Corozalito
Playa Corozalito is located in the southern region of the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. In response to community anecdotal reports of high numbers of nesting sea turtles, PRETOMA researchers initiated a monitoring study in August, 2008. Since then the organization has recorded a high level of nesting activity for olive ridly (Lepidochelys olivacea), Pacific green (Chelonia mydas), and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. We have also documented massive nesting events during successive nights and are researching reports from community members that a small “arribada” or synchronized nesting phenomenon takes place here. You can participate in this project as a volunteer (July 15th – December 15th) or as a field coordinator or assistant (July-December).
Project Site
Playa Corozalito is an 800 meter long beach protected by several rocky outcroppings that contribute to its relatively mild wave intensity. The beach is primarily sand; however, drift wood and other marine debris may wash ashore on occasion.
The beach’s southern end has a mangrove estuary which flows into the sea during the rainy season. This particular habitat is visited by migratory birds (such as the critically endangered Jabiru) and small vertebrates typical of the Guanacaste region (coyotes, coatis, raccoons, skunks, ant eaters) are commonly spotted on the beach in search of turtle eggs.
The small town of Corozalito is situated 4kms from the beach it has a school, a small supermarket, a church, and a soccer field at the center of town where friendly matches with the community’s kids and teenagers take place in the afternoons. Volunteers can enjoy hiking in the dry forest, horseback riding, and during the rainy season there’s a stream with small waterfalls where one can take a swim and cool off. The beach is a beautiful place to spend the day as well. It has loads of shade to relax under, waves to surf, tide pools to explore, and the nearby estuary’s fresh water is perfect for rinsing off in. 5 km from Corozalito is the town of Islita, famous for its hotel “Punta Islita” and beautiful beach. The town has free internet, along with restaurants and art shops.
Accommodation
We offer two different accommodation options in Corozalito, The project station house and private cabins. The Station house is located in the centre of the small town it is a large traditional Costa Rican house with 4 separate bedrooms with a total of eleven beds a large living and dining room with cable TV, kitchen, two bathrooms, an outside wash room, swimming pool and barbeque area. Volunteers who choose this option will live with the long term project co-ordinator and research assistants. There will be a cook who will prepare lunch and evening meals, volunteers will prepare their own breakfast.
The private cabins are also located in the centre of town opposite the football pitch, 200m from the station house. The private cabins are ideal for families, couples and groups of friends who want a little more privacy. All are equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water, cable TV and refrigerator. The owner of the cabins prepares all meals for volunteers.
Volunteers who choose to work at this project site will use bicycles to carry out the nightly beach patrols.
