Turtle research expedition in Costa Rica

Environment

This trip involves observing and recording data on sea turtles in partnership with a local conservation organization. Trained staff use best practices for wildlife handling when tagging and other tasks. Researchers and conservationists lead the activities to make sure the animals are respected and not stressed during observation and that appropriate distances are kept.

The data collected is part of long-term research programs which help researchers to understand behavior and health of wildlife populations. The trip also generates funds for turtle research and conservation efforts and provides volunteer help for the researchers. This trip also includes a volunteer activity helping to replant mangroves which are prime habitat for sea turtles and other fish and wildlife.
In addition, we educate travelers on how to travel in ways that support sea turtles, such as avoiding the purchase of products made from turtleshell.

We reduce plastic use by offering filtered water for reusable bottles (no plastic bottles are sold) and often include beach clean-up activities during trips depending on time available.

Community

This trip is managed by a Costa Rican ecotourism company in partnership with the local conservation program. Only locally-owned accommodations, guides, and restaurants are used. These communities are not part of the major tourist circuit in the country so this program helps bring income to a part of the country that doesn’t generally benefit from tourism.

Local businesses that benefit from this trip include the hotels where the group stays and eats in San Jose and on the Osa Peninsula, an organic farm that the group tours, souvenir shops, and local restaurants. We never use foreign-owned hotels or restaurants during our trips. Our conservation partner also hires local residents who participate in the program.

We make sure that our travelers are respectful of local customs and norms, especially those related to dress and behavior in public and bargaining at markets. We will also provide any relevant information including cultural norms and current political and social situations in each location in advance of the trip.