COTERC offers volunteers the unique opportunity to live and work in the Caño Palma Biological Station set within the northeast Caribbean lowland rainforest of Costa Rica. The station is located in one of the most biodiverse regions of Latin America and sits within a network of protected areas. It is surrounded by a vast and ancient floodplain covered by a mosaic of swamp forests, palm forests, lagoons, mixed hardwoods, picturesque canals and coastal ecosystems.

Work with trained staff on biological monitoring surveys and community-based conservation programs while experiencing the regions´ cultural diversity, allowing you to develop your proficiency in Spanish. Through the various project opportunities, you will make a contribution to global conservation efforts while obtaining valuable conservation skills.

We offer opportunities for international travellers, students and researchers who help out for a minimum of two weeks in one of the following areas:

1. Marine turtle monitoring, protection, and community-based conservation (March-October; minimum 2-week commitment);
2. Migratory bird mist netting and banding (bi-monthly throughout the year – inquire about current status);
3. Resident breeding bird surveys (for birders with experience in bird breeding and monitoring);
4. Large mammal monitoring (year round with the exception of rainy season from mid/late November through to late January);
5. Currently developing protocols for invertebrate, botanical, amphibian, reptile and fish research projects (expect to have protocols established by mid August, 2011)
6. Station maintenance and construction activities.

COST

Volunteers contribute $200.00 U.S. per week, with negotiable rates for groups and long-term stays. This fee will be collected at the end of each week during your stay and includes food, accommodation, limited transportation to the village and a one year membership to COTERC with electronic newsletters. There are no banks in Tortuguero and so we are unable to accept traveler’s cheques or credit cards. All payments to the station must be in U.S. dollars or the Colone equivalent. When arranging U.S. cash for your trip, be sure to ask your bank for clean bills, absolutely free of even tiny tears or nicks or writing. Costa Ricans are very particular about their currency.

HEALTH CONCERNS

The station lies in a remote area where medical attention is not readily available. Therefore, it is a good idea to plan to see your physician or health clinic a few weeks before travelling to Costa Rica. Follow your doctors medical advice regarding inoculations, prescription medicine and health precautions.

It is essential that you inform the station staff of any medical conditions or allergies you may have. The station has a first aid kit, including snake antivenin, but you should bring any personal medications you may need. Let the staff know where you keep your medication and how to administer it in case of an emergency. Make sure you have copies of any prescriptions to accompany the medication you are bringing into the country to avoid problems with customs officers.

Volunteer Links (We recommended you download these files: Right click and select “Save link as…”):

• Volunteer Information Package
• On-line Volunteer Application

Once you’ve been accepted as a volunteer, please refer to the PREPARATION GUIDE when making arrangements to join us. This information will help you prepare for your visit to Caño Palma and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.