Wildlife Expedition
Coordinator | Bella
Coordinator | Bella
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
The area where we work on is closed to tourism, we are the only people allowed to live there due to the nature of the research we do
Hands on turtle research! During turtle nesting season volunteers get to physically touch sea turtles (measuring their carapace and counting their eggs by feeling them lay in your hand!)
One of only a few places documented where jaguars predate nesting turtles
You can see a huge variety of aquatic birds in the canal near base and if you're very lucky a manatee
In the middle of the jungle where you can find sloths, tamanduas, agoutis and so much more!
Join a team of international participants in Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Your hands on work will contribute to the long-term management and
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+
Live in the heart of the jungle surrounded by the natural beauty of Tortuguero’s rainforest-lined Caribbean beaches. Hike the jungle trails conducting biodiversity surveys, walk along the beach looking for evidence of sea turtles during turtle nesting season, check camera traps for footage of jaguars, and explore the rainforest canals noting important aquatic bird species.
Volunteers go out on 2 surveys a day, except for Friday afternoons and Saturdays which is free time.
One survey a week volunteers will be on kitchen duty. You will receive training on all species and surveys.
These are the projects that you could expect to get involved in:
- Jaguars feeding behavior and population studies including a 15 mile survey on the beach (once a week) to monitor the number of predated sea turtles and the use of camera traps to ID jaguars and monitor their feeding patterns. Seasonal Feb to Nov.
- Scats (faeces) gathering in order to study and genetic studies.
- Marine turtle (seasonal end of march to October) conservation using a international protocol to ID nesting greens, leatherbacks (March to June) and some hawksbills.
- Tropical species surveying and identification techniques which will be comprised of surveys in the forest focusing on the whole biodiversity of the area (amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles).
- Data recording and Input, volunteers will assist in inputting the data collected on surveys into the projects databases.
Not only does this program offer you the opportunity to get involved in ongoing conservation efforts, but you will also be provided with the training and experience to grow professionally by mastering both transferable and technical skills. These include teamwork, intercultural communication, and best practices for recording biodiversity data.
Health & Hygiene:
The work we contribute to across the globe remains important and new measures allow our participants to continue to join our programs and continue impacting positively on their world and the communities we work with. Changes to our existing protocols have been made by our health and hygiene team to strengthen our health and hygiene protocols and ensure that international standard safeguards are in place to protect our participants, staff and host communities. Please inquire for more information on the protocols.
Sea Turtle Conservation
#Hotspots
Jaguar Conservation
Sloth Sanctuary
Leatherback Turtle
National Park
Pantanal Jaguar
Three-toed Sloth
Hawksbill Turtle
Typical day
Here is an example of a daily schedule:
- Wake up 5/6am,
- 1st survey 6-10am,
- lunch,
- 2nd survey 1-4pm,
- dinner,
- bed by 9pm.
- Nighttime turtle patrols are 8/9pm-2am (you would have the morning off the following day!)
It is important to remain flexible as schedules can change based on seasons and also needs of our program partners.
Free-time activities
You will be based at the research station within the National Park, located 1 hour by motorboat from the nearest town of Tortuguero, and working on the surrounding canals, rivers, forest, beaches and in the nearby communities. Travel around the local area is limited and dependent on expedition staff and water taxi services.
Due to the remoteness of base, we offer a long weekend (3 free days) every 4 weeks, so people can travel around Costa Rica at the start of project or once a month, be sure to budget for it if you would like to visit more places in Costa Rica. Likewise, there is a close by restaurant, and volunteers have the option of ordering fried chicken and sodas every Friday at your own expense, cost is between 6 to 10USD. Before and after your program you could explore the rest of Costa Rica, or travel onwards throughout Latin America. Buses are cheap but basic, and regional flights are relatively affordable. With so much culture and adventure it's sometimes hard to know where to start – the possibilities are endless!
Travelling around the region is possible by bus with connecting services from Caño Blanco to cities across the country. It is useful to know that street addresses are not really used or known in Costa Rica - landmarks are used instead. For example, to get to Hostel Casa Colon ask to go “En contraesquina de Torre Mercedes” (translated: "across the street from Torre Mercedes).
Due to the remoteness of base, we offer a long weekend (3 free days) every 4 weeks, so people can travel around Costa Rica at the start of project or once a month, be sure to budget for it if you would like to visit more places in Costa Rica. Likewise, there is a close by restaurant, and volunteers have the option of ordering fried chicken and sodas every Friday at your own expense, cost is between 6 to 10USD. Before and after your program you could explore the rest of Costa Rica, or travel onwards throughout Latin America. Buses are cheap but basic, and regional flights are relatively affordable. With so much culture and adventure it's sometimes hard to know where to start – the possibilities are endless!
