Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 5% of the world’s species despite covering only 0.03% of the Earth’s surface. With its lush rainforests, rich marine life, and iconic species like sloths, toucans, and jaguars, the country offers unique opportunities to actively contribute to wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species.

WildeCostaRica
Open To Anyone Studying or Qualified in the Veterinary Industry
14 Days or Longer of Incredible Adventure
Step into the heart of real-life conservation in Costa Rica’s leading wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shadow experienced veterinarians as they care for injured, orphaned, and confiscated wildlife — from tiny reptiles and colourful tropical birds to playful mammals. Each animal has a story, and you’ll be part of its journey toward recovery and, whenever possible, release back into the wild. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art veterinary technology, including digital radiography, in-house blood analysis, and laser therapy for advanced rehabilitation. It also features specialised facilities designed for the unique needs of reptiles, avians, and mammals, ensuring that every species receives the highest standard of care. As part of the team, you’ll witness every stage of the process — from emergency response and medical treatment to long-term rehabilitation and daily care for the permanent sanctuary residents who cannot be released. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of wildlife medicine, animal welfare, and conservation challenges in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries
Available Trips: Available Year Round for a Minimum of 2 Weeks
Inclusions: Accommodation, Meals, Transport, Airport Transfers, Activities, Contribution to Conservation Efforts

WildeJungle
Open To Anyone Studying or Qualified in the Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Forestry, Conservation and Related Fields
17 Days or Longer of Incredible Adventure
Immerse yourself in hands-on conservation at our wildlife release site, Bosque Escondido, located in the heart of Costa Rica’s tropical forest. This unique program invites you to live and work alongside wildlife specialists for a minimum of two weeks, contributing directly to the protection and rehabilitation of some of the country’s most vulnerable species. Your days will be filled with meaningful fieldwork — from collecting behavioral data and monitoring rehabilitated animals to supporting the release of critically endangered species back into their natural habitat. After release, you’ll help track and observe their progress, ensuring they adapt successfully to life in the wild. In addition, you’ll take part in designing environmental enrichment activities and gathering natural foods for animals preparing for release, helping them develop the survival skills they’ll need to thrive independently. Life at Bosque Escondido offers an authentic and immersive conservation experience. You’ll live surrounded by rainforest, waking to the calls of the wildlife you’re helping to protect, and gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs of real-world conservation in action.
Available Trips: Available Year Round for a Minimum of 2 Weeks
Inclusions: Accommodation, Meals, Transport, Airport Transfers, Activities, Contribution to Conservation Efforts

WildeTurtle
Open To Anyone With A Passion For Conservation
7, 11 or 14 Days of Incredible Adventure
Or Extend your trip with additional Turtle Weeks
Join a meaningful sea turtle conservation project in Costa Rica, where you’ll work alongside a qualified biologist at a beachside research site. You'll help collect vital data on population structure, genetic origin, and in-water habitats of endangered sea turtles. Full-board meals and accommodation are provided in a welcoming local community right on the beachfront. Your hands-on role includes participating in the rehabilitation of injured or ill turtles, and learning essential research methods such as restraint, measuring, weighing, microchipping, and collecting tissue and blood samples, while also checking for any injuries or abnormalities. You’ll also contribute to mangrove development and replanting efforts, which are crucial to supporting turtle foraging grounds. Take to the water for full-day passive turtle catching to support data analysis shared across conservation networks in Central and South America. Beyond the fieldwork, you'll engage with the local community's initiatives in recycling, education, and women’s empowerment. You may also have the chance to be involved in unique night-time water collection studies if scheduled. To complete your experience, enjoy included tours of Isla Tortuga by boat, a volcano and coffee farm, a family-run chocolate farm, Corcovado National Park, and a cultural tour of San José.
Available Trips: Available Year Round as a 7, 11 or 14 day itinerary with the option to Extend your trip with additional Turtle Weeks
Inclusions: Accommodation, Meals, Transport, Airport Transfers, Activities, Contribution to Conservation Efforts

WildeHatch
Open To Anyone With A Passion For Conservation
7, 11 or 14 Days of Incredible Adventure
Or Extend your trip with additional Turtle Weeks
Work alongside a dedicated team of experts at a beachside conservation site in Costa Rica, where you'll play a crucial role in protecting endangered sea turtles. Your responsibilities will include transferring sea turtle eggs to secure hatcheries to protect them from poaching and increase their chances of survival. You'll take part in wellness checks on nesting turtles, assessing body and shell condition, behavior, and providing basic rehabilitation if needed. You'll also help collect vital data, such as shell size, identification tagging, nest location, and egg counts. Participate in both day and night beach patrols to monitor nesting activity and support ongoing research. When hatchlings reach about 45 days old, you'll assist in their release back into the ocean after gathering important growth data. Beyond turtle conservation, you’ll engage in impactful community outreach programs, teaching local children about the environment, sea turtles, conservation, English, and recycling. Help clean the beaches and support local recycling initiatives to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem. During your downtime, fall asleep to the sound of the waves, visit nearby eco-lodges, or explore the renowned Corcovado National Park. Your experience also includes exciting tours to Isla Tortuga by boat, a volcano and coffee farm, a family-run chocolate farm, and a cultural tour of San José.
Available Trips: Available Year Round as a 7, 11 or 14 day itinerary with the option to Extend your trip with additional Turtle Weeks
Inclusions: Accommodation, Meals, Transport, Airport Transfers, Activities, Contribution to Conservation Efforts