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Welcome to your program
You are in for an two exciting weeks with the Osa In Water project in Costa Rica! You'll dedicate your days to working with sea turtles on the beach and participate in a local spay and neuter program. On weekends, unwind and enjoy some relaxation with your group at the beach.
This page will take you through everything you need to know about your program. You should READ every section. We've linked additional information under each topic as needed.
Housing
Housing will be rooms with up to 7 beds per room with central AC and ensuite bathrooms. Mosquito nets are not provided and are highly recommended. The housing is simple and rustic, but has electricity, wifi, and running water.
Food
All food will be your typical Costa Rica food! For breakfast, you will have options like, gallo pinto (rice & beans), pancakes, cereal, coffee, milk, tea, and fruits (pineapple, avocado, mango). Lunch and dinner will be rice with chicken, rice and beans with meat/ chicken/ vegetables; pasta, burgers, and nachos.
Flights
At the start of your program, our group shuttle from the airport on arrival Sunday will leave the airport by 1: 30pm. You should plan to arrive on a flight that arrives at SJO by 12 pm on Sunday. Please note it's a 6+ hour drive from SJO to the program site.
At the end of your program, our group shuttle to the airport on departure Saturday will arrive at the airport at 8am. You should plan to depart SJO after 10am on Saturday. You will be staying near the airport on the night before your departure flight. It's possible to get your own transport to the airport for an earlier flight, but this would be at your own expense.
Packing
The only items you are required to bring are those on the “required” lists. General required items (like your passport) are found on the ALL PROGRAMS packing list above. Program specific required items are found below under the REQUIRED section. For the rest of the items, you are welcome to use your discretion. There may be items missing from this list that you’d like to bring, and there may be items on this list that you don’t want to bring. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Required for this program
3 bottles of mosquito repellant
Adequate supply of Reef safe Sunscreen (without oxybenzone, octinoxate, or nano-minerals)
2 towels
Water shoes or strap sandals (similar to Teva, Chaco or Keen) for appropriate traction on the boat
Closed-toed shoes (sneakers)
Long sleeve rash guard or other sun-protecting shirt for on a boat (we also suggest pants or shorts that you can wear in the water)
Hat or cap (for sun) - you will be happy to have something that covers your face and neck when on the boat!
1 box of exam gloves
A rainproof, lightweight jacket or poncho
Electrolytes (necessary after long days in the sun)
Motion sickness medication (If you get motion sickness in vans or boats)
Suggested for this program
Bug net like this one or this one to help protect you from mosquitoes at night.
Snorkel, mask and fins (there is clear, calm water for snorkeling walkable from the project and you will be really happy to have these!)
Bathing suit (any style is fine- you may want to pack more than one!)
Pants (we suggest light-weight pants that can get dirty, such as hiking pants)
Shorts (for free time but please note we suggest pants due to bugs
Aloe Vera, in case you don't apply enough sunscreen
Waterproof camera/GoPro
Pop up mosquito net for your bed
Earplugs to help you sleep more comfortably in shared accommodations or when there’s noise from animals outside
FAQ
Most days, you will get dirty and sweaty and gross. This is a beach-based program with time in the boat, and it can be hot with strong sun or rainy. You should bring some hanging-out-on-the-beach clothes, but also some clothes in which you can get wet but still comfortably and safely work: water shoes, rash guard, hat to block the sun, and shorts or pants you can wear in the water if you like. Bring socks that you can wear with your water shoes too in case you get blisters. (Even if you think you won't wear the rash guard and hat, please bring them - if you get sunburned, it can wreck your whole trip.) Laundry facilities are available but limited as we always want to conserve water. Students are allowed ONE large suitcase with a 40 lbs weight limit.
WIFI: Students will have WIFI at the program location, but WIFI is not reliable at the housing location. If you are interested in a travel phone plan, please talk to your phone provider before your program starts.
Bedding: We will provide you with sheets, pillow and blankets.
Towels: Towels are not provided by the accommodation. You will need to pack your own.
Laundry: Laundry facilities are available but limited as we always want to conserve water. Students are responsible for the cost and bringing their own laundry detergent.
Outlets: You will not need an adapter- outlets will be the same as in the US.
Dress Code: There is no uniform dress code for Costa Rica. Please check the weather and pack accordingly. The weather is typically hot and humid. Plan to get dirty on this program! Please do not wear and bring expensive jewelry, sunglasses, or any priceless or irreplaceable items. It is not worth the risk of losing them in the ocean.
Money: Most students spend around $200 USD on a two-week program. You’ll likely want to buy things like souvenirs, laundry, snacks or drinks. So you don’t NEED any money, but you’ll want to bring enough that you can buy some things to bring home. We HIGHLY recommend contacting your bank and ordering Colones before leaving for the program. There will be an ATM where students can withdraw money, and there is an ATM transaction fee each time.
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