Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
Our Sea Turtle Ecology Program on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has changed the lives of hundreds of students and done monumental good for the protection of an endangered species and an imperiled ecosystem. You’ll hold and study a reptile that has been on earth for more than 100 million years: the Leatherback sea turtle. Walk beneath lush rainforest canopies and learn about the biodiversity of flora and fauna in the tropics. Exchange ideas about life, science and the world with Costa Rican students. Can 12 days change the course of your life? Guess that depends on how and where you spend them.
sample itinerary
You'll arrive to Juan Santamaria airport in Alajuela, close to the capital city of San Jose, where you'll meet your EPI instructors. You will spend your first night in Hotel Villa Zurquí and get an overview of your upcoming journey.
sample itinerary
On your way to the Carribbean coast you'll pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park to learn about cloud forests. When you get to Pacuare Nature Reserve you'll study sea turtle biology and research protocol to start your work with Leatherback sea turtles. Every night you'll patrol the beach to collect data about nesting sea turtles and during the day you will explore and investigate the rainforest ecosystems, and help restore turtle nesting habitat on the beach.
sample itinerary
You'll travel from Pacuare to La Suerte Biological Station. On your way there, you will have the opportunity to visit a local high school to meet a group of local students that have also been to Pacuare. You'll talk about your experience in the program and spend a fun day learning about a different culture. At La Suerte you'll learn in depth about rainforest dynamics, flora, fauna and participate in a reforestation project.
sample itinerary
Today you will travel to Turrialba, a small town where you'll stay in a beautiful mountain hotel with an amazing 360° view of the surroundings, including two volcanoes. There you'll learn about different crops (like coffee and sugar cane) and spend time with a local family who owns the ranch who will give you a taste of the local way of living.
sample itinerary
Today you raft the spectacular rapids of the Pacuare River. You and the group will float through vibrant jungle canyons and past waterfalls during a one-day tropical rafting adventure!
sample itinerary
Today you'll graduate from the program, make reflections about your impact in Costa Rica, say goodbye to your instructors and get on the plane and head for home.
Conservation Impact
Our program site is situated in one of the world’s most important and active nesting sites for Leatherback sea turtles. This location puts you at the nexus of conservation and local culture, where you’ll be face-to-face with the environmental, scientific and cultural forces that shape the region. Each night during the Leatherback nesting season, you’ll accompany instructors and researchers in search of turtles and their nests to study population trends and protect the nests from tides, poachers and other threats. Scientists will use your work to help improve conservation efforts for sea turtles.
Academics and Education
During your time in the field, you’ll conceive, develop, analyze and present a field-based research project based on the data you collect during your nightly patrols. You’ll also learn about tropical ecology while hiking in the rain forest and you’ll experiment with new ways of learning through playing games, making art, and journaling. As part of our curriculum you will learn about conservation efforts in the country, and will participate in a reforestation project in the rainforest.
Cultural Exchange
You can’t really understand an ecosystem until you see it through the eyes of the people who live there. More than half of our program participants are Costa Rican, and they shape your experience. You’ll share perspectives and ideas. Learn how turtles fit into their culture. You’ll discover why turtles were valued historically and how that’s evolving. This cultural interaction is often among the most memorable student experiences.
Enroll now on-line or print an application.
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12-days too long? Check out our nine-day course!