VOLUNTEER DUTIES
Apart from the ecological monitoring programs, volunteers will be assigned duties by station staff as required and according to the station’s needs. These duties may include the following:
- Assisting visiting researchers with data collection
- Leading daily tours
- Collecting weather data
- Trail upkeep
- Preparing rooms for researchers and student groups
- Preparing meals and washing dishes
- General facility and yard maintenance
If you have particular skills (i.e., construction, electrical, plumbing), which relate to the station’s needs, we certainly want to know about them. In the course of your stay there will be plenty of time to explore the rainforest surrounding the station and the beaches and canals.
COST
Volunteers pay $250.00 U.S. for the first week, and $180.00 for each subsequent week. This fee will be collected at the end of each week during your stay and includes food, accommodation, limited transportation to the village and a one year membership to COTERC with electronic newsletters. 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 even tiny tears or 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 traveling 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 a first aid kit, including snake antivenin, but you should bring any personal medications 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.
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Check out what dates are available to do volunteer work in Costa Rica.
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Follow this link for a complete
Volunteer Information Package (689 KB)
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Once you've been accepted as a volunteer, please refer to the PREPARATION GUIDE when making arrangements to join us. This information will help you prepare for your visit to Caño Palma and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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"It is our collective and individual responsibility to protect and nurture the global family, to support its weaker members and to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live."
-- The Dalai Lama |
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