Volunteer in Costa Rica
Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica
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This adventurous expedition offers individuals the opportunity to explore, live and work in the most remote region of Costa Rican rainforest on the Caribbean Coast.
The main projects are based on turtle research, Jaguar research, mammal camera traps, bird monitoring, exploration of the National Park and Wildlife Refuge, environmental assessments, environmental education and a short ‘Introduction to TEFL’. Some of the research projects take place a long distance from base, and so expedition members have the opportunity to camp out in groups away from the base and to explore the region’s forests and beaches.
In addition, GVI arranges an included scenic whitewater rafting trip on Costa Rica’s most spectacular rapids, as well as a canopy tour in the treetops of the Tortuguero rainforest, as a thank you for all your hard work through the expedition.
Expedition members are based at a biological field station which is surrounded by tropical rainforest with regular sightings of Howler and Spider monkeys from the dinner table, and sits on a forest waterway, a short canoe paddle from the beach. There is no road access to the region and so all transportation is via kayak, canoe and motor canoes, through the stunning canals and rivers, surrounded by tropical rainforest and its associated wildlife. A brief but intensive training period prepares expedition members for a variety of exciting and adventurous conservation projects.
GVI's work is carried out on behalf of and in conjunction with local, national and international partners. In addition to COTERC (Canadian Organisation for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation), with whom the station is shared, GVI is working with the Costa Rican National Parks (MINAE) to develop and sustain long-term conservation of the Tortuguero area.
The expedition plays a vital role in the development and management of long-term wildlife conservation in the national park and wildlife refuge and in community education programs in the area.
This expedition focuses on research projects, conservation programs and community development in the Tortuguero region. On behalf of and in conjunction with the Costa Rican National Parks (MINAE), GVI is currently supplying trained volunteers, long-term paid experienced staff, equipment and direct funding to the following long-term projects:
1. Jaguar predation of marine turtles research
2. Jaguar abundance research including mammal camera traps
3. Marine turtle nesting and hatchling success research (seasonal)
4. Environmental assessments within Tortuguero National Park
5. Resident and migratory bird research
6. Local capacity building – TEFL-based language teaching to local adults and children
7. Community and tourist environmental education and sustainable development initiatives
8. National scholarship program
