The project

Get hands-on experience in conservation as you work to protect endangered sea turtles along one of the most secluded and untouched beaches on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. Four of the world’s seven sea turtles seasonally nest here, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. On this coastal conservation program, you’ll participate in beach patrols, nest monitoring, hatchery maintenance, and more. 

Projects are run from our eco-conscious field station, which operates on clean energy. A mangrove estuary surrounds our base, in an area known for dramatic volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches. While engaging in hands-on turtle conservation, you could also spot humpback whales, pantropical spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, iguanas and over 80 species of birds!

The program

On our sea turtle conservation program, you’ll learn how to monitor, relocate, protect and collect data on threatened and endangered sea turtles. Activities include night beach patrols, observing egg laying, assisting with nest relocations, monitoring hatching and release, and updating data sets.

This program also focuses on engaging with the local community, whose wealth of knowledge on marine life allows us to maximise our conservation efforts. You’ll work closely with the local community to uphold sustainable tourism practices and raise awareness.

Participants in this program contribute to key projects, including:

1. Beach patrols: Conduct sunrise and night patrols while looking for nesting hawksbill sea turtles. Assist staff with collecting and relocating nests to hatcheries for protection.

2. Turtle identification and data entry: Collect information on nesting and visiting turtles and contribute to long-term conservation efforts.

3. Hatchery monitoring and upkeep: Get hands-on with hatchery construction and maintenance, ensuring a safe environment for turtle hatchlings.

4. Mangrove reforestation and beach cleanups: Propagate new trees and participate in replanting campaigns. Conduct cleanup campaigns and record data.

Species

As a prime turtle nesting location, you’ll have a chance to spot four of the world’s seven sea turtle species – hawksbill, green, Kemp’s ridley and olive ridley. Marine species include humpback whales, pantropical spotted dolphins and common bottlenose dolphins. Coastal species include iguanas, squirrels, mangrove crabs and over 80 species of resident and migratory birds. 

Location

Your home base is on the peninsula of Los Brasiles, in the Poneloya community, a tropical paradise off Nicaragua’s Pacific coast with white sand beaches and unique biodiversity. This landscape is dominated by a mangrove estuary and a 15 km sand barrier, where sea turtles nest seasonally. Beyond our field station, the landscape boasts dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the Maribios volcanic range where you can find the famous Cerro Negro volcano, the only place in the world where you can experience volcano boarding. 

Downtime

Our field station faces the sea, offering perfect opportunities for downtime surfing the waves or soaking up the sun. Use your free time to hike the nearby volcanic landscape, go volcano boarding at Maribios, head out into the surf on a kayak tour or explore the landscape on horseback. 

Experience nearby Leon’s 500-year history through its museums and architecture, or explore its vibrant arts scene. Indulge in fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants, or immerse in local culture as you learn traditional fishing practices. While you explore keep an eye out for some of the area’s 80 bird species, including roseate spoonbills, tricoloured herons and chocoyos.