Dolphin and Frog Conservation - Combine Volunteer and Adventure in Costa Rica!

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Heredia,  Arenal,  Tamarindo,  Coco Beach,  Samara,  San Isidro de Heredia,  San Ramon
• Central Pacific Coast: 
San Pedro,  Puntarenas,  Jaco,  Turrialba,  Quepos,  Guadalupe,  Cartago,  Manuel Antonio,  Agua Buena,  Boruca,  Carate,  Coronado,  Escazu,  Golfito,  La Flor de Santiago,  San Isidro del General,  Osa Peninsula,  Puriscal,  Dominical,  Tibas,  Santa Ana,  Uvita,  Ujarras Valley,  Londres,  Punta Banco
• Eastern Lowlands: 
Gandoca,  Tortuguero
• Monteverde: 
Monteverde

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks

Description: ISV's Dolphin and Poison Dart Frog Research Projects
Research the habitat and behavior of highly endangered poison dart frogs and spotted dolphins in a life changing grass roots conservation program.

International Student Volunteers (a non-profit organization) offers you the chance to volunteer in a conservation program for dolphins and poison dart frogs that are on the verge of extinction. After your project you will follow it up with an amazing two week adventure tour with activities such as a 3 day white water rafting trip, horse-back riding, coral reef snorkeling, canopy tours and so much more.

About ISV's Dolphin and Poison Dart Projects:
This project is located in the stunning biodiverse south west coast of Costa Rica. The goal is to research behavior patterns of dolphins and poison dart frogs and analyze habitats, feedings areas, the influence of tide cycles, the relative abundance of these animals in the area, in order to understand the dynamics of both species who are habitat indicators. In addition to this, the project also provides an alternative to manage a potential source of income to local communities and organizations through ecotourism activities. This project aims to generate information that would help the government authorities in the implementation of improved conservation strategies and wildlife resources management

This is a great opportunity to get hands on and make a difference with a local community initiative to save one of Costa Rica's most precious animals.

Other ISV Volunteer Projects in Costa Rica:
Volunteer Projects:
sea turtle and dolphin conservation, community support, infrastructure building, eco-tourism development, organic farming, monkey and bird research.

Spanish language and dance lesson package available.

ISV Adventure Tour in Costa Rica
Participants will travel throughout Costa Rica including the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, discovering primary rainforests, plentiful varieties of wildlife, volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, reefs, national parks, private reserves while staying in some of the best eco-lodges in the country. You will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as:

* Snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean
* Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River
* Treks through several ecological reserves
* Jungle kayaking in the canals of Tortuguero National Park
* Horseback riding through a typical Costa Rican farm and a private secondary forest with views of the Pacific Coast
* Zip-lining and rappelling in La Fortuna
* Observing two of Costa Rica's many volcanoes
* Tubing on the Negro River
* Getting personalized surfing instruction in Samara
* Exploring the local nightlife in Heredia

Highlights:
Key achievement example from last year:
Over 2, 223 hours of wildlife surveying, research and monitoring efforts, 34 community facilities built or repaired and more than 1, 500 people involved in ISV's Conservation Projects.

Galapagos and Machu Picchu Excursion
After your ISV Program, take on the once in a lifetime six-day adventure exploring the incredible Galapagos Islands. See the giant tortoises, and snorkel with the seals and iguanas as you explore the world's most unique ecosystem! Or perhaps you'd like to spend an incredible week exploring the magical colonial city of Cuzco before we embark on a four-day trek through Incan ruin's and visit the mystical ruined city of Machu Picchu.

Spanish lessons
Before your adventure begins, ISV also offers you a five-day course of Spanish lessons in the morning and dance classes in the afternoon. This is a great way to brush up on your language skills and you will even stay with a local family.

Why travel with ISV?
* Combine meaningful volunteer projects with exciting adventure travel
* ISV has support offices in every program country we operate in
* Trained staff to guide your project and tour
* Group travel you will make friends from across the globe and not be alone
* Educational learn a lot and possibly receive academic credit (if applicable)
* ISV is not a sending agent we run our own programs with our own trained staff to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible.

Qualifications: No qualifications are necessary; ISV will give you all the training you need. To maximize your experience it is preferable you can speak English fluently. You do not need to speak the language of your host country, as you will have bi-lingual project and tour leaders to guide your experience. Minimum age is 18 years old by the time of departure. This program is open to everyone, not just students.

Cost in US$: Program prices vary. See website.

The program cost also goes towards the equipment or building materials needed for your projects, your in-country support, your adventure activities, your amazing trained project and tour leaders, AND towards the ongoing sustainability and training of each project. We give you and our projects the support and structure many other volunteer organizations cannot, as we have an office in each country to look after your entire experience and develop lasting relationships with the communities in which we operate.

Cost does not include: passport costs, insurance, international flights, in-country domestic flights (if required), vaccinations, spending money, extra activities on tour (available through Optional Activity Package).

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Despite our name, any person may volunteer with ISV as long as they are over 18 years old. The majority of our participants are 18 to 30 years old, but we welcome anyone who wishes to join us and make a difference. You do not need any special skills to volunteer with ISV. We just ask that you are willing to give back to your host country; you are willing to learn as much as you can about the people, environment and issues facing your host country, and are ready to make the best friends along your adventure of a lifetime.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

International Student Volunteers's Mission Statement: To create an environment that combines conservation, community development, education and recreation into the ultimate adventure travel program for anyone who desires to make a difference by volunteering in local communities abroad.

Year Founded: 1981