Costa Rica | Tortuguero and Arenal with the Sea Turtle Conservancy

About this trip

You are invited to join the Sea Turtle Conservancy on an exclusive, guided journey to experience the warmth of tropical beaches and rainforests in Costa Rica while we explore the wonders of sea turtles. During this short and immersive trip we will spend a few nights working hands-on with green turtles in Tortuguero – nesting site of the largest green turtle colony in the Atlantic and the literal birthplace of sea turtle conservation. You will be guided by world-renowned sea turtle biologist and STC Scientific Director, Dr. Roldán Valverde, a Costa Rican native, who will give presentations on sea turtle research and conservation, as well as rainforest ecology, biodiversity and local “Tico” culture. This trip will include a visit to the Arenal volcano, where you will enjoy natural hot springs and other natural attractions around this active volcano region. Through an optional trip add-on (space is limited), you have a unique opportunity to visit the site where a magnificent wonder of nature occurs – Ostional on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Ostional is home to the second largest mass arrival (arribada) of olive ridley sea turtles in the world. While we can’t guarantee the ability to actually witness an arribada, we are hoping the stars will align during this trip.

Your participation on this trip supports the STC's work in conservation, education, and research through a built-in donation.

Highlights

Assist STC researchers with turtle nest monitoring, tagging, and tracking during evening turtle patrols on the beaches of Tortuguero.
Explore Tortuguero National Park by boat and on foot to seek out wildlife like monkeys, sloths, caimans, and more than 350 bird species.
Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park to learn about the geology of the area, and then visit Arenal Hanging Bridges for a treetop view of the rainforest canopy and its flora and fauna.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in the geothermal hot springs near Arenal Volcano.

Meet your leader

Roldán Valverde

Dr. Roldán A. Valverde is Scientific Director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Dr. Valverde was born and raised in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. He earned his undergraduate degree in Marine Biology at the Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica in 1985. He initiated his professional career in 1987 working on the nesting ecology of the olive ridley sea turtle in Nancite beach, Costa Rica. His work on the “arribada” phenomenon led him to continue his studies in graduate school at Texas A&M University, where he received his Doctorate in 1996 for his work on the endocrine stress response of the olive ridley sea turtle. Shortly after graduation he worked for the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (now the Sea Turtle Conservancy) as field coordinator of the green sea turtle tagging project in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. From 1997 through 2001 he conducted post-doctoral training in the Department of Biology at the University of Michigan on the endocrine control of amphibian metamorphosis. In 2001 he came to Xavier University where he taught until he joined the faculty at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2004, where he continues to serve as full Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. In 2016 he was appointed Scientific Director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

San Jose

Aug 1, 2022

Upon arrival in San José, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your Hotel Bougainvillea located in the Santo Domingo area. The hotel is surrounded by 10 acres of tropical gardens and features beautiful nighttime views of the city. Attend an orientation with your group leader at 6:00 pm, followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant. Please note that check-in starts at 3:00 pm. Please arrive at or before 4:00 pm in order to participate in the welcome dinner.

Dinner included

Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea

Tortuguero

Aug 2, 2022

Early this morning you will depart San Jose by bus and head to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Once there, board a boat and travel to Tortuguero. Upon arrival, you will check into Mawamba Lodge located between the beach and the main canal right next to the STC Phipps Biological Station. Later in the afternoon walk next door to the STC research station. At the station you will learn the history of the STC and the important conservation work they do in Tortuguero. You will also meet with researchers, get a tour of the facilities and discuss plans for this evening's shifts to assist with on-going turtle tagging and research work. Tonight you will return to the station and prepare for your turtle patrol with researchers.