On one of my last days we saw a turtle laying her eggs at 5:30 am and it was amazing to watch the process in daylight with the sunrise in the background.
Volunteer in Costa Rica
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
I was very good! I felt that I had plenty of emergency contacts and support. If I had needed help at any time, I feel that it would have been easy to get quickly.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
I was surprised by how many new friends I made during the program. ABV volunteerse were coming and going the whole time and I got to know a lot of people.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
Making up for late night shifts multiple nights in a row was difficult. It was hard for me to ever feel really well rested. I had to take multiple naps some days.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Bring clothes that you can wear in the rain, sand, sun and dark clothes for night patrols. The mosquito net was not needed for me, but I did use a lot of bug spray when I went out.
5.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a. The amount of work you do is not consistent every day.
b. There is a fairs amount of free time to do tourist things.
c. You can learn a lot from volunteers who were there before you.
6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
The Sea Turtle Program, Costa Rica was such an amazing experience. I learned so much and got to do a lot of hands-on work with the turtles. I made so many new friends and I will never forget my time here. ABV made the trip easy and worth-while.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
The meals were delicious and I felt very safe. I never has to lock up my stuff. Some of the rooms were a little crowded, but only if there were a lot of females.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
On one of my last days we saw a turtle laying her eggs at 5:30 am and it was amazing to watch the process in daylight with the sunrise in the background.
Volunteer in Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Conservation
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
I did not use the support much, but I got a lot of emails and reminders, so it was available.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes!