puerto rico sea turtle volunteer

This stunning nature reserve features a blue lagoon, mangroves, coral reefs and sandy beaches. Itinerary: For an Unforgettable Incentive Trip, Head North, 12 Uniquely Puerto Rican Excursions for Your Incentive Group, Itinerary: Plan a West Coast Incentive Group Escape, Itinerary: 4 Days in Puerto Rico's Enchanting East Region. Local Communities: $605 of the tour price. From April through June, wildlife fans can volunteer for a turtle-egg protection project on Culebra. You may have heard of it as it has a glowing bioluminescent bay, mangrove forests and a few nature reserves. This beach is also known as Balneario El Escambron. Academic Credit We will spend an hour or so planting native vegetation to help stabilize the dunes as well as a nearby mangrove. GLA offers a number of different service-learning opportunities, and one of their best is the Sea Turtle Initiative. Only available in June and July. SEE Turtles, 5605 Southeast Rural Street, Portland, OR, 97206, United States, Promoting Inclusivity in the Turtle Community, Sign Up For Our Turtles & Plastic Newsletter, promoting inclusivity in the sea turtle community. Learn about the rich natural and cultural history of this beautiful island, hike through a tropical rain forest and kayak through a mangrove channel into a bioluminescent bay. Should be physically in good enough condition to hike up to two hours at a time in hot, humid conditions in steep forested trails and walk on sand at night for turtle patrols in one hour stretches for up to seven hours with short breaks every hour. Heres some of the most popular activities: The most popular activity, by far, is joining the glass bottom kayak tour. Its been a pleasure seeing you almost every year, and witnessing your leadership & kindness. You won't regret it! These charismatic and endangered animals are easy and safe to work with, and they need our help! This immersive volunteer vacation will sharpen your reef fish ID skills and get you familiar with field techniques that scientists use to evaluate the health of coral reefs. One of the most highly-rated programs on this list of great sea turtle volunteering opportunities is offered by Global Leadership Adventures in Costa Rica for teens aged 14-19. This snorkel tour is by far the best as it has incredible reviews (rated 5 stars by over 3,000 people!) Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa, Snorkeling Tour to Cayos de la Cordillera, Puerto Ricos best horse riding locations, where to go whale watching in Puerto Rico, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa, Where To See Turtles In Gran Canaria Complete Guide, Where To See Manatees In Puerto Rico 2023 Guide, Where To Swim With Dolphins In Puerto Rico 2023 Guide. endangered It takes about 60 days for the babies to hatch, so from April till August you can watch nature's spectacle: tiny hatchlings are striving through the sand to reach the ocean. The tours are led by trained professionals who take visitors to the beaches where the turtles lay their eggs and hatch. We will visit Casa Pueblo, which is a wonderful community project that has created a community solar project, a local radio program, and a protected forest. To educate, inspire, and empower our community to pursue perspective-changing travel. 500 to 1600 pounds. Since GLA I have been more 'go with the flow' (. One of the most highly-rated programs on this list of great sea turtle volunteering opportunities is offered by Global Leadership Adventures in Costa Rica for teens aged 14-19. You can get there from Fajardo. It's not all hard work, though! Program Fees from $2050. Go Overseas alumni give the program excellent ratings in all its aspects, from support to safety. Proyecto Tinglado is leatherback turtles nest, and Culebra, Puerto Rico is fortunate to be one of nest, as she returns to the sea. Embark on a kayaking excursion led by a Pure Adventure marine biologist on the Bioluminescent Bay. For example, you can find positions to volunteer in Puerto Rico with animals in a wildlife reserve, farm or animal shelter. When arriving, and learning of the place whilst I was there. We will have different options for walking distances based on peoples ability to walk on sand and there will be opportunities to work hands-on with the turtles and hatchlings (if they are present). Late afternoon, we will visit the Luquillo area which has a variety of options to choose from local Afro-Caribbean food in the area (dinner not included today). Volunteering with sea turtles is an immensely rewarding experience. Crespo expects at least 4,000 baby tinglares - as the black and white-spotted turtles are known in Puerto Rico - to hit the ocean this year. seen dropping into the nest. