At a glance
- Contribute to vital wildlife conservation efforts in the Costa Rican rainforest, learning from conservation experts
- Gain hands-on experience in the research and monitoring of diverse wildlife, including monkeys and sea turtles
- Live in the rainforest and wake to the calls of exotic birds while also immersing yourself in the local culture
- Work alongside other teenagers deep in the heart of nature
- Volunteer service hours: 50
- View a sample itinerary for this project.
Is Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica right for me?
Perfect for teenagers looking for exposure to the conservation field, this project gives you the chance to wake up surrounded by the sounds of nature. Embark on a Latin American rainforest retreat where you can contribute to real conservation efforts.
Monitor monkeys, sea turtles, and other wildlife in various locations across Costa Rica, including the Camaquiri Conservation Initiative (CCI) and the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge. You’ll also get to see the famous Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica’s tallest active volcano.
Whether you are pursuing a career in conservation, want to develop lifelong skills, or simply crave a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this project is perfect for you. Leave your comfort zone behind while fully supported by our staff.
What will I do on this Costa Rica conservation project for teenagers?
As a conservation volunteer, you’ll work with expert conservationists in the Costa Rican rainforest and stunning coastline. Get up close with monkeys, sea turtles, and other incredible creatures.
- Wildlife monitoring - Collaborate with experts to participate in essential primate and sea turtle surveys and data collection, monitoring population size and behaviour. This may include tracking animals, recognising “spoor” (tracks), and identifying different species.
- Camera trapping - Learn how to set up and operate camera traps, providing researchers with valuable insights into animal behaviour when they are unable to observe directly. Record animal movement, feeding habits, and family groupings in their natural habitats.
- Beach clean-ups - Feel warm sand between your toes as you patrol scenic beaches to collect discarded and washed up waste, plastic, fishing nets, and more. All of these can pose a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems.
- Reforestation - Contribute to reforestation efforts by planting native trees to restore degraded habitats and combat climate change. Get involved with the local community to raise awareness about these issues.
- Anti-poaching patrols - Embark on nighttime walks to locate turtle nests and collect their eggs before poachers can, allowing them to be safely hatched and released later. Also enjoy guided hikes to see the local wildlife on nearby trail systems.
Conservation volunteering is all about supporting the protection of our natural world. Your work will help protect the unique rainforest and coastal ecosystems of Costa Rica and the species that live there. You’ll also support and inform future conservation efforts.
Join a conservation volunteering project to create a world in which people and planet can thrive!
Where will I work in Costa Rica?
Camaquiri
The Camaquiri Conservation Initiative is a rainforest conservation hub surrounded by incredible biodiversity. Just a few hours from San José, it offers direct access to pristine ecosystems full of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and countless plants.
Camaquiri is known as a centre for conservation and research due to its remote location, but also has comfortable amenities. With its warm tropical climate and abundant wildlife, it’s the perfect setting for important rainforest exploration year-round.
Barra del Colorado
Tucked away on Costa Rica’s northeastern coast, Barra del Colorado is a remote fishing village and one of the country’s largest wildlife refuges. The area is rich in rivers, lagoons, and mangroves, with a tropical climate that stays warm year-round.
Despite its seclusion, it’s easily reached by boat or car on dirt roads and rivers. Barra del Colorado is famous for its sea turtles, wetlands, and marine life, making it a core destination for marine conservation efforts.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The main aim of this project is to benefit local ecosystems through reforestation efforts, beach clean-ups, and data collection. Your work in these fields will support conservation experts and inform protection strategies for endangered species like sea turtles.
You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in real-world ecological studies, learning practical techniques for primate surveys, camera trapping, sea turtle monitoring, and data analysis.
This work will get you and other teenagers directly involved in critical wildlife conservation and research, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards. Your direct involvement will deepen your understanding of biodiversity, ecosystem health, and the urgent need for conservation.
Furthermore, by engaging in cultural exchange activities, you will foster an understanding of global citizenship and the importance of cross-cultural communication. You will also see how conservation intersects with local communities, helping you build relationships and promote sustainable development.
Your work also enables communities living in vulnerable environments to make a living from nature without exploiting it. In fact, they are incentivised to protect it. Join us to support the protection of biodiversity in the Costa Rican rainforest.
Food and accommodation
Stay at a comfortable, private conservation lodge nestled in the Costa Rican rainforest, providing a stunning, safe, and secure base for your exciting adventure. Wake to the calls of exotic birds, rustling leaves, and animal calls in the tranquil and picturesque wilds.
Share simple, homely rooms with other volunteers of the same gender and approximate age, and enjoy traditional meals cooked at the lodge. You’ll foster new connections with fellow participants and our dedicated local staff, who will be there for you 24/7.
We make sure that you’ll have all the essential amenities, like running water, electricity, and basic Wi-Fi, even though the locations are remote.
Safety & Support
Your safety and peace of mind is our absolute priority. We've meticulously crafted a comprehensive network of support systems and procedures to ensure your journey is not only unforgettable but also completely secure.
Our dedicated Projects Abroad team is your constant companion, available 24/7 to provide assistance and guidance. From the moment you arrive, we'll be there to help you settle into your accommodation and placement, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition.
And should any challenges arise, our team will be readily available to provide support and solutions, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your incredible adventure.
Ready to head on the journey of a lifetime?
Get in touch today and speak with a Project Expert to get started!
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