Volunteers & Researchers

Download Volunteers Manual

1. WHO ARE WE AND WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
2. CLIMATE
3. DIET & LODGING
4. WHAT TO BRING/WHAT'S INCLUDED- FOOD, LAUNDRY, WIFI INTERNET ACCESS
5. EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL WEEK / WORK AND FREE TIME
6. REQUIREMENTS: WAIVER, STATION RULES, MEDICAL FORM
7. GETTING HERE AND HOME AGAIN (TRAVEL/VISAS)
8. COSTS

WHO ARE WE AND WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?

We are a non-profit biological research and education center formed by community members ("citizen scientists") and Costa Rican scientists to create a culture of environmental conservation in Costa Rica.

Reserva Playa Tortuga works with the local communities, national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations and individuals to promote environmental awareness and conservation actions in favor of protection of natural resources and the creation / re-creation of intact coastal marine environments, and the development of responsible ecological tourism.

Reserva Playa Tortuga is located just 3.5 hours from San Jose, in Ojochal de Osa on the Southern Pacific Coast Of Costa Rica. The Reserva offers a unique environment to researchers and volunteers.

It is situated at the mouth of the Terraba river which is a part of The Terraba Sierpe national wetlands (30,654 ha) one of the largest and most important wetlands in Central America and a RAMSAR site; and it is just outside of Marino Ballena National Park. The reserve is located in tropical rainforest. Some of the habitats found within RPT are Pasture, Swamp, Estuary, Coral reefs, Sand beach, Rocky beach, Riparian forest, Mangrove forest, Regenerating forest and Secondary forest.

CLIMATE

This region maintains an average humidity of 75% during the dry season, rising during the rainy season, reaching 90% in July, October and December.

Strangely enough, late June or July normally experiences a "veranillo" (little summer) with a dramatic decrease in rain.

Turtle Season (July-December) is rainy season here in the Southern Zone.

The weather changes very rapidly. Humidity is often very high (They don't call it rainforest for nothing).

However, we do get plenty of sun, it is frequently sunny until mid afternoon with rains coming in the afternoons for a few hours.

DIET and LODGING:

WHAT TO BRING/WHAT'S INCLUDED- FOOD, LAUNDRY, WIFI INTERNET ACCESS

1. Good-Quality poncho- we like ponchos as they are not hot, or a rain jacket.
2. BPA Free or Stainless Steel Water Bottle (at least 2)
3. Alarm clock
4. Waterproof watch
5. Binoculars (if you have them- good ones pref. waterproof)
6. Flashlight, LED head lamps are ideal w/red light,with rechargeable batteries (we have chargers)
7. Quick drying clothing for a warm/hot tropical climate (cotton can a long time to dry) -bring clothes that you are not worried about ruining.
8. Black or dark colored clothes for night time beach patrols/walks

9. Several t-shirts, shorts, light long pants w/pockets, light long sleeve shirt-enough clothes for a week-we have a washer.
10. 2 pairs of sturdy shoes for walking the beach at night (water shoes work great for the beach walks) and hiking in the area (bulky hiking boots are not necessary) day hikers, rubber boots, or tennis shoes.
11. Sandals (good ones!) , Rubber Boots and or water Shoes.
12. Swimsuit(s)
13. Insect repellant - (not to be used on the beach with turtles)
14. 2 Beach/Bath towels.
15. Waterproof sunscreen
16. Biodegradable shampoo, soaps etc., personal toiletries
17. Sunglasses.
18. Camera. (waterproof is always good).
19. Things to donate to local schools and/or our community education center are welcome!
20. International calling cards are available for purchase in local stores or cell phone rental in the airport
21. 2 Photo copies of your passport.
22. Entertainment: books, games, music, guitar, paints, soccer balls, etc.

Wish List

Many items we use on RPT projects are expensive and hard to get in Costa Rica. Volunteers that are willing to bring and donate any of the following items would be greatly appreciated.

• Latex Gloves
• First-aid Kits / Items
• Waterproof Headlamps and Flashlights with red lights
• Rechargeable Batteries
• Waterproof (Rite in the rain brand) Notebooks and Pens
• Rain Gear
• Backpacks (small with lots of pockets)
• Insect Repellant
• GPS units
• Cameras (waterproof)
• Alarm clocks
• Waterproof Binoculars
• Anything Else You Think Would Help

EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL WEEK / WORK AND FREE TIME

RPT REQUIRES THAT YOU VOLUNTEER 5.5 DAYS FOR EVERY WEEK YOU STAY AND 6 HOURS EACH DAY. VOLUNTEERS MAY CHOOSE TO WORK MORE HOURS AND MAY SELECT WHICH PROJECT(S) THEY WOULD PREFER TO WORK ON. SPACES ARE LIMITED, ESPECIALLY ON THE TURTLE PROJECT, NO MORE THAN 8 PEOPLE MAY BE PATROLING AT ONCE (COUPLES MAY NOT ALWAYS BE ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER).

