IVHQ Turtle Conservation Program in San Jose, Costa Rica

I went to Junquillal Beach (Costa Rica) for 3 weeks. I am feeling so lucky to get this amazing experience, which was absolutely one of the most exiting of my life. I made new special friends from all over the world! I had the unique opportunity to see Lora turtles laying eggs and to get in my hand a baby turtle, I have seen them go to the ocean. This is something I can explains with words, it touch your heart. If you are looking for a restful holiday you are in the wrong place: but no work could be too hard if this is the reward. I wiil be back in Junquillal one day, that's for sure!

I was fortunate enough to volunteer in Costa Rica this Spring, and believe that every person with the means to do so should absolutely volunteer abroad! I was placed in Junquillal, CR in a camp that was a short walk from the beach. Every day we woke up and went to the beach before we started a hard day's work. We'd spend a few hours every day working outside either in the camp, on the beach, or doing work for the community. We patrolled the beach on different shifts looking for sea turtle nests, and if you were lucky enough to be on the late night shift, you'd likely walk out to see the milky way reflecting on the waves. Everyone I met during my trip -- the IVHQ team, the local organizations, and other volunteers -- made the adventure so easy and warm. I'm actually already planning on another trip with IVHQ!

I stayed a Junquillial at the Verdiazul turtle conservation project and I had a wonderful time. The conservation work is valuable and rewarding and you learn so much in a hands-on way. The area is remote and beautiful, but there are some restaurants that serve good food and are not over-priced, so you can go out to eat for some of the evenings if you feel like a change. I was there in low season for turtles, but still saw several hatching, did an egg examination, and the most spectacular was I saw a turtle laying her eggs when on night patrol. A surprising feature of this site is that it also seems to be a dog sanctuary. Many of the local dogs have ended up living their because Bertha, the cook, is dog mom and town go-to person when a dog is trouble. It is awesome - if you love dogs. They have their own personalities and are true characters in the project. The final and most important feature was the staff: they are knowledgeable, dedicated, professional and friendly. Just go and check it out :)