In between these activities you will meet local conservationists and biologists and have a chance to participate in a local cooking class, all while staying in the seaside surf town of Rincn. Transfer by taxi to RafaelHernndez International Airport (BQN) to fly home - or if staying on we canhelp you arrange transport from Rincon if needed, to your next destination. They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see. Condado Lagoon is another great place to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico and its located right in the capital city of San Juan so its easy to access. We are pleased to offer volunteer opportunities with sea turtles, coral reefs, dolphins, and more. June 6, 2023 @ 5:30 PM. Volunteers meet at sunset and spend the night on the beach taking We will also meet another localscientist during a guest lecture. Show more, You can witness baby turtles hatching in Puerto Rico during the months of May to August. If youre a sea turtle enthusiast (like me) then youre in the right place. Maximum group size is 10. Terms & Conditions CORALations - Sea Turtles Working with the turtles was the, This was a great trip to experience lots of marine wildlife up close. Well return to the hotel mid-afternoon to rest up for a full day and long night tomorrow. The fun begins when a turtle is spotted. After some down time at our hotel in the San Juan area, we will go out for dinner on the town. One of the most highly-rated programs on this list of great sea turtle volunteering opportunities is offered by Global Leadership Adventures in Costa Rica for teens aged 14-19. CORALations - Turtle Excursion Confirmation Leatherback Tracking! - The St. Croix Sea Turtle Project Food Producer Networkis an extension of this project that includes volunteer experiences with Puerto Rican farmers. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. Proyecto Tinglado is managed by a locally based conservation organization, CORALations. I hope this guide on where to see turtles in Puerto Rico has inspired you to explore the island and witness the magic of sea turtles in their natural habitat. We have many different programs that need volunteers who love turtles. We will be in touch soon. With a score of 9.6 out of 10 for support, and a 94% score overall from 79 GoOverseas alumni, Fuze Ecoteers sea turtle project in Malaysia is an excellent way to help with turtles in a unique and exotic location. Supports community development. Volunteer in Costa Rica This park is the most important area in the entire west half of the Caribbean for the nesting of the green turtle.Volunteers participate on the sea turtle preservation including monitoring and registering nesting patterns, record keeping of eggs, moving eggs to the hatchery, beach patrols, freeing of the newborns to the ocean. You, sitting there in the sand, staring at her and safeguard a big plastic bag with turtle eggs. After breakfast today, we will head out for an easy kayaking trip to explore the areas reefs with glass bottom kayaks. This is how you get a room in exchange for work around the world. Then we recommend volunteering with the, is an extension of this project that includes volunteer experiences with Puerto Rican farmers. August 2, 2023 @ 5:30 PM. Activity provider: Try Scuba Diving San Juan. Fly into San Juan International Airport (SJU) anytime today and we will pick you up and bring you to the hotel. Sea turtles are commonly spotted swimming around in this area. It is our outstanding volunteers that educate the public about how to protect sea turtles in Brevard County and surrounding areas. We're a nonprofit organization that protects sea turtles through conservation travel and volunteer tours, our Billion Baby Turtles, Too Rare To Wear, & Sea Turtles & Plastic programs, our education programs, and by promoting inclusivity in the sea turtle community. volunteer gets to hold the turtle's back flipper so the eggs can be clearly Well then venture a very short distance to The Arecibo Observatory, the site of the worlds largest single-dish radio telescope. (B,L,D), Well have breakfast together before we part ways. Visit the offshore reefs of uninhabited Desecheo Island. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Stay in the small surf town of Rincn and learn about the sea turtle conservation efforts at Tres Hermanos Beach. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Leatherback, green, and hawksbill turtles all nest on the island's beaches during this time, and conservation efforts are in place to protect the hatchlings as they make their way to the sea. Afterward, well head for Dorado Beach to begin our nesting patrols, which will last until 1:00am. Was this page helpful? 