Costa Rica Wildlife Family Adventure

Turtles, Volcanoes, Rainforests, and More!

Join SEE Turtles and EcoTeach for an ecotour that hits both the highlights as well as little visited areas of Costa Rica.  On this trip, you will work with leatherback sea turtles, stay on a small farm, and visit a rainforest reserve. 

Price: $1,550 per person which includes all in-country transportation, hotels, guides, activities, most meals, and a donation to turtle conservation (does not include airfare).

* By booking through SEE Turtles, EcoTeach will make an extra donation to turtle conservation at no charge.

Conservation Impact: $230 to conservation (16%), including $50 to SEE Turtles.

Activity Level: Moderate, involves 4 hours of beach walking while volunteering, ziplines, and two rainforest hikes.

Dates: June 18-27 & July 15-24, 2011

Fill out the form to receive registration information.

Highlights

• Patrol leatherback nesting beaches with local researchers
• Hikes in the rainforest and cloud forest looking for wildlife
• Visit the Arenal Volcano, one of the world's most active
• Participate in a reforestation project and stay with on a small farm

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival to the Central Valley

Arrive in the central valley of Costa Rica, home to 80% of the country's population and surrounded by mountains. This area boasts fantastic vistas and a perfect climate. You will spend your first night in a comfortable country setting and have a chance to get ac- quainted with your guides.

Day 2 - Veragua Rainforest Park

Veragua Park is a private reserve set on 4,000 acres showcasing many aspects of life in the rainforest. It also houses research facilities for INBIO, the National Biodiversity Institute. During your time here you will explore the park and work with researchers on a field project.

Days 3 & 4 - Sea Turtle Project

The turtle projects are located on the Caribbean coast. Patrol the beach at night in search of nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. It’s tough work, but worth the effort. You may also conduct population studies, tag turtles, transplant eggs to a protected area or release hatchlings into the ocean. Be aware that sea turtles are an endangered species and their nesting is not “scheduled". Therefore, there's no guarantee that you will see a turtle during your stay. During the day, explore the local canals for wildlife, hike in the surrounding rain forest or engage in an impromptu game of volleyball or soccer and have a chance to participate in volunteer activities.

Day 5 - Pital Farm Visit & Reforestation

Several communities around the town of Pital are involved in a project to improve the environment through reforestation and education. During your time here, you will par- ticipate in this reforestation effort and learn firsthand about rural Costa Rican life as you spend the night with a local family.

Days 6 & 7 - Arenal Volcano

Stay in Fortuna at the base of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. Have the chance to hike on lava beds in the Volcano National Park and visit an organic farm which is full of sur- prises. The Arenal volcano erupts continuously. With a bit of luck, see red-hot lava run- ning down the sides of one of the most active volcanoes in the world!

Day 8 - Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde rises 4600 feet above the coastline and straddles the continental divide. This lush cloud forest is home to an astonishing amount of biological diversity and is teeming with life. hike in a nearby reserve and experience the sights and sounds of the cloud forest , and soar between trees on ziplines and enjoy the upper canopy of the cloud forest.

Day 9 - Central Valley & Departure

End the trip right back where you started--in the Central Valley. This is the night to cele- brate your accomplishments and reflect on your experiences.