2 independent reviews for Volunteer with turtles in Costa Rica
Reviews for Volunteer with turtles in Costa Rica
Jonah Cedar review 9 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of my trip was getting to release hundreds of baby turtles after watching them hatch and peek their heads out from the sand. Then having the opportunity to release them safely into the ocean and watch them make their way to the water.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Drink plenty of water because it will be hot! Other than that, allow yourself to be bored having nothing to do but relax in a hammock on the beach and work with some turtles and new friends. The experience goes by fast, and is once in a lifetime so embrace every moment!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt like my vacation did all three. The local people were always so excited to see you and were invested in the project. People, no matter where they are from, just like to connect with each other and know that others care about their culture. Also, the project gives them work which is desirable anywhere. We reduced environmental impact by improving fishing methods, raising awareness about light pollution, and cleaning the beach by hand.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I can’t wait for a chance to go back and to share the trip with others who would enjoy it!Unsure if needs op to clarify their stance on 'handling' turtles in case it's not clear from this? Chris informed 16/01/19 LJ
Julie Clark review 21 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Playa San Miguel the most beautiful unspoilt beach, it's very magical. I enjoyed the night patrols, walking by moonlight, seeing the constellations, milky way, shooting stars & some of the lightening storms were spectacular. The other volunteers, researchers & locals were all lovely & really good fun and their commitment to the project was truly inspiring. The food was incredible too, we ate very well!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider why you want to volunteer on this project and go prepared with an open mind. I was there for 10 days and loved being involved but only saw one adult turtle. Part of San Miguel's beauty is that it is so remote and this is a wonderful experience, you need to be resourceful about keeping busy during the day as most of the work & excitement is on the night patrols. I walked along the beach most days, sketched & took inspiration for my artwork, giving me another purpose for being there and loved having a WIFI detox. If you can surf you'd love it! On night patrol, you'll be out walking up and down the beach in the majority of weather conditions, you need to be reasonably fit with good protective shoes, I sprained my ankle whilst we were seeking shelter in a pretty bad storm during rainy season. Although I tried to find out about and arrange the mentioned trips such as horse riding or kayaking prior to and during the trip I was very disappointed at how difficult it was and communication was very slow, taking days to get an answer. There were no trips during the time I was there, so I wouldn't go with the hope that this will be part of the experience. Organise your own trip afterwards which is what I did. At San Miguel there is little in the way of independent or public transport unless you have hired a jeep & local taxi's are very expensive.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it was great to support a local conservation project and meet local people employed by its work. The leaders and researchers were passionate about reducing environmental impacts such as plastic waste and light pollution. Local children came once or twice a week for English lessons and learnt about the project. There was a lovely local restaurant Locos Cocus who showed support to the volunteers.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall I would definitely recommend this trip, although some elements may not have been as expected, I loved the experience and have some wonderful memories, I'm sure I'll treasure for ever. I will definitely look into doing more similar projects. I would suggest that looking into organising an optional trip once a week for the volunteers would make it more of a holiday (as that is what you refer to in your question).Holiday Reviews
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