What is it like to volunteer at R.N.V.S.M. Romelia in Montezuma, Costa Rica?
When you sign up to volunteer with us in Montezuma, Costa Rica, you will have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of sea turtles. At Romelia, we work tirelessly to care for and protect these incredible creatures, and we rely on volunteers like you to help us achieve our goals. During the sea turtle season between July and December, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Ridley, Hawksbill, and Leatherback sea turtles, learning about their behaviors and helping to ensure their safety. But even outside the sea turtle season, there are still plenty of meaningful tasks to be done, from cleaning up the beaches to helping with community outreach programs. No matter what your skills or interests may be, there is a place for you at Romelia. So if you are ready to make a difference and have a truly unforgettable volunteer experience, we invite you to join us in Montezuma today.
Sea turtle conservation Project;Night Patrols & hatchery sitting:
When working with sea turtles in Montezuma, Costa Rica, we take a hands-on approach. When we come across a turtle, we take the necessary measurements of their carapace (shell) and nest dimensions, collect eggs, tag their flippers, or take DNA samples. It may be a lot of work, but it’s crucial to ensure the safety and protection of these magnificent creatures.
Once we have collected the eggs, we transport them to the hatchery. The volunteers on duty construct a new nest based on the measurements we took, and then the eggs are relocated. We record important data such as the number of eggs, the nest location, and the turtle’s identification information (tag number). This information is critical in analyzing the hatchling survival rate.
We always aim to avoid conflicts with egg poachers. If we do come across poachers, we remain calm and avoid any actions that may escalate the situation. It’s important to be mindful and respectful of the unwritten rule in this community, which states that the person(s) who arrive first are the “owners” of the eggs.
The Parks Trail Maintenance: As a volunteer at Romelia, you’ll play a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty of this refuge. With over 224.8 hectares (556 acres) of land to maintain, your tasks will include trail construction and maintenance, cleaning facilities, supporting research projects, collaborating with the environmental education program, and interacting with tourists. This work is especially important during the rainy season when growth seems to be never-ending. By protecting the diverse and endangered environments within the park, you’ll ensure that Romelia can be enjoyed by future generations.
Gardening and Vineyard Chores: If you have a passion for gardening or are interested in learning more about it, Romelia offers an opportunity for you to lend a hand in the onsite vineyard, greenhouse, and exotic fruit tree gardens. Alongside these endeavors, you can also assist in maintaining the park’s diverse and endangered environments. As a volunteer, your contribution will help to protect the natural beauty of Romelia for generations to come. Additionally, you can participate in the environmental education program, which aims to educate residents and visitors about preserving coastal and marine ecosystems and their biodiversity. Other volunteer opportunities include trail construction and maintenance, cleaning facilities, supporting research projects, and engaging with tourists.
Maintenance and creation of the park’s Signs: If you’re interested in volunteering at Romelia, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. From helping replace and create signs in the refuge using a router and paint, to trail construction and maintenance, cleaning facilities, supporting research projects, and engaging with tourists. Additionally, we offer accommodations in a two-story house that can sleep up to 10 volunteers. The house has all the necessary amenities, including running water, two showers, and a toilet. Downstairs, there’s a common area with hammocks, chairs, and picnic tables where you can relax after a hard day’s work. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a difference and help preserve the beauty of Romelia for years to come!
Food and house chores
If you’re considering volunteering at Romelia, you can look forward to three scrumptious meals a day, all prepared in the traditional Costa Rican family style. You’ll be treated to tasty dishes like rice, beans, tortillas, soups, vegetable stews, and pasta, all lovingly cooked by our compassionate chefs, Antonia or Sira. As a gesture of appreciation, we kindly request that volunteers take turns assisting with cooking and tidying up the kitchen and communal spaces. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with your fellow volunteers and play a part in ensuring the refuge runs smoothly.
Come and enjoy the amazing natural beauty of Montezuma, Costa Rica, reconnect with nature, and be the change you wish to see in the world by volunteering at Romelia.