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. There are seven distinct species, ranging from the relatively small Kemps Ridley (averaging around 100lbs.) By participating in a marine conservation volunteer program, you can contribute to vital research and conservation efforts, help protect endangered species, and promote sustainable practices. Turtles in Puerto Rico (4 Different Types) - All Turtles Swim with sea turtles and other marine life on this snorkeling activity located only minutes from Old San Juan. *For those interested in a little local nightlife, taxis and company can be organized to La Placita de Santurce for a relaxed dinner at the popular Jose Enriques. Well arrive in time for a morning hike led by your Discovery Expeditions tour leader along the Mina Falls Trail ending at a very beautiful waterfall and swimming hole (swimming is optional but recommendedbring water shoes!). So much gratitude for you your patience, grace, skill, and spirit. Volunteer with marine conservation programs worldwide. For those looking to do more, one way to make a difference in marine conservation is to volunteer for a marine conservation program. As sea turtles are flagship species, by studying them and the threats facing their survival . Species Classroom. Program Fees from $2050. As such they are protected by federal laws. We will also participate in volunteer activities restoring beach dunes and mangroves, and visit a manatee conservation center, take two kayaking trips, participate in cultural activities, and more. Another benefit of volunteering is the chance to work and live in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. Although every volunteer opportunity is different, there are a few common trends you should consider. The turtles found on Culebra Island are leatherback and green sea turtles. It is important to remember to observe from a distance and not disturb the nesting sites or hatchlings. Since 2011, AES El Salvador has supported initiatives for the protection of the endangered olive ridley sea turtles. From beach cleanups to helping underserved communities, theres no shortage of ways to have a positive impact on our Island. This will be an easy unguided snorkel, but we recommend practicing at home if you have not previously snorkeled. The day is not quite over yet! This gives you the opportunity to row right alongside the turtles and because the kayak is transparent, youll be able to see them swimming right beneath you!! Working with local biologists you will explore the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and support their efforts to monitor the health of the reserve. Volunteers participate on the sea turtle preservation including monitoring and registering nesting patterns, record keeping of eggs, moving eggs to the hatchery, beach patrols, freeing of the newborns to the ocean. is documented before the turtle returns to the ocean. Its super common to spot sea turtles as well as manatees, stingrays and dolphins. That evening, we will visit the beach one final night patrol with Vida Marina. We will have different options for walking distances based on peoples ability to walk on sand and there will be opportunities to work hands-on with the turtles and hatchlings (if they are present). Check out the video below which shows one of the sea turtles spotted whilst out swimming at Escambron Beach: Another one of the best places to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico is on Culebra Island. Here are some review highlights about the experience: With programs in multiple countries such as Costa Rica, Bali, and Zanzibar, IVHQ is a great chance to really get hands-on doing work with sea turtles and the local community. Marine Conservation Volunteer Trips - Oceanic Society Your expedition costs include fees that support conservation and promote sustainable livelihoods in the communities we visit, and Oceanic Society's earnings are invested back into our global research and conservation programs. The best way to see the sea turtles in La Parguera is by renting a water bike. Check out the video below to see some of the turtles of Culebra Island seen whilst snorkeling: Did you know you can also see manatees in Puerto Rico? Option to Receive Graduate CreditThis course is accredited through the Dominican University of California (2-3 CR available), Aligned with your CurriculumEnrich your lesson plans by gaining first-hand experience of Puerto Ricos rich natural, historical and cultural heritage, Every traveler participating in the trip receives a Certificate of Completion from Discovery Expeditions, Observe the wonder of sea turtles nesting and participate in patrols and data collection of nesting beaches to aid in their protection, Hike in Puerto Ricos tropical rainforest and swim under a tropical waterfall, Take a guided tour through Camuy Caverns and enrich your understanding of geology and Puerto Rican history, Listen to talks from expert conservationists on conservation issues, Gain a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges of marine conservation through direct, hands-on experiences. PDF Marine Turtle Conservation Project PROYECTO TINGLADO Isla de Culebra Smaller hawksbill turtles have a sanctuary on Mona Island between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. In fact, its the best place to swim with dolphins in Puerto Rico. You must have a valid U.S. passport (not expiring in the next 6 months). It takes about 60 days for the babies to hatch, so from April till August you can watch nature's spectacle: tiny hatchlings are striving through the sand to reach the ocean. Through the EIF, we award grants to our partners for their on-the-ground efforts to protect ocean habitats and the wildlife and human communities that depend on them. In the northern town of Manat sits the peaceful and secluded Playa La Esperanza. The high season here runs from March to November, but they have important work happening year-round if youd like to visit in the winter. People are responsible for these ocean problems, and, at the same time, people