Prepare for yet another day of geological wonders! Despite the designation of hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles as endangered in 1970, researchers report that their populations are still decreasing. Puerto Rico is a safe island with great opportunities for turtle watching. This area is known for its bioluminescence, which makes for a magical experience. Volunteers meet at sunset and spend the night on the . In the rest of this article, Ill cover the other places in Puerto Rico where you can see turtles and some tips on how to increase your chances of seeing them. The tours are designed to be educational and informative, and visitors are often able to witness the baby turtles as they make their way to the sea. Felices viajes! The famous Caribbean trade winds gently buffet these two islands, but the weather is warm and balmy just about every day of the year. Our Federal Tax ID is 94-3105570. For the past few months I have been living and working at a Leatherback Sea Turtle nesting beach in Costa Rica, and I havent looked back! In They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see. Option to Receive Graduate CreditThis course is accredited through the Dominican University of California (2-3 CR available), Aligned with your CurriculumEnrich your lesson plans by gaining first-hand experience of Puerto Ricos rich natural, historical and cultural heritage, Every traveler participating in the trip receives a Certificate of Completion from Discovery Expeditions, Observe the wonder of sea turtles nesting and participate in patrols and data collection of nesting beaches to aid in their protection, Hike in Puerto Ricos tropical rainforest and swim under a tropical waterfall, Take a guided tour through Camuy Caverns and enrich your understanding of geology and Puerto Rican history, Listen to talks from expert conservationists on conservation issues, Gain a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges of marine conservation through direct, hands-on experiences. 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!). Insurance The fun begins when a turtle is spotted. Crespo expects at least 4,000 baby tinglares - as the black and white-spotted turtles are known in Puerto Rico - to hit the ocean this year. Volunteering with sea turtles is an immensely rewarding experience. The day is not quite over yet! It's Still Possible to Join a Cuba Expedition in 2020. Learn about the rich natural and cultural history of this beautiful island, hike through a tropical rain forest and kayak through a mangrove channel into a bioluminescent bay. Check out our list below and let your volunteering experience in Puerto Rico begin! The best place to see sea turtles on this island is at Tamarindo Beach which youll find on the western side. This will be an in-water activity, involving catching and studying these turtles from the beach (the catching will be done by professionals). While we loved guiding this private tour, it is purely an example of what can be possible and we will tailor your day to day program to your interests. Imagine helping an For eight days, participants will help with sea turtle research while exploring the local scenery and enjoying sightings of other wildlife such as sharks, whales, and dolphins. The groups take to the beach at sunrise, when the turtles are more likely to hatch, and patrol typically ends just before noon. These charismatic and endangered animals are easy and safe to work with, and they need our help! Airfare and baggage fees (to be purchased at the discretion and responsibility of each participant), Customs and immigration fees at airports or border crossings, Various meals or drinks listed as on own in the itinerary when the group is dispersed for self-exploration. Desecheo is a small, uninhabited island that is a National Wildlife Refuge and a prime location for scuba diving and snorkeling. *For those interested in a little local nightlife, taxis and company can be organized to La Placita de Santurce for a relaxed dinner at the popular Jose Enriques. SEE Turtles, 5605 Southeast Rural Street, Portland, OR, 97206, United States, Promoting Inclusivity in the Turtle Community, Sign Up For Our Turtles & Plastic Newsletter, promoting inclusivity in the sea turtle community. All rights reserved. April, 5, 2023 @ 5:30 PM. You may have heard of it as it has a glowing bioluminescent bay, mangrove forests and a few nature reserves. There are several activities requiring moderate physical exertion including two kayaking activities, walking in the forest and on the beach, and snorkeling. The group can split into two with one group walking further down the beach, Overnight at Parador El Faro (2 nights). After breakfast today, we will head out for an easy kayaking trip to explore the areas reefs with glass bottom kayaks. This project mainly works with Green Sea Turtles, and visitors can expect to patrol beaches, manage eggs, and get to help release sea turtle hatchlings into their ocean home. This immersive volunteer vacation will sharpen your reef fish ID skills and get you familiar with field techniques that scientists use to evaluate the health of coral reefs. The sea turtles are most often seen at Esperanza Beach, Mosquito Pier and Playa Pata Prieta. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. POSADA La Hamaca. Gear will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you have it. Spring and summer is the best time for turtle watching in Puerto Rico. Arrive at Rafael Hernndez International Airport (BQN) and take a taxi to group lodging in Rincon. One volunteer counts the big fertile eggs, while There are many ways your group can have a positive impact on the Island during your visit. These two rooms have a shared bathroom. Upcoming Orientations: All Orientations are held at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. promoting the protection of valuable nesting habitats that are currently not safeguarded. Our boat will take us to snorkel some of the reefs around the island, and we will compare fish communities and coral heath between Desecheo (offshore) and Tres Palmas (near shore). Transfer by taxi to RafaelHernndez International Airport (BQN) to fly home - or if staying on we canhelp you arrange transport from Rincon if needed, to your next destination. My friend went there recently and told me he saw 5 turtles all in one spot! adult turtle lay her eggs! Franois Baelen / Coral Reef Image Bank, Oceanic SocietyP.O. Certificate of CompletionEvery traveler participating in the trip receives a Certificate of Completion from Discovery Expeditions. Volunteers aged 16 and 17. We have many different programs that need volunteers who love turtles. 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. The average adult weighs Depending on the amount of time you wish to donate, where you want to volunteer with sea turtles, and the amount of adventure youre looking to endure, there are options that can satisfy any traveler. Show more, You can help protect baby turtles in Puerto Rico by volunteering with local conservation organizations that monitor nesting sites, participate in beach cleanups, and educate the public about the importance of turtle conservation. Thank you for gifting us all with lifelong memories & experiences. 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? Volunteers can also learn new skills, gain valuable knowledge, and make a meaningful difference in the world. Although they are found in oceans around the world, sea turtles tend to nest on tropical and subtropical beaches on almost every continent. 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. The hawksbill sea turtle population has declined globally by over 80% during the last century. The leatherback sea turtle is the largest living sea turtle in the world. As mentioned above, all the various sea turtles around the world are endangered. View all 10 images. experience into words when she exclaimed, "I feel like I'm in a National I always use Viator to book my tours as theyre super reliable and have never let me down yet! A unique opportunity for 16 and 17 year olds to volunteer in Puerto Rico in the summer. This gives you the opportunity to row right alongside the turtles and because the kayak is transparent, youll be able to see them swimming right beneath you!! San Juan: Swimming and Snorkeling Tour with Turtles. We will also give basic lessons for anyone who needs it. 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 . and it even includes a GoPro video of you snorkeling so you can remember the experience forever! This snorkeling tour is one of the best rated ones and includes transport to and from the reserve. Condado Lagoon is another great place to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico and its located right in the capital city of San Juan so its easy to access. The Bioluminescent Bay (AKA BioBay) luminescence is triggered by dinoflagellates, oceanic plankton which is able to generate an emerald green and ultramarine illumination when water is physically disturbed. Another benefit of volunteering is the chance to work and live in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. We will have lunch at a local restaurant nearby. We know when and where they will be nesting or foraging, you don't need to be a biologist or speak Spanish, and our trips directly benefit conservation efforts. Read an update from our partners in Puerto Rico and learn more about the work you will participate in. No meals planned for today so grab something on the way or we will provide recommendations near the hotel. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Stay in the small surf town of Rincn and learn about the sea turtle conservation efforts at Tres Hermanos Beach. Academic Credit Contact us today to start planning. It takes about 60 days for the babies to hatch, so from April till August you can watch nature's spectacle: tiny hatchlings are striving through the sand to reach the ocean. Check out these quotes from program alumni: A Broader View scores 9.8 out of 10 in every category from Go Overseas users, meaning it is excellent in all the ways you find important! Show more, You can witness baby turtles hatching in Puerto Rico during the months of May to August. For lunch, well eat authentic Puerto Rican food at El Jibarito restaurant, a local favorite.