18
Unearthing New Experiences
Rainforest and Wildlife Conservation Teen Volunteering in Costa Rica
Live with other teens on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast while learning about rainforest conservation.
15 - 20 hrs of fieldwork
1:6 staff to participant ratio
Program information
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica! Work alongside our local partners to champion sea turtle conservation, aid in coastal cleanups and engage in community recycling projects. You’ll also learn about sustainable farming practices and engage in cultural exchange initiatives. With GVI, every experience is an opportunity to create lasting impact and unforgettable memories.
Flights
Itinerary
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Speak to alumni
If you’d like to find out what the experience of joining a GVI project is really like, simply contact us and we’ll put you in touch with one of our many Alumni.
We’ll try to match you to an Alum based on your location, nationality, age, stage of academic career, gender, and program interests. This allows you to gain insights into the experience that is most relevant to you.
Depending on your location you might be able to speak to an Alum over the phone or online, or meet up with them face-to-face at a coffee shop nearby. We also run a series of small events around the world where you can speak to GVI Alumni, Ambassadors and staff members.
Get a first-hand perspective
Arrivals
When it comes to support, we ensure that each participant is provided with unparalleled, 360 degree support, from your initial contact with the GVI Family, all the way through your program, and even after, as you become part of the GVI Alumni Team.
As part of this promise, we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. In most locations, we also set up a Whatsapp group to help with managing airport arrivals.
We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our team or representative will be there to welcome you, easily identifiable in a GVI t-shirt or holding a GVI sign and wearing a friendly smile.
This means there will be someone there to greet you as you land, and from there you will be transported to your GVI base to start your adventure and meet the rest of your team.
Flights
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Your Impact
All of our programs have short-, mid- and long-term objectives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This enables us to report on our collaborative impact across the world in a streamlined manner, measuring which UN SDGs we are making a substantial contribution to. Furthermore, this will help our local partners and communities measure and visualise their contribution to the UN SDGs.
Prior to your arrival on base, you will be educated about the UN SDGs. Then once you arrive on base, you’ll learn about the specific goals we have in this particular location, our various objectives, and also clarification of how your personal, shorter-term involvement contributes to these.
Our aim is to educate you on local and global issues, so that you continue to be an active global citizen after your program, helping to fulfil our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.
Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve is a key area for many interlinked conservation efforts as it is home to several species, including:
- Jungle cats like pumas and ocelots.
- Peregrine falcons and plumbeous kites – Kekoldi is the third most concentrated area for migratory raptors in the world.
- Thousands of tropical bird, reptile and amphibian species.
- Species like sloths, tamanduas and kinkajou.
Rainforest biodiversity surveys
We assist the Kekoldi Reserve science team with biological assessment surveys of the three major habitat and forest types in the reserve. We note a wide range of species on our surveys, including the rain frog, red-eyed treefrog, three species of toucan, spider monkey, mantled howler monkey, white-lipped peccary, eyelash palm pit viper and Baird’s tapir (although these are very elusive, so no promises!) Staff and participants walk marked paths in the forest, noting sightings, tracks and vocalisations. Only species identified with 100% certainty can be recorded. The data is shared with KIR, which uses a standardised methodology to monitor the condition of each trail over time. This helps them to understand the health of the local environment and whether their current conservation efforts are working.
Wild Cat Population And Predation Research
Kekoldi is home to several endangered or vulnerable wild jungle cat species – including ocelot, margay, puma and jaguarundi.
Our research assists reserve authorities and conservation teams to determine the population sizes of each cat species, map out the territoriality of individual cats within each of those species, and identifying the availability of prey species in the area and the subsequent effect on feeding behaviour. Direct observations of these elusive animals can be difficult, but the use of remote observation techniques like camera trapping has proven very successful in surveying and monitoring wild cats across large areas of forest
Bird Research
Kekoldi boasts the world’s third-largest concentration of migratory raptors, with 4.6 million counted from a single point. Notably, it’s a key migration spot for peregrine falcons and plumbeous kites.
