Turtle Conservation, Adventure & Culture Experience in Costa Rica
Embark on a transformative 15-day journey that blends the thrill of tropical adventure with the purposeful work of wildlife preservation. From patrolling the moonlit beaches of the Caribbean for nesting Leatherback turtles to navigating the raging white-water rapids of the Pacuare River, this expedition offers a rare balance of hands-on conservation science, indigenous cultural immersion, and adrenaline-fueled exploration in one of the world’s most biodiverse nations.
- Sea Turtle Conservation: spend 4 nights at the remote Pacuare Reserve assisting biologists with night patrols, nest excavations, and data collection for endangered Leatherback turtles.
- Pacuare River Rafting: Paddle through Class III-IV rapids on one of National Geographic’s “Top 10 Rivers in the World,” surrounded by primary rainforest canyons.
- Indigenous Immersion: Visit a local Cabécar indigenous community or family to learn about their ancestral traditions, sustainable lifestyle, and deep connection to the forest.
- Canal Boat Safari: Navigate the winding waterways of the Caribbean canals, spotting monkeys, sloths, caimans, and an abundance of birdlife.
- Cloud Forest Adventure: Soar through the canopy on zip-lines and walk the hanging bridges in the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest.
- Volcanic Wonders: Hike the lava trails of Arenal Volcano and relax in natural geothermal hot springs.
This itinerary is designed for those who want to do more than just see Costa Rica — they want to protect it. The first phase of the trip is anchored at the Pacuare Reserve, a world-renowned research station accessible only by boat. Here, you will disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, working side-by-side with researchers to protect giant sea turtles.
Following your conservation work, the pace shifts to high adventure. You will raft out of the region on the Pacuare River, widely regarded as the most scenic rafting trip in the tropics. The second week takes you inland to the volcanic northern plains and the cool, misty cloud forests.
You will experience the vibrant culture of the “Ticos” through cooking classes, community visits, and expert-led wildlife expeditions, ensuring a holistic understanding of this “Rich Coast.”
- Welcome to Costa Rica! Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). You will be met by your bilingual naturalist guide and transferred to your hotel in San José.
- Evening: Welcome dinner and orientation briefing to prepare for the expedition ahead.
- Overnight: San José.
- Depart early for the Caribbean coast, passing through the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park.
- Arrive at the Goshen Dock and board a private boat for a scenic ride through the canals to the Pacuare Reserve, nestled between the ocean and the rainforest.
- Afternoon: Introduction to the station, health & safety briefing, and settlement into eco-lodges.
- Evening: First night patrol training. Walk the beach under the stars looking for nesting turtles.
- Overnight: Pacuare Reserve Eco-Lodge.
- Three full days dedicated to conservation and ecology.
- Mornings: Participate in beach clean-ups (removing debris that blocks nesting), exhumation of hatched nests to count survival rates, or biometric data collection.
- Afternoons: Educational workshops with biologists, wildlife monitoring on forest trails (tracking Agami herons, monkeys, and jaguars), or downtime to explore the reserve.
- Nights: Turtle Patrols. Split into small shifts to patrol the 6km beach. If a turtle is found, you will assist in measuring, tagging, and relocating eggs to the safety of the hatchery.
- Overnight: Pacuare Reserve Eco-Lodge.
- Morning: Take a boat tour through the intricate canal system. This “Amazon-style” safari is the best time to see howler monkeys, river turtles, and elusive birds like the Sungrebe.
- Afternoon: Cultural exchange with a local family or visit to a nearby Cabécar indigenous community. Learn about their dialect, medicinal plants, and traditional thatched-roof architecture.
- Overnight: Pacuare Reserve Eco-Lodge.
- Bid farewell to the research team and take the boat back to the mainland.
- Transfer to the put-in point of the Pacuare River.
- The Adventure: Raft down the famous Pacuare River Gorge. Navigate exciting Class III-IV rapids and float past cascading waterfalls and vertical canyon walls. (Note: Non-rafters can take an overland transfer).
- End the day arriving in the lush region of Sarapiquí or Turrialba.
- Overnight: Rain Forest Lodge (Sarapiquí/Turrialba area).
- Morning: Visit a traditional cacao plantation. Learn the history of chocolate in Mesoamerica and process your own organic chocolate from bean to bar.
