Pacuare Reserve
Duration: 1-8 weeks (March to October)
Location: Pacuare Beach, Caribbean Coast
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (night patrols on beach)
Age/Experience : 18+ years; good physical condition required for beach patrols
Seasonal Considerations: : March-October only (sea turtle nesting season); peak activity July-September
Included Services: Shared accommodation in biological station, meals, training, conservation certificate
Join a critical sea turtle conservation effort at the renowned Pacuare Reserve, one of Costa Rica's most important nesting beaches for endangered leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles. This remote biological station on the Caribbean coast offers volunteers the unique opportunity to participate in frontline conservation work protecting these ancient marine reptiles that have existed for over 100 million years but now face extinction. During the March to October nesting season, you'll conduct nighttime beach patrols, collect scientific data from nesting females, relocate vulnerable eggs to protected hatcheries, and assist with the magical moment when hatchlings make their journey to the sea. Beyond turtle conservation, you'll contribute to biodiversity monitoring in this pristine coastal rainforest reserve, home to jaguars, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species. This immersive experience combines meaningful conservation impact with the adventure of living in a remote natural paradise.
What You'll See @ Pacuare Reserve
During your time at Pacuare Reserve, you'll witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of massive leatherback turtles (up to 1,500 pounds) emerging from the ocean to nest—a ritual unchanged for millions of years. Green and hawksbill turtles, though smaller, also frequent these protected beaches. The reserve encompasses multiple ecosystems, including pristine beach, coastal rainforest, and freshwater lagoons. Within these habitats, you may encounter four monkey species, sloths, coatis, and anteaters during day patrols. Birdwatchers will appreciate the 230+ bird species identified in the reserve, including toucans, parrots, and the endangered great green macaw. Reptiles and amphibians abound, from basilisk lizards to poison dart frogs. At night, spotlight walks reveal nocturnal creatures like kinkajous and opossums. The beach and nearby lagoon host crocodiles, caiman, and river turtles. The reserve's remote location means minimal light pollution, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities during night patrols, with the Milky Way often clearly visible above the Caribbean Sea.
Itinerary
Daily Schedule (during nesting season):
6:00 AM: Breakfast followed by hatchery monitoring
8:00 AM: Beach cleaning and maintenance activities
12:00 PM: Lunch and rest period during heat of day
2:00 PM: Conservation projects (varies by day)
5:00 PM: Dinner and preparation for night patrol
8:00 PM - 4:00 AM: Night patrols in 4-hour shifts (scheduled)
Weekly Activities:
Mondays: Station maintenance and data compilation
Tuesdays: Hatchery construction/maintenance
Wednesdays: Training in monitoring protocols
Thursdays: Biodiversity monitoring in reserve
Fridays: Community education programs
Weekends: Cultural exchange activities and local excursions
Seasonal Focus:
March-May: Beach preparation, hatchery construction
June-August: Peak nesting activity, intensive patrols
August-October: Hatchling emergence, nest excavation
Note: Night patrols operate in all weather conditions, as turtles nest regardless of rain
6:00 AM: Breakfast followed by hatchery monitoring
8:00 AM: Beach cleaning and maintenance activities
12:00 PM: Lunch and rest period during heat of day
2:00 PM: Conservation projects (varies by day)
5:00 PM: Dinner and preparation for night patrol
8:00 PM - 4:00 AM: Night patrols in 4-hour shifts (scheduled)
Weekly Activities:
Mondays: Station maintenance and data compilation
Tuesdays: Hatchery construction/maintenance
Wednesdays: Training in monitoring protocols
Thursdays: Biodiversity monitoring in reserve
Fridays: Community education programs
Weekends: Cultural exchange activities and local excursions
Seasonal Focus:
March-May: Beach preparation, hatchery construction
June-August: Peak nesting activity, intensive patrols
August-October: Hatchling emergence, nest excavation
Note: Night patrols operate in all weather conditions, as turtles nest regardless of rain
Highlights ofPacuare Reserve
During your time at Pacuare Reserve, you'll witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of massive leatherback turtles (up to 1,500 pounds) emerging from the ocean to nest—a ritual unchanged for millions of years. Green and hawksbill turtles, though smaller, also frequent these protected beaches. The reserve encompasses multiple ecosystems, including pristine beach, coastal rainforest, and freshwater lagoons. Within these habitats, you may encounter four monkey species, sloths, coatis, and anteaters during day patrols. Birdwatchers will appreciate the 230+ bird species identified in the reserve, including toucans, parrots, and the endangered great green macaw. Reptiles and amphibians abound, from basilisk lizards to poison dart frogs. At night, spotlight walks reveal nocturnal creatures like kinkajous and opossums. The beach and nearby lagoon host crocodiles, caiman, and river turtles. The reserve's remote location means minimal light pollution, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities during night patrols, with the Milky Way often clearly visible above the Caribbean Sea.
Meeting point:San José transfer point or independent arrival to Bataan
Tour Guide Expertise
The reserve's scientific team includes marine biologists specializing in sea turtle conservation, many with advanced degrees and decades of field experience. The program director has over 20 years of experience in turtle conservation and has contributed to international protection policies through research published in peer-reviewed journals. Field coordinators are trained in standardized scientific monitoring protocols recognized by global conservation organizations like IUCN and WWF. Local patrol leaders from nearby communities bring traditional ecological knowledge and unparalleled tracking skills developed over generations of living alongside marine turtles. Visiting researchers frequently conduct specialized studies, providing volunteers with exposure to cutting-edge conservation science and technologies. Many staff members began as volunteers themselves, providing authentic mentorship based on personal experience with the program. The education team specializes in communicating complex conservation concepts to diverse audiences, from international volunteers to local schoolchildren.
"Our 8-day tour through Tortuguero, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio exceeded every expectation. The wildlife encounters were incredible—we saw sloths, toucans, and even a family of howler monkeys! Our guide Miguel's knowledge transformed what would have been a good vacation into an unforgettable experience."
Sarah Thompson
Chicago
The Pacuare River overnight expedition was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. Professional guides, breathtaking scenery, and the perfect balance of thrilling rapids and peaceful floats. Staying at the riverside lodge was magical—falling asleep to jungle sounds is something we'll never forget.
Mark Davidson
ancouver
Volunteering at the Pacuare Reserve for sea turtle conservation changed my perspective on eco-tourism. Two weeks of meaningful work alongside dedicated conservationists was both humbling and inspiring. Explore Costa Rica handled all the logistics flawlessly.
Emma Chen
Sydney
After years of dreaming about moving to Costa Rica, Explore Costa Rica made it happen seamlessly. From finding our perfect home in Perez Zeledon to navigating residency paperwork, their team supported us every step of the way. Six months in, and we're living the life we imagined!
Robert and Linda Gonzalez
Former Arizona Residents
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