Students will help researchers study green and hawksbill turtles in the Golfo Dulce. Spend 5 days on the incredible Osa Peninsula catching and releasing turtles, restoring mangroves, and more. 

*This itinerary is flexible and can be changed based on your group's budget and goals. Contact us for a customized quote at right or call us at 800.215.0378 with any questions.

Dates: Available year round (October & November are very rainy)

Price: From $1,200 per student depending on group size. Teachers travel free with at least 8 paying students.

Includes: Guide, private transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and a donation to turtle conservation.

Excludes: Airfare to Costa Rica, personal items, and tips for the guide/driver.

Notes: 

• Recommended for students Grade 5 and up.
• Group size is limited to 20 people maximum.
• The heavy part of the rainy season is October - November.
• For an extra cost, we can also include participation in a nearby whale and dolphin conservation project.

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ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE TO SAN JOSE

Your group will be picked up at the San Jose Airport and taken to Francisco's, a family-owned lodge about 20 minutes away. Get a good night's sleep to rest up for the fast paced trip.

DAY 2: DRIVE TO THE OSA PENINSULA

After breakfast, you'll head to the South Pacific coast in a private vehicle (about a 5 hour drive). Along the way, you will stop for lunch and take in the beautiful views. After settling in to your cabins, researchers from our partner Latin American Sea Turtles will give an orientation to the turtle research and train you in data collection techniques.

This evening, relax and get a good night’s sleep. Overnight at Delfines de Golfo, a simple family lodge with electricity, and private bath with hot water.

DAY 3: SEA TURTLE RESEARCH

Today is all about sea turtles. Head out in a shaded boat with researchers to help set nets in key turtle spots (timing dependant on the tide). You will have the opportunity to help bring in the turtles, measure them, and perhaps even tag them. You’ll be looking mainly for green turtles and hawksbills, which are both endangered. Feel free to take a late afternoon swim to cool off.

DAY 4: MANGROVE RESTORATION

This morning, you will participate in a mangrove reforestation program by working in the nursery and planting young trees. Your will also work in their small turtle rescue center if any turtles are present.

The afternoon will be free to relax or to do an optional activity such as going for a guided rainforest walk to learn about the incredible diversity of plants and animals in this beautiful part of the country. This area has scarlet macaws, 3 species of monkeys, and many other animals to look for.

DAY 5: TURTLE RESEARCH & CHOCOLATE TOUR

Today, the group will split the day between another round of turtle research and a sweet activity. Head into the rainforest to learn about the origins of chocolate. See a farm where cacao is grown and work through the process from seed to deliciousness.

DAY 6: RETURN TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY

This morning, you’ll have one last chance to participate in turtle research or mangrove restoration before returning to San Jose. After lunch, you will board your private bus for the drive back to stay near San Jose.

DAY 7: DEPART FOR HOME

Head out for the airport in time for your flight, taking along your memories, photos, souvenirs, and stories to tell friends!

Similar Trips:

• Costa Rica Student Leatherback Turtle Trip

Learn more:

• Green turtles
• Osa Peninsula