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VOLUNTEER AND LEARN ABOUT OCEANIC FISH, MAMMALS AND OTHER HABITAT


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

All GeoVisions programs include accommodation.  Most include meals (Please see the Fact File for details), airport pick-up, project training, in-country support, extensive medical and accident insurance, extensive pre-departure information and onsite project orientation.


FACT FILE

Minimum Length 4 weeks 
Maximum Length 8 weeks 
Add on Blocks of Time 4 weeks 
Age 18+  Health Good 
For Minimum Length $ 1455 
For Maximum Length $ 1935 
Additional Fee Information Please contact GeoVisions for additional lengths of stay and pricing. 
Language Training Not included  Airport Transfers INCLUDED 
Orientation INCLUDED  Flights Not included 
Insurance INCLUDED  Visa Costs Not included 
Local Transportation INCLUDED to host family upon arrival  Other  
Room INCLUDED with the host family. 
Meals INCLUDED with the host family. 
Locations Puntarenas, approximately 2 hours outside of San Jose. 
Working Hours Monday through Thursday, approx. 4 hours daily 
Language Requirements Knowledge of Spanish is recommended. 
Additional Information  
Arrival Dates Flexible. Arrival should be on a Sunday through Thursday.