- Depart for La Fortuna, the town at the foot of the magnificent Arenal Volcano.
- Evening: Relax in natural volcanic hot springs, letting the mineral-rich waters soothe your muscles.
- Overnight: La Fortuna.
- Morning: Guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park. Walk across solidified lava flows from the 1968 eruption and enjoy panoramic views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.
- Afternoon: Visit the La Fortuna Waterfall. Descend 500 steps to the base of this powerful 70-meter cascade and swim in the refreshing jungle pool.
- Overnight: La Fortuna.
- Travel up into the Tilarán Mountain Range to Monteverde, a world of mist, moss, and bromeliads.
- Afternoon: Visit a local family farm for a “Trapiche” tour—learning about sugar cane processing and traditional coffee production.
- Night: Guided Night Walk in the Cloud Forest. See the forest come alive with sleeping birds, tarantulas, stick insects, and kinkajous.
- Overnight: Monteverde.
- Morning: The ultimate adrenaline rush. Enjoy a Zip-line Canopy Tour, flying across cables that stretch over the forest valleys. Includes a “Tarzan Swing” for the brave!
- Afternoon: Walk the Hanging Bridges. These suspension bridges allow you to walk through the upper canopy of the forest at a slow pace, perfect for spotting Resplendent Quetzals and bellbirds.
- Overnight: Monteverde.
- Leave the cool mountains and head down to the Central Pacific Coast.
- Stop at the Tárcoles River bridge to observe massive American Crocodiles basking in the mud.
- Arrive at Manuel Antonio, famous for its mix of rainforest and pristine beaches.
- Overnight: Manuel Antonio / Quepos.
- Morning: Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. This park is the best place to see three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and squirrel monkeys.
- Afternoon: Relax on the white sand beaches inside the park, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Pacific.
- Overnight: Manuel Antonio / Quepos
- Morning: Free time to surf, shop for souvenirs, or relax by the pool.
- Afternoon: Sunset Catamaran Cruise. Sail along the coast looking for dolphins and snorkelling in secluded bays.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner with the group to celebrate the conservation work achieved and memories made.
- Overnight: Manuel Antonio or San José (depending on flight times the next day).
- Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in time for your flight home.
- Pura Vida!
Arrive on the first Sat of a month from February to November.
We can also work with your preferred dates if you are in a group of 10 or more so please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
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Accommodation (14 Nights):
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3 Nights at the Pacuare Reserve Research Station (Rustic eco-lodge, shared facilities).
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11 Nights in comfortable 3-star hotels and rainforest lodges (Twin-share basis with en-suite facilities) in San José, Turrialba, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio.
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Meals:
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Daily breakfast at all hotels and lodges.
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Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) while staying at the Pacuare Reserve.
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River lunch during the Pacuare rafting expedition.
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Welcome and Farewell dinners.
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Transport:
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Private, air-conditioned transfers for all road travel.
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Private boat transfers through the Caribbean canals to/from the Reserve.
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Guides & Support:
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Full-time accompaniment by an expert bilingual Naturalist Guide / Tour Leader.
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On-site support from research biologists and conservationists at Pacuare Reserve.
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Specialist guides for technical activities (Rafting, Zip-lining).
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Conservation Contribution:
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Donation to the Ecology Project International (or relevant body) and research fees that support the turtle protection program.
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Activities & Entrance Fees:
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Turtle Conservation: Training, night patrols, excavation workshops, and beach clean-ups.
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Adventure: White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River (including safety gear: helmet, life vest, paddle).
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Culture: Indigenous community visit and chocolate making workshop/tour.
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Nature: Guided boat safari (Tortuguero canals), Arenal Volcano National Park hike, La Fortuna Waterfall entrance, Monteverde Cloud Forest night walk, Hanging Bridges entrance, and Manuel Antonio National Park entrance.
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Adrenaline: Zip-line Canopy Tour in Monteverde.
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Relaxation: Entrance to volcanic Hot Springs (La Fortuna) and Sunset Catamaran Cruise (Manuel Antonio).
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International Flights: Flights to and from San José (SJO).
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Travel Insurance: Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance (must cover manual conservation work and white water rafting).
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Visas: If required for your nationality (UK, USA, and EU citizens generally do not require a visa for tourist stays).