We partner with Kekoldi Hawkwatch, studying raptors and predation in the reserve. Monitoring predator health yields crucial data on ecosystem vitality, environmental shifts and guides conservation efforts. Situated within the Talamanca-Caribbean Biological Corridor, the Hawkwatch site offers panoramic views of the biodiverse surroundings, including 59 mammal species, 43 amphibians and over 400 bird species. They’re the second-largest Hawkwatch in the Americas, dedicated to preserving their 6,000-ha sanctuary and educating visitors on conservation importance.
Our work with Kekoldi Hawkwatch takes place during migration season (approx. mid-Feb to mid-May and early Sep to end-Nov) for conducting migration counts.
Project objectives
GVI Kekoldi’s Long-term Objectives:
1. Increase scientific knowledge of Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve.
2. Increase awareness of the ecological value of the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve.
3. Build local capacity to support long-term conservation of biodiversity and sustainable community development in Costa Rica.
4. Minimise our environmental impact on Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve and raise awareness of environmental issues amongst participants and visitors.
Publications
The best decisions in international development and conservation cannot be made without accurate and up-to-date data or informed research. Our many field teams around the world collaborate with local and international partners to analyse data and draw conclusions. In addition, many of our participants have used research they have collected on their various GVI projects to complete their Masters, Doctorate, or postdoctoral studies. We also run a fellowship program which connects postdoctoral researchers at globally-respected universities with our many sustainable development programs around the world to support their research and ensure continuous improvement of our best practices on base.
All of our publications are on Google Scholar
Long-term monitoring of ocelots Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora: Felidae) in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Precipitous decline of white-lipped peccary populations in Mesoamerica
GVI Costa Rica Jalova Annual Achievement Report
Coastal Jaguar Conservation Annual Achievement Report
‘Ecotourism overflow: local implications of restrictive conservation management.’
XXIII Mesoamerican society for Biology and conservation Symposium, Belize
‘Jaguar predation on marine turtles: multilateral threats on flagship species.’
International Sea Turtle Symposium
‘Priceless Monitoring without cost:the significance of incidental detection of species in conservation efforts.’
Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation Symposium
‘Accumulation and Changes in Species found within the Southern end of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica, for the past 7 years.’
Mesoamericana – Revista Oficial de la Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biologia y la Conservacion
‘Social Dynamics of Jaguar Population in the National Park Tortuguero, Costa Rica.’
Mesoamericana – Revista Oficial de la Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biologia y la Conservacion
‘Impact of Jaguar’s Predation on the Population of Sea Turtles in the Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.’
Mesoamericana – Revista Oficial de la Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biologia y la Conservacion
‘Population dynamic between Coastal jaguars (Panthera Oca), sea turtles and nest predators in Tortuguero Costa Rica.’
28th International Sea turtle Symposium
‘Playa Norte Marine Turtle Conservation & Monitoring Programme.’
Leatherback season report 2009
‘Playa Norte Marine Turtle Conservation & Monitoring Programme.’
Playa Norte Green Leatherback season Report 2008
‘Playa Norte Marine Turtle Conservation & Monitoring Programme.’
Playa Norte Green Season Report 2008
‘Feeding habits of the jaguar Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae) in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.’
Tropical Biology
‘First record of jaguar (Panthera onca) predation on a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica’
Herpetology Notes
‘First record of Puma concolor (Carnivora:Felidae) in Tortuguero National Park.’
Brenesia
‘Volunteering for conservation: You are the difference’
Volunteering for conservation: You are the difference
‘Accumulation and changes in species found withing the Southern end of Trotugeuro National Park, Costa Rica for the past 6 years.’
Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation Symposium Belize 2016
‘Effects of weather events on incubation periods in green sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.’
37th Annual symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation
‘King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) scavenging at green turtle (Chelonia mydas) carcasses in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.’
Vulture News
‘Six years of conservation efforts in the South of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica’
36th Annual symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation
‘Impact of jaguar Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae) predation on marine turtle populations in Tortuguero, Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.’
Revistar de Biologia Tropical
‘Habitat features influencing jaguar Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae) occupancy in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.’
Rev. Biol. Trop
‘Relacion depredador-presa: depredacion de jaguar sobre presas terrestres y tortugas marinas, Parque Nacional Tortuguero’
IV congreso Mesoamericano de Areas Protegidas
‘Comparaciones en tecnicas de valoracion de la Biodiversidad en el Parque Nacional Tortuguero.’
