Maine Yoga Adventures is coming together with outstanding nonprofit conservation organization, Earthwatch, to assist on a 9 day Costa Rican Sea Turtles Expedition. Following our volunteer work, adventurers will spend extra time in Playa Grande with plenty of yoga, healthy vegetarian food, surf time and more!
Adventurers are free to choose just the expedition or just the adventure or both :)
Lead scientist Frank Paladino, Professor of Biology, Indiana-Purdue University, has a research team to help gain a better understanding of the ecology of endangered turtles that nest on the beaches of Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas. These beaches host the largest remaining population of leatherback turtles in the Eastern Pacific as well as important populations of olive ridley and East Pacific green turtles.
The work will consist of...
Observing and monitor nesting leatherbacks. Those working on the beach at night will visit each nesting leatherback to take measurements and record any unusual markings or injuries—in other words, you’ll get as close as a person can to these majestic animals.
Release hatchlings in the ocean. When babies start to emerge from the eggs in the hatchery, our team will take the tiny turtles down to the water's edge and release them into the wild.
Survey the beach. During the day, our team will count sea turtle nests on the beach, take nest temperatures, and look for signs of erosion that could put nests in danger.
Accommodations are at the Goldring Marine Biology Field Station perched at the edge of the beach. Team MYA will share a bedroom with bunk beds - if our numbers are 6 or more we're working solo with researchers. We'll have plenty of space to lounge at the pool or in the hammock. Typical tasty Costa Rican breakfasts and dinners of beans will be served up as well as ingredients for simple delicious lunches.
Adventurers can create an expedition fund through Earthwatch to receive tax-deductible donations to cover volunteering costs ($2,845 accommodations & food; flight is not included) or use another contribution platform such as GoFundMe.
Be sure to mention to possible donors that the former Principal Investigator for this project, Nathan Robinson, is the scientist seen removing a straw from a turtle’s nostril in what is considered to be the viral video responsible for straw bans!
Post-research expedition, adventurers will head to their own beautiful private space located further south. Also directly on the beach in close proximity to the estuary. It's the perfect site for hammock lounging, yoga, meditation, group meals, playing in the surf...
pics by adventurer Dori McCormick
Nature is abundant in this peaceful place. Nicely secluded in our backyard the glorious Costa Rican sunsets will reveal themselves!
As a delightful contrast, we're not far from the bustling town of Tamarindo with restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. We'll hit the the dance floor at the disco for a well-rounded adventure! So much more than a yoga retreat...
Casa Mandarina boasts a fully equipped kitchen that Rachel Hicks, our cook from Virginia, will work her magic in. Rachel comes to MYA with a vibrant passion for the outdoors, sustainability, food, and wellness. A yoga teacher with a masters in nutrition, Rachel has led retreats and workshops in her wheelhouse of health and well-being.
This will be MYA's 4th journey to Costa Rica via the airport in Liberia. Founder, Holly Twining, will fly from Boston, if adventurers feel more comfortable with a travel buddy. Flights are below $500.
