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.
Helping at the station is an amazing experience but requires passion, hard work and a willingness to cope with the wild. As we are an independent non-profit organization with limited resources, our volunteers need to pay $310 (USD) per week while at the station. Those who commit to 4 weeks or longer, pay the reduced rate of $255 (USD) per week.
I have to pay to work?
Yes, your fee covers your food & accommodations and contributes to our ongoing mission.
This is a science station focused on research and conservation, and our model is quite different from locations who host 'eco-tourists'. If you want to learn how to do hands on field work and contribute to world science then you have found a match with us.
Volunteers help us to run our long-term monitoring projects as well as helping to take care of the Station itself. We proudly share the data we collect with local government agencies and other partners all around the world.
From May to October they provide us with the critical manpower required to send multiple teams who patrol the beach at night, to collect data and safeguard nesting sea turtles. This is a very rewarding experience!
Many of our volunteers visit as individuals with a passion for conservation. Most have a biology or conservation background, but regardless of their background or education, all share two key traits - a desire to make a difference, and a strong willingness to work long and intense hours!
There is a two week minimum stay for volunteers.
If you would like to apply to become a volunteer, please email: station@coterc.org
COST
Volunteer fees 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. 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 tiny tears, 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 first 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
I have to pay to work?
Yes, your fee covers your food & accommodations and contributes to our ongoing mission.
This is a science station focused on research and conservation, and our model is quite different from locations who host 'eco-tourists'. If you want to learn how to do hands on field work and contribute to world science then you have found a match with us.
Volunteers help us to run our long-term monitoring projects as well as helping to take care of the Station itself. We proudly share the data we collect with local government agencies and other partners all around the world.
From May to October they provide us with the critical manpower required to send multiple teams who patrol the beach at night, to collect data and safeguard nesting sea turtles. This is a very rewarding experience!
Many of our volunteers visit as individuals with a passion for conservation. Most have a biology or conservation background, but regardless of their background or education, all share two key traits - a desire to make a difference, and a strong willingness to work long and intense hours!
There is a two week minimum stay for volunteers.
If you would like to apply to become a volunteer, please email: station@coterc.org
COST
Volunteer fees 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. 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 tiny tears, 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 first 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
