Rainforest Exploration and Biodiversity Costa Rica

location
1 - 12 weken  ·  Leeftijd 18 - 50+

rating  Uitstekend 4.8  · 
  Geverifieerd door Volunteer World
  Zeer hoog Responsgraad

Hoogste Kwaliteit Vrijwilligersproject. Dit project biedt de hoogste kwaliteit die normen stelt - ver boven het gemiddelde.

Highlights

  • Expert-led training in data collection and biodiversity surveys for unique animals found only in the species-rich Costa Rican rainforest.
  • Contribute to wild cat research (species like puma, ocelot, jaguarundi and margay) by setting up and checking camera traps in the rainforest.
  • Support research focused on reptiles and amphibians, including the eyelash palm pitviper, fer-de-lance and red-eyed tree frog.
  • Conduct bird point counts to assess species in the reserve. Assist in raptor research during migration season, one of the world's largest migrations.
  • Join local conservation partners and qualified professionals to ensure your efforts are highly ethical, meaningful and sustainable.


Vooral geschikt voor

Leeftijd 18+
Alleenstaanden
Koppels
Groepen
50+

Over het programma

On this rainforest volunteer program, participants will hike through the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, conducting biodiversity surveys.

On this rainforest and biodiversity volunteer program in the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve you'll embark on an immersive journey through one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions. As part of a team of international participants, you'll venture deep into the heart of the reserve, conducting ...

Over het programma

On this rainforest and biodiversity volunteer program in the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve you'll embark on an immersive journey through one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions. As part of a team of international participants, you'll venture deep into the heart of the reserve, conducting biodiversity surveys that play a crucial role in habitat management and government decision-making.

During your time in the reserve, you'll receive comprehensive training in species identification, learning to distinguish birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Your observations will contribute to a growing database, providing valuable insights into the health of the habitat and supporting conservation efforts.

In addition to biodiversity surveys, you may have the opportunity to assist with herpetofauna and bird research projects, depending on the season and local priorities. Rest assured that all activities are aligned with long-term sustainable conservation goals, ensuring that your contributions have a lasting impact on the ecosystem.

Discover the wonders of Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve. Located deep in the jungle, our research station offers an immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers. During fieldwork, you'll trek through the forest in search of jungle cats, migratory birds and a diverse array of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive species like sloths and tamanduas. Enjoy stunning sunrises and starry night skies as you patrol the indigenous forest. We also assist with turtle hatching sites on local beaches.



Dagelijkse activiteiten

Start your day with forest surveys, followed by breakfast and lunch with the team. After another survey in the afternoon, pitch in with duties or cook dinner together. Later, chill out or join an evening survey if you're on the turtle program.


Example of a typical day:

05:00 Grab some coffee as the ...

Dagelijkse activiteiten

Start your day with forest surveys, followed by breakfast and lunch with the team. After another survey in the afternoon, pitch in with duties or cook dinner together. Later, chill out or join an evening survey if you're on the turtle program.


Example of a typical day:

05:00 Grab some coffee as the sun rises over the forest.

05:30 For the morning survey, we head out into the forest to conduct one of our forest surveys.

07:30 Return to base and prepare and enjoy breakfast with the team.

12:00 Lunch is enjoyed as a group. During the week lunch is prepared by a local cook. 14:30 Head out on a forest survey. If you're lucky you might see sloths, mantled howlers or white-headed capuchins.

16:30 Return to base where you’ll either assist with base duties or prepare dinner as a group.

18:00 Enjoy a meal together and reflect on the work you did that day and its impact on the environment.

19:00 Free time for relaxation or social activities. Those who are completing a turtle program head out on an evening survey.

20:00 Night surveys twice weekly: herpetological and general biodiversity. Spaces favour program participants, but we aim to include everyone weekly.


Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

Excited to explore Costa Rica's awesome offerings? Here are some cool activities to check out during your free time:

  • Dive into the underwater wonders of Cahuita National Park. Snorkel among colourful corals and unique marine species.
  • Experience the culture of San Jose. Visit museums, relax in ...

Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

Excited to explore Costa Rica's awesome offerings? Here are some cool activities to check out during your free time:

  • Dive into the underwater wonders of Cahuita National Park. Snorkel among colourful corals and unique marine species.
  • Experience the culture of San Jose. Visit museums, relax in beautiful parks, and sample local cuisine at Central Market.
  • Hang out at Cocles Beach for great surfing and beach relaxation. Or head to Manzanillo for a more laid-back beach experience.
  • Get your adrenaline pumping with white-water rafting on the Pacuare River. Prefer a more relaxed vibe? Enjoy scenic river floats.
  • Explore the biodiversity near our base. Birdwatching and frog spotting are popular activities. At night, marvel at the stars or enjoy the beauty of lightning shows in the forest.

Every four weeks, you can enjoy cultural immersion through GVI Experiences. These are included in your program at no extra cost.

