We are a leading institution dedicated to sea turtle conservation, research, and education.
WHO WE ARE
Bioma was founded to create a better future—for sea turtles, for nature, and for people.
At BIOMA, we believe that field-based, hands-on, and immersive educational experiences can create meaningful, lasting impacts—for students, local communities, and nature itself. We’re here to cultivate a community of passionate individuals who are inspired by and dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their ecosystems, now and for generations to come.
At the heart of it all is our vision: a world where people and nature coexist in harmony—a future where this balance is not just possible, but essential.
WHERE WE ARE
Some of the world’s most important nesting and foraging grounds
Our Expeditions take place in three breathtaking regions of Costa Rica: the North Pacific coast (in the Guanacaste Province), the North Caribbean coast (Pacuare and Tortuguero Nesting Beaches and Protected areas), and the South Pacific coast (Osa Peninsula). These areas are among the world’s most important nesting and foraging grounds for sea turtles—five of the seven extant species nest, feed and develop here.
Participants engage in hands-on field data collection on nesting or foraging sea turtles, working alongside leading experts while living in small coastal communities and field research stations.
Host families and field stations are located just steps from the nesting and foraging sites. Room and board for participants and program staff are provided by experienced women—many of them are strong community leaders—who have dedicated decades to conservation and community development. Their care and cultural guidance make this experience deeply immersive and truly unforgezable.
OUR MISSION
Our specialized sea turtle field courses and expeditions offer the highest-quality sea turtle hands-on experience in Costa Rica—where science, cultural immersion, and conservation come together to create a transformative and exciting learning journey.
WE STAND FOR
Fostering curiosity as the driving force behind all learning.
Creating a collaborative, hands-on learning environment in the field.
Supporting student growth through research, data and expert guidance.
Empowering coastal communities and students to drive sustainable change.
Running responsible programs that protect people, cultures, and nature.
Encouraging cultural discovery through direct experience, respect, and awareness.
Inspiring future generations through impactul, real-world experiences.
Our Team
We are a passionate and energetic team of international professionals conducting sea turtle research and conservation. We also take pride in closely 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 sea turtle expeditions while we try to make change, one person, one sea turtle, and one community at a time.
WAGNER QUIROS
Co-FOUNDER & Co-CEO
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Wagner has spent over 15 years working in sea turtle conservation and alongside small-scale fishing communities. With a Master’s degree from UCSB’s Bren School, he brings his passion for conservation and education to BIOMA. Wagner shapes BIOMA’s strategy and educational programs, creating meaningful experiences that connect students with conservation, local communities, and the field.
MARTA PESQUERO
Co-FOUNDER & Co-CEO
From the North Atlantic to Costa Rica, Marta has built her career in fisheries, sea turtle conservation, and marine management. A former WWF Marine Programme Officer with a Master’s in Marine and Coastal Management, she brings international experience and a passion for marine conservation to BIOMA. Marta leads the strategy, operations and development behind BIOMA’s Expeditions.
VYNESSA DIBLASIO
Sea Turtle Program Specialist & International Student Advisor
From helicopters in Alaska to sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, Vynessa brings curiosity, resilience, and a global perspective to BIOMA. With a background in science and healthcare, she brings a unique perspective to student support and personal growth. As our International Student Advisor, she helps students prepare for adventure, embrace new challenges, and make the most of their BIOMA experience. Her constant travel companion is her adventurous pup, Nala.
ESTEBAN ROJAS
Senior INSTRUCTOR
Esteban has over a decade of experience leading conservation projects and working hands-on with sea turtle programs in Costa Rica. With degrees in Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, he combines field expertise, education, and a true Pura Vida spirit in every expedition. Esteban loves sharing knowledge and believes conservation should always be inspiring!
PERRINE DELOMPRE
Instructor and Group LEADER
Born in France and trained in Canada, Perrine holds a Master’s degree in science and has worked in sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica since 2022. As a BIOMA project leader, she combines her passion for the ocean with a genuine love of learning and teaching. Perrine loves traveling to discover new cultures whenever she’s not in the field!
DANYI PRIETO
Instructor and Group LEADER
Danyi is a biologist and environmental educator with a background in Tropical Biology and Natural Resources Management. Originally from Colombia, he has led outdoor education programs in seven countries, worked with sea turtles since 2011, and brings a strong passion for teaching and exploration to every BIOMA expedition.
KIMBERLY CAMARENA
Instructor and Group LEADER
From microscopic research to sea turtle conservation, Kimbo followed her curiosity into marine biology. A Scripps-trained scientist, she began her career in Costa Rica studying Olive Ridley sea turtles and now combines research and education to protect marine life. Kimberly will never say no to a good cup of coffee—day or night!
COSTA RICA LOCAL TEAM
Experienced researchers, local coordinators, leaders, and host families who have been working with international student groups for over 15 years. Their hands-on approach ensures every expedition is a unique, immersive, and life-changing experience.
BIOMA AMBASSADORS
Alumni of our expeditions who continue the journey beyond the field. Passionate about sea turtle conservation, research, and coastal communities, they share their experiences across University of California campuses and inspire other students to join BIOMA.
Embark on a life-changing experience
