As mentioned above, all the various sea turtles around the world are endangered. Volunteers meet at happy landings at 5 pm and travel to the beach for a night of turtle watching. Arrive at Rafael Hernndez International Airport (BQN) and take a taxi to group lodging in Rincon. Proyecto Tinglado is Taking a sabbatical was the best decision of my life. Simply get in touch with a member of our staff to craft your ideal trip. Academic Credit 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. The Observatory is recognized as one of the most important national centers for research in radio astronomy, planetary radar and terrestrial aeronomy. This area is known for its bioluminescence, which makes for a magical experience. Rapid Development Threatens Critical Sea Turtle Habitat in Puerto Rico The group will be too large for everyone to participate in the swimming portion of the activity, so the strongest swimmers will join in the water and the full group can observe and help with the data collection for those turtles caught. Check out the video below taken whilst snorkelling at Cayo Diablo, which is part of the Cayos de la Cordillera Nature Reserve: Vieques Island is an island that lies just off Puerto Ricos eastern coast. The fund is seeded annually with money earned from our expeditions, and supplemented by donations from Oceanic Society travelers. View all 10 images. Food Producer Networkis an extension of this project that includes volunteer experiences with Puerto Rican farmers. I enjoyed assisting with the nightly patrols and tagging/taking measurements of the green sea turtles. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Learn more from these review highlights by program alumni: If you want to volunteer but don't have a lot of time, you can still make an impact on a short-term trip with SEE Turtles in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Discover the beauty of Puerto Rico from the sea. I'd never seen turtles before, and as they're my favorite animals. This shouldnt stop anyone from being able to help though! This stunning nature reserve features a blue lagoon, mangroves, coral reefs and sandy beaches. Cayo Icacos is the largest island here. Take a boardwalk through mangroves and above Laguna Grande, and get to know the different beach types before visiting the Fajardo Lighthouse. In The day is not quite over yet! This is a good time for year for leatherback nesting, at the end of the nesting peak and the beginning of hatchling season. Puerto Rico Sea Turtle Adventure SEE Turtles E-mail:info@posada.com. This immersive volunteer vacation will sharpen your reef fish ID skills and get you familiar with field techniques that scientists use to evaluate the health of coral reefs. This secluded island paradise is very popular with divers who come from afar to explore the untouched beaches, caves and coral reefs. 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. San Juan: Swimming and Snorkeling Tour with Turtles A truly unique system to explore! (D), The morning will begin with a briefing on the history of the Tres PalmasMarine Reserve followed by an exploratory snorkel to get an overview of thearea. ready to lay eggs, she goes into a hypnotic trance. The famous Caribbean trade winds gently buffet these two islands, but the weather is warm and balmy just about every day of the year. Program Fees from $2050. For the best chance of seeing the turtles, you should join a snorkeling tour with an expert guide who will show you where to find turtles without fail! Go To My Trip These volunteers work with citizens, tourists, students, teachers and other professionals to provide a productive and rewarding trip through the museum. Snorkel and explore the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and learn about its importance to the local community. Volunteer Abroad Sea Turtle Conservation Program - Pacific & Caribbean At noon, well travel to Las Cabezas de San Juan Natural Preserve near Fajardo for a guided tour of the coastal habitat and lighthouse. Remember to bring some cash/credit cards for lunches and additional food/drinks. Privacy Policy | GDPR FAQ | Accessibility, Corporate Social Responsibility in Puerto Rico, Top Local Experiences for Meetings in Puerto Rico, Meeting Venues with Ocean Views in Puerto Rico, A Luxurious, Four-Day Incentive Group Getaway, 11 Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Rico that Incentive Planners Love, 4 Volunteer Opportunities for Incentive Groups in Puerto Rico, Is your team ready to roll up their sleeves and help a local farmer? From April through June, wildlife fans can volunteer for a turtle-egg protection project on Culebra. Puerto Rico Sea Turtle Adventure Join us for our first trip to the wonderful island of Puerto Rico! The Discover Puerto Rico Incentive Sales Team can help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity for your group. Its been a pleasure seeing you almost every year, and witnessing your leadership & kindness. The turtles found on Culebra Island are leatherback and green sea turtles. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico Renace was formed to help the communities that were most affected. In 2019, we also established our Expedition Impact Fund (EIF) as a way to grow our impact. We will have lunch in that part of the island and then some down time. Next start date available: Jun 19, 2023. promoting the protection of valuable nesting habitats that are currently not safeguarded. adult turtle lay her eggs! The hotel has its own Nature Center and an on-site marine biologist to make sure its beach serves as a turtle sanctuary. Smaller hawksbill turtles have a sanctuary on Mona Island between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. volunteer gets to hold the turtle's back flipper so the eggs can be clearly Of course, youll also get that once in a lifetime chance to snorkel alongside turtles in the Caribbean Sea and really feel like youre one of them. 