IV congreso Mesoamericano de Areas Protegidas
‘Jaguar Panthera onca predation of marine turtles: conflict between flagship species in Tortuguero, Costa Rica.’
Fauna & Flora International, Oryx
‘Observaciones de la avifauna en el area de Jalova en el anyo 2010 en el Parque Nacional Tortuguero.’
Zeledonia, Boletin de la Asociacion Ornitologica de Costa Rica
‘Jaguar (Panthera onca) activity on the beach of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.’
Bachelor thesis
‘The aquatic avifauna of Tortuguero: the findings of GVI Costa Rica, 2007-2009’
Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation Symposium
Training
A GVI program is an investment in your career. No matter which you choose, you will be working toward improving your employability by mastering new social skills, gaining further technical expertise and earning qualifications in many cases. Most of our staff are, in fact, GVI Alumni, and we have helped many of our Alumni discover, move toward, and earn their own personal dream jobs. Each program includes introductory workshops, ongoing presentations, as well as on-the-ground professional support provided by our very own trained staff members. In addition, our training programs are critical for helping us to ensure the long-term impact of our sustainable development projects around the world.
For all GVI participants
Orientation: Travelling Responsibly and Ethically
Learn about the importance of child and vulnerable adult protection best practices and how to apply them while on project.
Orientation: UN Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction to the history and evolution of sustainable development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and how these related to your project work.
Orientation: Further Opportunities for Impact
Learn about our country locations and further opportunities available to you during or after your program.
For all participants at Kekoldi
Community: Women’s Empowerment
Learn about gender equality, skills development and examples of income generating activities.
Community: human empowerment
Learn about our empowerment principles.
Conservation: survey techniques and logistics
An introduction to different survey techniques and best practice guidelines for surveys; introduction to different types of data and how to record information via a datasheet.
Conservation: biodiversity & target species identification
Learn about biodiversity and how biodiversity is measured, and classifying different species and how to identify species that indicate the health of the habitat.
Marine conservation: pollution and plastics
Learn about issues with plastic and measures that can be taken to help reduce plastic consumption.
Wild Cat Monitoring Training
Learn about various wild cats biology and behaviour, how to identify a specific specimen, how to identify tracks, and how to set up a camera on a trail.
Turtle Monitoring Training
Learn about turtle biology, how to measure a turtle, perform a health check, how to distinguish between old and new turtle tracks on the beach and how to excavate a nest.
Canal Bird Identification Training
Learn how to identify the 30 target species important to MINAE and Tortuguero park, and how to input data from these surveys.
Biodiversity Survey Training
Learn how to identify jungle species that indicate the health of the habitat, how to record and enter data, and the protocol of forest surveys.
Certificates & qualifications
GVI Online Leading Teams for Impact course (optional)
Leadership is a critical skill set for anyone looking to make an impact or drive sustainable development. Develop your own leadership style and learn how to set achievable objectives, give effective feedback and manage conflict successfully. After successfully completing the course, which you have the option of doing prior to your in-country program, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Richmond.
This online course, valued at £295, is included in all volunteering programs. Full course details can be found here.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Young British nationals looking to earn their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and improve their employability can use GVI’s teen programs to complete several of the required components like volunteering, physical fitness, skills-development, completing an expedition, and learning how to thrive in a residential context. The Duke of Edinburgh Award can be used to enhance your personal statement on your UCAS application.
Support & Safety
We won’t sugarcoat it — traveling abroad is usually a complex process that carries an element of risk. But this is exactly why we’re passionate about providing extensive support throughout the process as well as the highest safety standards during the in-country phase. We believe that volunteering abroad should not only be impactful, but an enjoyable experience that carries as little risk as possible. This is exactly how we’ve been able to maintain our reputation as the most highly respected volunteering organisations in the sector over the past two decades.
Health and safety case studies
How GVI upholds health and safety
GVI's commitment to safety and security
How GVI remains prepared for natural disasters
How GVI manages participants expectations
Want to connect with some of our past participants about their adventures? Get in touch with hundreds of friendly ambassadors all over the world who would be more than happy to answer any questions.
Zoom webinar : Tuesday 12 August 2025 18:00 BST | 13:00 EDT
Join our open days to also get the chance to chat with our alumni. Sign up to book your spot now. We have limited availability.
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