COSTA RICA
SEA TURTLE INITIATIVE™
Become a conservationist for Costa Rica’s sea turtles as you explore the unspoiled coast.




FOR THE COSTA RICA: SEA TURTLE INITIATIVE™ PROGRAM
- Protect an endangered sea turtle nesting beach
- Assist with night patrols and visit a turtle nursery
- Soar through the rainforest canopy on a zipline adventure
- Go on an whitewater rafting expedition down the Pacuare River
- Explore a small beach town and the local artisans market
Program Menu For
& Sea Turtle Initiative






COSTA RICA
SEA TURTLE INITIATIVE™
Program Overview
Learn about many of the threats sea turtles face: boat traffic, climate change, accidental catch by industrial fisheries and pollution in their habitats. The population has declined by 90% since 1980. You’ll live and work on the rural Caribbean coast, assisting a turtle conservation organization with critical efforts to preserve the natural areas where this endangered species lives. Ensuring that the turtle population will thrive for generations depends largely on our ability to educate the local community and protect the places where turtles nest. With the right timing and luck, you might be rewarded with the sight of turtles hatching.
Featured Themes
Featured Destinations






COSTA RICA
SEA TURTLE INITIATIVE™
Community Service
Each year, leatherback and green turtles come to Costa Rica’s beaches to lay their eggs. Poachers steal the turtles and their eggs to sell on the black market for profit. Although this practice is illegal in Costa Rica it is hard to enforce without the help of the local community’s participation. You’ll be assisting on night patrols with a local nonprofit and anti-poaching organization started by local community members. Prepare yourself for long walks on the beach guided by the moonlight searching for turtle tracks and nesting turtles. You’ll also participate in beach clean-ups, survey nesting sites and raise community awareness.




Immersive Learning
You’ll be fully immersed in topics centered around the animal world. Learn how critical each species is to the health of all life in the ecosystem, including human. Hear local speakers’ and community members’ perspectives on sustainable conservation efforts, and begin to understand how competing interests of the civilized and natural worlds can intersect. Visit an organic farm and learn about growing and maintaining local fruit trees such as the cacao, vanilla, and banana.
Adventure
In Costa Rica you’ll be constantly surrounded by incredible natural wonders. Fly through the treetops of the nation’s lush inland as you go on a thrilling zipline adventure. On the coast, ride a boat through a local mangrove, where you can spot sloths, monkeys and exotic birds. You’ll also connect with the strong cultural roots of Costa Rica’s coast by visiting a local artisan market and taking workshops on traditional dance and cooking. Finally, take to the water on a whitewater rafting adventure down the Pacuare River – it’s an experience you’ll never forget.




Lodging
Home Base is a rustic ecolodge nestled in the jungle, and is just a short walk to the Caribbean Sea. Students stay in gender-segregated rooms with roommates, enjoy delicious, home-cooked Costa Rican meals and have shared bathrooms with cold-water showers. If you look closely, you might even spot local wildlife in the trees surrounding the Home Base!
COSTA RICA
SEA TURTLE INITIATIVE™
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
10-Day Program
Ages 14-18
2024 Dates |
---|
JUN 11 – JUN 20, 2024 |
JUN 24 – JUL 03, 2024 |
JUN 07 – JUL 16, 2024 |
JUL 20 – JUL 29, 2024 |
AUG 02 – AUG 11, 2024 |
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- In-country transportation
- Lodging
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
To save your spot, an application fee and $600 deposit are required.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™


GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING


CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE


SAFE
TRANSPORTATION


HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER


24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Speak with the GLA Admissions Team
Admissions
Phone Number
1-858-771-0645
USA Toll-Free
Phone Number
1-888-358-4321
Admissions
Email Address
info@experienceGLA.com
COSTA RICA
MARINE CONSERVATION & SEA TURTLE EXPEDITION
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