Volunteering with Osa Turtles - World Challenge Bristol

Here on Playa Preciosa in Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, we currently only have 2 resident volunteers working hard to protect turtle nests from poachers and collecting data on the turtles that come here to lay. However, the summer of 2017 has brought over 80 British World Challengers to this beach to help in any way they can... from weeding pineapple plantations and picking up litter, to learning about female turtles and assisting with nest relocations.

World Challenge Bristol have been kind enough to write us a few little messages, summarising their experiences on this project... for any interested future volunteers, hopefully these give you an idea of what it's like and what you'll get up to if you come and join us here at Osa Turtles!

"It is so beautiful here; the wildlife and trees are amazing, as well as the sea being gorgeous. Jamie (our coordinator) makes everything fun, even the rubbish collection and disposal, and to be honest everything she says is interesting. I would 100% come back here to volunteer ( and I am finally getting a tan!)"

From Bitsy Pout

 "I have found the experience here eye-opening to say the least! During a beach clean-up lasting only a few hours, we collected 1800 pieces of rubbish, which we were told, was their highest count for a clean-up! I’d never felt more aware of the need to protect and conserve our environment. I’ve loved my time and feel I’ve had a real opportunity to make a difference – I will definitely be using this experience to encourage others to get involved with conservation projects, especially those working to end poaching."

From Issy Wyatt

"The experience with Osa Turtles has been very eye-opening. We have learnt about the issues endangering the turtles of the Osa first hand, watching poachers stroll the beach and collecting 1800 pieces of litter on one day have made these threats very real. I have also been lucky enough to witness a turtle coming to lay her eggs on the beach. All of these experiences have been very fun and have encouraged me to look for similar opportunities to protect the environment."

From Rob Marshall

"During my time volunteering here, I’ve done plenty of jobs that are very therapeutic such as weeding pineapples and sorting out the garbage from the beach. Not only is it a great experience, it is very educational to inform others of how important this project is. P.S. It is also a great spot if you are wanting a tan."

From Isaac Allen

"The opportunities given by Osa Turtles are unbelievable and have given me so many unique experiences; I’ve seen two laying turtles, witnessed excavations and relocations and was part of the biggest beach clean-up Playa Preciosa had seen. I’ve loved getting so involved and would definitely come back."

From Jamie Ella Porter

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Osa Turtles Project, doing labour, helping around the area as well as doing the night patrols. My favourite part of it all is being around the extensive amount of wildlife and knowing that my effort is helping the local area."

From Ben Hernandez

"I have enjoyed volunteering at Osa Turtles and actively helping by going on night patrols. This has shown me the issues being faced by the turtle population in the Osa Peninsula and how we can affect them."

From Hassan Ahmed

"I volunteered at Osa Turtles through World Challenge and spent 5 days and 4 nights helping with data collection, patrolling, litter picking and other jobs around the camp site. The team and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time here and have felt that we have made a real difference through the work we have done. It has been such an eye-opening experience for me, especially doing the beach clean-up. My favourite part of this project was seeing a mother turtle lay her eggs during the first 3am beach walk shift. I recommend everyone to volunteer here and I can guarantee it will be both an inspiring and educational experience."

From Joe 

"This project has opened my eyes to the world of conservation. The patrols quickly become draining, but if you’re in the right place at the right time, they become incredibly rewarding. Working closely with people like Jamie who are so inspirational is great fun. I’ve also really enjoyed cleaning the beach which has been a great way to see first-hand how humans affect the environment and its inhabitants. It also feels great to know that the beach is now roughly 1800 pieces cleaner. I’m definitely more aware of the efforts and importance of conservation. Thank you to everyone involved with Osa Turtles for everything you do and for making the experience here incredible! P.S. The turtles are really beautiful creatures."

From Jasmine Geake, our passionate Volunteer of the Week!

Thank you, World Challenge Bristol, for your valued contributions to Osa Turtles this summer! Keep spreading your love for nature and protecting it!