On Costa Rica's Pacific coast, leatherback sea turtles come ashore under cover of darkness to nest on protected beaches at Las Baulas National Marine Park. This stretch of coastline is among the most important nesting areas in the eastern Pacific for the species, and the focus of one of Earthwatch Expeditions' longest-running research programs. Here, scientists are working to understand a critically endangered population that has existed in the same form since the Cretaceous period—about 100 million years ago—and whose numbers have dropped by more than 90% since 1980. Take part in this crucial work to uncover what’s driving these losses—and what it will take to help leatherback turtles rebound.
Research at a Glance
Your Role in Research
The Research Focus
Study how endangered turtles nest, forage and move between beaches and offshore feeding grounds, examining how climate, habitat change and human pressures affect survival.
What You'll Do
Patrol nesting beaches after dark to find turtles, monitor nests and hatchlings, record field data and head offshore with scientists to measure, tag and study juvenile turtles in a protected Pacific bay.
Why It Matters
Eastern Pacific leatherbacks have declined by more than 90% since 1980. Data from this research helps protect and conserve beaches and coastal waters that are vital to survival.
Meet Your Lead Scientist
Your Research Team
Dr. Chelsea Clyde-Brockway
Dr. Chelsea Clyde-Brockway studies how changing ocean conditions affect sea turtles and other marine wildlife. With more than a decade of experience working with sea turtles, her research informs conservation efforts along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Swim with Turtles at Sea
Head offshore with scientists to observe juvenile turtles in coastal waters, assisting with measuring, tagging, and recording data in their ocean habitat.
Monitor Sea Turtle Nests and Hatchlings
Track nests on the beach and witness hatchlings emerge, contributing to research that determines whether turtles survive their most vulnerable stage.
Discover Costa Rica's Pacific Coast On Foot & By Boat
Hike dry-forest ridgelines with iguanas, parrots, motmots and other vibrant birds, then sail at sunset with dolphins, rays and seasonal whales.
Contribute To Hands-On Conservation Science
Conduct night patrols, early morning surveys and off-shore investigation while measuring turtles, recording data, relocating at-risk nests and monitoring hatch success as part of a long-term research effort.Join the Research Team in the Field
Join esteemed researcher Dr. Chelsea Clyde-Brockway and local research team for hands-on fieldwork, contributing to one of the longest-running sea turtle studies in the world.Read Costa Rica's Coast Like a Researcher
Spend time in marine and coastal habitats, learning how ocean conditions, nesting beaches and human pressures shape the sea turtles' futures.Walk the Beach as Turtles Come Ashore at Night
Patrol Playa Grande, a globally significant nesting site, at night as turtles come ashore to nest, documenting activity and taking part in one of the most critical moments in their lifecycle.Enter the Turtles' Ocean Habitat at Bahia Matapalito
Head offshore into protected coastal waters to locate, measure and tag juvenile turtles to document how they grow, move and survive in their ocean habitat.Kayak, Hike and Visit Local Villages
Glide through the Tamarindo Estuary, hike forest and ridgeline trails and visit nearby beaches and towns during free mornings and afternoons at Playa Grande.See How Research Shapes Protection
Learn how decades of work here helped establish Las Baulas National Marine Park and continue to guide sea turtle conservation across the eastern Pacific.Explore with an Expert Field Guide
Your Field Guide ensures each day runs smoothly, coordinating logistics and providing personalized support throughout the trip.Travel With an Intentionally Small Group
Because we intentionally limit our group size, each participant is guaranteed quality time in the field, meaningful interactions with the scientific research team and an active role in daily research activities.Explore with Purpose
Take part in fieldwork that supports ongoing conservation research, contributing to the protection of sea turtles and the habitats they depend on.
