Jaguars in
Tortuguero
Go wild with jaguars! Experience travel with a splash of conservation by participating in a Jaguar Eco-Volunteer Program in Costa Rica thanks to our partnership with Coastal Jaguar Conservation. This fun and educational opportunity blends research with an exotic location to get you involved in protecting endangered jaguars.8 Nights, Lodging, Most Meals, Research Training, In-Country Transfers, Canal Tour
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About the Program
Who can participate?
Are there any requirements to participate?
Why is this program unique?
When are the program dates?
How much does the program cost?
What will my accommodations be like?
About the Program
Since the late 1990s, Sea Turtle Conservancy researchers in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, have been documenting a steady increase in the number of nesting green turtles preyed upon by jaguars. In 2012, Coastal Jaguar Conservation began to investigate this increasing predator-prey interaction and the overall dynamics of the Tortuguero jaguar population. Despite this somewhat concerning trend, the number of green turtles killed each year by jaguars is quite small in proportion to the size of the nesting colony, and the loss from predation, so far, has only had a negligible impact on recovery efforts for Tortuguero’s green turtles. In contrast, jaguars kill a large proportion of the leatherback turtle nesting population every season, which may be of concern. Meanwhile, there is growing evidence that Tortuguero’s turtle population plays a major role in the survival, health and unique behavior of an important population of jaguars.
Camera trap surveys
A daily survey of the beach (Miles 5 to 8) to locate predated marine turtles by jaguars, and the installation of camera traps at these sites. Survey duration: all morning (starting at 6am). Size group: 1-4 volunteers.
A once monthly survey of the permanent camera trap stations located along the entirety of the beach (Miles 3 to 18). Survey duration: all day (starting between 5 and 6am). Size group: 4 volunteers. For this survey, STC will facilitate transportation to pick up the team at Jalova river mouth in the afternoon.
Jaguar predation on marine turtles (known as ‘JagWalk’)
A once monthly survey consisting of walking the entirety of the beach (Miles 3 to 18) to collect data on marine turtles predated by jaguars and jaguar presence. Size group: 4 volunteers.
Who can participate?
Eco-Volunteer Participants must be 18 years or older. This experience is ideal for educators, couples, spring breakers, groups, or anyone who is interested in helping jaguars and making a difference. Discounts are available for groups of six or more.
The long camera trapping survey is over 14 miles long and can be very physically challenging
Volunteers must speak English, and preferably have a scientific or research based background
Are there any requirements to participate?
All Eco-Volunteers must be in good physical health. It is important that all travelers are aware of the demanding physical conditions before signing up. We need you to accurately evaluate your ability to meet the conditions detailed below in order to safeguard your health and safety, and ensure that you can participate fully and effectively. If you feel you do not meet these considerations, please reconsider taking part in this program.
Sea Turtle Conservancy’s research programs are scientific research projects, not guided tours. STC makes every effort to describe field conditions accurately, but fieldwork in remote locations is a delicate business and prone to last-minute change, flexibility is a must. STC’s programs are not package holidays! You will be assisting researchers with scientific field work at a remote field station, and when not working you will have unsupervised free time to relax and enjoy the nature surrounding you.
Phobias to snakes and insects may pose a problem, although encounters with snakes are unlikely. If you are allergic to insect bites, bees or wasps please come prepared with appropriate medication or epi-kit. To avoid dehydration and other heat related you must bring a water bottle in order to stay hydrated during field activities. Diabetics without previous experience of how physical exertion in a hot climate may affect their insulin levels are advised to speak with a doctor.
While there are no extreme physical conditioning or psychological demands, be sure you are able to walk at least 5 or 7 miles of beach during the day. You should be able to carry about a 5 lb pack (backpacks are used to carry the team’s field equipment) while walking on sand. Walking on uneven sand is difficult and not recommended for people with heart conditions, prosthetic limbs, or limited mobility. Minor injuries or scrapes due to falls or tripping over obstacles on the beach can occur.
Why is this program unique?
This is an exciting way to participate in sea turtle conservation while vacationing in an exotic, tropical location. What makes STC’s Eco-Volunteer program even better is that your money will be supporting sea turtle conservation at one of the most important nesting beaches in the Western Hemisphere. Plus, a portion of your fee is tax deductible!
It will also help support the conservation efforts of our partners, Coastal Jaguar Conservation.
Download Jaguar Program Itinerary
When are the program dates?
Program runs from June through October. Options include 1 or 2 week sessions.
2021 Jaguar Program 1 Week Sessions
June 26 – July 4, 2021
August 7 – 15, 2021
August 28 – Sept 5, 2021
September 25 – Oct 3, 2021
2021 Jaguar / Green Turtle Combo Program 2 Week Sessions
June 26 – July 11, 2021
July 31 – 15, 2021
August 7 – 22, 2021
August 21 – Sept 5, 2021
August 28 – Sept 12, 2021
September 18 – Oct 3, 2021
September 25 – Oct 10, 2021
How much does the program cost?
Prices start at $1,890 per person, all inclusive. This price does not include international airfare.
| 2019 Program Rate | Session Length | STC Dormitory | STC Scientist Residence | Eco-Lodge |
| Jaguar Program | 1 week | $1,929 | $2,109* / $1,890** | $2,400* / $2,050** |
| Jaguar & Turtle Combo | 2 weeks | $2,536 | $2,926* / $2,567** | $3,606* / $3,075** |
All prices are in US$ and are per person. * Single Occupancy / ** Double Occupancy. | ||||
What will my accommodations be like?
There are three types of accommodations available:
$ Rustic, dorm-style living, includes 3 sets of bunk beds and community bathrooms.
$ Scientist residence includes private bedrooms and bathrooms with a common living area.
$ Eco-lodge has completely private accommodations only a ten minute walk from the research station. (Visit the Mawamba Lodge website)
Images of STC’s Research Station.
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To reserve your place in one of the above research sessions, contact Sea Turtle Conservancy directly as soon as possible by phone or email or our convenient online form.
To register:
1) Submit the Online Registration Form or call STC at 352-373-6441 for initial registration, confirmation of dates, and contact number for travel information.
2) Secure your reservation with a $200 deposit as soon as possible.
Receive training in jaguar biology and conservation.
You will have time to explore the local town, walk the beach or hike the forest.
Choose from three comfort levels, from shared accommodations to eco-lodge.
Includes a guided wildlife canal tour lead by a local naturalist.
Includes land and boat transport to Tortuguero, return flight to San José.
Daily jaguar camera trap and ‘jag’ walk field research.