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to make a real impact. These trips are ideal for individuals, couples, school groups, and families with older kids (generally 8 years and up depending on the trip). Option to Receive Graduate CreditThis course is accredited through the Dominican University of California (2-3 CR available), Aligned with your CurriculumEnrich your lesson plans by gaining first-hand experience of Puerto Ricos rich natural, historical and cultural heritage, Every traveler participating in the trip receives a Certificate of Completion from Discovery Expeditions, Observe the wonder of sea turtles nesting and participate in patrols and data collection of nesting beaches to aid in their protection, Hike in Puerto Ricos tropical rainforest and swim under a tropical waterfall, Take a guided tour through Camuy Caverns and enrich your understanding of geology and Puerto Rican history, Listen to talks from expert conservationists on conservation issues, Gain a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges of marine conservation through direct, hands-on experiences. October 4, 2023 @ 5:30 PM. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies and similar tracking technologies described in our, Whales, Dolphins, and Biodiversity of Southwest Mexico, Puerto Rico: Coral Reef Volunteer Program, Bahamas: Dolphin Volunteer Research Program, do something every day to support healthier oceans. The Observatory is recognized as one of the most important national centers for research in radio astronomy, planetary radar and terrestrial aeronomy. Volunteers Along with sea turtle research, this project is very involved in the local community, and you can expect to help with community education and beach clean-ups as well. In the afternoon, we will have an optional snorkel to explore the areas coral reefs and look for hawksbills and other ocean wildlife. We will have lunch in that part of the island and then some down time. February to August. Some can be exploitative and use turtles merely as a means to separate tourists and volunteers from their money. Puerto Rico's Department of Natural Resources seeks volunteers annually from April through June to monitor the nests, make sure they are secured from predators, and count eggs. Culebra Island is a small island that is located just off the east coast of the Puerto Rico mainland. It is illegal to touch or disturb sea turtle nests or hatchlings, and it is important to keep a safe distance to avoid causing stress or harm to the turtles. Take a boardwalk through mangroves and above Laguna Grande, and get to know the different beach types before visiting the Fajardo Lighthouse. Travel info & inspiration, delivered straight to your inbox . Telephone: 787 742-3516 Based out of the beautiful Perhentian Islands, the sea turtle conservation and research project run by Fuze Ecoteer helps stop poachers from robbing sea turtle nests and is building a comprehensive database of turtle sightings and populations in the Islands. Certificate of CompletionEvery traveler participating in the trip receives a Certificate of Completion from Discovery Expeditions. Many of the most important beaches for sea turtle conservation are in quite remote places. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. It's Still Possible to Join a Cuba Expedition in 2020. They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see. We hope to plan another trip with you in the future! A coral reef runs right along the length of the beach so its the perfect place to go snorkeling with turtles in Puerto Rico. A unique opportunity for 16 and 17 year olds to volunteer in Puerto Rico in the summer. Help us continue to protect and preserve our coast by hosting a beach cleanup day with your team. For the best chance of seeing a turtle in Puerto Rico, head to one of the turtle beaches in the list below: 1. So please, take a look at the programs above, find the one that is right for you, and if you think this is something you might like to do, go for it! Arrive at Rafael Hernndez International Airport (BQN) and take a taxi to group lodging in Rincon. Visit the offshore reefs of uninhabited Desecheo Island. Check out the video below which shows a sea turtle spotted whilst snorkeling on Vieques Island: Did you know that Vieques is also one of Puerto Ricos best horse riding locations? Welcome to my guide on where to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico! Volunteer withPara La Naturaleza to help protect the hundreds of endangered sea turtles that lay eggs on Puerto Rico's beaches every spring. This beach is also known as Balneario El Escambron. The hotel has its own Nature Center and an on-site marine biologist to make sure its beach serves as a turtle sanctuary. Although turtles are pretty common here, Id always recommend joining a snorkel tour as your expert guide will be able to show you where to find turtles without fail. Then we recommend volunteering with the, is an extension of this project that includes volunteer experiences with Puerto Rican farmers. Despite the designation of hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles as endangered in 1970, researchers report that their populations are still decreasing. Larger leatherback and green turtles prefer to lay eggs on the beaches of the island of Culebra, which still has many isolated spots, like Zoni, Resaca, and Brava. