Volunteering at Caño Palma Biological Station
COTERC offers volunteers the unique opportunity to live and work in the Caño Palma Biological Station set within the north-east Caribbean lowland rainforest of Costa Rica. The station is located in one of the most bio-diverse 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 hard-woods, 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.
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 travelers, students and researchers who help out for a minimum of two weeks to work in the following areas:
1. Marine turtle monitoring, protection, and community-based
conservation (March - October);
2. Shorebird monitoring;
3. Caiman census - once a week;
4. Large mammal monitoring (year round with the exception of
rainy season from mid/late November through to late January);
5. Plant phenology - once per month
6. Snake morphology
7. Community conservation - ongoing at local elementary school
8. Station maintenance and construction activities.
1. Marine turtle monitoring, protection, and community-based
conservation (March - October);
2. Shorebird monitoring;
3. Caiman census - once a week;
4. Large mammal monitoring (year round with the exception of
rainy season from mid/late November through to late January);
5. Plant phenology - once per month
6. Snake morphology
7. Community conservation - ongoing at local elementary school
8. Station maintenance and construction activities.
COST
Volunteers contribute $275 (U.S.D.) per week, with reduced rates for long-term stays (greater than 4 weeks). This fee can be paid in advance of your trip (contact Station Manager for details) or upon arrival at the Station. Fees are required in advance to help prepare for your stay including food, accommodation and limited local transportation. In appreciation for you visiting the Station and taking part in the monitoring programs, we are happy to grant you a lifetime membership to COTERC. 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 an emergency first aid kit, but you should bring any personal medications and frst aid supplies 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.
Once you have been accepted as a volunteer, please refer to the volunteer preparation guide when making arrangements to join us. This information will help you prepare for your visit to Caño Palma Biological Station and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
We recommended you read and understand these files before choosing to volunteer:
Volunteer Preparation Guide
Volunteers contribute $275 (U.S.D.) per week, with reduced rates for long-term stays (greater than 4 weeks). This fee can be paid in advance of your trip (contact Station Manager for details) or upon arrival at the Station. Fees are required in advance to help prepare for your stay including food, accommodation and limited local transportation. In appreciation for you visiting the Station and taking part in the monitoring programs, we are happy to grant you a lifetime membership to COTERC. 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 an emergency first aid kit, but you should bring any personal medications and frst aid supplies 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.
Once you have been accepted as a volunteer, please refer to the volunteer preparation guide when making arrangements to join us. This information will help you prepare for your visit to Caño Palma Biological Station and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
We recommended you read and understand these files before choosing to volunteer:
Volunteer Preparation Guide