Read about the experiences of volunteers in Costa Rica in our Volunteer Journals.
These journals are written by volunteers of the Global Volunteer Network who are volunteering in one of our many volunteer programs.
Through these journal entries prospective volunteers are able to grasp an idea of what their volunteer experience maybe like, although, without fail, every volunteer experience is unique.
To read about the experiences of Costa Rica volunteers go to
http://www.volunteerjournals.org/category/costa-rica
The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work in turtle rescue projects along Costa Rica's stunning Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
There are two different programs working with two species of turtle; between them these programs run year round.
These programs will give you a chance to make an important contribution to Costa Rica's endangered wildlife, while gaining first-hand knowledge about the country and its culture.
Volunteers will work with Leatherback turtles between January and July and Olive Ridley Turtles between August and December.
The Leatherback turtle is the biggest marine turtle in the world, weighing as much as 1,900 pounds and reaching nine feet in length. Their name is indicative of their backs, which are actually not a shell but a pliable thick leather-like skin.
The Olive Ridley, 'Lora' or Carpintera is the smallest of its species, weighing in at 75 pounds and measuring only 2 feet. Both species' populations are in sharp decline due to over harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and being killed for their meat and leather.
