Camaronal Wildlife Refuge Project
Sea turtle conservation, indigenous culture, and hands-on environmental science on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula
Conservation and Culture on the Nicoya Peninsula
Nightly Patrols, Hatchery Work, and Beach Cleanups
Two days of hands-on conservation work alongside park rangers at the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. During high tide, your group walks the beach at night looking for nesting sea turtles. If timing is right, you may witness the full cycle: a turtle emerging from the ocean, finding a nesting spot, laying eggs, and returning to the water. When a nest is found, the park ranger determines whether the eggs need to be relocated to the hatchery for protection. Between patrols, students maintain the hatchery: aerating and raking the sand, cleaning the enclosure, and repairing fencing that keeps predators out. Beach cleanups remove garbage, driftwood, and other obstacles that could block nesting turtles. The work is structured around the tides, and the days are long.
Indigenous Culture and Community Engagement
The program includes a visit to Matambú, an indigenous territory of the Chorotega people on the Nicoya Peninsula. The community hosts your group at Nangu, an eco-cultural project where students share in Chorotega culture through a meal, cooking lessons, and a hike to the river. On a separate day, a visit to a local women's group includes an art class focused on woodworking and traditional skills. Both experiences connect the environmental focus of the conservation work to the communities and cultural traditions of the region.
Day-by-day itinerary
Seven days of sea turtle conservation, indigenous cultural exchange, and environmental education on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. Every element of this itinerary can be adjusted to fit your program's learning objectives.
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, where the Offbeat Travel staff will meet your group. Depending on arrival time, spend the night in San José or begin the drive toward the Nicoya Peninsula.
Accommodation: Hotel in San José or Nicoya
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Nicoya Peninsula and Matambú Indigenous Territory
Wake up for an early breakfast before departing for the North Pacific coast. The drive from San José to the Nicoya Peninsula is approximately five hours, with a stop in Matambú to break the journey.
In Matambú, the Chorotega community hosts your group at Nangu, an eco-cultural project. Students share in Chorotega culture through a meal, cooking lessons, and a hike through the area near the river.
Arrive on the coast in time for your first sunset at the beach before the conservation work begins.
Accommodation: Hotel in Carrillo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 3-4: Sea Turtle Conservation at Camaronal Beach
Day 3 begins with a seminar led by your program leaders, covering the conservation projects you'll be working on at Camaronal. In the afternoon, visit the turtle hatchery and other sites where you'll be working.
Over the next two days, you'll work alongside local park rangers on conservation projects to protect the sea turtles nesting on Camaronal Beach:
- Night walks: During high tide, walk the beach with the park ranger looking for nesting turtles. If timing is right, you may see the full process when a turtle emerges from the ocean, searches for a nesting spot, lays eggs, and returns to the water. When a nest is found, the ranger determines whether the eggs need to be relocated to the hatchery. Night walk timing depends on the tides and could be quite late.
- Hatchery work: Maintaining the hatchery is critical to protecting the nests. Tasks include aerating and raking the sand, cleaning the enclosure, and keeping the fencing in good shape to prevent predators or people from disturbing the eggs.
- Beach cleanups: Removing garbage, driftwood, and other debris that could become obstacles for nesting sea turtles.
After the final day of conservation work, relax by the pool and unwind with a karaoke night.
Accommodation: Hotel in Carrillo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Art Class and Conservation Workshop
Visit a local women's group for an art class focused on woodworking and traditional skills. After crafting your own designs, head to the beach for some free time.
In the afternoon, participate in a conservation workshop covering local environmental challenges and efforts to protect Costa Rica's biodiversity. Through interactive activities, students gain practical skills to contribute to sustainability efforts.
Accommodation: Hotel in Carrillo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Reflection and Transfer to San José
Morning reflection and closing activities, wrapping up the program after your days of conservation work, cultural exchange, and shared experiences.
After lunch, travel back to San José for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in San José
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Departure
We hope the people you’ve met, perspectives you’ve gained and lessons you’ve learned will serve you well as you head home to use your new skills in your own community.
After some final group photographs and goodbyes with the Tico team, you’ll head through immigration and board your flight home. We trust you’ve had an incredible time in Costa Rica and hope to see you again soon. Pura Vida!
Meals: Breakfast
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