As a volunteer or intern on this project, you will help the biological research center to collect more information and data about sea turtles, mammals, crocodiles,  butterflies and other wildlife. The projects runs the whole year around, except for the sea turtle project which is seasonally restricted from June until December. The peak of turtle nesting season is in September, October and November.

Sea Turtles

In the past seasons the research center has successfully protected over 140 sea turtle nests and released more than 5000 hatchlings (each nest has about 100 eggs). During turtle season, nests are moved to the hatchery where they are observed and constantly protected. The researchers and volunteers collect important data about the biology of the nests and make sure that the hatchlings arrive safely in the ocean.

Mammal Research

Another important aspect of the biological research center is the mammal research project, an important study because these species are important for the dynamic balance of the forest. The reserve around the biological research center has over 11 species of mammals, such as raccoons, coatis, kinkajous, weasels, river otters, tayra and monkeys. The researchers and volunteers collect data on the mammals with camera traps and by studying their behavior, and they constantly collect information about their local distribution and movements.

Caimans and Crocodiles

Another great research project is the caiman and crocodile project, which aims at gathering information about their distribution, their relationship with the environment and human impacts on the ecosystem. The research center wants an initial profile of the population of crocodiles. By adding new information about the crocodiles’ current status, the conservation and management of this species can be improved.

Environmental Education and Butterflies

The butterfly garden of the Biological research center offers visitors to see butterflies and learn about their behavior. The butterfly garden is an educational alternative for tourists, but also for the whole surrounding community. Often school kids come and visit the center, and you can help educating them about nature, butterflies, and conservation. Visitors of the garden can learn more about the butterfly cycle of life, metamorphosis, anatomy, physiology, senses, food, ecologic nice and many more.

Green Life Volunteers partners with the Biological Research Center to provide them with more researchers and volunteers to help with ongoing research projects and also establishing new research.

 

Volunteer’s responsibilities include: 

• Help with ongoing research projects, such as the turtle, mammal, crocodile and butterfly research
• Install cameras in the reserve, check the cameras for activities and replace the batteries of the cameras
• (Nocturnal) monitoring of the animals
• Counting of the animals
• Marking of the animals and their locations
• Capturing of the species
• Help in the hatchery at night and during the day
• Patrol beaches during sea turtle season to collect eggs and bring them to the hatchery
• Release baby turtles into the ocean once hatched
• Other research project help – whatever is ongoing at the biological research center

An ideal volunteer / intern on the ‘Biological Research Center’ project wants to learn more about the exotic animals and nature of Costa Rica. Also, the volunteer has to enjoy physical labor and being outside. You do not need a degree for this project. You can volunteer on this project if you are 18+ years old.

The Biological Research Project offers shared (separated by gender) dormitory rooms with bunk beds.

You’ll share the accommodation with your fellow volunteers. Food is Costa Rican typical food cooked for you and prepared by a chef.

You’ll all eat together in a common space at certain hours. Breakfast is usually around 6-7am, lunch is around 12pm, and dinner is around 6 -7pm.

The location of the Ojochal Biological Research Center is on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, in a town called Ojochal. It’s just South of Uvita.

The town of Ojochal is really small – but the nearby town Uvita is bigger and has supermarkets, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, a National Park, and more. You can go and visit Uvita in your free time or if you need anything special.

To find out more about our Project Locations read our Locations Page.

The costs for this project are:

• First week’s fee: $US 875.00
• 2 weeks: 1,425.00
• 3 weeks: 1,975.00
• 4 weeks: 2,525.00
• For placements longer than four weeks, please contact us directly for additional information and a customized price quotation. 

What Is Included in Your Volunteer Fee?

Your first week’s fee includes an organizational fee, which helps cover the essential behind-the-scenes costs of running our volunteer programs. These expenses include staff salaries, office rental, administrative expenses, and transaction and banking fees.

Your volunteer fee also covers:

• Accommodation: Your stay at the project site in either a private or shared room, depending on availability.

• Meals: Food supplies to prepare three meals daily during your stay. You may receive one prepared meal (lunch) Mondays – Fridays. 

• Project Support: A contribution towards the daily operating costs of the program you will be supporting. This helps ensure that your participation directly contributes to the continuation of our projects and local initiatives.

What Is NOT Included in Your Volunteer Fee?

Please budget separately for the following expenses:

• First and last night in San José: Accommodation in a hostel before and after your project stay.

• Airport transfers: Transportation between the international airport and your San José accommodation. Airport shuttles cost approximately $35 each way. We are happy to help arrange this for you upon request during the sign-up process.

• Public transportation to the project site: Bus travel between San José and the project location costs approximately $20 each way.

• Flights: International and domestic airfare.

• Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay.

• Visa expenses: Any applicable visa or entry-related costs.

• Additional food and snacks: Any food, beverages, or snacks beyond the three daily meals provided.

• Extra-curricular activities: Optional excursions, tours, and recreational activities outside your volunteer project.