Travelling around the region is possible by bus with connecting services from Caño Blanco to cities across the country. It is useful to know that street addresses are not really used or known in Costa Rica - landmarks are used instead. For example, to get to Hostel Casa Colon ask to go “En contraesquina de Torre Mercedes” (translated: "across the street from Torre Mercedes).
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
required
at High School level
CV professionally translated into Spanish, Passport copy, Professional passport sized photo and Medical Form (For this program we need to apply for a scientific permit)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
No specific skills required, all training is provided in field
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 24-hour emergency phone
- 24-hour in-country support
- Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- All necessary project training by experienced staff provided online 8 weeks prior to arrival:
- PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
- PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1 - 5 hours)
- OPTIONAL: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
- Camera trap use
- First Aid & CPR training
- GPS training
- Location orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- Scientific techniques in collection of biometric data, transect work, incidental observation, tourist and human impact surveys, camera trapping and, track identification
- Transfer to rainforest location
- Tropical forest ecology
- Welcome meeting
- Wildlife identification skills
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- Flights
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Medical and travel insurance
- Personal items and toiletries
- Police or background check
- Visa costs (where necessary
Most volunteers arrange international flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose (IATA code: SJO) at least one day before the expedition starts.
Airport pick-ups can be arranged from 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM the day before your program start date, please request this from your support coordinator who will be in touch with you as soon as you confirm you spot.
If you arrive outside of the pick-up time or arriving in San Jose by other means, will be responsible for their own transportation. Official airport taxis are orange, and cost approx US$22 to the hostel. Alternatively, you can get a bus from outside the airport (approx. US$1, every 20-30mins).
Departure:
On your final Saturday, you will be transferred back to San Jose. It is strongly recommended that the volunteers book their flight for late on Saturday or for the day after their program finishes, on Sunday. This is because the travel back to San Jose from the base could occasionally take up to 8 hours, so attempting to make any flights on the day the program finishes could be tricky. We recommend that your departure flight is booked for after 6:30pm on your program end date.
Airport pick-ups can be arranged from 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM the day before your program start date, please request this from your support coordinator who will be in touch with you as soon as you confirm you spot.
If you arrive outside of the pick-up time or arriving in San Jose by other means, will be responsible for their own transportation. Official airport taxis are orange, and cost approx US$22 to the hostel. Alternatively, you can get a bus from outside the airport (approx. US$1, every 20-30mins).
Departure:
On your final Saturday, you will be transferred back to San Jose. It is strongly recommended that the volunteers book their flight for late on Saturday or for the day after their program finishes, on Sunday. This is because the travel back to San Jose from the base could occasionally take up to 8 hours, so attempting to make any flights on the day the program finishes could be tricky. We recommend that your departure flight is booked for after 6:30pm on your program end date.
Accommodation is in shared (mixed sex) dorms with shared bathroom facilities at the field station. There is running water available for washing and cooking, with suitable water for drinking and brushing teeth. Supplies are limited and usage may be restricted when necessary. Bucket-flush toilet facilities are available, and participants share responsibility for base duties, including cooking, cleaning, and other chores.
Bungalow
Volunteers take it in turns to prepare meals for the group. Food is very basic and mostly vegetarian, with meat rarely available. Breakfast could be porridge or occasionally pancakes, typical lunches and evening meals may include lentils, chicpeas, pasta, beans, or rice, with vegetables. Fresh fruit is provided each afternoon.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Due to the current situation you have the flexibility of changing the destination and start dates for this program at no extra cost.
2021
- 09 Jan 2021
- 23 Jan 2021
- 06 Feb 2021
- 20 Feb 2021
- 06 Mar 2021
- 20 Mar 2021
- 03 Apr 2021
- 17 Apr 2021
- 01 May 2021
- 15 May 2021
- 29 May 2021
- 12 Jun 2021
- 26 Jun 2021
- 10 Jul 2021
- 24 Jul 2021
- 07 Aug 2021
- 21 Aug 2021
- 04 Sep 2021
- 18 Sep 2021
- 02 Oct 2021
- 16 Oct 2021
- 30 Oct 2021
- 13 Nov 2021
- 27 Nov 2021
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 12 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$2,490
4 weeks
$3,322
6 weeks
$4,192
8 weeks
$5,062
10 weeks
$5,933
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$6,803
Average fees
$906
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
GVI
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Wildlife Expedition
Join a team of international participants in Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Your hands on work will contribute to the long-term management and
$708/week
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