This weekend I am heading to Playa Hermosa for an experience I never imagined I would have the opportunity of doing.  A fact about Costa Rica that many people are unaware is the prime locations along the Costa Rican beaches for turtles to lay eggs.  Tortuguero (on the North East coast) is the most famous spot in Costa Rica for turtles laying eggs, the turtles do have many other pristine refuges.  One of the sea turtles’ favorite spots on the West Coast is Playa Hermosa; here a group of volunteers work 24/7 to protect the turtle’s natural breeding ground.  Someone is awake all times of the day and night walking up and down the beach ensuring the safety of the beachfront egg laying grounds. 

For 2 nights I will being sleeping in a tent with a group of volunteers helping the effort to protect the turtles.  There are also dangers involved with this work; the rivermouths in this area like most in Central America are home to crocodiles, so I might have to get my Steve Erwin on.  The big plus side to this wildlife refuge is the commitment to protecting an area from heavy development like there is in many beachfront locations throughout Costa Rica ensuring the natural habit of turtles.  The refuge also leaves part of the country in natural beauty, which I am looking forward to being part of.  

Part 2 when I return.

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Filed under: Costa Rican Wildlife on August 7th, 2007