Examples of activities may include: 

  • Cook traditional cuisine with local experts.
  • Go on a waterfall hike.
  • Take part in moth or butterfly trapping.
  • Watch a Costa Rican sunset from the rainforest.
  • Stargaze from a jungle tower.
  • Yoga in the rainforest.


Voorwaarden

Voorwaarden

Minimum leeftijd: 18 jaar

Om deel te nemen aan het programma dien je tenminste 18 jaar oud te zijn op de startdatum van het programma. Er kunnen uitzonderingen gemaakt worden indien je een bewijs van toestemming kan aantonen van uw wettelijke voogd(en) of samen met je ouders deelneemt.

Taalkennis

Je dient over volgende taalkennis te beschikken Engels (basis niveau)

Opleidingsvereisten

op High School niveau

Bewijs van goed gedrag en zeden

verplicht

Vereiste documenten

Passport copy, Professional passport sized photo and Medical Form

Nationaliteitsbeperkingen

Geen beperkingen. Helpende handen van over de hele wereld zijn welkom.

Andere vaardigheden

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

Tijdsinzet

Uw helpende hand wordt verwacht op maandag, dinsdag, woensdag, donderdag, vrijdag en zaterdag

Diensten ingesloten

Diensten ingesloten

Diensten door GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to alumni services and discounts
  • Airport pickup (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)

Afhaal aan de luchthaven op Juan Santamaria International Airport

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

Accomodatie

Our research station sits right in the heart of the reserve, giving you easy access to the jungle. Expect to encounter plenty of wildlife roaming around! You'll be staying in shared dorms and using communal bathrooms, and power is limited, so bring along a portable solar charger. Don't forget to pack eco-friendly bug spray and a mosquito net for protection. Keep in mind that it's a bit of a trek uphill to reach the station, so be sure to pack efficiently and opt for backpacks instead of suitcases!

Eten & Drank

Meals will be prepared by a local cook.

Internet toegang

Beperkte toegang op de project site

Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

Vlucht tickets

De dichtste luchthaven is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assisteren u met het vinden van goedkope vluchten naar Costa Rica. VIND GOEDKOPE VLUCHTEN

Reisverzekering

Naar het buitenland reizen is een avontuur en het is best om goed voorbereid te zijn. Plots ziek worden of gewond raken, annulaties of diefstal - een reisverzekering voor Costa Rica biedt zekerheid en is een meerwaarde. KRIJG EEN OFFERTE

Vaccinaties

Als je de intentie hebt om als vrijwilliger aan de slag te gaan in Costa Rica dien je eerst medisch advies in te winnen alvorens je eropuit trekt. Kijk de benodigde vaccinaties na voor Costa Rica. VACCINATIE CHECKER

Gegevens over jouw aankomst

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

Beschikbaarheid
jan. feb. mrt. apr. mei. jun. jul. aug. sep. okt. nov. dec.

Programmakosten

1 week (min. verblijf) 1.745€
2 weken 1.895€
4 weken 2.895€
6 weken 3.845€
8 weken 4.495€
10 weken 5.195€
12 weken (max. verblijf) 5.945€
Gemiddelde kosten 1.120€/week

Programmakosten

1.120€ per week 1 - 12 weken Leeftijd 18 - 50+

Betaalmethodes

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

GEEN CREDITCARDKOSTEN


Duurtijd

1 - 12 weken

Waarborg

De waarborg dient om je plek als vrijwilliger te verzekeren. Betalingen worden door PayPal behandeld, onze betrouwbare betalingsprovider. Indien je niet over een PayPal account beschikt, kan je ook met een credit kaart betalen.


Finale betaling

Uw finale betaling zal worden goedgekeurd door GVI gedurende de aanmeld procedure. Veel voorkomende oplossingen zijn een banktransfer of contante betaling op de projectsite.


Ontmoet je organisatie

GVI

Uitstekend 4.8 rating (221 beoordelingen)

Agentschap - opgericht in 1998

Geverifieerd door Volunteer World

  Zeer hoog Responsgraad

Gepresenteerd door

Bianca

Gesproken talen: Engels

Over de organisatie

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

Ontmoet je organisatie

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 beoordelingen · rating4.8

GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
During my recent trip to Costa Rica I had the pleasure of interacting with three of GVI’s finest. The experience began with a friendly welcome at the airport and the following two weeks were increasingly wonderful. The whole time I felt safe in the country. From first aid assistance to ...
Never felt the intensity like that going to another country by myself and feeling secure soon as I met up with Gvi and from there on was amazing. With that being said my time on base was amazing no phones so basically you and your group socializing and getting to know about other cultures. Being on ...
I lived in the heart of Tortuguero National Park for 10 weeks! It was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I learned about biodiversity and wildlife conservation. I stayed on the Jalova base helping with Forest surveys and beach surveys to gather information for the national park and the ...
I've spent two month in Jalova scientific base in Costa Rica. It is located in Tortuguero National Park, in the middle of the rainforest just next to the Caribbean sea. It's been a wonderful experience, both social and scientifically enriching. I've loved my trip here and it taught me a lot about ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...

Plaats


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