are the solution. Visitors are encouraged to join guided turtle watching tours led by trained professionals to ensure a safe and educational experience for both humans and turtles. Browse our current ocean volunteer vacations below. This island is kinda famous for being an excellent snorkeling spot where you can see lots of interesting marine life like turtles, manatees, rays, starfish and more. (B,L,D), Enjoy a snorkel outing to practice your newly learned or improved fish ID skills. With Puerto Rico Renace, your team is able to make a direct impact on these small communities and connect directly with local children and seniors. Part of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, AKA Para La Naturaleza, hundreds of endangered sea turtles lay eggs on this beach every spring. For the best chance of seeing a turtle in Puerto Rico, head to one of the turtle beaches in the list below: 1. World's largest sea turtles arrive on Puerto Rico beaches amid pandemic 2023 Date: May 13 - 20 (trip is full, please contact us at right to be added to the waiting list or alerted for future dates), Monthly payments are available until 4 months before departure. While we loved guiding this private tour, it is purely an example of what can be possible and we will tailor your day to day program to your interests. If you choose to volunteer with sea turtles youll be living and working on beaches in some of the most beautiful and exciting countries in the world! These turtles are known to nest in Isla Mona and Isla Culebra. The team at Puerto Rico Renace plans their missions at least a month in advance, so we recommend contacting them as soon as you book your incentive trip. Working with sea turtles is an ideal volunteer vacation. 2023 Turtle Krawl Sponsorship: Click Here to Become a Sponsor, Registration for the 2023 Turtle Krawl opens May 1: Click Here to Krawl, Beach Cleanup Updates: See Current Locations. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa, Snorkeling Tour to Cayos de la Cordillera, Puerto Ricos best horse riding locations, where to go whale watching in Puerto Rico, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa, Where To See Turtles In Gran Canaria Complete Guide, Where To See Manatees In Puerto Rico 2023 Guide, Where To Swim With Dolphins In Puerto Rico 2023 Guide. Volunteers have the chance to contribute to important research projects, help protect endangered species, and promote sustainable practices. The afternoon will be filled withsome free time for exploring the town and after dinner well head out to a localdrink spot for a traditional favorite served in a coconut (with or without rum,your choice)! To educate, inspire, and empower our community to pursue perspective-changing travel. You will be in a rather rural environment, but that means you have the chance to see some of Costa Ricas amazing wildlife right where youre working, including monkeys, reptiles, and some of Costa Ricas breathtakingly beautiful birds. Additionally, there are several Puerto Rican groups participating in monitoring the turtles, like Yo Amo al Tinglar, Tortugueros de Culebra, Playas pal Pueblo, Chelonia, Tortugueros del Sur, and the Culebra Sea Turtle Project. The best way to see the sea turtles at the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve is to get in the water and join a kayaking and snorkeling tour. It is our outstanding volunteers that educate the public about how to protect sea turtles in Brevard County and surrounding areas. You must be in GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION for this activity. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Despite the designation of hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles as endangered in 1970, researchers report that their populations are still decreasing. The tours usually take place during the nesting season, which is from May to August. Here are few quotes from alumni who enjoyed this program: With a firm 96% rating from GoOverseas alums, Lang Tengah Turtle Watch is one of the best options for really adventurous volunteers. It is an especially great opportunity for students interested in biology or conservation, but anyone can have a wonderful time doing important work here! On this unique and deeply enriching expedition, you will help conserve the leatherback sea turtle by volunteering to patrol nesting beaches and assist local scientists with data collection and monitoring of this endangered species. In Puerto Rico, leatherback nesting trends decreased as much as 5% annually from 1990 to 2017. The turtles at Steps Beach are hawksbill turtles which are currently endangered, but you have a really good chance of seeing one here! Full time professional Discovery Expeditions tour escort and local interpreter and cultural guides from the National Park Service and Government of Puerto Rico; tour of the Las Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve and El Faro (lighthouse) (Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico); local sea turtle logistics coordinator (Rosa Fiel, Proyecto Tinglar Dorado) and marine biologist/sea turtle expert; Tour of BioBay by expert marine biologists (Pure Adventure). Another way to volunteer in Puerto Rico is with sea turtles. E-mail:info@posada.com. Prior to your incentive trip, contact Scuba Dog Society to see if they have any upcoming beach cleanups, or if there are other