• Life On Land

Wild Cat Conservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Live and work at a research station in the middle of a Costa Rican National park.
  • Wild cat conservation - Contribute to wild cat research by setting up and checking camera traps in the rainforest to monitor population studies.
  • Fieldwork training - Learn how to identify species and conduct surveys so that you can contribute to data collection and help build an inventory of terrestrial species in Kéköldi reserve.
  • Observe Costa Rican wildlife species in their natural habitats, including , and monkeys, neo-tropical birds and wild cats.
  • Reptiles and amphibian conservation - Record sightings of reptiles and amphibians. Some of these include the gorgeous eyelash palm pitviper and the always popular red-eyed tree frog.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Work on critical conservation efforts focused on Wild Cats within Kekoldi National park. 🐆

  • Kekoldi is surrounded by popular tourist destinations. The nearby towns have been developing quickly to accommodate the large demand by tourists. While being an indigenous territory, Kekoldi has stayed outside the development of the tourist platform, but their habitants are concerned that ...

About the program

  • Kekoldi is surrounded by popular tourist destinations. The nearby towns have been developing quickly to accommodate the large demand by tourists. While being an indigenous territory, Kekoldi has stayed outside the development of the tourist platform, but their habitants are concerned that legislations will change in the future to allow investors to come into the territory to build resorts.


    • By implementing a comprehensive biodiversity monitoring program alongside other projects, we are able to not only prove the environmental health of the jungle and protect it better, but also document these facts to eventually use it in case of need to prove the importance of conserve this territory against the tourism industry.

    

    • As well as this we also give support to other important projects that were being carried out prior to our partnership, but that the community didn’t had the human resource to implement. Like the Migratory raptors project and the Bushmaster ecology project.
                                      Highlights:

    Ethical conservation

    Highest ethical standards

    Guided by partners 

    Qualified professionals


    Travel to extraordinary locations

    Explore exotic locations 

    Venture off the beaten track 

    Unique ecosystems and habitats


    Your tribe

    Work alongside like minded people

    Passionate about protecting the planet

    Likely to be your friends for life


    Safety & supportPre-departure support

    Safe countries and airport pickup

    Staff credibility and qualified 


    Take a break

    Switch off from the digital world

    Relax. Take a break

    Find yourself. Mental health.


    Learn survey techniques

    Learn biodiversity survey techniques and gain real field experience.

Typical day

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

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up ...

Typical day

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

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Survey 
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Survey 
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time

Free-time activities

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. 

These side trips are ...

Free-time activities

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. 

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended: 
  • Puerto Viejo (most popular beach in Costa Rica)
  • White Water Rafting
  • Cahuita National Park (opportunity to snorkel)
  • Zipline Rainforest Canopy Tour
  • Tortuguero Village (1 hour away by boat) 
  • Water Sports 
  • Coffee and chocolate farms
  • Talamanca Mountains (UNESCO protected)
  • Other National Parks: Corcovado, Monteverde, Cloud Forest, Braulio, Carillo
The possibilities are endless! 

We also now include cultural/local experiences. These experiences will take place once every 4 weeks.  

These may include : 
  • Learn how to pick and husk a coconut
  • Visit the world's oldest sea turtle research group
  • Meditate on the beach at sunrise 
  • Take a jungle night walk and frog watch 
  • Canoe along jungle river canals at dawn 
  • Stargaze and learn the Northern constellations
  • Hike the extinct volcano, Cerro Tortuguero
  • Visit a sustainable chocolate farm 

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

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.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (fluently)

Education Requirements

at School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Passport copy, Professional passport sized photo and Medical Form

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

No specific skills required, all training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self paced training materials.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

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
  • 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)

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

Airport pick ups are provided at Juan Santamaria International Airport, these are within a specified time period.  

Accommodation

Our program is based in Kekoldi which is a key conservation area for endangered species and wild cats. 

Our base is basic, being a research station and has been created to be sustainable and have as little impact on the environment as possible. 

Accommodation facilities are shared dormitories and can be considered basic.

Food & Beverages

Meals are mostly vegetarian.

Volunteers take it turn to prepare meals for the team. 

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Internet Access

Sorry, no access at the project site

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

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. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2024

  • 07 Dec 2024
2025
  • 04 Jan 2025
  • 18 Jan 2025
  • 01 Feb 2025
  • 15 Feb 2025
  • 01 Mar 2025
  • 15 Mar 2025
  • 29 Mar 2025
  • 12 Apr 2025
  • 26 Apr 2025
  • 10 May 2025
  • 24 May 2025
  • 07 Jun 2025
  • 21 Jun 2025
  • 05 Jul 2025
  • 19 Jul 2025
  • 02 Aug 2025
  • 16 Aug 2025
  • 30 Aug 2025
  • 13 Sep 2025
  • 27 Sep 2025
  • 11 Oct 2025
  • 25 Oct 2025
  • 08 Nov 2025
  • 22 Nov 2025
  • 06 Dec 2025
  • 20 Dec 2025
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 2,195€
4 weeks 3,395€
6 weeks 4,495€
8 weeks 5,195€
10 weeks 5,595€
12 weeks (max. stay) 6,895€
Average fees 836€/week

Program fees

836€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

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.

Final Payment

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.

Meet your organization

GVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

221 reviews · rating4.8

Joao Cortez rating4.8

2024 at Wild Cat Conservation

Honestly, it was one of the best internships I had so far!!! I volunteered in Kekoldi, Costa Rica, for two months, where I had the opportunity to meet the amazing field team. They are so passionate about what they are doing, it really makes a difference. I will proudly admit that I enjoyed every ...
Nyla Tait rating4.6

2023 at Wild Cat Conservation

The GVI experience is one I wish everybody had the chance to have! The staff are so kind and welcoming. The activities are challenging and fulfilling, but still fun. I personally went on GVI Costa Rica, which was a great trip. You really get to know the locals and the meaning of the work you are ...
Holly Whitnall rating5

2019 at Wild Cat Conservation

I took 2 weeks holiday from my corporate sales job to live in the JUNGLE and save the jaguars My experience volunteering in Costa Rica with GVI was honestly one of the most incredible experiences in my life. I am 29 years old and I love animals. I never studied science and had no formal education ...
Thijs rating5

2019 at Wild Cat Conservation

The best way to show everyone how good my experience with GVI Jalova was is to state some facts. When I signed up for the program, I was doubting to go for 2 or 3 months. Eventually I signed up for 4. I ended up sticking around for more than 2 years. I gained many skills in wildlife identification ...
David Kovacs rating5

2019 at Wild Cat Conservation

Amazing experience for anybody interested in wildlife conservation. This is perfect for someone looking to enhance their abilities in biodiversity survey techniques and conservation research best practices. Jalova is an extraordinarily beautiful place, surrounded by dense inland and coastal forest. ..
Kenza rating4.8

2019 at Wild Cat Conservation

My name is Kenza, i'm 19 and I come from France. This summer, I had one of the greatest experiences of my life. I spent 6 weeks in Costa Rica on a biodiversity conservation program, With the wonderful organization GVI ! Our days were marked by different surveys, we work on the canal (with a canoe), ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Kekoldi

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica
Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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