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa near Fajardo also runs a program together with the Department of Natural Resources and engages guests to monitor turtles' nesting and hatching. Youll get a cheaper price online compared to if you book in person and usually the best Puerto Rico turtle tours are fully booked on the day. Beach cleanups are a fantastic way to help us preserve our natural environment while also enjoying the beauty of our beaches. The Leatherback Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the massive leatherback sea turtle throughout its global range through research, education and advocacy initiatives aimed at mitigating fisheries bycatch, reducing plastic pollution and combating climate change. When the nest is complete and the turtle is Today after breakfast, we will join our friends at Vida Marina for a beach dune restoration activity. Organize a beach cleanup at one of Puerto Rico's 300 beaches with Scuba Dog Society. Escambron Beach Hands down, the absolute best place to swim with sea turtles in Puerto Rico is at Escambron Beach in Guaynabo, San Juan. is documented before the turtle returns to the ocean. Discover the beauty of Puerto Rico from the sea. The sea turtles are most commonly seen around the coral reefs of the nature reserve. After the past year, we know your group is ready to meet in person and spend time really getting to know each other. In Puerto Rico, you can do more than just go and see those beautiful reptiles, but also help conservation efforts that are especially critical during the hatching period. Just imagine: full moon, desolated beach and in front of you a big leatherback turtle covering her nest. In Puerto Rico, leatherback nesting trends decreased as much as 5% annually from 1990 to 2017. Based in San Juan. Culebra, Puerto Rico uses volunteers to assist in identifying and helping the Baby turtles hatch from eggs laid on the beaches and make their way to the ocean, facing many dangers along the way. Here are a few quotes from alumni to tell you more: With a perfect 100% score from three GoOverseas reviewers, IVSs sea turtle project in Ecuador is a great place to get some hands-on experience working with sea turtles in the field. (B,L,D), In the morning and early afternoon, we'll hike to a secluded waterfall andenjoy a relaxing lunch there among the jungle. We know when and where they will be nesting or foraging, you don't need to be a biologist or speak Spanish, and our trips directly benefit conservation efforts. Staff members will lead you out onto the beach during hatching season so you can see it for yourself. Along with government technicians, volunteers stake out the beaches of Resaca, Brava, Zoni and sometimes Culebrita on overnight trips between March and early July, keeping an eye out for pregnant . The goal of this project is to ensure the availability of high-quality nesting habitat for leatherback sea turtles in Puerto Rico by: restoring the nesting beaches that are most important for this species, reducing threats to their habitats, and. Their biggest eventInternational Coastal Cleanuphappens every September and is part of a global movement that includes 90 countries and more than six million volunteers. Contact us today to start planning. Work alongside local farmers to build resilient food systems with World Central Kitchen. It is our outstanding volunteers that educate the public about how to protect sea turtles in Brevard County and surrounding areas. We will also meet another localscientist during a guest lecture. This site also consists of a chain of islands with mangroves, lagoons, sandy beaches and coral reefs. turns watching for turtles. People are responsible for these ocean problems, and, at the same time, people are the solution. I promise you wont regret it. leatherback turtles - Resaca and Brava beaches. On this tour, youll be able to swim with the turtles and get up close to them. There are many benefits to participating in a marine conservation volunteer program. Our award-winning programs help save sea turtle hatchlings on important nesting beaches around the world, work with the tourism industry to end the turtleshell trade, and get plastic out of sea turtle habitats. (D), The morning will begin with a briefing on the history of the Tres PalmasMarine Reserve followed by an exploratory snorkel to get an overview of thearea. Check out the video below which shows one of the sea turtles spotted whilst out swimming at Escambron Beach: Another one of the best places to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico is on Culebra Island. Meals BLD, Day 6: In-Water Turtle Monitoring and Bioluminescence Kayaking. must stay at a distance until the turtle has prepared her nest. If you would like to go on this tour, or a similar trip, please get in touch. For lunch, well eat authentic Puerto Rican food at El Jibarito restaurant, a local favorite. There are seven distinct species, ranging from the relatively small Kemps Ridley (averaging around 