Sea Turtle Research and Conservation near Quepos and Jaco, Costa Rica

Who We Are

Conserve Aquatica is a sea turtle conservation and research organization operating along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, with active sites on Isla Palo Seco near Quepos and Playa Hermosa in Jacó. Our mission is to protect endangered sea turtle populations through ethical conservation practices, field research, education, and community engagement.

We are driven by a passion for marine biology and sustainability, and we strive to create a lasting impact both locally and globally. Our foundation combines decades of experience with modern tools and a deeply rooted respect for Costa Rica’s ecosystems.

Our Legacy and Innovation

Over the past two decades, we have pioneered radical improvements in sea turtle conservation through award-winning engineering and innovation. At Texas A&M University, our team received multiple awards for revolutionizing conservation methods—developing processes that are not only more effective but also significantly reduce the need for manual labor and excess resources. We proudly integrate modern technology to improve data collection, coordination, and operational efficiency.

At the same time, we remain 100% organic in all our conservation methods. Our approach is deliberately minimally invasive, respecting both the natural environment and the animals we work to protect, and never relying on harmful chemicals, plastic infrastructure, or extractive techniques.

Licensing and Permits

After years of groundwork, we’ve reestablished our conservation initiative with full permits from Costa Rican environmental authorities. This official approval empowers us to continue and expand our impact through ethical and research-based practices in line with national environmental regulations.

Community Involvement and Education

Our programs integrate volunteerism, field research, and community collaboration, giving visitors and researchers a unique opportunity to actively protect sea turtles while engaging with Costa Rica’s vibrant coastal ecosystems. Volunteers can join patrols, witness nesting events, help relocate eggs to our sustainable bamboo-built hatchery, and release hatchlings into the ocean—all while contributing to critical scientific data collection.

Sustainable Infrastructure

Conserve Aquatica also prides itself on building responsibly. Our sea turtle hatchery (vivero) is constructed entirely from three species of locally harvested, sustainably cured bamboo, avoiding plastic and concrete in accordance with Costa Rican conservation regulations. This approach allows us to reduce pollution and create an eco-conscious foundation for our conservation work.

Help Save Sea Turtles in Costa Rica - We Need You

Our project invites marine biologists, ecologists, students, and conservation volunteers to take part in sea turtle conservation efforts across key Costa Rican beaches. Whether you’re seeking to conduct field research or participate in hands-on protection efforts, your work here will directly contribute to the survival of these endangered species.