Premier Wildlife Expedition Facilitator

Volunteer at One of the World's Greatest Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches

Give Yourself the Chance to Witness One of Nature's Greatest Wildlife Phenomena

Ready to make a difference?

Do it Now in Costa Rica or Remote!

🏝️

On-Site Hero

  • Live on the beachfront
  • Night patrols & research
  • 3 meals daily included
  • Local culture immersion
  • Training & certification
Only 4 spots left for next month
🌍

Remote Guardian

  • Fund critical equipment used on site
  • Support active sea turtle protection
  • Digital acknowledgment certificate
  • Focus on protecting endangered species (Baula)

Your support helps fund essential equipment and on-site conservation work.

Based on official refuge conservation records

0
Turtles in Largest Arribadas
0
Hectares Protected
0
Endangered Species
0
Year Established

Why Volunteers Choose Us

  • ✓ 100% Local Organization: Based directly in Ostional
  • ✓ Exclusive Access: We process all permits for the Refuge
  • ✓ Complete Logistics: Accommodations and meals included
  • ✓ Official Certificate: Ministry of Environment certified

The Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, the Ostional Wildlife Refuge hosts the world's second-largest synchronized sea turtle nesting phenomenon known as "Arribada," where up to 200,000 Olive Ridley turtles nest simultaneously.

Since 1984, this protected area has been conserving 510 hectares of coastal land and 8,054 hectares of marine habitat, including vital mangrove ecosystems.

🐢 3 Endangered Species Protected
🌊 18km of Protected Coastline
🤝 Community-Led Conservation
Ostional Beach

Your Journey to Costa Rica

We are a 100% local organization. No international extra fees. Book directly with a Costa Rica organization. Come and make direct impact globally.

1

Apply

Fill the application form.

2

Confirmation

Receive confirmation.

3

Deposit

Make a deposit to confirm your stay.

4

Arrive

Arrive to Nosara Airport (NOB) or get concierge guidance to arrive from San Jose (SJO).

5

Volunteer

Start your volunteer program.

📍 Local Action 🌎 Global Impact

"Playa Ostional is one of the most important Olive Ridley mass-nesting ('arribada') beaches in the world." National Geographic

"All seven sea turtle species are considered at least threatened globally; six are listed in IUCN threatened categories." IUCN Red List

"In the Caribbean, historical overexploitation eliminated ~95% of an estimated 19–33 million Green turtles." Jackson et al. (2001), Science

"Olive Ridley turtles, the primary nesting species at Ostional, are classified as Vulnerable globally." IUCN

"In Cape Verde, loggerhead turtle nesting increased from ~500 to ~35,000 nests following community-based conservation." Conservation Success Story

Protecting critical nesting beaches like Ostional has global impact

Get the Free Volunteer Brochure

Everything you need to know about dates, daily life, and what to expect at the refuge — sent instantly to your inbox.

Hear From Our Volunteers

"The night patrol during an arribada was the most incredible wildlife experience of my life. Working directly with the local conservationists at Ostional gave me hands-on field experience I'll never forget."
Emily R. Biology Student • Stayed 3 Weeks • Canada
"Knowing my donation directly funds the equipment used by the rangers on the beach gives me purpose. It's real, tangible conservation without the agency middlemen."
James T. Remote Guardian • United Kingdom
"As a volunteer, I felt truly embedded in the community. Releasing hatchlings at sunrise alongside the local team taught me so much about authentic, community-led conservation."
Maria L. Gap Year Volunteer • Stayed 4 Weeks • Spain