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. Once youve had your fill of endless white sandy beaches and calm blue waters, join us for a welcome dinner at beautiful Tacos & Tequila restaurant with the local Chapter of the Sierra Club, the local sea turtle conservation groups, Chelonia & 7 Quillas, and our Discovery Expeditions guide. Duration: 1 week. Prepare for yet another day of geological wonders! 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. Go Overseas alumni give the program excellent ratings in all its aspects, from support to safety. Although every volunteer opportunity is different, there are a few common trends you should consider. Work alongside local farmers to build resilient food systems with World Central Kitchen. Depending on the amount of time you wish to donate, where you want to volunteer with sea turtles, and the amount of adventure youre looking to endure, there are options that can satisfy any traveler. During peak nesting season, we expect (but cannot guarantee) to see leatherback sea turtles. volunteers can gather around the turtle to observe her laying eggs. Stay in the small surf town of Rincn and learn about the sea turtle conservation efforts at Tres Hermanos Beach. Volunteer - Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center There are many benefits to participating in a marine conservation volunteer program. For the best chance of seeing a turtle in Puerto Rico, head to one of the turtle beaches in the list below: 1. 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. Check out these quotes from program alumni: A Broader View scores 9.8 out of 10 in every category from Go Overseas users, meaning it is excellent in all the ways you find important! We will also meet another localscientist during a guest lecture. You must have a valid U.S. passport (not expiring in the next 6 months). (B,L,D), Well have breakfast together before we part ways. Afterward, well head for Dorado Beach to begin our nesting patrols, which will last until 1:00am. Steps Beach, also known as Tres Palmas Marine Natural Reserve, is another great spot in Puerto Rico where you can see and swim with sea turtles. Check out the video below which shows a sea turtle spotted whilst snorkeling on Vieques Island: Did you know that Vieques is also one of Puerto Ricos best horse riding locations? The average adult weighs 500 to 1600 pounds. The most popular beaches for scuba diving are Playa Sardineras, Playa Pajaros, Punta Arenas and Playa Mujeres. World Central Kitchen (WCK) Food Producer Network, Habitat for Humanitys Puerto Rico Chapter, Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. Volunteers meet at sunset and spend the night on the . 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. February to August. Why not join a horse riding tour whilst youre there? Part of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, AKA Para La Naturaleza, hundreds of endangered sea turtles lay eggs on this beach every spring. Sea turtles are endangered in large part because of direct human action, mainly fishing and poaching of sea turtle eggs from their nests. 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. Leatherback Sea Turtle Habitat Restoration In Puerto Rico The 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). In the evening, we'll head to the Rincn ArtWalk in the town's central plaza to see local arts and crafts and listen tomusic. 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. 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!). Based out of the beautiful Perhentian Islands, the sea turtle conservation and research project run by Fuze Ecoteer helps stop poachers from robbing sea turtle nests and is building a comprehensive database of turtle sightings and populations in the Islands. Today, we will have breakfast at the hotel and then head out for another dune restoration activity with Vida Marina, this time in the Loiza region. A surcharge will be added if the trip has less than 6 participants. Felices viajes! Add to wishlist. * Please note: We give 100% refunds on any trips that we need to cancel and our cancellation fees (when travelers need to cancel) can be used on any future trip, no expiration or penalties. endangered Casa Cuna San Juan 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. As pioneers of eco travel, our expeditions have been designed to directly support, By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies and similar tracking technologies described in our, Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions, global research and conservation programs, 5 Volunteer Abroad Programs That Support Ocean Conservation, From Monkeys to Macaws, 15 Photos That Will Move Costa Rica to the Top of Your Travel List, By Land and Sea: Our Ridge to Reef Expeditions Include the Best of Both Worlds, Vamos a Cuba! to the massive Leatherback (with record-holders weighing more than 2,000lbs), and they can be found on beaches all around the worlds tropical and subtropical latitudes. If you decide to extend your stay in Puerto Rico, you are free to travel on to your next destination. 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. 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! As I write this we just had our first nest of the season hatch, and it really was breathtaking getting to watch all out little tortugitas crawl into the surf. Cancel for Any Reason Insurance (CFAR) Cancel up to 48 hours prior to departure and receive a 75% refund minus the insurance premiums. To educate, inspire, and empower our community to pursue perspective-changing travel. 2021, Sea Turtle Preservation Society111 South Miramar AvenueIndialantic, FL 32903Sea Turtle Preservation Society serves the community without discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, disability, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military status, religion, national origin, race, sex and sexual orientation.A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) within the state. For eight days, participants will help with sea turtle research while exploring the local scenery and enjoying sightings of other wildlife such as sharks, whales, and dolphins. 