Activities
Volunteers help us run our short-term and long-term monitoring programs, as well as care for the Reserve itself. From March to October, they provide us with the assistance necessary to carry out beach monitoring at night and early morning. With basic training, they support the collection of biometric data from female turtles during the nesting process, and support exhumations of eggs and the release of hatchlings. But most importantly, your presence is key to protecting the turtles that nest on the beach at Pacuare Reserve.
Regardless of major or profession, all volunteers share two key traits:
a desire to make a difference and enthusiasm for the work ahead.
Pacuare Reserve receives volunteers throughout the year and the project tasks are not necessarily linked only to research; support in operational tasks and environmental education plays an important role in achieving the site's objectives.
Activities
Research Program
Activity
Description
Sea turtle research and
conservation program
Night census to watch the sea
turtles nesting
It is a night time activity which more than a regular tour, offers you the experience of being part of Pacuare Reserve conservation efforts. During the census, you will be accompanied by a research assistant who will encourage you to participate in scientific activities related to sea turtle data collection, while you admire the turtles and learn about their nesting process. The month of June is ideal for those who want to see Leatherback sea turtle hatching and adults nesting at the beach!
There are also other species of sea turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Pacuare Reserve, among them the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle, however, the highest numbers are attributed to the Leatherback turtle, and therefore, there are more chances to observe this species during the night census.
Time of year and seasonality
Leatherback turtle nesting season: March to July.
Green and Hawksbill turtle nesting season: July to October
Important: (Although the night census to watch the sea turtles nesting is offered from March thru October, the chances of watching a Leatherback turtle nesting after July is low).
You will visit the hatchery to observe hatchlings and participate in nest exhumations
Turtle hatchling
Time of year and seasonality
From May until October.
Peak season: June-July
Monitoring program of the nesting colony of the Agami heron
Observation of the Agami
Heron
You will walk the path through the forest to reach the only accessible nesting site of the Agami heron reported in Central America. You will learn about the natural history of this
species while valuable data is collected for its research. Undoubtedly, the Agami Herons are one of the most sought-after bird species by many ornithologists and bird lovers as well as natural photography, and in Reserva Pacuare, the opportunity to see them is very high during the season.
**The visit to observe the Agami heron is carried out only within the framework of the research program, and following its guidelines.
Time of year and seasonality
From May until August
Tours
Activity
Description
Availability
Boat tour through the canals
During the boat tour through the natural canals that extend in the region, it is very possible you see many species of flora and fauna. Among the common species of fauna that can be seen are several species of birds, caimans, crocodiles, river turtles, some species of monkeys, sloths, and other mammals.
All year around
Day time hike in the rainforest trails
You will walk through the trails of the very humid tropical forest for the observation of native flora and fauna. Some species that can be found are amphibians such as frogs, reptiles (lizards, iguanas, basilisks), as well as bird species. Among the mammals that can be seen are several species of monkeys (the cappuccino monkey, the spider monkey and the howler monkey) and with some luck, other species of mammals.
All year around
Night time hike
You will walk around the garden area and the beachfront to observe amphibians, reptiles and other nocturnal fauna.
All year around
Please check here which activities are included or have an extra cost in your preferred lodging option: