On the Expedition
A unique opportunity for your family to help protect vulnerable leatherback sea turtles from the threat of extinction.
Monitor nesting leatherbacks on one of the most significant remaining nesting beaches in the world; Measure and tag them, record their nest locations, and count their eggs to help researchers determine which factors - from El Niño to coastal development - influence nesting success of this critically endangered species.
Depending on the season, assist with the relocation of threatened nests to the hatchery, protect hatchlings as they crawl seaward or excavate nests to determine hatching success rates. You may also help attach transmitters or data-loggers to adult turtles, so as to monitor their fascinating behavior and migrations.
Earthwatch Family teams undertake similar fieldwork activities as standard adult teams, with the added benefit of additional supervision from trained, experienced field staff - ensuring a great experience for all, and a unique opportunity for your kids to learn firsthand about the ecology of these incredible creatures.
Recreational activities to be confirmed.
Meals and Accommodations
Your family will share a beachfront duplex with research staff at the Goldring Marine Biology Field Station on the edge of Las Baulas National Park. The field station is very close to the restaurant where you will normally eat and each cabin is comfortably equipped with air conditioning, full bathrooms, and bunk beds.
About the Research Area
The Northwest coast and Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica is sometimes called the “Wild West” of Costa Rica. The area is covered with dry tropical forest, savannas, and pasture-like areas that are well-grazed by cattle. Adjacent areas are cut and burned annually to regenerate grassland and to prevent woody vegetation. Yet the province still holds areas of natural dry forest where Cortes trees dot the grasslands like large umbrellas.
The coastline has beautiful white sand beaches with numerous rocky outcroppings. Tidal pools full of fascinating marine organisms appear at low tides and vanish again under the waves. Mangrove estuaries adjacent to Playa Grande and Playa Langosta will be explored with a local guide. American crocodiles, howler monkeys, green iguana, ctenosaurs, countless wading birds, and tegue are the dominant large animals in the adjacent areas, which have a rich overall array of lizards, snakes, and amphibians as well. More than 60 species of birds are common in the region, and numerous migrants pass through seasonally.
Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles nest on the Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, and Playa Langosta beaches. The Ridley arribada (arrival) beaches at Nancite are quite close (north one hour in Santa Rosa National Park, and south one hour in Ostional). Arribadas of the Ridley turtles are impressive, with thousands of turtles emerging in one evening on small stretches of beach.