Other beaches on the island where you can see sea turtles include Zoni Beach, Playa Resaca, Flamenco Beach, Playa Carlos Rosario and Playa Brava. This lagoon is a marine paradise to say the least. Thank you so much for planning our trip, being the best tour director ever, and making memories for us that will last a lifetime. Steps Beach, also known as Tres Palmas Marine Natural Reserve, is another great spot in Puerto Rico where you can see and swim with sea turtles. One of the many reasons Puerto Rico is a top destination for group incentive travel is its more than 200 miles of pristine coastline and nearly 300 beaches. Puerto Rico: Coral Reef Volunteer Program - Oceanic Society Here are few quotes from alumni who enjoyed this program: With a firm 96% rating from GoOverseas alums, Lang Tengah Turtle Watch is one of the best options for really adventurous volunteers. Also, be sure to check out their page on GoOverseas to look at some of the amazing photos past volunteers have shared! From mixology classes with local rum distillers to salsa lessons and historical tours, immerse your attendees in the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico. Thank you! We hope to plan another trip with you in the future! This will be an easy unguided snorkel, but we recommend practicing at home if you have not previously snorkeled. This program scores particularly well on safety and value -- something IVHQ programs are known for worldwide. Well arrive in time for a morning hike led by your Discovery Expeditions tour leader along the Mina Falls Trail ending at a very beautiful waterfall and swimming hole (swimming is optional but recommendedbring water shoes!). 265 reviews. The island has a super healthy and large coral reef system that attracts a huge range of marine life including sea turtles. Upcoming Orientations: All Orientations are held at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. The day is not quite over yet! There are several activities requiring moderate physical exertion including two kayaking activities, walking in the forest and on the beach, and snorkeling. In 2019, we also established our Expedition Impact Fund (EIF) as a way to grow our impact. We have many different programs that need volunteers who love turtles. You could try hiring a water bike for something a little bit different. Youll also be working with unique and amazingly impressive animals, like the breathtakingly beautiful Hawksbill or the living-dinosaur Leatherback Sea Turtle. In Puerto Rico, youll get the chance to meet 3 different species of turtle: hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles. Just before sundown, well gather in the conference room to hear a brief seminar on sea turtle biology and the survey methodology. Afterwards, your team can bask in the sun at La Esperanza or head down PR-686 to explore some of the north region'smost popular beaches, like Mar Chiquita, Los Tubos, and Mar Bella. Volunteers can also learn new skills, gain valuable knowledge, and make a meaningful difference in the world. Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides: Franois Baelen / Coral Reef Image Bank, Oceanic SocietyP.O. This project collects important biological information on turtles returning to Culebra's beaches to nest. This island is kinda famous for being an excellent snorkeling spot where you can see lots of interesting marine life like turtles, manatees, rays, starfish and more. These beaches are known to be nesting sites for sea turtles, and during hatching season (typically from May to August), you may be able to witness baby turtles making their way to the ocean. The department's website is www.800helpfla.com. Overnight: El Canario By The Lagoon. This itinerary is entirely flexible and customizable. The fun begins when a turtle is spotted. People are responsible for these ocean problems, and, at the same time, people are the solution. CORALations - Turtle Excursion Confirmation In 1984-1985, an exclusion fence was built to protect the turtles. I have changed so much as a person in that I am more open-minded and open to trying new things. Best Places To See Sea Turtles In Puerto Rico, 10. From then until the end of October, your team has the opportunity to witness the magic of the turtles nesting, hatching, and mad dash to the sea by volunteering with Para La Naturalezas sea turtle patrol. When arriving, and learning of the place whilst I was there. The temperature will be hot (high 80's to low 90's) with humidity but all accommodations offer air conditioning, as well as our private vehicle. Here are a few quotes from alumni to tell you more: With a perfect 100% score from three GoOverseas reviewers, IVSs sea turtle project in Ecuador is a great place to get some hands-on experience working with sea turtles in the field. Add to wishlist. Help us continue to protect and preserve our coast by hosting a beach cleanup day with your team. This beach is also known as Balneario El Escambron. Memorable events begin with an iconic setting. April, 5, 2023 @ 5:30 PM. Volunteer Abroad Sea Turtle Conservation Program - Pacific & Caribbean Mona Island is the perfect habitat and the best kept Caribbean refuge for many marine animals including turtles. As pioneers of eco travel, our expeditions have been designed to directly support, By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies and similar tracking technologies described in our, Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions, global research and conservation programs, 5 Volunteer Abroad Programs That Support Ocean Conservation, From Monkeys to Macaws, 15 Photos That Will Move Costa Rica to the Top of Your Travel List, By Land and Sea: Our Ridge to Reef Expeditions Include the Best of Both Worlds, Vamos a Cuba! In the northern town of Manat sits the peaceful and secluded Playa La Esperanza.Part of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, AKA Para La Naturaleza, hundreds of endangered sea turtles lay eggs on this beach every spring.From then until the end of October, your team has the opportunity to witness the magic of the turtles' nesting . The most popular beaches for scuba diving are Playa Sardineras, Playa Pajaros, Punta Arenas and Playa Mujeres. One of the many reasons Puerto Rico is a top destination for group incentive travel is its more than 200 miles of pristine coastline and nearly 300 beaches. The best way to see the animals is to get out onto the water as its difficult to see them from the shore. As sea turtles are flagship species, by studying them and the threats facing their survival . iStock.com/mangostock 1. After lunch will be open to relax, take a swim, or rest up for one more night on the beach looking for leatherbacks. You may have heard of it as it has a glowing bioluminescent bay, mangrove forests and a few nature reserves. We have reached the end of the trip! During peak nesting season, we expect (but cannot guarantee) to see leatherback sea turtles. 