Save Costa Rica's Sea Turtles with Rascarey

For nearly two years, I’ve been part of Rascarey, a grassroots sea turtle conservation project in the heart of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Run by dedicated local experts and passionate volunteers, this non-government-funded initiative is a lifeline for endangered sea turtles. Without our efforts, 90-100% of turtle nests on unprotected beaches are poached, leaving no hatchlings to reach the sea—where their survival rate is already just 1%. These ancient species face extinction without immediate action.

At Rascarey, we patrol beaches, rain or shine, to protect nests and ensure hatchlings have a fighting chance. But we need your help to continue this vital work for the upcoming season and many more to come. Our goal is to raise funds for essential supplies and upgrades to support our mission and the volunteers and locals who make it all possible.

How Your Donation Will Help:

• Essential Equipment ($500+): New shovels, rakes, tools, gloves, headlamps, gear for night patrols and our turtle nursery to protect nests effectively.

• Volunteer House Upgrades ($2,000+): New mattresses ($80 each), sheets, and pillows ($20 per set) for 15 volunteers, plus kitchen equipment and a new washer ($300) to improve living conditions for those working tirelessly.

• Recreational Supplies ($200+): Board games, books, macrame materials, painting supplies, snorkel gear, and binoculars to boost morale for volunteers and staff.

• Repairs and Maintenance ($500+): Supplies to fix walls and roofing at our base to keep it safe and functional.

• “Rascarey Mobile” Replacement ($1,500+): A motorcycle to replace our broken vehicle, damaged last year by too frequent river crossings.

• Hiring garbage truck ($300): Garbage accumulated from many seasons with frequent beach cleanups. Due to remote area and lack of transportation, the garbage remains on camp. We would like to hire a truck to come and take it to garbage filtering center on the other side of the peninsula.

Your generous donation will directly support the protection of sea turtles and the dedicated local experts who patrol beaches tirelessly, often 6-7 nights a week for months on end, to save these precious creatures. Every dollar helps provide essential resources, bettering the experience of our incredible volunteers and, sustains the livelihoods of these passionate guardians, ensuring the survival of these fragile species for future generations.

After working side by side with Rascarey’s incredible local founders— Esteban, his family and caring locals pouring their hearts into saving sea turtles on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula—has been life-changing. Their tireless dedication inspired me to start this GoFundMe to ensure their vital conservation work continues. Join me in supporting this amazing project and please donate today!

If you’re unable to donate, consider becoming a volunteer (!!), or share this to help us reach our goal. Every share makes a difference!

Together, we can make a lasting impact on sea turtle conservation in the beautiful Osa peninsula of Costa Rica. Thank you for standing with us to protect these incredible creatures! Pura Vida!