Overview
Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica

This adventurous expedition gives individuals the opportunity to work, explore and live in one of the most remote regions of the Costa Rican rainforest on the Caribbean Coast, whilst contributing to vital conservation projects. The expedition plays a vital role in the development and management of the long-term wildlife conservation of the Tortuguero National Park and Tortuguero Conservation Area. The main projects involve: conducting marine turtle monitoring and conservation, study of jaguar predation on marine turtles, aquatic bird monitoring and jaguar, large mammal and prey species studies.

Also available on this expedition GVI's unique BTEC in Biological Survey Techniques qualification, click here for more info.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

I'm privileged to have been a part of this expedition and to have contributed in some small way to the conservation of this remarkable environment and the future of its inhabitants. It's provided a unique insight and an unforgettable experience.

Dominic Greaves, volunteer

What Difference Does This Expedition Make?

The work carried out by GVI Costa Rica takes a holistic approach to the conservation of the area, helping to monitor every ecosystem of this incredibly diverse area: forest, canal, beach and sea. We continue to increase knowledge of jaguars and their predation of marine turtles, through active management have achieved massive reductions in marine turtle nest poaching, and help monitor populations of birds, marine turtles and large mammals. Together with increasing the scientific knowledge of the area, GVI Costa Rica have been invited to act in consultation with MINAE over their latest management plan for the Wildlife Refuge and to present information to other researchers and University groups. Our National Scholarship Programme has helped several nationals gain employment in ecotourism and conservation.

Highlights

Getting the chance to go on this unique adventure in a Costa Rican National Park; enjoying life at the research station; learning about the wildlife and their habitat; seeing unique wildlife in marine and coastal rainforest environments, including sea turtles, monkeys, neo-tropical birds and amphibians; exploring the area by boat and canoe, including remote Caribbean beaches, gaining a wide variety of skills, including learning survey techniques and gaining real field experience, joining the research team to undertake turtle nesting surveys and monitor nesting sites; participating on jaguar surveys; setting up and checking camera traps and tracking in the rainforest.

Skills And Qualifications Received

Amongst many others: First Aid & CPR training (certification optional); GPS, marine radio and camera trap use; wildlife identification skills; Tropical forest ecology; wildlife biology and conservation; time management; interpersonal skills; cooking for large groups; canoe skills. Numerous scientific techniques are taught depending on season and what work is being conducted, these can include: collection of biometric data; transect work; direct counts; incidental observations; tourist & human impact surveys; camera trapping; track identification; work with endangered and critically endangered species; data entry, manipulation and presentation.

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

If you are looking to go on an adventure to explore rainforests and tropical beaches seeing mesmerising terrestrial and marine wildlife, this is definitely the programme for you! The biological station is surrounded on three sides by stunning National Park rainforest and the Caribbean sea and beach to the front, which is the largest rookery in the Western Hemisphere for the endangered green sea turtle. You will spend your time surrounded by the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the rich canals, tropical rainforest and Caribbean beaches. There is no road access to the region, so all transportation is via canoe and motor boat, through the stunning canals and rivers surrounded by tropical rainforest and its associated wildlife.

See Life on the expedition page for more information

Field Conditions

Accommodation is pleasantly rustic and dormitory-style, in a beautiful clearing of the forest which has wildlife viewing opportunities that are second to none! All food will be prepared by the expedition team on a rotational basis, and basic but typically local food will be the staple diet. There is a generator for electricity part of the day in the main buildings, hand washing laundry facilities, and running (cold) water, which means there are flushing toilets and refreshingly cool showers.

See Life on the expedition page for more information