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 Barra de Colorado Wildlife Refuge, and in community education programmes in the area. The main projects involve: conducting marine turtle monitoring and conservation, jaguar predation and abundance research, canal bird monitoring, mammal camera trapping, and aiding environmental education programmes.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer 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, 2008 expedition member

What Difference Does This Expedition Make?

The expedition has had direct short-term results, including the decreasing poaching rates on marine turtles and their nests, and increasing knowledge of jaguar predation of turtles in Tortuguero National Park. Expedition members also help community members to access the tourist revenues through English language lessons and capacity building, and support conservation within the area through environmental education and awareness programmes.

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 turtles, monkeys, neo-tropical birds and amphibians; exploring the area by boat and canoe, including remote Caribbean beaches, joining the research team to undertake turtle nesting surveys and monitor nesting sites; participating on jaguar surveys; setting up and checking camera traps, interacting with the local community on the GVI community education programmes.

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 and kayak 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 expedition base is situated next to a waterway with a boat dock, and is surrounded by lush rainforest that is the home to monkeys, caiman, otters and other wildlife, which (depending on your luck) can be regularly sighted from the base. Across the waterway (a short canoe ride away), there is a nearby beach. There is no road access to the region, so all transportation is via kayak, 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 electricity in every building, 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

Internships

A ten week internship is available for qualifying expedition members.

See Internships page for more information