Costa ricA Rundreise -
Mit Einblicken in den Meeresschildkrötenschutz
A German-speaking round trip through Costa Rica
with selected sea turtle sites on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, accompanied by marine biologist Dr Christine Figgener.
September 3–18, 2026
Language: German
About the Trip
This is a guided, German-speaking round trip through Costa Rica, designed for travellers who are keen to explore the country in depth and at a comfortable pace.
Over the course of two weeks, the route connects inland regions with both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, combining different landscapes, climates, and ecosystems. The journey is organised and led by Burak Yakut Reisen (former MyBackpackerGuide) and includes a small group size to allow for flexibility and personal attention.
What makes the Trip Distinctive?
This round trip is designed around Costa Rica’s two coasts at a time of year when sea turtles are present in multiple regions.
Two stops on the itinerary are explicitly chosen for their importance to sea turtles, including nesting beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides of the country. Depending on timing and conditions, we may observe nesting females, hatchlings, or turtles in the water. A third coastal location offers the opportunity to explore marine life through snorkelling, where sea turtles may also be encountered.
These coastal experiences are combined with inland destinations such as cloud forests, evergreen rainforests, volcanic regions, and wildlife-rich national parks, creating a well-rounded journey through Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes.
How this trip supports sea turtle conservation
By joining this trip, participants support the work of COASTS, a Costa Rican grassroots organization that focuses on long-term sea turtle research and conservation.
A portion of the trip proceeds contributes directly to COASTS’ ongoing work, including the protection of nesting beaches, scientific monitoring, and in-water research that informs conservation decisions on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Along the way, I will share insights into how sea turtle conservation operates in practice in Costa Rica, from the realities of fieldwork and long-term data collection to the challenges of protecting marine species in a tourism-driven country. These perspectives will be shared informally and in context.
Who You will be Travelling with
This round trip is organised and guided by Burak Yakut Reisen (former MyBackpackerGuide), who is responsible for itinerary planning, logistics, accommodation, and travel guidance.
I will join the trip as a sea turtle biologist who has lived and worked in Costa Rica for nearly two decades. At selected locations, I will provide background and context on sea turtles, marine ecosystems, and conservation – as an additional host and point of reference, not as tour guide.
This trip does not involve volunteer work or hands-on conservation activities.
Trip at-a-Glance
I have been offering this Sea Turtle Field Course since 2010. It combines an online lecture series with a two- to three-week field course for future marine biology students, advanced undergraduate students, early postgraduate students, and anyone with a strong interest in sea turtle conservation.
You will build a solid theoretical foundation of sea turtle biology and ecology through recorded lectures before joining me in the field. Once in Costa Rica, you will take part in group discussions and hands-on work in a local grassroots project, from night patrols on a nesting beach to practical data collection and daily research tasks.
The course is designed for people who want structured training, real field experience, and a clear understanding of how sea turtle research and conservation work on the ground.
JULY 28 - AUGUST 10, 2026 (LANGUAGE - ENGLISH)
How to Join ?
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