Turtle underwater
Turtle Biologist Internship in Costa Rica
Conservation and protection of up to four of the seven unique species of sea turtles.

Conservation and protection of up to four of the seven unique species of sea turtles.

Turtle Hatchling in Costa Rica
Turtle Hatchling
Help in the protection and breeding programs

Help in the protection and breeding programs

Playa Minas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Beach Time
Enjoy the local beaches or explore other areas of Costa Rica

Enjoy the local beaches or explore other areas of Costa Rica

Diving with Turtles in Costa Rica
Diving with Turtles
Enjoy some diving after your internship

Enjoy some diving after your internship

Turtles in Costa Rica
Hatchlings
Look after the hatchlings to provide them a healthy start in life

Look after the hatchlings to provide them a healthy start in life

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Overview

You will be working with the biologist and other local staff as they collect and process biometric data, collect and protect eggs in a nursery, and guide hatchlings and adult turtles back into the sea and away from danger. This placement is very much what you make it. Obviously, the level of your involvement will depend on your experience and knowledge. You must be flexible to the needs of the centre.

What we offer

  • Guaranteed internship placement with assigned project and professional work environment.
  • Guaranteed Spanish and English language working environment .
  • Guaranteed 25+ working hours per week (4 or 5 days a week, depending on the requirements of the intern’s educational institution). If there are emergencies, the hours can be long while you care for injured animals.
  • Learningful and meaningful internship/ work assignments that are relevant to the interns field of study
  • A predefined professional role for the intern.
  • Guidance, Supervision and on the job training.
  • Frequent (bi-weekly/monthly) feedback and progress sessions with the hosting company/ organization.
  • 24 hour in-country Support (emergency phone number).
  • Welcome and pick-up at the airport.
  • Accommodation, max 2 - 8 pax per hut, in an international environment with other interns, staff and like minded people.
  • A proper (physical) workplace for the intern at the accommodation.
  • Three meals per day provided
  • The accommodation and the internship placement is in the same sanctuary. Your accommodation is surrounded by nature.

Objectives

  • The overriding aim is to protect sea turtles and eggs whilst learning more about these magnificent creatures alongside a dedicated marine biologist.

Impact

Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.

One Tree Planted logo

25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.

See more at onetreeplanted.org

1% for the Planet Logo

1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.

See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org

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Location

Limon, Costa Rica

The Turtle Sanctuary Biologist Internship project is located near Bataan in the Limon Province of Costa Rica. It is a beautiful and isolated beach only accessible by boat, which will be arranged by the project itself. The rescue centre’s atmosphere is international, with professionals and students from various organizations assisting in projects involving monkeys, crocodiles and turtles. You will stay on the island all week, but the boat goes into town on the weekends.

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Itinerary

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Saturday / Sunday - Arrival

We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to our center. Saturday arrivals need to book one extra night at our accommodation.

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Monday - Friday

Your schedule will be flexible, but you should be prepared to be active for 4-8 hours a day. You will have lunch with your local co-workers and pax and can expect to be occupied between 09:00 in the morning until just before 16:00, depending on your schedule, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the project and to get to know co-workers.

The project site is in the northern Caribbean, on the beach with the highest nesting rate for leatherback turtles in the Caribbean.

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Saturday - Departure
Take a bus from Esparza directly to SJO Airport (2 hours). Buses depart every hour for earliest flights on Saturday afternoon.
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Inclusions

  • Shared Accomodation
  • All meals included
  • Free beverages
  • Wifi in public areas
  • Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
  • Departure Transfer
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Options

  • Extra night accomodation (before experience)$60
  • Extra night accomodation (after experience)$60
  • Pick-ups outside of the regular pickup window$60
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More Information

Requirements

  • minimum age18
  • minimum english levelBasic
  • CRB RequiredOn signup
  • passport copy requiredOn signup
  • resume copy requiredYes

Other Requirements

  • You must be interested in the work and ready to get your hands dirty! This placement is aimed at those who have a good level of scientific knowledge.
  • Internship requirements from the educational institution (if applicable)
  • Proof of qualifications (if applicable)
  • Casual dress is appropriate during your time on the project. Please be aware that your clothes will get dirty. Closed shoes are essential.

We require a CV and letter of motivation, either in Spanish or English. The placement is not confirmed until the CV is accepted by our partner organization.

Food

Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals will mainly be a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican food, so you may experience the Costa Rican take on foods you will be familiar with. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for.

Accommodation

During your internship, you will be placed in a sanctuary where there will be 1-2 persons in each room. Your accommodation includes running water and furnishing, which will be included in your program.

The accommodation is located in an existing established business environment of multiple (international) organisation and companies, Expats and English speaking professionals with the possibility for the intern to interact with.

Cancellation Policy

Bookings can be amended and cancelled 30 days before the program start date without any costs. Bookings that are cancelled less than 30 days before the program start date will be charged the first week of the booking.

Turtle Sanctuary Biologist Internship in Costa Rica

CategoryInternships
Stylebackpacker
AvailabilityOpen
Price per person$735/week
Minimum Duration8 weeks
$undefined/week