100lbs.) Box 844Ross, CA 94957, Expeditions & General Inquiries 1-800-326-7491. Each night is optional so feel free to rest up if needed. promoting the protection of valuable nesting habitats that are currently not safeguarded. Volunteers meet at sunset and spend the night on the beach taking Volunteers also get the opportunity to experience new cultures and environments, meet like-minded individuals, and make lifelong friendships. * Please note: We give 100% refunds on any trips that we need to cancel and our cancellation fees (when travelers need to cancel) can be used on any future trip, no expiration or penalties. Duration: 1 week. My friend went there recently and told me he saw 5 turtles all in one spot! Threats like overfishing, plastic pollution, climate change, and others have taken a tremendous toll on ocean health. These beaches are known to be nesting sites for sea turtles, and during hatching season (typically from May to August), you may be able to witness baby turtles making their way to the ocean. Food Producer Networkis an extension of this project that includes volunteer experiences with Puerto Rican farmers. We are pleased to offer volunteer opportunities with sea turtles, coral reefs, dolphins, and more. The tours are designed to be educational and informative, and visitors are often able to witness the baby turtles as they make their way to the sea. San Juan: Swimming and Snorkeling Tour with Turtles. They can also gain a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of the natural world and the importance of conservation efforts. A surcharge will be added if the trip has less than 6 participants. iStock.com/mangostock 1. We will have dinner at a local restaurant and then drive to Playa Grande, where our friends at Chelonia will give a presentation on their work and then accompany us for a beach walk looking for nesting leatherback turtles. I enjoyed assisting with the nightly patrols and tagging/taking measurements of the green sea turtles. The day is not quite over yet! I always use Viator to book my tours as theyre super reliable and have never let me down yet! Whether your team wants to volunteer at the. Show more, The most common species of turtles found in Puerto Rico are the green sea turtle and the hawksbill sea turtle. We can all do something every day to support healthier oceans. Previous visitors loved the support they got from the program and really felt they got their moneys worth! Since 1988, wildlife workers have often enlisted volunteers to help monitor and protect the breeding grounds of the majestic leather-back turtle. Check out these quotes from program alumni: A Broader View scores 9.8 out of 10 in every category from Go Overseas users, meaning it is excellent in all the ways you find important! Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@seaturtlespacecoast.org with any questions you have. Meals: None, Day 2: Kayaking, Manatees, & Turtle Nesting Beach. The island has a super healthy and large coral reef system that attracts a huge range of marine life including sea turtles. This program focuses on sustainable travel for its volunteers as they support the research mission. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort is one of several luxury resorts in Puerto Rico's east region. This area is located just off the coast of Fajardo and is formed from a range of cays and small islands with wonderful reefs and crystal clear waters. Well arrive in time for a morning hike led by your Discovery Expeditions tour leader along the Mina Falls Trail ending at a very beautiful waterfall and swimming hole (swimming is optional but recommendedbring water shoes!). Mona Island supports the largest Hawksbill Sea Turtle (ESA Endangered) nesting ground in the Caribbean. I was given so much exposure with the LTTW experience. Of course, youll also get that once in a lifetime chance to snorkel alongside turtles in the Caribbean Sea and really feel like youre one of them. If you have any questions, or to sign up for a Volunteer Orientation, please email Tracy, Volunteer . Both of these species are endangered, and efforts are being made to protect their nesting sites and increase their populations. In 2019, we also established our Expedition Impact Fund (EIF) as a way to grow our impact. Feel free to call the number below with any questions. Sea turtles are endangered in large part because of direct human action, mainly fishing and poaching of sea turtle eggs from their nests. This program is run in partnership with a local NGO in the small fishing village of Puerto Lopez, and not only works with nesting turtles but has at-sea telemetry projects as well! Volunteers have played an important role in Oceanic Society's work since our founding in 1969, and we invite you to lend your hand as a volunteer with one of our programs. This first nest was one I relocated over two months ago from a flood-prone part of the beach, and it felt really great knowing that because of me these turtles would get their chance in the open ocean. From beach cleanups to