The black sand beach of Tortuguero draws the largest nesting population of green turtles, Chelonia mydas, in the Atlantic Ocean. Weighing up to 420 pounds (190 kilograms) green turtles are among the largest sea turtles in the world.

STC studies have solved many of the mysteries of green turtle reproductive ecology and behavior. Long-term tagging at Tortuguero during the nesting months facilitates monitoring of the nesting population to evaluate the survival status of the species. Eco-Volunteer Participants will work with nesting green turtles and monitoring marked nests.

Eco-Volunteer Participants will assist with:

Nightly beach patrols
Work as part of a nesting survey team to help tag and record data about the nesting turtles. This includes measuring turtles, counting eggs, and marking nests. The presence of tagging teams on the beach also acts as a strong deterrent to illegal hunters and egg collectors.

Morning nest surveys
Walk the beach in  the morning to check the status of nests marked during previous night patrols.

Nest inventories
Assist with determination of nest survivorship and hatching success through nest inventories.

Images of the Green Turtle Program.

Video of the Eco-Volunteer Experience.

Read Comments from Past Eco-Volunteers.

Download Green Turtle Program Itinerary

Who can participate?

Eco-Volunteers must be 15 years or older (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). This experience is ideal for educators, couples, spring breakers, groups, or anyone who is interested in helping sea turtles and making a difference. Discounts are available for groups of six or more.

A passport valid through the date of return is required. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Costa Rican Embassy for visa requirements. Upon registering, you will be sent a Field Station Manual providing packing tips, travel information, STC policies and site information.

Sea Turtle Conservancy’s research programs are scientific research projects, not guided tours. STC makes every effort to describe field conditions accurately, but fieldwork in remote locations is a delicate business and prone to last-minute change, flexibility is a must. STC’s programs are not package holidays! You will be assisting researchers with scientific field work at a remote field station, and when not working you will have unsupervised free time to relax and enjoy the nature surrounding you.

Are there any requirements to participate?

You are volunteering to join a field research team which has specific physical demands that you should be aware of:

All Eco-Volunteers must be in good physical health. It is important that all travelers are aware of the demanding physical conditions before signing up. We need you to accurately evaluate your ability to meet the conditions detailed below in order to safeguard your health and safety, and ensure that you can participate fully and effectively. If you feel you do not meet these considerations, please reconsider taking part in this program. 

Phobias to snakes and insects may pose a problem, although encounters with snakes are unlikely. If you are allergic to insect bites, bees or wasps please come prepared with appropriate medication or epi-kit. To avoid dehydration and other heat related you must bring a water bottle in order to stay hydrated during field activities. Diabetics without previous experience of how physical exertion in a hot climate may affect their insulin levels are advised to speak with a doctor.

The minimum age for participants is 18 years old without a parent or legal guardian and 15 years old with a parent or legal guardian.

While there are no extreme physical conditioning or psychological demands, be sure you are able to walk at least 5 or 7 miles of beach each night for 4 or 5 hours. You must have good night vision, you will be walking without a flashlight at night during the patrols. You should be able to carry about a 5 lb pack (backpacks are used to carry the team’s field equipment) while walking on sand. Walking on uneven sand is difficult and not recommended for people with heart conditions, prosthetic limbs, or limited mobility. Phobias about being in the dark may pose a problem. Minor injuries or scrapes due to falls or tripping over obstacles on the beach can occur during nighttime work. Please also be aware that there is a good chance of getting sand thrown on you, with the possibility of getting it in your eyes, by a turtle’s flippers.

Why is this program unique?

This is an exciting way to participate in sea turtle conservation while vacationing in an exotic, tropical location. What makes STC’s Eco-Volunteer program even better is that your money will be supporting sea turtle conservation at one of the most important nesting beaches in the Western Hemisphere. Plus, a portion of your fee is tax deductible!

What is included in the cost:

• First and last night hotel accommodations in San José, including breakfast;
• Land and boat transport to Tortuguero (via Mawamba Lodge), with breakfast en route;
• All meals and accommodations while in Tortuguero;
• A tax-deductible donation in support of STC’s sea turtle research and conservation efforts in Tortuguero;
• A Scientific Research Permit;
• A guided tour lead by a local naturalist (either a hike along a rainforest trail or a boat tour through the canal system);
• Return boat and land transport to San José;
• All scheduled in-country transfers between transport and hotels.

What is not included in cost:

• Your round trip International Air Transportation to and from San José, Costa Rica;
• Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls and tips;
• Airport departure taxes (about $27, is now sometimes included in your international airline ticket, check with your airline), passport fees or fees not listed in the program;
• Meals in San José.

When are the program dates?

Nesting season for green turtles runs from June through November each year. Eco-Volunteer Adventures run from June through October. Options include 1, 2 and 3 week sessions.

2025 Green Turtle Sessions
June 28 – July 6, 2025
July 5 – 13, 2025
July 12 – 20, 2025
July 19 – 27, 2025
July 26 – Aug 3, 2025
August 2 – 10, 2025
August 9 – 17, 2025
August 16 – 24, 2025
August 23 – 31, 2025
August 30 – Sept 7, 2025
September 6 – 14, 2025
September 13 – 21, 2025
September 20 – 28, 2025
September 27 – Oct 5, 2025
October 4 – 12, 2025

What will my accommodations and meals be like?

Eco-volunteers will stay at STC’s John H. Phipps Tortuguero Biological Field Station, located in a tropical rainforest setting, and just steps from the black sand beach. Modern plumbing, indoor showers, and potable water allow for a rustic yet comfortable stay. Meals, prepared Caribbean-style by a local cook, are served three times a day.

Images of STC’s Research Station.

Learn about Tortuguero.

There are three types of accommodations available:

There are three types of accommodations available:

$ Rustic, dorm-style living, includes 3 bunk beds with up to 6 people per room and community bathrooms. 

$$ Scientist residence includes private bedrooms and bathrooms with a common living area.

$$$ Eco-lodge has completely private accommodations only a ten minute walk from the research station. (Visit the Mawamba Lodge website)