Transfer to Padre Ramos this morning from Managua, a trip that takes about three and a half hours. Upon arrival at Padre Ramos, settle in, meet the staff, and dive right into the critical conservation work going on onsite. The nature reserve, a pristine estuary located on Nicaragua's northwest coast, is considered extremely ecologically significant as it a nesting site for 45% of hawksbill turtles in the Pacific. Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative (ICAPO) operates the Padre Ramos site with the help of a team of local researchers and biologists. Together staff and volunteers gather data on these fascinating creatures through nightly patrols, egg protection, and turtle tagging.

This afternoon staff will introduce you to the turtles, the beaches, and the conservation projects you'll be working on. Enjoy a typical, homemade dinner at the lodge before embarking with a staff member on a night patrol that will last from about 7 until 11 pm. The purpose of the night patrol is to tag and monitor nesting turtles in an effort to gather information on nesting patterns, and to protect the hawksbill eggs. After your patrol, head to the hatchery for a well-earned night's rest.

This morning experience beautiful dawn over the estuary as you embark on a 5 a.m. boat survey, recovering and accounting for the nests not encountered during the night patrol. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and then take a few hours to rest up after the morning's work. Enjoy an authentic Nicaraguan lunch courtesy of supporting members of the community.

After lunch participate in a mangrove reforestation project that is ongoing at Padre Ramos. Staff will give you a brief introduction to the project and provide you with information about the mangrove forests and their importance to the area. Spend about two hours in the forest gathering "propagules," mangrove fruits, and prepare them for replanting.

Have dinner at the lodge and set out on another night patrol. Enjoy your last night with the turtles before heading back to the hotel.

Wake up this morning and head into the village for breakfast at a local restaurant. From there spend a few hours volunteering with a work project in the village community. Common projects include beach cleaning, working on community art projects, or assisting with environmental presentations in the local school.

After enjoying lunch in the village, transfer the three and a half hours back to Managua.