SEE Turtles

Overview

Description

SEE Turtles links people with key sea turtle nesting sites in ways that directly support efforts to protect sea turtles. We support the efforts of three Costa Rican organizations to protect critical nesting habitat for leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles. All of our partners are working to solidify existing projects, expand their work to new beaches or species, and educate local residents on the importance of protecting sea turtles and other natural resources in their area. Visitors to these sites will participate in nightly nesting beach walks and see first-hand how researchers study and protect sea turtles and their eggs.

Making a Difference

While a few turtle sites have benefited from modest, tightly monitored tourism programs, most turtle conservation sites, despite stakeholder interest, have not been able to take advantage of this strategy. The two biggest reasons that local and regional groups have not been able to tap this market are the lack of resources to promote themselves in the tourism market or build the necessary infrastructure to accomodate tourists. The vast majority of turtle conservation groups around the world are small-budget groups working with few resources.

SEE Turtles strengthens the international network of sea turtle conservation organizations by filling these gaps in market access and capacity building. We are developing relationships with international tour operators to include sea turtle conservation activities, and are educating key constituencies through our website, media outreach, and other key venues. We are supporting capacity building efforts by providing mini-grants, sharing knowledge on the necessary components of a tourism strategy, and connecting partners with resources that can help build capacity. In addition, we are helping to improve how tourists, operators, and conservation organizations manage turtle viewing through the development and dissemination of a best practices guide.

Rates

$150 and up

We promote group tours managed by outside tour operators that range from $1,100 to $1,900 per person, including all ground costs (food, lodging, transport, guides, activities, and a donation to local conservation efforts), but not including airfare.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.seethewild.org/541/1/undiscovered-caribbean.html (available in English).
• www.seethewild.org/541/40/costa-rica-leatherback-turtles-volunteer-vacation.html (available in English).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: San José (SJO)

Nearest local/national airport: Limón (LIO); Tortuguero (TTQ); Puerto Jiménez (PJM)

Sites are accessible year-round.

The southern Caribbean sites are accessible by normal car and bus routes.

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

November 2011.

Photos courtesy of SEE Turtles, Costa Rica, for SustainableTrip.org.