Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the preferred exchange rate of 1.36
Established in Montreal in 1982.
This is the perfect program for teens who want to learn about and help with conservation efforts! You will travel to both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica while working with like-minded peers in an effort to protect the country’s sea turtle population. Healthy oceans need sea turtles to help maintain their complex ecosystems. Every day will be different as you help with various sea turtle conservation tasks such as scientific research, egg incubation and mangrove preservation. Afternoons and evenings will be just as hands-on and unique with harbor patrol, hatchling rescue and collecting and re-burying sea turtle eggs. There is so much to be done as you help to protect this endangered species. Outside your volunteering time, you will experience amazing adventures from ziplining to a sunset catamaran snorkel cruise. Your volunteer program in Costa Rica will be forever memorable and impactful!
Support sea turtle conservation efforts, including nesting, data collection, and protection.
Work at a hatchery aiding with egg incubation, measuring, and releasing hatchlings.
Set sail on a catamaran cruise.
Learn to surf with professional instructors.
Enjoy the refreshing waters of the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
Learn how to salsa at a Latin dance class.
Zip-line and hike through the jungle at Jaco.
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park on a guided tour.
At the Caribbean side of Costa Rica in Pacuare, work at the nesting beaches of Leatherback and Green sea turtles. Do nightly and daily patrols and spend time at the hatchery. On the Pacific side in Osa, support field work for the Hawksbill sea turtles through monitoring, tagging, taking measurements, and much more!
About LAST
LAST (Latin America Sea Turtles) are an expert network of biologists, community leaders and educators committed to a regional and sustainable approach to manage the conservation of Costa Rica’s depleted sea turtle populations. LAST is the Costa Rica branch of WIDECAST (Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network) which comprises more than 40 nations and territories.
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
Hotels & lodges.
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
Up to 24 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!
On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.
Important notes: