Bird Research & Wildlife Conservation

Join this conservation program based in the heart of the Tortuguero National park, home to endangered sea turtles; jaguars and a plethora of fauna and flora. 

As a volunteer you will be given the opportunity to work alongside highly esteemed conservation organizations such as Costa Rican Ministry of Environment, Panthera, Coastal Jaguar Conservation and the Sea Turtle Conservancy. You will be working on a diverse range of projects dependent on season, you could be working on biodiversity surveys; tracking and camera trapping of Jaguars and beach walks to record data on nesting turtles.

A large part of the research conducted is focused on the behavior of the Jaguars as they prey on the Sea Turtles within the National Park, one of the only places in the world where you can study this phenomenon. 

As a volunteer you may also be responsible for data input activities. Some of the reptile species you may be able to spot while on surveys could include eyelash palm pitviper, red-eyed tree frog, racoons, monkeys and so much more! 

This program includes an optional Wildlife Conservation online courses which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States.

Some patrols are conducted in the morning or at night meaning you have the opportunity to encounter breathtaking sunrises and sunsets in the Caribbean. 

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities.