Help us learn about marketing and create content on social media

United Kingdom

4

I had a great time here, the volunteers really make the experience for me. Before you come, you must really read the description to be prepared. The food is basic and so is the accommodation. Rooms don't have flooring and not all beds had mosquito nets provided. The work was very fair as only 2 hours a day but turtle season was at the end. Very interesting learning more about the turtles and doing exhumations of the nests. I could see they were already making improvements around the camp for facilites (more hammocks needed!). But GREAT beach location, kind hosts & cute dogs/cats!

over 1 year ago

United States

1

Be ready to have unseasoned rice and beans for every meal. When you do get pancakes there's sand cooked into them and ants in the syrup. The host always has creepy friends over that make unwanted sexual comments. If u want to leave early you get no refund. The volunteers you're here with 100% make your experience especially seeing as they tell you what to do and give u the tour. It was amazing releasing turtles however sad to learn they cut many corners just to get more money from the turtles. Supposedly there's 3 hours of power but their generator runs out of power 5 times per night.

over 1 year ago

ACOTPRO replied

Hola Hannah. We're very sorry that your experience at ACOTPRO didn't live up to your expectations. It's clear that some things you mention were one-offs (we don't always put sand in the pancakes :p) but we have taken on board all of your comments and we intend to make changes to the project to address them, especially with regard to unwanted comments being made to girls at the project. That is totally un acceptable, so rest assured that action is being taken to end that. It was lovely to have you at the project and we wish you the very best! Pura vida!

United States

3

I'm very happy I saw lots of turtles and I met some really cool people. That made the whole experience. However this is not a great place to be if you are vegan or even vegetarian. They don't feed you enough to begin with, and about half of it was safe to eat because the cooks have no idea what vegan means. They also have a dog they keep chained up all day and pigs in awful living conditions, I woke up one morning to what sounded like a pig dying. There are local guys coming and going all day long and nobody knew who they were, it felt like they were there to see women in bikinis.

over 1 year ago

ACOTPRO replied

Hola Shauntae! We're sorry that your experience with us wasn't as good as you'd hoped. We are trying to improve the management of the kitchen with regard to vegan and veggies restrictions, which is obviously not straight forward for community-based projects in rural areas where the cuisine is quite traditional. But the kitchen staff are working hard to diversify what they produce to cater for these diets, so we just ask for a little patience and understanding while we grow. We're confident that the livestock at the farm are kept in quality and humane conditions, so maybe it's just a question of not being used to the noises that pigs make. We have taken on board all of your comments though, and we intend to make changes to the project to address them, especially with regard to unwanted comments being made to girls at the project. That is totally un acceptable, so rest assured that action is being taken to end that. It was lovely to have you at the project and we wish you the very best! Pura vida!

Austria

5

I had a wonderful time ACOTPRO. The whole team welcomed me with open arms, I learned a lot about sea turtles and our shocking impact on their life and got to meet the most loveliest people from all over the world. Life there may not be the most luxurious but every day is a little adventure. Working there was pretty easy and every afternoon we were free to do whatever we wanted. I'm already sad that my stay is over - totally recommend going there

over 1 year ago

United States

5

My stay at ACOTPRO was one of the best decisions I have come to make when traveling. Don Johnson is an incredible man and loves to show you around Drake Bay. Rob is also a wonderful resource for help! The experience and the wonderful people you have the opportunity to meet is nothing short of life changing. My advice is to be social and enjoy yourself there to the fullest extent, you won't regret it! (A tip for first time travelers: Book a hostel before making the bus ride and boat ride to Drake Bay, also be prepared for paying for taxis to and from, it will make everything easier!)

over 1 year ago

United States

5

I had a wonderful time volunteering! I learned so much about sea turtle conservation and was able to take part in a lot of really cool experiences including both sunset and late night releases. Rob hosts a very educational and interactive sea turtle presentation and his wife teaches very relaxing yoga classes weekly. The work was easy and the people were wonderful! I wish I could have stayed longer!

over 1 year ago

Belgium

5

I had a wonderfull stay at ACOTPRO! The people there are so nice and helpfull! It is literaly living in paradise ☺️

over 1 year ago

United Kingdom

5

I had a great time volunteering here, it's a very beautiful remote place and you're surrounded by nature the whole time. Despite language barriers communication with the leaders is easy and there is a great community feel. the hours are short so you have the whole day to relax/practice/go on adventures with the other volunteers. The only thing I would say is that it is not cheap and they can be stingy when it comes to payment

over 1 year ago

Belgium

5

We stayed at ACOTPRO for 3 weeks and we learned soooo much about turtles, the local life and so much more. It's a great place for volunteers who don't mind to go basic and leave your comfort zone. Also the people working there (Johnson, Theresa and Lili in particular) are so sweet and want to give you a comfortable and pleasant stay! 10/10 would do this again if we visit Costa Rica again!

over 1 year ago

United States

5

Had a great experience with ACOTPRO! Lots of great people and animals around and the base is a beautiful space right by the ocean. You can tell that they are actively trying to improve the project as well and care for the turtles. It was really amazing to be able to see and learn about the turtles!

over 1 year ago

Apply Now