Costa Rica | Sea Turtle Research and Rainforest Ecology
About this trip
One of the features that makes Costa Rica unique is its rare and abundant wildlife. On this trip, you will not just observe biodiversity, but also play a key role in protecting wildlife and understanding the importance of conservation.
Take part in turtle monitoring research currently underway in Tortuguero to protect the endangered green sea turtle. By working directly with nesting turtles in their natural habitat, you will gain a deep appreciation of the ecosystem and conservation efforts underway.
The journey continues in the Caribbean lowland rainforest of Sarapiquí, where you will experience an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure and explore the ecology of the rainforest.
PLEASE NOTE: Sea turtle research involves strenuous, 4-hour walks on the beach in the dark each night.
Highlights
- Assist researchers at the Sea Turtle Conservancy with green sea turtle nest monitoring and beach patrols along the black sand beach of Tortuguero.
- Explore the remote coastal rainforests of the Tortuguero National Park.
- Witness the biodiversity in the primary rainforest of Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve.
- Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting.
San Jose
Jul 22, 2023
Upon arrival at the international airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the capital on your own. Before dinner, have an evening lecture on tropical ecology. Dinner at the hotel. We suggest arriving no later than 4:00 pm so that you will be at the hotel in time for the lecture and dinner. Program includes one group transfer. We can make additional arrangements for participants arriving on different flights at an extra cost, or we can provide information on taxi service available at the airport. Check in starts at 3 p.m.
Dinner included
Overnight at Radisson San Jose
Tortuguero
Jul 23, 2023
After breakfast transfer to dock for your private boat transfer to Tortuguero (end of guide services). Upon arrival meet with the Sea Turtle Conservancy staff and get an orientation to the turtle research program. Tonight you will have your first outing on the beach.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Sea Turtle Conservancy Research Station
Tortuguero
Jul 24, 2023
Turtle research program.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Sea Turtle Conservancy Research Station
Tortuguero
Jul 25, 2023
Turtle research program.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Sea Turtle Conservancy Research Station
Tortuguero
Jul 26, 2023
Turtle research program.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Sea Turtle Conservancy Research Station
Tortuguero
Jul 27, 2023
Turtle research program.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Sea Turtle Conservancy Research Station
Tortuguero
Jul 28, 2023
Turtle research program.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Sea Turtle Conservancy Research Station
Sarapiqui
Jul 29, 2023
After an early breakfast take a private boat transfer to dock. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Selva Verde Lodge. After lunch, take an exhilarating white water rafting excursion on the class II and III rapids of the Sarapiquí River. After dinner you can join the resident naturalist guide at Selva Verde for a walk around the lodge trails looking for nocturnal species. ***No private guide services included.***
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge
San Jose
Jul 30, 2023
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight home. Please note that it takes about two hours to transfer from Sarapiquí to the international airport, therefore flights need to depart after 12:00 pm. ***No guide services included.***
Breakfast- included