VOLUNTEER ABROAD PROGRAM |
COSTA RICA CONSERVATION14 DAY Limón Turtle & Marine Conservation Experience |
| Tour price | $2,645 |
| Online booking fee (1.75%) | $47 |
| You pay | $2,692 |
Get hands-on with one of the world’s most incredible marine conservation projects as you work alongside the resident biologist and local team to help protect endangered sea turtles.
You’ll have the chance to work with loggerhead, hawksbill, green and the magnificent leatherback turtles. From helping care for injured turtles and relocating eggs to safe hatcheries, to patrolling nesting beaches and collecting important conservation data, every day brings a new adventure.
Five steps, start to finish. Our local team looks after you from the airport to your last day.
1Choose any Sunday start. A $300 deposit holds your spot and the balance is due 45 days before you go.
2Your pre-departure pack covers visas, insurance, the police check, what to pack and arrival times.
3Fly into San José (SJO). We pick you up, transfer you to the Caribbean coast near Limón and you meet the crew.
4Monday is orientation and project training. Then beach patrols, hatchery work and conservation projects, Monday to Friday.
5Puerto Viejo, Cahuita National Park and the Caribbean beaches. Add onward travel with us at a discount.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights of accommodation in shared standard rooms, staying close to your placement and local amenities. Accommodation is comfortable, clean and social, giving you the chance to relax, connect with fellow volunteers and experience everyday life in Costa Rica.
Arrival Pick Up
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation within the designated pick-up times, making your first day stress-free and easy after landing.
Transportation
All transport required for your volunteering programme is included as per the weekly schedule, ensuring you can travel safely and reliably between your accommodation and program.
Meals
Meals are included throughout your stay, with three good-sized meals provided on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. Expect a mix of local cuisine and familiar options.
Materials & Tools
All materials, resources and tools required for your placement are provided, so you can focus fully on sea turtle and marine conservation.
Training
Receive full training and ongoing supervision from an experienced local coordinator.
Support
You’ll have access to local team support 24/7 throughout your programme, with help always available if you need advice, assistance or reassurance.
Cultural Session
Take part in a cultural lesson and country introduction, designed to help you understand local customs, traditions and daily life before starting your placement.
Local Tour & Onwards Travel
Discover your new surroundings with a guided visit to local hotspots and points of interest. You’ll also receive ongoing travel support, plus access to discounted tours to help you plan what’s next.
To make your booking, choose your departure date and any optional extras you'd like. Not sure about extras, or need extra accommodation before or after your program? No worries, just let us know later by email.
How the price works: the program price is shown in the booking panel, then a 1.75% online booking fee is added at checkout — that's the price you see on the program page. You'll see both lines before you pay. No card surcharges, and nothing is added after that.
Once you've booked, we'll send your booking confirmation along with important information about your program.
Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on program will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!
Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled program date.
Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.
What is the criteria to participate?
The Costa Rica Turtle & Marine Conservation Volunteer Program is open to participants from a wide range of backgrounds who are passionate about wildlife and marine conservation. No previous conservation or marine biology experience is required. The most important qualities are enthusiasm, teamwork and a genuine interest in protecting the environment.
Basic Requirements: Minimum age: 18 years old (participants aged 16–17 may join with parental consent). English level: Basic conversational English is required to communicate with coordinators and fellow volunteers. Police check: A criminal background check (or equivalent police certificate) is required during the signup process. Passport: A valid passport is required for international travel. Experience: No previous conservation or wildlife experience is required.
Additional Requirements: A reasonable level of physical fitness as the program involves walking long distances on sand, including at night. Willingness to work in hot, humid conditions and on a flexible schedule that includes night patrols. Respect for local conservation guidelines and wildlife protection rules. Participants over 65 years of age must provide medical clearance confirming they are fit to participate. Travel and medical insurance covering the full duration of the program is mandatory.
Recommended Equipment: Comfortable dark-coloured clothing for night patrols. Sturdy closed-toe shoes or sandals for beach walking. Red-light head torch (white lights disturb turtles). Rain jacket. Hat and sunglasses. Reusable water bottle. Personal toiletries and medications. Please note: sunscreen, lotions and insect repellent should not be used while handling turtles directly.
Where does the program start and finish?
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. If you arrive within the scheduled pick-up window, a member of the local team will meet you and arrange your transfer to the project on the Caribbean coast of Limón. This is where your program will start and finish. Whilst on your program you can arrange onwards travel with us.
Who will I be travelling with?
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a mate, you’ll meet like-minded travellers from all over the world. Group sizes vary with each program.
Do I need vaccinations?
Vaccines are recommended for Costa Rica, consult a doctor for personalised advice based on what is best to get before coming. We recommend organising all vaccines at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Can I book extra nights?
If you need additional nights before or after your trip, just add them to your booking when you checkout. Not sure if you need extra nights? Get in touch to chat with a member of the crew before or after you book.
Who can volunteer?
For this volunteer program we would love people with a passion for wildlife and the ocean who are happy to work some nights. We encourage everyone to try volunteering abroad who has a keen interest in culture, community and learning new life skills whilst making a difference. Respect, energy and the adaptability to work in a team and diverse environment is a must.
When is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has its own climate, with the driest months often around February to April and September to October. For turtles, leatherbacks typically nest from around March to July and green turtles from around July to October, making these exciting times to volunteer. Rain can fall at any time of year, keeping the jungle lush and green.
Do I need a visa?
Many nationalities, including Australian, New Zealand, UK, US, Canadian and most European passport holders, can enter Costa Rica visa-free for tourism stays. You will usually need proof of onward travel. Always check official Costa Rican immigration sources or your government’s travel advisory for the latest rules.
What airport do I fly in and out of?
SJO (Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José)
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable shoes. Weather safety clothing such as hat, rain jacket and light jumper. Modest clothing for visiting temples and local communities. First-aid kit. Small day pack. Reusable water bottle. Work clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Passport and print off all visa, insurance and vaccinations. Toiletries (insect repellent and sunscreen!).
Can I volunteer with a dietary requirement?
Yes! We do our best to cater to dietary requirements. Make sure at the time of booking you tell us any dietary requirements so we can be prepared.
How do I book?
Ready to start your volunteering abroad adventure? Select your preferred start date to start your volunteer experience. Once you book, we’ll send you a confirmation along with everything you need to prepare for your overseas volunteer program. If you’ve found the perfect volunteer project but aren’t ready to pay in full, you can secure your place today with a $300 AUD deposit. The remaining program balance is due 45 days before your departure date.
Group tour and Gap Year Specialists
We are here to help
Group Tour, Gap Year and Adventure Travel specialists since 2015, with over 20,000 travellers.
Send us a message
Group tours and gap year programs for 18 to 35s. Running since 2015, with over 20,000 travellers.
Call us · Mon to Fri, 9am to 4:30pm AESTSend us an enquiry