ways your team can work with them while on Island. (B,L,D), We'll take a chartered boat to Desecheo Island, 13 miles offshore. Their biggest eventInternational Coastal Cleanuphappens every September and is part of a global movement that includes 90 countries and more than six million volunteers. This morning well visit Old San Juan for a day of historic tours of the Castilla San Cristbal led by the National Park Service and La Fortaleza led by the Government of Puerto Rico. View all 10 images. Prior to the fence, 44 to 100 percent of sea turtle nests were destroyed every year due to feral pigs. This area is located just off the coast of Fajardo and is formed from a range of cays and small islands with wonderful reefs and crystal clear waters. We will then have lunch and then a break to rest. Click here for our full terms and conditions. Mona Island, Puerto Rico - Island Conservation These trips are ideal for individuals, couples, school groups, and families with older kids (generally 8 years and up depending on the trip). Buenos das! You can see baby turtles in Puerto Rico at various beaches along the coast, such as Luquillo Beach and Flamenco Beach. Our group of 12 or so had. Puerto Rico's Department of Natural Resources seeks volunteers annually from April through June to monitor the nests, make sure they are secured from predators, and count eggs. This 21-day program gives teens the chance to make an impact on sea turtle conservation through nightly beach patrols and the protection of nesting sites. PDF U.s. Fish & Wildlife Service Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office From mixology classes with local rum distillers to salsa lessons and historical tours, immerse your attendees in the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico. Sea turtles are endangered in large part because of direct human action, mainly fishing and poaching of sea turtle eggs from their nests. leatherback turtles - Resaca and Brava beaches. Founded in 1969, Oceanic Society is Americas oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. Check out our list below and let your volunteering experience in Puerto Rico begin! Since 1988, wildlife workers have often enlisted volunteers to help monitor and protect the breeding grounds of the majestic leather-back turtle. This lagoon is a marine paradise to say the least. This area is known for its bioluminescence, which makes for a magical experience. The group can split into two with one group walking further down the beach, Overnight at Parador El Faro (2 nights). nest, as she returns to the sea. Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. (B,L,D), Today we will snorkel the reef to conduct fish community surveys using ourfish ID skills and in the afternoon we will learn how to analyze all the dataweve been collecting over the last few days. Our marine conservation volunteer programs offer hands-on opportunities for you to participate in marine research and conservation worldwide. Well depart Old San Juan in time to arrive back at the hotel in the mid afternoon to allow time to relax, rest up, and eat (on own) before a late night of leatherback patrols on Dorado Beach. Volunteering with sea turtles is an immensely rewarding experience. The groups take to the beach at sunrise, when the turtles are more likely to hatch, and patrol typically ends just before noon. Overnight: El Canario By The Lagoon. endangered Located on an isolated island off of eastern Malaysia, you will be living and be working with the staff at their research camp in the jungle, right next to the appropriately named Turtle Bay. Our Federal Tax ID is 94-3105570. The goal of this project is to ensure the availability of high-quality nesting habitat for leatherback sea turtles in Puerto Rico by: restoring the nesting beaches that are most important for this species, reducing threats to their habitats, and. If groups are available to help, coordination with these groups should be well documented as part of the planning and implementation of projects. Most people book onto a snorkeling tour so they dont miss anything. After lunch, we will head to the Aguadilla area to visit our colleagues at Vida Marina, part of the University of Puerto Rico who have been longtime partners of SEE Turtles. Embark on a kayaking excursion led by a Pure Adventure marine biologist on the Bioluminescent Bay. Additionally, you can reduce your use of single-use plastics, which can harm turtles, and avoid disturbing nesting sites or interfering with baby turtles as they make their way to the ocean. Its another great spot in Puerto Rico where you can see sea turtles out in the wild. One of the many reasons Puerto Rico is a top destination for group incentive travel is its more than 200 miles of pristine coastline and nearly 300 beaches. The Leatherback Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the massive leatherback sea turtle throughout its global range through research, education and advocacy initiatives aimed at mitigating fisheries bycatch, reducing plastic pollution and combating climate change. Cool off at Ro Espritu Santo in Ro Grande. Along with sea turtle research, this project is very involved in the local community, and you can expect to help with community education and beach clean-ups as well. I promise you wont regret it. The average adult weighs turtle is the largest living sea turtle in the world. From