Marine Conservation in Puntarenas

  Costa Rica

• Central Pacific Coast: 
Puntarenas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Flexible.

Description: Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about oceanic mammals and habitats while rehabilitating animals to be re-released into the wild. The park, located in Puntarenas, two hours away from the Costa Rican capital of San Jose, caters to locals and tourists alike who are interested in learning about sea life and what goes into helping injured animals recover and return to their natural habitats. The park has 22 fish tanks that hold a variety of species such as puffers, anemones, crabs, sea stars, frog fish, clown fish, nurse sharks, and more. It accepts and rehabilitates wounded animals that have been called in from both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. On the rare occasion that an animal can not be suitably rehabilitated, they are cared for at the park and remain an important part of the education for visitors. Volunteers help watch and maintain these tanks to guarantee the continued health and success of the park. The facility also has outdoor exhibitions that hold crocodiles, turtles and pelicans among other creatures.

Volunteers in this program will get the chance to learn about the amazing variety of marine animals and habitats around Costa Rica and also about conservation practices used to care for and protect the marine wildlife. Volunteers will get limited chances to assist in the Marine Rescue Center and help with tasks such as the treatment and feeding of the animals. Once acclimated to the park and the animals, volunteers will also collaborate in guided tours and other regular activities. While this program is open to anyone, marine biology students are strongly encouraged to apply. A low-intermediate level of Spanish is also recommended for this program.

Volunteer activities may include:

- Help in the Marine Rescue Center (assisting in the treatment of animals)
- Help feed the animals
- Learn about different conservation practices and methods
- Help with the general cleaning and maintenance of the tanks/facility
- Collaborate with the staff on guided tours and other activities around the park

Cost in US$: $1455 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: All volunteers must be 18 years old or older. Volunteers need to have a desire to learn about another culture and teach about theirs. All interested participants must complete a GeoVisions application.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

GeoVisions's Mission Statement: GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded: 2001