Transformative Journey: My Experience with Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica 🌊🐢

By Felena Casado Ramos | July, 10 2024

In the search for new experiences that would allow me to disconnect from the daily routine and reconnect with something different, I found an opportunity to participate in the sea turtle conservation program at the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge, located on the majestic Pacific coast of Costa Rica with Offbeat Travel. This natural sanctuary is not only home to several species of sea turtles, but has also become a place of personal transformation and deep reflection on the relationship we have with our environment and ourselves. From the moment I arrived at the refuge, I was greeted by an atmosphere of serenity and indescribable beauty, the constant sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the birds singing and the sea breeze created a perfect environment to immerse myself in a more conscious and harmonious life. I soon realized that this place was not only a haven for turtles, but also a sanctuary for the soul.

Awareness of resources

The various activities of the program and the dynamics of coexistence were accompanied by life lessons that became a "turning point" to renew my way of living. Each moment brought with it a different learning experience, life at the refuge was simple, focused on sustainability and minimal environmental impact, this experience taught me to value every resource, from water to energy, and to be more conscious of my ecological footprint, I understood that every small action counts and that we can all contribute to the conservation of the planet by adopting more sustainable habits in our daily lives and practicing responsible tourism when we are enjoying a trip. 

A transforming routine

Volunteering at the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge involved a series of daily tasks ranging from daily cleaning of the beach to welcome turtles, night patrols to protect turtle nests from predators and poachers, to picking up trash on the beach and releasing baby turtles into the sea. Each of these activities allowed me to develop a deeper connection with nature and appreciate the fragility and beauty of wildlife.

Supporting volunteer work involves sacrificing time, effort and resources, as well as stepping out of one's comfort zone. This experience taught me that it is in those moments of sacrifice and challenge that the greatest rewards are found. Leaving behind the comfort of my everyday life and facing the demands of volunteer work allowed me to grow and develop in ways I had never imagined. 

Cultural exchange and wonderful people

One of the greatest gifts of my experience at Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge was the opportunity to meet wonderful people. The Offbeat Travel staff, volunteers, refuge staff and local community members I worked and lived with left a lasting impression on me. The warmth, commitment and passion of these people for the conservation and well-being of the natural environment and local development inspired me deeply. Through our interactions and collaborations, I forged friendships and learned valuable lessons about cooperation, empathy and teamwork. I am eternally grateful to have shared this experience with such incredible people, who made this trip even more special and meaningful. The cultural exchange was wonderful, I worked side by side with people from different parts of the world, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences. This cultural exchange not only broadened my vision of the world, but also made my life even more meaningful which also allowed me to create bonds of friendship with people of different cultures and nationalities. Sharing stories, traditions and learning from each other was a fundamental part of this experience, reminding me of the richness and cultural diversity of our planet.

Integration with the local community

Volunteering at the refuge also gave me the opportunity to integrate with the local community, collaborating with local collectives to support local commerce and sustainable initiatives, contributing directly to the development and well-being of the community. Consuming at local markets, learning about Costa Rican culture through the art workshop with the “Papaturras” collective, and supporting the small local businesses we visited, made me realize the importance of fostering local and sustainable economies.

Decolonizing Tourism

At Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge, the focus was on collaboration and mutual respect. Working alongside the local community and supporting their sustainable initiatives made me aware of the importance of more equitable and respectful tourism. Decolonizing tourism involves recognizing and valuing local cultures, their knowledge and practices, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are distributed fairly.

The urgent need for reconnection

One of the most important conclusions of this experience was the urgent need for constant reconnection, both with nature and with ourselves. In the modern world it is easy to get lost in routine and responsibilities, forgetting the essence of what really matters. My time at the refuge reminded me that nature has a healing and transformative power, and that we need to find ways to integrate it into our daily lives to maintain a holistic balance and well-being.

Returning home after my experience at Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge filled me with nostalgia, I left behind a place that had become my refuge, but I took with me lessons and memories that were a turning point in my perspective on life, people, resources and nature. Now, more than ever, I feel a deep responsibility to take care of our planet and to live in a more conscious and sustainable way, while revaluing the importance of human relationships, the support we must give each other and be part of building a good, happy society.

Costa Rica is a wonderful country for its natural resources, landscapes, the friendliness and warmth of its people and serene life. I thank the Offbeat Travel team for having generated an experience that marked my life in a positive way, which resulted in a very satisfactory personal growth, without a doubt, it is an experience that I would like to repeat and that I recommend to all those who seek a personal transformation and a deeper connection with ourselves, the environment that surrounds us and our planet.