I recently went to the private Pacuare Reserve, where my brother and I were the only guests. All the other folks were turtle researchers. As a result, rather than stand in a crowd at a respectful distance from a turtle, we were out on the beach 8 PM - 3 AM, helping to measure and tag leatherbacks, as well as relocate their nests to higher ground. It was an unforgettable experience.

If you want to participate, you need to book through Selva Bananito Lodge, another amazing place well worth visiting a bit farther south.

At Pacuare Reserve, (not the same as the Pacuare River Lodge), we had good food and nice accommodations, (if basic- no electricity and it is designed for research, not slothful tourists!), and the people were very good to us in terms of taking us for hikes, explaining their work, etc. Highly recommended for the adventurous, families with mid-teens and above. more