helping underserved communities, theres no shortage of ways to have a positive impact on our Island. Click here for our full terms and conditions. Dramatic sea cliffs make the Royal Isabela Golf Course one of the most scenic in Puerto Rico. Check out our list below and let your volunteering experience in Puerto Rico begin! Proceeds from the program fees go back toward conservation with the potential for up to 500 turtle hatchlings per participant to be saved at nesting sites. (B), For a detailed itinerary, please email expeditions@oceanicsociety.org. The breathtaking gardens of the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. Located on the west side of the island in Rincon, this turtle beach in Puerto Rico is a well known snorkeling spot. Check any reviews for your project before you go, and make sure theyre reputable. Condado Lagoon is another great place to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico and its located right in the capital city of San Juan so its easy to access. 2023 Oceanic Society. Make an impact in the local community by working with youth and senior groups through Puerto Rico Renace. So much gratitude for you your patience, grace, skill, and spirit. Just be sure you know what the expectations are when you plan your experience. We've compiled some of the best volunteering opportunities in Puerto Rico, including volunteer roles with small local organizations, as well as international NGOs. The oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, and yet they have never been sicker. In Rincn we will stay in a two-family home, where each level has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a kitchen, living room, wifi, satellite TV and A/C. When nesting, leatherbacks will not enter an area where lights or noise of any kind exist. We have reached the end of the trip! E-mail:info@posada.com. All satellite turtle tracks together! After breakfast at your hotel, well travel to the Fajardo region to hike in cool and mountainous El Yunque Rain Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service ecosystem. Scuba Dog Society is a local nonprofit that organizes various beach cleanups throughout the year. We have many different programs that need volunteers who love turtles. As I write this we just had our first nest of the season hatch, and it really was breathtaking getting to watch all out little tortugitas crawl into the surf. Volunteer sea turtle groups in Puerto Rico are authorized by the PRDNER to conduct certain sea turtle monitoring and management activities. Our marine conservation volunteer programs offer hands-on opportunities for you to participate in marine research and conservation worldwide. There are five species of sea turtles in the archipelago, and two of these species, in particular the hawksbill turtle and the leatherback turtle, are endangered. The turtle is measured and the event The average adult weighs 500 to 1600 pounds. Airfare and baggage fees (to be purchased at the discretion and responsibility of each participant), Customs and immigration fees at airports or border crossings, Various meals or drinks listed as on own in the itinerary when the group is dispersed for self-exploration. The trip is open to any adult or child age 12 and up who is accompanied by an adult. The best way to see the sea turtles in La Parguera is by renting a water bike. These programs offer volunteers the opportunity to work alongside ocean experts and contribute to vital research and conservation efforts. These two rooms have a shared bathroom. Every year, the team donates thousands of eggs for incubation in corrals, or nesting sites, which are prepared by their team of AES volunteers. Donations from our group to Chelonia and the Puerto Rico Chapter of Sierra Club, our conservation partners. I'd never seen turtles before, and as they're my favorite animals. The turtles at Steps Beach are hawksbill turtles which are currently endangered, but you have a really good chance of seeing one here! Visitors are encouraged to join guided turtle watching tours led by trained professionals to ensure a safe and educational experience for both humans and turtles. For an unforgettable experience, you can witness the hatching of these turtles for yourself at the resort. This shouldnt stop anyone from being able to help though! The leatherback turtle, the world's largest sea turtle, each year between March and August arrives on Puerto Rico's beaches, where the females lay their eggs, but this year the island is locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic and this could harm the species, which is already in danger of extinction. (B,L,D), We'll take a chartered boat to Desecheo Island, 13 miles offshore. It is an especially great opportunity for students interested in biology or conservation, but anyone can have a wonderful time doing important work here! Although they are found in oceans around the world, sea turtles tend to nest on tropical and subtropical beaches on almost every continent. Buenos das! Stay in the small surf town of