The Leatherback Trust
The Sea Turtle Directory
Country: Costa Rica
Organization / Project Name: Playa Cabuyal
Website: https://www.leatherback.org/get-involved/join-us/playa-cabuyal
Description: Playa Cabuyal is a little-known but important nesting beach for East Pacific green, olive ridley and leatherback turtles on the north coast of Guanacaste province in Costa Rica. Dr. Bibi Santidrián Tomillo and Dr. Gabriela Blanco began this project in 2011 to uncover the secrets of these nesting turtles. Our researchers investigate a range of questions, including: how many turtles nest on Playa Cabuyal each year, what are the threats faced by these turtles both on nesting beaches and in offshore foraging areas, and what factors influence hatching success for incubating sea turtle hatchlings?
Species of focus: Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), Olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Volunteer program: Yes
Tourist activities (Y/N): Yes
Primary Areas of Work: Satellite telemetry, In water research, Nesting beach monitoring