DURING VOLUNTEER FREE TIME THERE ARE MANY TOURS AND ACITIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM: SURF LESSONS, HORSEBACK RIDING, ZIPLINE TOURS, PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS, HIKING, WATERFALLS, LOCAL BEACHES, SNORKELING AND DIVING AMONG MANY OTHERS.

VOLUNTEERS MAY BOOK THROUGH WWW.UVITA.INFO OR WE CAN HELP YOU TO BOOK ACTIVITIES UPON ARRIVAL.

OJOCHAL ALSO HAS MANY RESTAURANTS, A SUPERMARKET, PULPERIAS, SHOPS AND BARS IN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE RESERVA.

THERE ARE ALSO BUSES TO UVITA, DOMINICAL, QUEPOS AND TO THE REST OF COSTA RICA AND PANAMA (WE ARE 2.5 HOURS FROM THE BORDER).

>> RESERVA PLAYA TORTUGA VOLUNTEER MANUAL PACKAGE - 2011 (this page in PDF)

>> Volunteer Emergency Contact Form [PDF]

>> Waiver and Release of Liability for Volunteers/Tourist [PDF]

>> Reserva Playa Tortuga Field Station Rules (printable PDF)

Reserva Playa Tortuga Field Station Rules

• Absolutely NO Swimming or Surfing in the ocean while working on RPT Projects (due to dangerous waves and currents). You may swim/surf during free time at YOUR OWN RISK- Reserva Playa Tortuga assumes no liability.
• No walking trails or other parts of RPT alone- you must advise coordinator, resident biologist or station manager where you are going and your estimated return time.
• Do not handle snakes or other wild animals.
• Wear closed shoes after sundown. Poisonous snakes, spiders, scorpions are rarely seen, but they do live in the area.
• Maintain books in their proper order in the Station library and sign out books when they are removed from the library.
• Report any maintenance needs or other problems with the facilities.
• Please do not eat in the bedrooms or leave open food wrappers/garbage.
• Place recyclables in their appropriate receptacles at the RPT station (cans, glass, plastic and organic waste).
• Please use only biodegradable soaps and bathing products. Laundry service is free 1x per week.
• Remove dirty boots or shoes before entering the buildings.
• Please return all RPT equipment clean and in good condition- You will be charged for lost or damaged RPT equipment.
• Conserve energy and turn off lights when not in use.
• Alcohol/Drug consumption is not permitted. RPT reserves the right to expel researchers or volunteers for alcohol or drug consumption while on RPT grounds or projects.
• Possession or consumption of drugs and other illegal substances is strictly prohibited. RPT reserves the right to remove volunteers, researchers or employees consuming or possessing illegal drugs/substances.
• Quiet hours are from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am- except during sea turtle project (you will be briefed on Qhrs).
• The Gates will be closed at 10 pm volunteers and researchers must be inside gates before this time unless special arrangements have been made in advance.
• Researchers and resident biologists must obtain research permits in advance from RPT.
• If a room key is lost there is a $20.00 charge.
• Speak with the RPT staff if you need anything.
• Please let the staff know if you need to store valuables.
• RPT is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.

GETTING THERE AND HOME AGAIN

There are options for all budgets to travel to RPT once in Costa Rica - bus, taxi, private transfer, or short hop flight by air. If you need any additional help, please email us or visit www.uvita.info.

Visa information

To work as a volunteer at the project, you need only have a tourist visa. Most North American and European nationals automatically receive a ninety day visa upon entering the country and are not required to obtain one in advance.

Nationals from several South American countries, however, are required to obtain a tourist visa from the Costa Rican embassy in their country prior to arrival. The information regarding the extension of tourist visas may be found here.

Upon entering the country, it is very possible that immigration officials will ask you to present an exit ticket out of the country, and sometimes even upon departing your home country. If you have no return ticket, you will need to obtain a ticket to another country.

Please make sure your passport is valid throughout your entire stay in Costa Rica.

Travel/Medical/Accident insurance

In order to participate in our program you should travel with your own travel insurance that will provide medical and accident assistance throughout the entirety of your trip.

Accommodation in San José

Casa Ridgway
Telephone: INT+506-2233-6168
Address: Between Avenidas 6 and 8 on Calle 15

Costa Rica Backpackers
Telephone: INT+506-2221-6191
Address: Between Calles 21 and 23 on Avenida 6
Economical, centrally-located, with a pool and complete backpacker facilities.

Hotel Aranjuez
Telephone: INT+506-2256-1825
Address: Between Avenida 11 and 13 on Calle 19
Mid-range hotel with a central location.

VOLUNTEER COSTS