Turtle Trax
“CONSERVATION THROUGh SUSTAiNaBILITY: VOLUNTEER WITH OUR COASTAL COMMUNITIES”
Turtle Trax S. A., is an organization that promotes rural-ecotourism which encourages and supports the protection of biodiversity and the empowerment of local communities in Costa Rica’s southern Nicoya Península.
Since 2013, with the help of our scientific partner, the Rescue Center of Marine Endangered Species (CREMA by its Spanish acronym), many volunteers have worked alongside expert scientists in four project sites, where community-based sea turtle program is carried out. Our strategic location provides access to a diverse range of habitats including mangrove forests, rivers, and amazing forest trails that are part of the background places where volunteers also can participate.
San Miguel
This was our first community-based sea turtle conservation site. Operating uninterrupted since 1998, several hundred olive ridley sea turtles nest here per season (Jul-Dec).
Costa de Oro
Located just south of San Miguel, also hosts several hundred nesting olive ridley sea turtles per season. Occasional hawksbill and green turtles nest here too!
Bejuco
This project is operated under close collaboration with the small scale fishing community of Bejuco, as it represents a sustainable supplemental source of income.
Corozalito
Arribada! If lucky, you may presence the occurrence of an “arribada”, the massive synchronous nesting event that may involve several thousand turtles!
An organization that runs thanks to the support of many
who want to make a better planet
The support of volunteers is essential for the long term operation and success many conservation and community projects (sea turtle nesting beaches, reforestation, environmental lessons, among others); mainly in terms of economic sustainability.
Turtle Trax S.A. operates a volunteer program that services four of CREMA’s sea turtle community-based sea turtle conservation projects along the southern Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica: San Miguel, Costa de Oro, Bejuco, and Corozalito. Funds generated through these programs help provide an income for local community members (beach monitors, cooks, transportation and other services) and fund 100% of direct operational costs. Your direct contact as a volunteer with the community helps spark awareness regarding the importance and benefits that come from protecting sea turtles amd their habitats —the true definition of sustainable tourism.
Participants become immersed in the conservation project and the local culture, and speaking Spanish, while helpful, is certainly not a necessity (though you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practice!). We also support rural ecotourism initiatives, such as a mangrove tours, bird and wildlife watching, reforestation, or sustainable fishing tours, all operated by coastal community members and local fishers. Also, these visits may have an academic component upon request (lectures by scientists).
OUR GOAL IS TO HELP LOCALS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL-NATURAL RESOURCES THIS AREA IS OFFERING, OBVIOUSLY, IN A SUSTAINABLE AND FRIENDLY WAY, TAKING CARE OF MOTHER NATURE.
OUR IMPACT
Number of trees planted so far
Number of nests protected during this season
Number of Hatchlings released this season
Volunteers working in our projects this season
Number of beach cleanups durig the last season
PICTURE GALLERY
TESTIMONIES
Tell us about your experience as a volunteer
An environmental group dedicated to not only the conservation of turtles but helping to make sustainable environmentally friendly communities.
Kim Davies
“”Last year, I was beyond blessed to be able to be a part of CREMA and TURTLE TRAX for two weeks. From waking up on my birthday, to meet the volunteer coordinator and someone who is now a friend of mine, and exploring the capital, trying new foods, and amazing drinks, to being on the site was beyond words. This trip really put life into perspective and helped me think about what is important and what wasn’t. I will never forget being able to see the milky way the first time I ever saw a sea turtle on the beach. I will also never forget being able to catch turtles’ eggs while she was laying them. During my down time, I was able to draw a mosaic picture of the four turtles that come to shore. I was also able to play volleyball with the locals, read, work on my book, and just enjoy the natural environment. I tell everyone I know to do this because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that I hope to be able to do again soon”,
Savannah Clemente
From beginning to end a truly amazing experience… everybody here makes you feel welcome and part of the team. Thank you so much.
Barbara Brown
Matheus Campos
Contact us
Phone number: (506) 2655-1179.
E-mail addresses: inaranjo@turtle-
Address: 100 mts sur de la escuela de San Francisco de Coyote, Nandayure, Costa Rica.
© Turtle Trax S.A – All Rigths Reserved.