Learn about tracking techniques
Work through a gap year in the heart of a national park in Costa Rica. This will be done by helping the management of the reserve, the government of Costa Rica and organizations like Coastal Jaguar Conservation and other NGOs to contribute to the research and conservation of the jaguar.
Together with NGO staff and other participants from around the world, you will set up and monitor cameras set up along the coast and in the forest, and record all tracks on the beach, to note the abundance of jaguar in the area. Depending on partner needs, you may also be able to monitor camera footage to identify area jaguars and collect data for genetic research.
Like all of our programs for a gap year , the project in Costa Rica allows you to validate your year while impacting the local community in a positive and lasting way.
– Live and work in a research station in the middle of a national park in Costa Rica
– Visit an area incredibly rich in jaguars in one of the only places in the world where jaguars are known to prey on adult sea turtles.
– Contribute to jaguar research by setting and checking camera traps in the rainforest.
– See Costa Rican wildlife in their natural habitats, including Caribbean beach sea turtles, monkeys, and neotropical birds.
– Learn biodiversity survey techniques and gain real-world field experience.
Part of our project is to help authorities and researchers observe unique jaguar behaviors on the beach. During turtle nesting season, the area is one of the few in the world where jaguars have been known to prey on nesting adult sea turtles.
Although jaguar research will be the main part of your program, you will also have the opportunity to participate in sea turtle and seabird research, as well as surveying the biodiversity of the forest. , including mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles.
Through this training and the hands-on experience, you can gain technical skills that could help you pursue a future career in conservation, or soft skills like cross-cultural team communication that will help you in any other way. professional that you could choose.
We constantly adapt our volunteering projects to meet the needs on the ground. The description of the program aims to give an idea of the mission, nevertheless the volunteers must expect possible adjustments on the spot. The missions respond to issues that can change over time, we must constantly evolve to adapt to our environment, and not the other way around.
Since you will be working in a national park, you will need a special scientific permit to allow you to carry out research. Other permits are required for turtle and jaguar research.
- Live and work in a research station in a national park in Costa Rica
- Visit an area incredibly rich in jaguars in one of the only places in the world where jaguars are known to prey on adult sea turtles.
- Contribute to jaguar research by setting and checking camera traps in the rainforest.
- See Costa Rican wildlife in their natural habitats, including Caribbean beach sea turtles, monkeys, and neotropical birds.
- Learn biodiversity survey techniques and gain real-world field experience.
Part of our project is to help authorities and researchers observe unique jaguar behaviors on the beach. During turtle nesting season, the area is one of the few in the world where jaguars have been known to prey on nesting adult sea turtles.
Although jaguar research will be the main part of your program, you will also have the opportunity to participate in sea turtle and seabird research, as well as surveying the biodiversity of the forest. , including mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles.
Through this training and the hands-on experience, you can gain technical skills that could help you pursue a future career in conservation, or soft skills like cross-cultural team communication that will help you in any other way. professional that you could choose.
We constantly adapt our volunteering projects to meet the needs on the ground. The description of the program aims to give an idea of the mission, nevertheless the volunteers must expect possible adjustments on the spot. The missions respond to issues that can change over time, we must constantly evolve to adapt to our environment, and not the other way around.
Since you will be working in a national park, you will need a special scientific permit to allow you to carry out research. Other permits are required for turtle and jaguar research.
The project works closely with local authorities to collect, process and analyze data on fauna and flora in Costa Rica. This information will be used to take national measures to optimise and protect the country’s environment.
In 2015, our humanitarian mission in Costa Rica (educational program with children) was featured on the renowned National Geographic Traveler 50 Experiences list. This project is always very popular with volunteers who want to engage in a sustainable humanitarian mission and learn Spanish at the same time.
For more information, see ’50 Tours of a Lifetime’ from National Geographic Traveler.
Our NGO partner is a member of the United Nations International Commission on Sustainable Tourism. All their initiatives and volunteer projects are led by experts in collaboration with the local population and national governments.
As a non-profit organisation, our conservation project is completely transparent. Volunteer contributions are used to cover on-reserve project planning (reconnaissance, team recruitment and logistical support), direct field costs (transportation, lodging, staff meals) and finally to support the project itself. Without the physical and financial help of volunteers, this project would not have been possible.
The project works closely with local authorities to collect, process and analyze data on fauna and flora in Costa Rica. This information will be used to take national measures to optimise and protect the country's environment.
In 2015, our humanitarian mission in Costa Rica (educational program with children) was featured on the renowned National Geographic Traveler 50 Experiences list. This project is always very popular with volunteers who want to engage in a sustainable humanitarian mission and learn Spanish at the same time.
For more information, see '50 Tours of a Lifetime' from National Geographic Traveler.
Our NGO partner is a member of the United Nations International Commission on Sustainable Tourism. All their initiatives and volunteer projects are led by experts in collaboration with the local population and national governments.
Volunteer contributions are used to cover on-reserve project planning (reconnaissance, team recruitment and logistical support), direct field costs (transportation, lodging, staff meals) and finally to support the project itself.
This program is available for up to 24 weeks, contact us for rates and availability.
| Duration | Fees to be paid upon registration​ |
|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | 1845€ |
| 4 Weeks | 2844€ |
| 6 Weeks | 3795€ |
| 8 Weeks | 4445€ |
| 10 Weeks | 5095€ |
| 12 Weeks | 5845€ |
Housing is allocated by local NGOs, not by Freepackers - the descriptions are there to give you an idea of the type of accommodation, as it is very likely that conditions will vary on site depending on the number of volunteers, weather conditions, availability, etc. Each volunteer will be accommodated according to the stated conditions, but it is possible that the accommodation may not match the description or images shown on this site word for word, for example, in the case of annexed housing, renovations, relocations, etc.
Our base is ideal for disconnecting and getting in touch with the natural environment. It is located in the heart of the Caribbean jungle of Costa Rica, one hour by boat from the nearest small town. Get ready for a return to nature and a total change of scene!
Most of the ingredients we use in our meals are sourced from the nearest town, and they are complemented by fruits and vegetables grown in our own organic garden. Breakfast consists of fruit, porridge and pancakes on Saturdays. Lunch and dinner are usually vegetarian.
Communication
Our research base is far from civilisation, which means that telephone network coverage is limited. You may have the opportunity to visit the surrounding area two or three times during your visit, where you can find Internet cafes. The wifi on the camp is used by the staff for research purposes only.
Transport
To work on a project, all you need are your feet, a good pair of wellies, thick socks, and light, long-sleeved clothing, preferably dark in colour. Boats are available for bird watching. Long weekends away from camp are held once a month, so be sure to take that into account when making your plans.
To consult our extra excursions and activities, click here.
Please contact the embassy or immigration website of the country you wish to enter.
You can find all ressources on the World Organization Website, in the Travel Advice section A vaccine vial.