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. Where To See Sea Turtles In Puerto Rico - 2023 Guide Our marine conservation volunteer programs offer hands-on opportunities for you to participate in marine research and conservation worldwide. Camuy River has the third largest water volume in the world in an underground river system and is one of the largest, and most spectacular, systems in the western hemisphere. Volunteering with sea turtles is an immensely rewarding experience. All our tours are individually customized to your interests. lights or noise of any kind exist. The turtle watch is truly an incredible experience. If you would like to go on this tour, or a similar trip, please get in touch. Remember to always practice responsible tourism by not getting too close to the turtles and never ever touch them! Our guide will be Irmaury Serrano, a Puerto Rican turtle conservationist and guide who is eager to show our group this beautiful island. 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. Desecheo is a small, uninhabited island that is a National Wildlife Refuge and a prime location for scuba diving and snorkeling. We will make it a shorter patrol so we can get up early for the drive inland the following day. The leatherback sea turtle is the largest living sea turtle in the world. Although still considered an endangered species, the turtle population in Puerto Rico really is thriving and you can find them in many locations across the island. 2023 Oceanic Society. In the rest of this article, Ill cover the other places in Puerto Rico where you can see turtles and some tips on how to increase your chances of seeing them. This snorkel tour is by far the best as it has incredible reviews (rated 5 stars by over 3,000 people!) Best Time to See Baby Turtles in Puerto Rico 2023 - Rove.me It is illegal to touch or disturb sea turtle nests or hatchlings, and it is important to keep a safe distance to avoid causing stress or harm to the turtles. Their biggest eventInternational Coastal Cleanuphappens every September and is part of a global movement that includes 90 countries and more than six million volunteers. CORALations - Sea Turtles In the northern town of Manat sits the peaceful and secluded Playa La Esperanza. Larger leatherback and green turtles prefer to lay eggs on the beaches of the island of Culebra, which still has many isolated spots, like Zoni, Resaca, and Brava. SEE Turtles has taken more than 1,000 people to work with sea turtle conservation projects around Latin America and every trip saves at least 500 endangered baby turtles through our Billion Baby Turtles initiative. Youll find lots of sea turtles here too! All rights reserved. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa near Fajardo also runs a program together with the Department of Natural Resources and engages guests to monitor turtles' nesting and hatching. After breakfast at your hotel, well travel to the Fajardo region to hike in cool and mountainous El Yunque Rain Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service ecosystem. We will drop you at the airport in time for your flight home or feel free to extend your stay. Many of the most important beaches for sea turtle conservation are in quite remote places. Customizable World Travel For Groups Since 2003, About Discovery Expeditions The hawksbill sea turtle population has declined globally by over 80% during the last century. Be added to the wait list or alerted for future trips. 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. It is important to remember to observe from a distance and not disturb the nesting sites or hatchlings. The return is quite If groups are available to help, coordination with these groups should be well documented as part of the planning and implementation of projects. Participate in turtle research and more in Puerto Rico with SEE Turtles. Click here for our full terms and conditions. We will be in touch soon. This program focuses on sustainable travel for its volunteers as they support the research mission. The Best Volunteer Experiences in Puerto Rico - Culture Trip She puts on 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. Volunteer with marine conservation programs worldwide. I, This trip was amazing. The best place to see sea turtles on this island is at Tamarindo Beach which youll find on the western side. All of these turtles are either threatened, endangered, or critically endangered. wildlife refuge area. This project collects important biological information on turtles returning to Culebra's beaches to nest. 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. Proyecto Tinglado is managed by a locally based conservation organization, CORALations. Green Antilles Well return to the hotel mid-afternoon to rest up for a full day and long night tomorrow. Follow their progress north! Feel free to call the number below with any questions. Volunteers can also learn new skills, gain valuable knowledge, and make a meaningful difference in the world. The turtles at Steps Beach are hawksbill turtles which are currently endangered, but you have a really good chance of seeing one here! Proceeds from the program fees go back toward conservation with the potential for up to 500 turtle hatchlings per participant to be saved at nesting sites. We have reached the end of the trip! My friend put the April, 5, 2023 @ 5:30 PM. If youre a sea turtle enthusiast (like me) then youre in the right place. is documented before the turtle returns to the ocean. In Puerto Rico, you can do more than just go and see those beautiful reptiles, but also help conservation efforts that are especially critical during the hatching period. Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides: Franois Baelen / Coral Reef Image Bank, Oceanic SocietyP.O. Although they are found in oceans around the world, sea turtles tend to nest on tropical and subtropical beaches on almost every continent. Students, Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers, Solo Travelers, Students, Adventure travelers, Global Leadership Adventures in Costa Rica, the sea turtle conservation and research project run by Fuze Ecoteer, Sea Turtle Conservancy project in Costa Rica, 6 Things You Should Know Before Volunteering in Guatemala, The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs For Older Adults in 2023, The 10 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs for Spanish Speakers in 2023, Where to Volunteer Abroad with Refugees in 2023, 6 Ideas for Meaningful Volunteer Vacations to Take in 2023, The Best Summer Volunteer Abroad Programs for 2023, Being able to challenge myself and gain skills through service, activities like zip-lining and horse riding, the leadership curriculum and putting myself out of my comfort zone has been, My experience in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing. This snorkeling tour is one of the best rated ones and includes transport to and from the reserve. We hope to plan another trip with you in the future! We will spend an hour or so planting native vegetation to help stabilize the dunes as well as a nearby mangrove. The island itself is uninhabited and protected by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources meaning its wildlife is well protected. Along with their nesting and hatchling programs, they also run a turtle rescue center, where you might get to work with injured adult turtles to help them recuperate! We will then a have farewell dinner with the group in the city followed by an optional night on the town. seen dropping into the nest. Beach cleanups are a fantastic way to help us preserve our natural environment while also enjoying the beauty of our beaches. The sea turtles are most commonly seen around the coral reefs of the nature reserve. Being in the company of a leatherback as she ends her arduous journey to lay her eggs is a moving experience and a privilege offered to only a few! Volunteer in Puerto Rico: affordable & reviewed programs - Worldpackers We can all do something every day to support healthier oceans. Both of these species are endangered, and efforts are being made to protect their nesting sites and increase their populations. The tours are designed to be educational and informative, and visitors are often able to witness the baby turtles as they make their way to the sea. 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. The dunes are not only important for sea turtle nesting but also for protecting coastal communities from hurricanes. World's largest sea turtles arrive on Puerto Rico beaches amid pandemic It's Still Possible to Join a Cuba Expedition in 2020. As an environmental volunteer with IVHQ, you'll have the opportunity to support jungle and rainforest conservation, climate action, environmental education, sustainable cities, coastline conservation, organic farming and tree planting volunteer projects within communities abroad. Culebra Puerto Rico This beach resort has its own stretch of beach where a variety of turtle species come to lay their eggs. Working with sea turtles is an ideal volunteer vacation. As such they are protected by federal laws. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies and similar tracking technologies described in our, Whales, Dolphins, and Biodiversity of Southwest Mexico, Puerto Rico: Coral Reef Volunteer Program, Bahamas: Dolphin Volunteer Research Program, do something every day to support healthier oceans. Another way to volunteer in Puerto Rico is with sea turtles. The 9 Best Programs for Volunteering with Sea Turtles No meals planned for today so grab something on the way or we will provide recommendations near the hotel. Photos courtesy of Vida Marina and Chelonia, Photo credits:Hal Brindley, James Richard, & Latin American Sea Turtles, SEE Turtles, 5605 Southeast Rural Street, Portland, OR, 97206, United States, Promoting Inclusivity in the Turtle Community, Sign Up For Our Turtles & Plastic Newsletter. Threats like overfishing, plastic pollution, climate change, and others have taken a tremendous toll on ocean health. On this tour, youll be able to swim with the turtles and get up close to them. Volunteers It also includes transport from mainland Puerto Rico to Culebra Island and back which is super handy. Working with sea turtles is an ideal volunteer vacation. Buenos das! I promise you wont regret it. must stay at a distance until the turtle has prepared her nest. In 2017, Chef Jos Andrs launched World Central Kitchen, a project focused on strengthening food security and building resilient food systems throughout the Caribbean and Central America. Mona Island is the perfect habitat and the best kept Caribbean refuge for many marine animals including turtles. Today after breakfast, we will join our friends at Vida Marina for a beach dune restoration activity. Certificate of CompletionEvery traveler participating in the trip receives a Certificate of Completion from Discovery Expeditions. This site also consists of a chain of islands with mangroves, lagoons, sandy beaches and coral reefs. Most programs include 24/7 support, full accommodation, meals, and airport pickup. Escambron Beach in San Juan is by far the best place to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico as theres a large population of them present in the area. (B,L,D), In the morning and early afternoon, we'll hike to a secluded waterfall andenjoy a relaxing lunch there among the jungle. 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. One volunteer counts the big fertile eggs, while Join the Sea Turtle Patrol with Para La Naturaleza. The programs chosen by Go Overseas below are all excellent and have been vetted by our previous volunteers, and there are many other great programs the world over! The Department of Natural Resources in Insurance 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.