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Starting at just $463 for a complete, one-week itinerary!

This volunteer program is for environmental enthusiasts who are inspired by hands-on conservation initiatives and who enjoy being surrounded by exotic nature. The RMVS Romelia Sea Turtle & Conservation Program’s mission is to rally support for long-term, sustainable strategies aimed at the restoration and preservation of precious wildlife and land. Utilizing prime oceanfront land that has been generously donated to the program for stewardship, we have the opportunity to offer sea turtles a fighting chance, the environment a new beginning and our visitors a window into the natural world for generations to come. We rely on your help to preserve the environment!

The RMVS Romelia Sea Turtle & Conservation Program is part of the National Park System (SINAC). Tropical Adventures is exclusively contracted to operate the volunteer program in this national refuge.

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Volunteer Responsibilities

Caring for and protecting Sea Turtles is our primary objective. We see Ridley, Hawksbill and Leatherback sea turtles. The season for these sea turtles is between July and December. But don’t worry! We have plenty of other amazing work we do throughout the rest of the year too.

Wet season – July to January

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  • Patrol beaches at night to identify nesting female turtles, document key information and relocate eggs to hatchery to keep safe from poachers
  • Take care of the hatchery nests
  • Clean the beach to ensure it’s clean for turtle nesting
  • Maintain and clean trails
  • Analyze and research the numbers and behaviors of a variety of different mammals in the local area, including ocelots, snakes and monkeys (using the help of sand traps and motion cameras)
  • Garden in the onsite greenhouse or in our on-site vineyard
  • Help host the Montezuma International Art-Camp Festival which takes place each January

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Dry season – February to June

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  • Perform day, night, and/or early morning patrols for mammal observation
  • Identify and record evidence of mammals
  • Maintain monitory trails
  • Prepare, monitor, and clear mud traps
  • Position trap cameras
  • Prune the vines
  • Clean the vines
  • Assist in the wine-making process (harvesting grapes, smashing grapes, etc.)

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Volunteers can expect to work 6-8 hours per day, with Sundays off.

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[tab_item title=”Accommodation & Food”]

Volunteers at this Sea Turtle Program  in Costa Rica stay in a basic, two-story lodge with a kitchen, dining area, living room and a bedroom that can accommodate up to 8 volunteers. The house has running water, two showers and a toilet. The common area downstairs boasts hammocks, chairs and picnic tables. Please be aware that we have limited electricity (powered by solar panels) at this project, but it’s enough to charge your laptop, camera and cell phone.

Volunteers are provided with three meals a day, prepared in the typical diet of the Costa Rican family: rice, beans, tortillas, soups, vegetable stews, pasta, etc. Meals will be prepared by our gracious cook, Antonia. All volunteers are asked to take turns assisting with cooking and cleanup.

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[tab_item title=”Location”]

Volunteers will live in Romelia, Costa Rica. The nearest town (Montezuma) is 3 km away walking on the beach about 45 minutes. This is the only access to the project, so pack lightly! Romelia will give you the true experience of being in a remote jungle seconds away from palm trees swaying over a white sand beach. The shear number of incredible wild animals and the beauty of your surroundings will ensure you never want to return back to “civilization” again! You can expect to see a variety of monkeys, sea turtles (during nesting season), iguanas, and so much more!

 

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[tab_item title=”How to qualify”]

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  • Age: Minimum age for children not traveling with a parent or guardian is 18 (or 16 with parent permission and an exception from our Director). However, due to the remote location of this project, young children are discouraged.
  • Participants: Individuals, groups and families up to 8 people are welcome.
  • Length: Minimum – 1 week (exceptions can be made for groups; Maximum – unlimited.

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No trip is complete without experiencing the local surroundings. Available excursions for this project include, but are not limited to, the following:

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  • Montezuma
  • Santa Teresa
  • Malpais
  • Surf lessons
  • Fire spinning
  • Spanish lessons
  • Yoga
  • Scuba diving
  • Dolphin and whale watching tours

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Contact us for more details.

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[tab_item title=”Pricing”]

$463 USD / one week

$609 USD / two weeks

 

Includes:

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  • Airport pick-up by Tropical Adventures driver / guide
  • One-night stay in a San Jose area hostel (free breakfast and WiFi included)
  • Transportation to bus station
  • Public bus to Montezuma (our driver will help you get on the correct bus and a staff member will be waiting for you at a specified meeting spot in the center of town)
  • Accommodations in our Volunteer Lodge
  • 3 meals per day while at project
  • Last night stay in a San Jose area hostel (free breakfast and WiFi included)
  • Transportation to the airport for your flight
  • Country information and orientation
  • Project training and in-country support
  • Assistance with planning excursions and activities
  • Reference letter of evidence of volunteer service hours
  • 24 hour in-country emergency service

 

Options:

  • Upgrade to shared ride shuttle (round-trip) instead of the public bus = add $69
  • Upgrade to Private, English-speaking driver (round-trip) in air conditioned vehicle instead of public bus = add $570
  • Upgrade to a very comfortable 3-½ – star hotel with WiFi, pool, restaurant, bar, tropical breakfast for the 2 nights in San Jose = add $150
  • Upgrade to a really nice 4- star hotel with WiFi, pool, award-winning restaurant, bar for the 2 nights in San Jose = add $379

 

Additional Options:

  • Most of our volunteer individuals, families and groups add on tours and extra days for travel to either one of our beautiful beaches, a volcano area or cloud forest. Our experienced travel coordinators will be glad to help customize the perfect itinerary for you.
  • Please be aware we can combine projects, as well as create specialized itineraries that include less than one week of volunteering – in addition to tours and adventure!

 

Please Contact Us for more information and for your personalized quote!

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Click here to compare to other projects and more information about pricing.

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