Our expeditions occur at several key locations in wonderful Costa Rica. In the Guanacaste Province, the North Pacific (sunshine) Coast of Costa Rica within the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. At Costa Rica’s North Atlantic Caribbean Coast in the Pacuare Reserve, an area also called the little amazon. And finally at Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast, Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse hotspots in the world. All the above programs are located within small welcoming coastal communities, and they are world-renowned sea turtle nesting and foraging grounds. Out of the seven species of sea turtles, five nest in Costa Rica and all are found at these sites, making them the best field lab to work with these ancient and fascinating animals as well as in their habitat. We will also explore the historical relationship between sea turtles and these local communities.

In the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica at the Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste Province, we find one of the most important nesting grounds for olive ridley sea turtles in the world. Our base is located at a small coastal and welcoming community which has been active in sea turtle conservation for the past 50 years. The site is categorized as a Mix National Wildlife Refuge where people and nature co-exist in balance. This protected area is not only home to three species of sea turtles, but it is also one of only nine beaches around the world where sea turtles come ashore to nest en masse. This special phenomenon called “Arribada” is when thousands of turtles’ nest along a few miles of beach over a very short period of time. Even when arribadas are not taking place, sea turtles at this site nest daily.

Our North Caribbean Program, at the Pacuare Reserve, is the third most important nesting ground for the biggest of all sea turtle species, the Leatherback. Reaching close to half a ton in weight, these immense creatures love this nesting area embedded in protected tropical forest, home to a great diversity of animals and plants. At the South Pacific, our Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula program is also in a truly incredible place. It is in one of only three “tropical fjords” in the world which makes it an important habitat for sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. Humpback’s come to this Gulf to have and train their calves before heading back to northern Californian waters to their feeding and foraging grounds. The Osa Peninsula, home to Corcovado National Park, is considered one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet and an extremely important Costa Rica Conservation Area.

Participants joining the program will stay in host local families within the community or at a research field station; all located a few minutes walking distance from the nesting beach and very close to each other. Our hosts have been specially selected and are very friendly and welcoming. With over 20 years of experience hosting participants, and under the leadership of the female family heads, they will provide care and support making this cultural component a highlight of the experience. An unforgettable and incomparable cultural immersion.

We are a passionate and energetic team of professionals conducting research and conservation of sea turtles and their environment. We also enjoy collaborating with coastal communities, in the search for sustainable opportunities and responsible development. Our main interests are learning, researching, teaching and enjoying every step of our expeditions while we try to make change, one person and one community at a time.

WAGNER QUIROS-BIOMATRAVEL CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Wagner is originally from Costa Rica and has over 15 years of experience working with sea turtle research, conservation and fisheries management at small-scale fishing communities in Costa Rica, and a long career of leading hundreds of university student groups from North America, Australia and Europe through Costa Rica. He holds a Master's degree in Environmental Science and Management from the prestigious Bren School at the University of California in Santa Barbara. Wagner´s enthusiasm, travelling experience and passion for conservation and people, drives him and his team to provide the best possible experience for the participants.

MARTA PESQUERO-BIOMATRAVEL CO-FOUNDER & PROGRAM MANAGER

Marta started her career by working with fisheries in Europe as a fisheries observer in the North Atlantic, and as part of a team of European researchers working to provide economic alternatives for Spain’s small-scale fishing industry. Sea turtles took her to Costa Rica to work as a Marine Programme & Species Officer for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Latin America; she feels half costarrican, half spanish. Marta holds a Master's of Science in Marine and Coastal Management and has travelled through 20 different countries. Her experience in travelling provides all BIOMA participants assistance and advice to ensure that day-to-day Program run smoothly. She loves all about nature, healthy food, Yoga, music and her family.

costa Rica Local team

Professional researchers, local logistic coordinators, qualify leaders and experienced host families are part of our BiomaTravel Expedition. Our team has over 15 years of experience working with groups of students from all over the world, and we collaborate side by side with each participant as they are immersed into the research and conservation of sea turtles as well as the local culture. Each expedition is unique, and every time our team delivers an extraordinary and life-changing expedition experience to our participants.

our mission

Our mission is to provide the highest quality sea turtle and coastal community expedition option in Costa Rica

bioma travel principles

BIOMA Travel Principles:

•    Deliver a highly safe program; we believe that after achieving the highest safety standards, we can then accomplish all of our goals effectively.
•    Provide a high quality educational traveling experience that teaches skills that will remain forever.
•    Expand our passion about sea turtle conservation believing that it will bring more contribution to marine conservation.
•    Discover cultures in a practical learning environment through respect and awareness.
•    Provide a responsible program that respects and protects the well-being of people, their culture and the environment.
•    Empower local coastal communities and our participants to support responsible development efforts.
•    Inspire new generations with experiences, knowledge, and tools that would enable them to take action in nature conservation.