April through June, wildlife fans can volunteer for a turtle-egg protection project on Culebra. A full time local interpreter and cultural guide will accompany this trip. The island has a super healthy and large coral reef system that attracts a huge range of marine life including sea turtles. There will be opportunities to learn about local sea turtle nesting populations, to help monitor coral reef restoration sites, and to compare the near shore marine reserve reefs with the offshore remote reefs of Desecheo Island. In your spare time, you have easy access to beautiful diving, beaches, and national parks right in the same region. Sea turtle protection program | AES There are many ways your group can have a positive impact on the Island during your visit. For an unforgettable experience, you can witness the hatching of these turtles for yourself at the resort. the Caribbean, there are only three prime places where the endangered Culebra Island can be tricky to get to on your own and its hard to navigate when you get there so Id recommend joining a snorkeling tour that includes transportation. These beaches are known to be nesting sites for sea turtles, and during hatching season (typically from May to August), you may be able to witness baby turtles making their way to the ocean. Volunteers have played an important role in Oceanic Society's work since our founding in 1969, and we invite you to lend your hand as a volunteer with one of our programs. My friend went there recently and told me he saw 5 turtles all in one spot! Turtle Watching in Puerto Rico - TripSavvy 3-5 hours volunteering per day. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico manages the Sea Turtle Conservation Project on the island of Culebra. Depending on flight times and dates, you can enjoy more sites and activities in San Juan, soaking up the incredible atmosphere before you have to depart! This snorkel tour is by far the best as it has incredible reviews (rated 5 stars by over 3,000 people!) Its been a pleasure seeing you almost every year, and witnessing your leadership & kindness. After lunch and downtime, we will take a guided walking tour of historic San Juan. Green Antilles Just imagine: full moon, desolated beach and in front of you a big leatherback turtle covering her nest. Proyecto Tinglado is The Bioluminescent Bay (AKA BioBay) luminescence is triggered by dinoflagellates, oceanic plankton which is able to generate an emerald green and ultramarine illumination when water is physically disturbed. The famous Caribbean trade winds gently buffet these two islands, but the weather is warm and balmy just about every day of the year. Hatching season is a special time of the year in Puerto Rico. Franois Baelen / Coral Reef Image Bank, Oceanic SocietyP.O. We will then a have farewell dinner with the group in the city followed by an optional night on the town. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to make a real impact. Mona Island supports the largest Hawksbill Sea Turtle (ESA Endangered) nesting ground in the Caribbean. Some hotels, like Mamacitas Guesthouse in Culebra, participate in Turtle Conservation Project. Each level has: 1 master bedroom with a queen bed and attached bathroom, 2 rooms that can be made up with 1 king bed or 2 twin beds. We will drop you at the airport in time for your flight home or feel free to extend your stay. We will have lunch on the way back to San Juan at a restaurant that specializes in a popular local pork dish (note: vegetarian and vegan options will be available at this and all other restaurants). If you decide to extend your stay in Puerto Rico, you are free to travel on to your next destination. Every year, the team donates thousands of eggs for incubation in corrals, or nesting sites, which are prepared by their team of AES volunteers. One lucky Volunteer in Puerto Rico | IVHQ | #1 Rated Programs 2023 & 2024 The hike to the beach is steep and challenging. Evening group dinner and briefing with local research partners. This first nest was one I relocated over two months ago from a flood-prone part of the beach, and it felt really great knowing that because of me these turtles would get their chance in the open ocean. As mentioned above, all the various sea turtles around the world are endangered. Youll be able to swim right alongside the sea turtles which is definitely an experience you wont forget. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@seaturtlespacecoast.org with any questions you have. There are five species of sea turtles in the archipelago, and two of these species, in particular the hawksbill turtle and the leatherback turtle, are endangered. The dunes are not only important for sea turtle nesting but also for protecting coastal communities from hurricanes. Volunteer sea turtle groups in Puerto Rico are authorized by the PRDNER to conduct certain sea turtle monitoring and management activities. When arriving, and learning of the place whilst I was there. Although turtles are pretty common here, Id always recommend joining a snorkel tour as your expert guide will be able to show you where to find turtles without fail. Many of the most important beaches for sea turtle conservation are in quite remote places. Volunteer in Costa Rica The projects range from very secluded locations that require 4/4 vehicles and boats to access the program area to those closer to towns.