Rainforest Exploration and Biodiversity Costa Rica

location
1 - 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

  • 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.

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.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    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 ...

    About the program

    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.



    Typical day

    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 ...

    Typical day

    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.


    Free-time activities

    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 ...

    Free-time activities

    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.


    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 (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High 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 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)

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

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

    Accommodation

    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!

    Food & Beverages

    Meals will be prepared by a local cook.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    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

    1 week (min. stay) 1,745€
    2 weeks 1,895€
    4 weeks 2,895€
    6 weeks 3,845€
    8 weeks 4,495€
    10 weeks 5,195€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 5,945€
    Average fees 1,120€/week

    Program fees

    1,120€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 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

    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 ...

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