tenth anniversary, Mark and Peggy!

By Kelly Reid, Marketing Intern

During the last week of December, Tropical Adventures ran its annual day camp for children, this year in the small town of Hojancha in the Guanacaste region. The days were perfectly sunny and we had plenty of children join in on the fun.

The first day began with the help of many invaluable volunteers from the town that helped to keep camp running smoothly. The first children that arrived began crafts with Susan such as making butterflies and flowers out of coffee filters, using tissue paper to decorate construction paper fish, and some colouring.

As more children arrived, our emcee for the day began organizing games such as hot potato and an updated version of musical chairs. The kids had so much fun with those games, but they were truly ecstatic when the water balloon relay began! It was a perfect idea for a hot and sunny day and soon they enjoyed throwing water balloons at each other and themselves before cooling of with sacs of water and freezies. The rest of the day was filled with potato sack races, spider web games, and jump-rope.

The next day, many more children came to play and enjoy time at camp. The word had spread quickly! We were prepared though, with lots of materials for colouring, which seemed to be the favourite activity of the day. Everyone was joyful to see their works of art hung up on the walls around camp and they loved showing their parents what they had created. While some chose to play a rousing game of soccer, Susan also led a group in the creation of caterpillars from egg cartons. Everyone loved gluing the googly eyes on to their creatures and bringing them to life! Fresh slices of watermelon completed the day.

It was hard to say goodbye to so many smiling faces on the last day of camp. We all had so much fun being around these happy children and their contagious energy, but we are all glad that we were able to have fun with them during their time off from school. We hope that next year sees the same success! Check out lots of great pictures on our Facebook page! 

If you happen to be lucky enough to spend the holiday season in Costa Rica, there's one tradition you shouldn't miss – and it's not the tamales again! Rather, it's the annual festival set up in the San Jose district of Zapote. Massive and more than a little disorienting to the uninitiated, the festival stretches across a vast expanse of asphalt (the purpose of which remains unclear the rest of the year). Finding the festival is a cinch, even in San Jose: just look for the many Ticos peddling a parking space as far as a kilometer away and you know you're close!

Once inside, the festival is much like a large state fair: delicious food of all sorts, rides that aren't for the faint of heart, and – of course – lots of beer. Pupusas were certainly a highlight for me. They are a delectable corn pouch of meat, cheese, and coleslaw all heated on a hot-top and impossible to eat in any sort of graceful fashion. Of course, that's generally the mark of successful festival food! After the pupusas, try the sweet churros. This deep-fried pastry rolled in sugar has endless varieties, but a sure hit is the one filled with creamy dulce de leche. Wash it all down with a sort-of cold beer? Now that's a great way to celebrate Christmas.

Be careful though – after that meal, you may want to avoid the ominous Tagada. This spinning ride, which seems at first glance to be harmless, is actually a death-defying affair. Riders sit in a circular ring with no more safety harnesses than their own clinging arms and they hold on tight as the circle begins to spin in every direction. The truly brave simply stand in the middle of the circle and crab-walk back and forth, trying to keep their balance as they stand nearly parallel to the ground beneath them.

Other great attractions are the snake exhibit where corals, vipers, anacondas, and pythons will eye you down; the torros, where the few brave souls that may have imbibed a bit of liquid courage will taunt a monsterous beast for fun; and the temporary dance clubs that will be packed until the wee hours of the morning.

But the real treat is the midway. Try the ring-toss, if you're feeling like a winner. Of course, you may find several minutes and several thousand colones later that the game is actually mathematically impossible (it requires each ring to add to a certain sum which, naturally, cannot be reached). But don't worry. It's all part of the experience. Have another churro and just be glad that you aren't in the frigid north!

By Kelly Reid, Marketing Intern

            Around sunrise in many parts of Costa Rica, you are bound to hear the haunting calls of the native howler monkeys. They’re majestic animals, with beautiful and intelligent eyes that some have called “melancholy.” But howlers are playful too. The live in large social groups of fifteen to twenty animals, are seldom aggressive, and rarely fight within their own groups. Howlers live throughout Costa Rica, and spotting one generally brings a smile to the face of both tourists and locals alike.

            Unfortunately, howlers are facing new threats brought on by the fast-paced development across the country. The recent spike in tourism, though beneficial in many ways, means that some development is unregulated. Electricity lines, for instance, are often uninsulated. When the development encroaches on the territory of the howlers, they see an electricity line and believe that it’s a tree limb from which they can swing. This leads to awful electrocutions, which are often fatal. When a mother is towing an infant and grabs a power line or a transformer, the infant also risks electrocution or at the very least, an incredible fall. Even if they survive, they will be orphaned and their chances of survival become slim. In 1998, there were an estimated 107,000 howler monkeys. That figure dropped to 37,000 in 2004.

            Thankfully, the Nosara Wildlife Rescue Center has started a monkey orphanage for the howlers that come into contact with the power lines. They work to nurse them back to health when possible, or they care for the infants that lose their mothers to electrocution until they can be released back into the wild. If the creature is unlikely to survive back in the wild – for instance, when they lose a limb to electrocution – then they receive extensive long-term care at the Nosara facility. But with such quick development and limited resources, Nosara fights a tough battle. If you would like to support the Nosara facility and adopt a monkey from rescue to release, visit their website!