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
What You Get For Your Program Fee - Personalized Volunteer Placement with our Partner in Costa Rica, based on your skills and interests, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with the local organization.
- A comfortable, safe place to live in Costa Rica, the basic amenities, 3 meals per day with a host family, and transportation from the airport to your placements and programs.
- An experienced U.S. based GeoVisions Program Manager (and former volunteer with GeoVisions) who will serve as your coordinator and liaison with our in-country staff in Costa Rica.
- In-country basic language assistance and (optional) language classes.
- Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
- Extensive medical, accident and dental insurance along with emergency evacuation insurance, applicable to GeoVisions' participants worldwide.
- Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
- Country-based airport transportation.
- A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
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Don't volunteer abroad with cash! As an alternative to traveler's checks, GeoVisions suggests the ARC Travel MasterCard, a pre-paid debit card that works globally. We use them here at GeoVisions rather than cash, traveler's checks or our own credit cards. You can refill the card via the Internet and GeoVisions will credit your program fee $5 for each card you buy. Check out the details by clicking the banner below. 
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