ABOUT THE STATION
30 years ago, COTERC and Caño Palma Biological Station (CPBS) began our mission to conserve, educate and provide a special place where science could take root.
We have hosted dedicated researchers, students, volunteers, naturalists and other like minded people keen on conservation from over 30 different countries.
We are a unique privately run not-for-profit biological research station located in the tropical coastal rainforests of Costa Rica. We are not eco-tourism but rather an authentic science station that offers a one of a kind experience.
We proudly run our own ongoing long term monitoring projects. The success of these projects relies on extraordinary people who come from all over the planet to take part.
Visitors pay for food and accommodations, and work long hours, all to gain valuable tropical work experience.
We are so proud of the fact that so many of our volunteers have gone on to further themselves in the scientific world. We host independent researchers, providing them with a base from which to conduct their investigations and have been the part of some amazing publications.
Our Mission Statement:
To provide immersive learning experiences that deepen comprehension and appreciation of tropical ecosystems.
We have hosted dedicated researchers, students, volunteers, naturalists and other like minded people keen on conservation from over 30 different countries.
We are a unique privately run not-for-profit biological research station located in the tropical coastal rainforests of Costa Rica. We are not eco-tourism but rather an authentic science station that offers a one of a kind experience.
We proudly run our own ongoing long term monitoring projects. The success of these projects relies on extraordinary people who come from all over the planet to take part.
Visitors pay for food and accommodations, and work long hours, all to gain valuable tropical work experience.
We are so proud of the fact that so many of our volunteers have gone on to further themselves in the scientific world. We host independent researchers, providing them with a base from which to conduct their investigations and have been the part of some amazing publications.
Our Mission Statement:
To provide immersive learning experiences that deepen comprehension and appreciation of tropical ecosystems.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER NOW!

DESPITE THE PANDEMIC, MANY VOLUNTEERS ARE MAKING THEIR WAY TO THE STATION TO HELP US CONTINUE THE PROJECT, WHY NOT YOU?
Caño Palma Biological Station takes on hard working volunteers and interns to help study and protect nesting sea turtles. We charge a small fee for room and board.
We also continue our incredibly important long term monitoring studies, like our focus on the great green macaws, river otters, sea turtles and many more.
We are now looking for both experienced and inexperienced people who want to help us protect, conserve and study sea turtles.
You will need a good work ethic and the ability to walk long distances at night.
If you would like to find out more or begin the approval process,
please write station@coterc.org .
Caño Palma Biological Station takes on hard working volunteers and interns to help study and protect nesting sea turtles. We charge a small fee for room and board.
We also continue our incredibly important long term monitoring studies, like our focus on the great green macaws, river otters, sea turtles and many more.
We are now looking for both experienced and inexperienced people who want to help us protect, conserve and study sea turtles.
You will need a good work ethic and the ability to walk long distances at night.
If you would like to find out more or begin the approval process,
please write station@coterc.org .
COTERC support goes global!
On June 5, Alain and Dan set out on an incredible Journey - to cycle from London to Bangkok and raise money along the way. We could not be more honored that they've chosen to help raise money for COTERC and Caño Palma! Follow Dan on Instagram (@djcresswe11) to watch their incredible journey and hear how they came to be cycling more than 12,000 km across the globe!
if you're able to donate, click here - every bit is incredibly appreciated!
On June 5, Alain and Dan set out on an incredible Journey - to cycle from London to Bangkok and raise money along the way. We could not be more honored that they've chosen to help raise money for COTERC and Caño Palma! Follow Dan on Instagram (@djcresswe11) to watch their incredible journey and hear how they came to be cycling more than 12,000 km across the globe!
if you're able to donate, click here - every bit is incredibly appreciated!
Charlotte Reflects on our 30 year milestone & pandemic at the station: