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Finca Ganadito: Help us protect the sea turtles in Drake Bay

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The experience

We need help supporting the local sea turtle conservation project by conducting night patrols and releasing baby turtles from the hatchery. We're looking for volunteers with lots of energy who are willing to work at night and during the rainy season. Volunteers stay in a purpose-built station, work for 5 hours per day and can use any of the facilities at the property.

What you offer

30 hours of help per week

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 20 Per day

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project

Description: Volunteers donate $20 per day to cover costs for food and accommodation. In return they'll receive full training as sea turtle patrol leaders and participate in all conservation activities.

What you get

1 day off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Yoga classes: Take free yoga classes at our place.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Permaculture Course: Take part in our Permaculture course for free.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English or Intermediate Spanish

Over 20 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Finca Ganadito is an ecological farm community and yoga retreat under construction - a tropical playground with houses, cabins and platforms, farm-to-table food and a ton of cool features. We are Rebe (Costa Rica) and Rob (UK) and we are the founders of the community and live permanently on-site.

We're trying to create a sustainable social enterprise and a low-carbon, ecological life space fit for the 21st century, combining everything we've learned from traveling to over 50 countries and working in several sectors. We'd like to invite others to share that journey with us, learn from each other, and spread the word of how to live in harmony with the planet. We're looking for experienced people with serious skills to offer. In return, we'll make your experience in Drake Bay unforgettable, unique and authentic.

Activities & Shift

Working as a volunteer, you’ll be helping us to support the local sea turtle conservation project, ACOTPRO.

Rob is the Principal Investigator, biologist and research permit holder for the project. He is responsible for managing and publishing the data and training the locals involved in the project. Rob and Rebe need to do at least two night patrols each week and also nest exhumations and turtle releases, so we need lots of help from volunteers!

Activities may include:
Night patrols to look for turtles and nests
Nest relocations to the hatchery
Building nests in the hatchery
Exhuming nests, collecting data and releasing babies into the ocean
Helping with training workshops for locals
Helping with the organization of the annual turtle festival
Maintaining hatchery facilities and beach markers
Beach cleaning

You may also like to take part in activities related to our other programs.

Rules

We will provide you with full orientation with basic health and safety rules.
Accommodation is in a mixed dorm in the longhouse, or in a rental house on the property if the dorm is full.
You can use our fully-equipped kitchen in the station to prepare your own meals if you wish.
Free Wifi internet is provided, as are hot showers, and chill out area with hammocks.
In general, lights go out at 10pm at the station, except when there are planned parties or events, which may go on later.
Transportation to and from the boat dock at Drake Bay for arrival and departure is provided for FREE.
You are responsible for paying for any other transportation around the local area by taxi during your free time.