COSTA RICA
SEA TURTLE INITIATIVE™
Become a conservationist for Costa Rica’s sea turtles as you explore the pristine 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 a whitewater rafting expedition down the Pacuare River
- Explore a small beach town and visit 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 thrives for generations depends largely on our ability to educate the local community and protect the places where turtles nest. With a bit of 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 participation of the local community. You’ll be assisting on night patrols with a nonprofit anti-poaching organization founded by community members. Prepare yourself for long, moonlit walks on the beach, 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 the entire ecosystem, including humans. Hear local speakers’ and community members’ perspectives on sustainable conservation efforts and begin to understand how the competing interests of the civilized and natural worlds can intersect. Visit an organic farm to learn about cultivating and sustaining local fruit trees, including 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 interior on a thrilling zipline adventure. On the coast, cruise through a local mangrove, where you can spot sloths, monkeys and exotic birds. You’ll connect with Costa Rica’s rich coastal culture by visiting a local artisan market and participating in traditional dance and cooking workshops. Finally, embark 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, just a short walk from 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!
While the Home Base offers a truly authentic experience, it’s important to note that electricity is not always consistent (there’s no AC), and students won’t have access to WiFi at the lodge. However, you’ll have scheduled tech time every few days. Embrace this unique opportunity to disconnect, unwind, and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of your surroundings.
COSTA RICA
SEA TURTLE INITIATIVE™
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
10-Day Program
Ages 14-18
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 09 – JUN 18, 2025 |
| JUN 22 – JUL 01, 2025 |
| JUL 05 – JUL 14, 2025 |
| JUL 18 – JUL 27, 2025 |
| JUL 30 – AUG 08, 2025 |
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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