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Optional Activities: Any extra excursions not listed in the itinerary (e.g., surfing lessons, bungee jumping, or extra wildlife sanctuary visits).
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Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry services, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.
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Tips & Gratuities: Tips for your Tour Leader, local drivers, and rafting guides (discretionary but appreciated).
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Departure Tax: Approximately USD $30 (often included in airline ticket prices, but please check).
Suitable for ages 18 to 65
Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The conservation phase requires specific gear to protect the turtles and ensure your comfort:
- Headtorch with Red Light: White light scares turtles and can stop them from nesting. You must have a headlamp with a red-light setting for night patrols.
- Dark Clothing: Bright colours reflect moonlight and can spook the turtles. Pack black or dark grey trousers/leggings and shirts for night patrols.
- Closed-toe Hiking Sandals/Shoes: For walking on debris-filled beaches in the dark.
- Dry Bag: To keep electronics safe during the boat transfer and rafting.
This trip is rated Moderate to Active.
- Patrols: You may walk up to 10km (6 miles) a night on soft sand, often in humid conditions or rain.
- Rafting: The Pacuare River involves paddling for 3-4 hours. No experience is needed, but you must be able to swim and follow guide instructions.
- Hiking: There are steps at La Fortuna waterfall and uneven terrain on the volcano hikes.
The Reserve is a working research station, not a hotel. Accommodations are comfortable but rustic (Eco-Lodge style).
- Expect shared bathrooms and cold-water showers (refreshing in the heat!).
- Electricity may be solar-powered and limited to certain hours.
- There is usually no Wi-Fi or cell service, allowing you to fully disconnect.
The rafting into/out of the Pacuare region is a highlight, but it is not mandatory. If you are uncomfortable with Class III/IV rapids, we can arrange an overland transfer (by 4×4 and boat) to meet the group at the next location. Please inform us at the time of booking.
While we schedule trips during the nesting season to maximize chances, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. However, by staying at the reserve for multiple nights and patrolling with expert biologists, your chances of witnessing a nesting event or a hatching are very high compared to standard tourist tours.
The following are generally not included in the trip price:
- Tips: It is customary to tip nature guides and drivers (USD $5 to USD $10 per day is standard).
- Optional Activities: Extra surfing lessons in Manuel Antonio or souvenir shopping.
- Departure Tax: Most airlines now include the departure tax in the ticket price, but it is worth checking to ensure you don’t need to pay this at the airport.
Costa Rica is a year-round destination, but the “best” time depends on what you want to see.
- Dry Season (High Season): Runs from mid-December to April. This is the sunniest period, ideal for beach time and hiking.
- Green Season (Rainy Season): Runs from May to November. While you can expect daily afternoon showers, the mornings are usually sunny, the landscape is incredibly lush, and crowds are smaller.
- Wildlife Note: If your priority is Green Sea Turtles (Tortuguero), July to October is best. For Leatherback Turtles (Caribbean/Pacuare), March to July is the prime nesting season.
Costa Rica is a tropical country, but microclimates vary hugely by region.
- The Coasts (Caribbean & Pacific): Hot and humid (25°C–32°C / 77°F–90°F) year-round.
- The Highlands (San José & Coffee regions): Mild and “spring-like” (20°C–25°C / 68°F–77°F).
- Cloud Forests (Monteverde): Much cooler, misty, and windy. You will need a sweater or light jacket here, especially in the evenings.
Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, and most EU countries do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days. However, you must have a passport valid for the duration of your stay and proof of a return or onward ticket (this is strictly checked by airlines).
In most major towns and cities (like San José, La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio), the tap water is safe to drink. However, in remote areas, coastal eco-lodges, or the Pacuare Reserve, we recommend using a refillable bottle with a built-in filter or drinking purified water provided by the accommodation.
The local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). However, US Dollars are widely accepted in tourism areas. We recommend bringing a small amount of US Dollars (small denominations, clean notes) and using ATMs in major towns to withdraw Colónes for local shops and snacks. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is king in rural communities.
Costa Rica is generally considered the safest country in Central America. Violent crime against tourists is rare. However, petty theft (pickpocketing or bag snatching) can happen, particularly in transit or on public beaches. Never leave valuables unattended on the beach or in an unlocked car.