Gandoca, Costa Rica

Volunteer in Gandoca

Work to protect endangered sea turtles on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

Get ready for an epic journey in Gandoca, a coastal town tucked between the jungle and the beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Here, you’ll contribute to sea turtle conservation efforts and explore the rainforest surroundings. Get involved in nesting processes and hands-on turtle research. From sea turtles to monkeys and tropical birds, It’s an adventure you won’t forget.

Critical science

You'll contribute to vital conservation research targeted at protecting the earth's most valuable ecosystems.

Ethical engagement

Using the UN's SDGs as a framework, we've made a commitment to positive, constructive and sustainable impact.

Beautiful adventures

You'll spend your days exploring some of the world's most breathtaking, exhilarating and remote wildernesses.

Overview

Welcome to Gandoca, Costa Rica! Located in the southeast corner of Costa Rica, this small town is characterised by a single gravel road leading to the beach, surrounded by family farms.

Wildlife paradise

The real magic of this region lies in its natural surroundings. Gandoca is a key wetland in Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean zone, boasting the largest and cleanest mangrove forest in the country. The area is teeming with wildlife, including various turtle species like leatherbacks, hawksbills and green turtles, as well as howler monkeys, spider monkeys and an impressive array of over 430 bird species.

Sea turtle conservation

At our research station in Gandoca, we offer a teen volunteer program focused on rainforest and wildlife conservation. As a teen volunteer, you’ll directly contribute to sea turtle conservation efforts, assist with coastal cleanups and community recycling projects, and support sustainable farming practices. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in ecotourism initiatives and assist local schools with any projects they require support with.

Free time in Gandoca

When you’re not busy with project activities, get ready for some chill time and exploration. We’ve got exciting plans ahead, like trekking to a hidden waterfall for a refreshing swim and hiking from Gandoca to Mazanillo. This full-day adventure will take you through Costa Rica’s lush jungles, where you can spot monkeys, sloths and tons of tropical birdlife. We’ll also check out Costa Rica’s history at the national museum in San Jose and hang out on Manzanillo’s awesome beach. With so much to see and do, your time in Gandoca is going to be unforgettable!