Los Sueños Resort and Marina is a serene, sophisticated, luxury residential and resort development created right at the edge of rainforest, mountains and shoreline of the Central Pacific of Cost Rica in a small part of the world where nature still runs wild.

Earlier this month in a gathering at Los Suenos Resort and Marina interested benefactors met with the Playa Hermosa, Sanctuary Administrator, Sr. Belfort Cubillo to learn as much as possible about the plight of the sea turtles and the most immediate and long term needs of the sanctuary. Sr. Cubillo previously served as Administrator protecting and sharing the natural beauty of the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Sr. Cubillo now focuses his full attention on repairing and replacing the dilapidated facilities at Playa Hermosa and especially dedicates 7 days a week to saving the various breeds of turtles that instinctually choose this tiny, 10 km slice of Costa Rican coastline.

There is much more hope now for the survival of the 4 different breeds of turtles who annually return to Playa Hermosa (just a few minutes south of Playa Jaco in the province of Puntarenas bring together many concerned citizens and professionals

A dedicated local group is now spearheading a campaign to assist in every way possible to ensure the long-term survival of these amazing, endangered creatures.

The group has solidified an official alliance with the sanctuary that they hope will help bring volunteers from many corners of the globe to encourage attention from the scientific and worldwide media communities, global environmentalists and contributions from local community members and construction professionals.

They will put out a Call to Action and ask volunteer forces to help patrol the beaches for nests, protect them from poachers, care for the incubating eggs and help provide funding for much needed supplies which are vitally necessary in order to rescue, incubate and release the hatchlings back into their natural environment of the sea.

Adults and families with children visiting the area will now have the ability and the privilege of volunteering their time.

Out of a total of 8 breeds of sea turtles in the world, 6 migrate to Costa Rica and an astonishing 4 breeds choose Playa Hermosa. December through March is breeding and egg laying season for the Negra del Pacifico turtles who migrate to Playa Hermosa. So, instead of more shopping, wrapping  and fighting the rain and snow choose a : “Go-Green Christmas” in one of the greenest places on earth.

This Holiday Season, Volunteer families and friends can share their time together doing something different… something wonderful…something truly giving this year, and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!

What most of us don’t see every day are the struggles of some endangered species who choose Costa Rica as one the few places on earth perfect enough to mate and hatch their young.

Predators, both wild animals and humans even further endanger these few remaining turtles….there are very few natural threats in the sea….most of the danger for the turtles in the sea comes from getting caught in nets or being killed on purpose and sold for a hefty profit.

Many hatchlings never make it from the nest to the sea to grow and thrive….Poachers steal and sell the eggs. A few wild animals like Raccoons and Pizotes  steal the eggs and the hatchlings. Poachers kill both baby hatchlings and adults for their shells….Between lost eggs, hatchlings who do no make it to the sea, man-made dangers and other preditors in the sea…for some breeds, only about 1 in 100,000 survive to adulthood!

The “poaching”, or stealing of these eggs, hatchlings and adults turtles is a national crime, however, there is only a very small fine that thieves gladly pay…..that cost is much less than the profits they will make.
But, the cost to the turtles means everything including a very serious threat of extiction!

Those who step up to the challenge of volunteering may be asking themselves “How can I help? How can I say “no” to helping those baby sea turtles and their families…especially during the holidays?”

By volunteering your time and efforts to the Refugio Nacional Playa Hermosa this holiday season or during any sea turtle egg laying season throughout the year, you will be doing your part to help protect the planet and it’s  creatures from extinction, help a sea turtle family to survive and form holiday memories that will last a lifetime!

Now, with your help, the Baula (Leatherbacks, the Negra del Pacificos, the Tortugas Carey and the Carpenteras will all be on earth a little longer and a little stronger, in greater numbers.

We challenge you to get back to the real roots, of the spirit of Christmas. This year, promote family togetherness; for your family and the turtle families of the sea.