3-5 hours volunteering per day. Where To See Sea Turtles In Puerto Rico - 2023 Guide In the evening, we'll head to the Rincn ArtWalk in the town's central plaza to see local arts and crafts and listen tomusic. Today, the group leads one-day missions where volunteers deliver much-needed supplies to local schools and community centers. The adult throws sand into the air to cover up her tracks to the If you would like to go on this tour, or a similar trip, please get in touch. Make your way to San Juan (a mid-day flight arrival to San Juan is recommended), get settled in to your hotel and enjoy some relaxing time on the beach! Learn more about our organization. turtle is the largest living sea turtle in the world. Whether your team wants to volunteer at the Miramar Food Truck Park farmers market or help plant fruit trees at Rancho Orgnico Feliz, Food Producer Network offers a variety of experiences that allow your team to give back while also learning about the Islands prolific agricultural industry. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. We will be joined by a local turtle biologist who will talk to usabout his decades-long research on turtles in the area while we assist himwith his monitoring surveys! them. Follow their progress north! seen dropping into the nest. Gear will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you have it. This stunning nature reserve features a blue lagoon, mangroves, coral reefs and sandy beaches. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico manages the Sea Turtle Conservation Project on the island of Culebra. Check out the video below to see some of the turtles of Culebra Island seen whilst snorkeling: Did you know you can also see manatees in Puerto Rico? These turtles are known to nest in Isla Mona and Isla Culebra. Contact us to learn more about volunteer vacations. Please note that this is simply a sample itinerary to give you an idea of what we've done before and what we could create for you. Join the Sea Turtle Patrol with Para La Naturaleza. Late afternoon, we will visit the Luquillo area which has a variety of options to choose from local Afro-Caribbean food in the area (dinner not included today). (B), For a detailed itinerary, please email expeditions@oceanicsociety.org. I always use Viator to book my tours as theyre super reliable and have never let me down yet! SEE Turtles President Brad Nahill will also be leading the trip. So please, take a look at the programs above, find the one that is right for you, and if you think this is something you might like to do, go for it! Proceeds from the program fees go back toward conservation with the potential for up to 500 turtle hatchlings per participant to be saved at nesting sites. Volunteer For Turtle Watch - Puerto Rico - Travel Brain Puerto Rico is a safe island with great opportunities for turtle watching. The accommodation is walking distance to the marine reserve and located in aquiet, residential neighborhood. Working with the turtles was the, This was a great trip to experience lots of marine wildlife up close. Activity provider: Try Scuba Diving San Juan. PDF Marine Turtle Conservation Project PROYECTO TINGLADO Isla de Culebra Old San Juan has been called The Gibraltar of the Caribbean because Puerto Ricos geographic position at the western edge of the Caribbean made San Juan one of the key frontier outposts of Spains West Indies dominions. Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. Terms & Conditions Marine Conservation Volunteer Trips - Oceanic Society We will have lunch at a local restaurant nearby. Volunteer with marine conservation programs worldwide. February to August. As a volunteer, your responsibilities are to assist the technologists working for the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) of Puerto Rico by patrolling a nesting beach. When nesting, leatherbacks will not enter an area where The Leatherback Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the massive leatherback sea turtle throughout its global range through research, education and advocacy initiatives aimed at mitigating fisheries bycatch, reducing plastic pollution and combating climate change. The turtle is measured and the event The groups take to the beach at sunrise, when the turtles are more likely to hatch, and patrol typically ends just before noon. Discover the beauty of Puerto Rico from the sea. 2021, Sea Turtle Preservation Society111 South Miramar AvenueIndialantic, FL 32903Sea Turtle Preservation Society serves the community without discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, disability, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military status, religion, national origin, race, sex and sexual orientation.A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) within the state. Calle Castelar #68, Staff members will lead you out onto the beach during hatching season so you can see it for yourself. GLA offers a number of different service-learning opportunities, and one of their best is the Sea Turtle Initiative. 2023 Oceanic Society. Go Overseas alumni give the program excellent ratings in all its aspects, from support to safety. It also includes transport from mainland Puerto Rico to Culebra Island and back which is super handy. If groups are available to help, coordination with these groups should be well documented as part of the planning and implementation of projects. Private motor coach with professional driver & all transfers provided. 4 Volunteer Opportunities for Incentive Groups in Puerto Rico Scuba Dog Society is a local nonprofit that organizes various beach cleanups throughout the year. Below are nine programs picked by Go Overseas that cover a range of opportunities around the world to suit any taste and represent the best we have to offer. We will also give basic lessons for anyone who needs it. Travel info & inspiration, delivered straight to your inbox . In your spare time, you have easy access to beautiful diving, beaches, and national parks right in the same region. Our Federal Tax ID is 94-3105570. For the best chance of seeing the turtles, you should join a snorkeling tour with an expert guide who will show you where to find turtles without fail! Well depart Old San Juan in time to arrive back at the hotel in the mid afternoon to allow time to relax, rest up, and eat (on own) before a late night of leatherback patrols on Dorado Beach. After the past year, we know your group is ready to meet in person and spend time really getting to know each other. At least 8 people are required to confirm the trip. Buenos das! This program focuses on sustainable travel for its volunteers as they support the research mission. We will then a have farewell dinner with the group in the city followed by an optional night on the town. Prepare for yet another day of geological wonders! Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@seaturtlespacecoast.org with any questions you have. Well return to the hotel in the mid-late afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to coordinate a final group dinner or to explore the city solo!