Rincn and learn about the sea turtle conservation efforts at Tres Hermanos Beach. One final consideration is to use care when you choose your projects. This morning, we will join biologist Carlos Diez to study and release juvenile green sea turtles. For the best chance of seeing a turtle in Puerto Rico, head to one of the turtle beaches in the list below: Hands down, the absolute best place to swim with sea turtles in Puerto Rico is at Escambron Beach in Guaynabo, San Juan. The group can split into two with one group walking further down the beach, Overnight at Parador El Faro (2 nights). Smaller hawksbill turtles have a sanctuary on Mona Island between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Why not join a horse riding tour whilst youre there? As pioneers of eco travel, our expeditions have been designed to directly support, By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies and similar tracking technologies described in our, Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions, global research and conservation programs, 5 Volunteer Abroad Programs That Support Ocean Conservation, From Monkeys to Macaws, 15 Photos That Will Move Costa Rica to the Top of Your Travel List, By Land and Sea: Our Ridge to Reef Expeditions Include the Best of Both Worlds, Vamos a Cuba! The tours usually take place during the nesting season, which is from May to August. Full time professional Discovery Expeditions tour escort and local interpreter and cultural guides from the National Park Service and Government of Puerto Rico; tour of the Las Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve and El Faro (lighthouse) (Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico); local sea turtle logistics coordinator (Rosa Fiel, Proyecto Tinglar Dorado) and marine biologist/sea turtle expert; Tour of BioBay by expert marine biologists (Pure Adventure). Was this page helpful? There will be opportunities to learn about local sea turtle nesting populations, to help monitor coral reef restoration sites, and to compare the near shore marine reserve reefs with the offshore remote reefs of Desecheo Island. Our Federal Tax ID is 94-3105570. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Contact Us, Customizable World Travel for Groups Since 2003, Day One: Flight from DCA, Arrival and Welcome Dinner, Day Three: Historic Old San Juan & Leatherback Sea Turtle Nesting Patrol, Day Four: Reserva Natural de Las Cabeza de San Juan & Bioluminescent Bay, Day Five: Rio Camuy Caverns and The Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico Immersive Ecology & Social Studies, Puerto Rico: Sea Turtle Nesting and Immersive Ecology & Social Studies, Professional General Liability and Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy ($10,000,000), Private bus transportation and driver between sites in Puerto Rico and shuttle service to and from the airport, Hotel accommodations based on double occupancy (5 nights total), Option for graduate credit from an accredited university, Dominican University Click Here, Course alignment with National Science Standards and Common Core, Recommended resources/teaching materials (age appropriate books, lesson plans, and online resources). Because of severe erosion on the beach, likely the direct result of global climate change, we are having to relocate more and more nests. Entrance fees to all program sites and activities listed on the itinerary, some meals (see itinerary), Opportunities for free time on the beach and hiking in a rainforest and swimming in a tropical waterfall (La Mina Falls, El Yunque). If you choose to volunteer with sea turtles youll be living and working on beaches in some of the most beautiful and exciting countries in the world! If youre a sea turtle enthusiast (like me) then youre in the right place. We will have lunch on the way back to San Juan at a restaurant that specializes in a popular local pork dish (note: vegetarian and vegan options will be available at this and all other restaurants). Students, Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers, Solo Travelers, Students, Adventure travelers, Global Leadership Adventures in Costa Rica, the sea turtle conservation and research project run by Fuze Ecoteer, Sea Turtle Conservancy project in Costa Rica, 6 Things You Should Know Before Volunteering in Guatemala, The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs For Older Adults in 2023, The 10 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs for Spanish Speakers in 2023, Where to Volunteer Abroad with Refugees in 2023, 6 Ideas for Meaningful Volunteer Vacations to Take in 2023, The Best Summer Volunteer Abroad Programs for 2023, Being able to challenge myself and gain skills through service, activities like zip-lining and horse riding, the leadership curriculum and putting myself out of my comfort zone has been, My experience in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing.

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puerto rico sea turtle volunteer

puerto rico sea turtle volunteer