Quick Facts
Program code
CR-WN112
Category
Volunteer Work, Anmimal Welfare
Country
Costa Rica
Location
Pacific coast between Quepos and Dominical
Program start
flexibles start and end dates, year round (expect on sundays)
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Project details
On the long and beautiful sandy beaches between Quepos and Dominical on the Pacific coast in Costa Rica not only sea turtles have their nesting sites, the subtropical forests along the beautiful coast are also home to sloths. These cute animals are among the characteristic species of Costa Rica. At the sight of their sweet faces and their laziness, it is impossible to not like these peaceful fellows. Although Costa Rica's sloths are not an endangered species, their natural habitat is still declining due to deforestation and environmental destruction. Sloths are often the victims of electric shock when they climb on the power poles or are run over in car accidents.
In this volunteer project, you observe sloths in their natural habitat and collect data to better understand their migration, feeding and living behavior. With the help of biologists, the data are recorded and evaluated.
The sloth project also takes care of injured animals. They are taken in and given first aid before being resettled in appropriate animal rescue centers.
In addition, and to make the work more exciting and diversified, you will also be involved in sea turtle protection and beach cleaning, depending on the current workload and number of volunteers involved.
Important to know:
1. Sloths do not live in captivity here! So they cannot be petted or carried!
2. The volunteers usually spend significantly more time on the sea turtle project than on the sloths project.
Tasks
Sloths live primarily in central and northern South America as well as in parts of Central America, mainly in Costa Rica, and on some Caribbean islands. They inhabit tropical rainforests and live in the trees most of the time, where they find food and safety. If you have ever wanted to be close to these cute animals and to learn more about them, this volunteer project with sloths in Costa Rica is your chance.
Your tasks during your volunteer work in the sloth project in Costa Rica include:
- Supporting biologists in field studies
- Collecting data in relation to migratory behavior, food sources and feeding behavior of sloths
- Observing other animals and collecting data on other animals sharing the habitat with the sloths
- Assisting in the initial care of injured sloths
Seasons
Sea Turtles: July until December
Sloths: November until February
In the sea turtle project you will have the unique opportunity to approach the turtles which are threatened by extinction.
Among your tasks are:
- Patrols on the beach, in groups (especially at night) to find the turtles laying eggs
- Recording of data and cataloguing of turtles and eggs
- Protection of the nests in the 'vivero'
- Release of the turtle babies
- Cleaning the beaches
It is often necessary to work very early in the morning and late in the evening, as data on sloths and sea turtles can be collected particularly well at these times.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
The volunteers in the sloth sanctuary and sea turtle project in Costa Rica live together at the project site in a volunteer house. There are shared bedrooms and shared bathrooms. The Volunteer House is simple but functional. Electricity and hot water are not always available. Full board is included (breakfast, lunch and dinner); the local cuisine consists mainly of rice, beans, vegetables, meat and fruits.
Internet access is possible via your own cell phone (SIM card can be bought). WIFI is only available to a limited extent in the project.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
This volunteer project is located directly on the beautiful Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is about 130 km south of Punta Arenas and about 3-4 hours southwest of the state capital San José.
Nearby is the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, which, with its dream beaches, exotic wildlife, rainforest, mangroves and lagoons, is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Central America.
On hikes through the forest areas you can easily observe animals such as monkeys, toucans and sloths with the naked eye.
The region has developed into a popular meeting place for surfers from inland and abroad in recent decades due to the great conditions all year round.
It has a subtropical climate with an annual average temperature of 26 ° C during the day, and it cools down comfortably at night. The rainiest months are between May and November.
Language skills
In our Wildlife & Nature projects, our volunteers get along well with English language skills.
For optimal program preparation and cultural integration in the destination country, we recommend participating in a Spanish course in Costa Rica (optional).
You can book your Spanish course in Costa Rica directly with us!
Requirements
- English skills. Basic Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Costa Rica!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Tetanus vaccine (not compulsory but recommended); Please ask your doctor for advice.
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us in case of emergency on 7 days a week around the clock.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Costa Rica as well as the volunteer coordinator on-site.
Costs & Services
The volunteer project with sloths and sea turtles in Costa Rica includes:
- Shared room in Volunteer House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 1,110 (minium stay 2 weeks*)
Each additional week*: US$ 250
(*periods of full weeks, meaning 7 days, will be charged)
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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