Costa Rica
Sea Turtle Ecology

HIGHLIGHTS

Collect data on leatherback sea turtles
Explore a tropical rainforest ecosystem
Live like a researcher

ITINERARY

Join fellow students on a 7- or 9-day educational travel course in the rainforests of Costa Rica's Caribbean slope. You’ll travel by boat to Pacuare Reserve—a working field research station stewarded by EPI—and help scientists research and protect incredible species like leatherback sea turtles. When you’re not collecting data in the field, you’ll explore the biodiversity of a lowland tropical ecosystem on guided hikes with EPI instructors and Pacuare Reserve staff.

EPI’s Individual Student Travel Programs are designed for middle school, high school, and college students. You’ll join a group of other passionate students from all over the country, assist with real wildlife conservation projects, and propel your career path forward with confidence and a new sense of independence.

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FAQ

TUITION & DATES

Your Fieldwork

Work with nesting leatherbacks

& protect hatchlings

The Leatherback is the largest of all sea turtles. Join researchers conducting night-time censuses of nesting turtles and collect key biometric data on this threatened species. If nests are found in unsuitable locales, you'll help relocate the nests to ensure the safety and success of the hatchlings.

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"During the program, I learned about the scientific method and about the process that entails. One of those steps being to doubt and question, and then create hypothese about the behavior of any process or behavior in nature."
-David, Costa Rica Alum

"As a result of my visit to Pacuare Reserve, I've committed to working hard to improve the conservation efforts of my own community.
-Elisa, Costa Rica Alum

Partner Profile

Pacuare Reserve is a scientifically managed wildlife reserve on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast. Home to the most important leatherback nesting beach in Costa Rica, the reserve hosts a range of scientists studying sea turtles and other rare wildlife such as the jaguar and agami heron. Fundamental to its model of community-based conservation is the belief that students and teachers must be involved in the scientific study and preservation of wild habitat.

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