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Perfect 4.60rating (12)

Manatee Sighting

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Meet a very extraordinary animal.
  • Raise awareness of the environment and its importance.
  • Unique experience.

Highlights

  • Meet a very extraordinary animal.
  • Raise awareness of the environment and its importance.
  • Unique experience.
  • Paradise place.
  • Living in harmony with nature.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    The manatee is endangered, although it is protected by law and hunting has decreased considerably, its habitat is diminishing due to pollution.

     The manatee is an aquatic mammal that lives in Costa Rica. It is in danger of extinction and was declared a national wildlife symbol in 2014.


    Characteristics

    It is a large, heavy, torpedo-shaped animal. Its skin is thick and wrinkled, dark gray or brown in color.

    It has a small, rounded head, with ...

    About the program

     The manatee is an aquatic mammal that lives in Costa Rica. It is in danger of extinction and was declared a national wildlife symbol in 2014.


    Characteristics

    It is a large, heavy, torpedo-shaped animal. Its skin is thick and wrinkled, dark gray or brown in color.

    It has a small, rounded head, with small eyes and ears, and a wide, rectangular mouth.


    Habitat

    It lives in shallow waters at a depth of about three meters and with temperatures above 20°C.

    It prefers coastal waters and river mouths with abundant aquatic vegetation.


    Threats

    Collision with motorboats.

    Death of juvenile manatees in trammel nets (illegal practice).

    Habitat alteration.

    Deforestation of coastal forests.

    Water pollution.

    Sedimentation. 

    Important Facts

    They can live an average of 60 years, their gestation period lasts 13 months, and the mother can nurse her young for an average of one or two years.

    Their importance in the ecosystem is to contribute to the balance of vegetation.

    It is of utmost importance to educate people about these animals. Therefore, I invite you to come and learn about this beautiful species and, at the same time, raise awareness of the importance of their conservation so we can continue to see these beauties.


    Typical day

    The volunteer will work Monday through Friday, approximately 2 or 3 hours, distributed during the morning or afternoon as needed.

    A two-hour boat trip will be made daily Monday through Friday for a possible manatee sighting, from 6 am to 8 am or from 3 pm to 5 pm.

    A typical volunteer day begins with ...

    Typical day

    The volunteer will work Monday through Friday, approximately 2 or 3 hours, distributed during the morning or afternoon as needed.

    A two-hour boat trip will be made daily Monday through Friday for a possible manatee sighting, from 6 am to 8 am or from 3 pm to 5 pm.

    A typical volunteer day begins with breakfast at 8 am.

    At 9 am, various activities begin, such as: garden cleaning, beach cleaning, trail cleaning, trash collection and sorting, making or repairing things using bamboo, cabin maintenance, helping a local person with an activity if needed (coconut harvesting, sorting, peeling). You may have the opportunity to help and see how artisanal coconut oil extraction is done, etc.

    Lunch is provided at 1 pm.

    Then, at 2:00 PM, depending on the morning's activity, the volunteer continues with various activities, or simply has the afternoon free for the volunteer to enjoy reading a book, relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the ocean if it's ready for swimming, or doing something they enjoy.

    Dinner is then served at 7:00 PM.


    Free-time activities

    Free time can be spent in a hammock, reading a book, playing cards, dominoes, swimming or bathing if the sea is suitable for it at that time, taking a boat ride and helping a local, on the weekend if there are more than 5 volunteers and they agree, a trip to Tortuguero National Park can be ...

    Free-time activities

    Free time can be spent in a hammock, reading a book, playing cards, dominoes, swimming or bathing if the sea is suitable for it at that time, taking a boat ride and helping a local, on the weekend if there are more than 5 volunteers and they agree, a trip to Tortuguero National Park can be organized, leaving at 6 am from the project and returning at 6 pm to the project for a reasonable cost, also a weekend trip to Cahuita National Park, Puerto Viejo beach, Cocles beach, Punta Uva beach, Manzanillo beach can be organized for a reasonable additional cost. Also, on the weekend you can share with local people and learn about their customs and dances.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

     Lodging, meals, boat entry and exit, payment for the private car that takes you from Bataan to the Goshen dock (entry and exit), boat ride Monday through Friday for a possible sighting of manatees in their natural habitat, and a boat trip to the other side of the site to see green and red frogs. Volunteers do not have to pay extra when they get off the bus in Bataan from Matina; a private car will already be arranged to pick them up in Bataan and take them to the Goshen dock where the boat arrives, and the boat ride is also included in the paid fare.

     NOTE: With your payment, you contribute to providing employment for a local, as there are no sources of employment in the area. Food and trash bags are also purchased, the boat ride is paid once a week to bring in food, gasoline is purchased for the water pump, maintenance or upgrades to the panel system, and rakes are purchased to keep the garden clean, among other expenses.

    Accommodation

     The accommodation is a rustic oceanfront cabin with two rooms (each with three cabins, sleeping up to six people). There is a dining area, kitchen, laundry area, bathroom, and restroom.


     We have electricity through solar panels.

     We have our own water supply and drinking water.

     I provide pillows and linens.

    Food & Beverages

     Meals are predominantly vegetarian, with meat served two or three times a week.

     Typical Costa Rican dishes will also be served, such as gallo pinto, Caribbean chicken with palm hearts in coconut milk, tortillas, and more.

     Coffee, hot chocolate, or tea will be available  whenever you like.

     You can also enjoy delicious pineapple water.

     A piece of fruit will be provided daily.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Limon International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Limon International Airport (LIO) in Limon. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

     This program is year-round.

    When you arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport in the province of Alajuela, approximately 150 kilometers from the project, you can be met by pre-arranged private transportation at an additional cost to the program if the volunteer so desires.

    Another economical option is public transportation. I will provide you with the website link to purchase bus tickets so you can travel from the capital, San José, to Bataan de Matina in the province of Limón. There, pre-arranged private transportation will be waiting to take you to the boat pickup location at the Goshen dock.

    We will follow up with you on your journey to the project.

    Important things to keep in mind when arriving in Costa Rica

    When you go through immigration, if you don't find the person waiting for you (if you have arranged a pickup), do not leave the airport. Remember that you can contact the number of the person who will be picking you up, with whom you have previously spoken.

     •         If you don't have local currency (cash), you can withdraw it from ATMs or go to the currency exchange office at the airport. Remember, there are no currency exchange offices at the project site. Note: almost everywhere in Costa Rica accepts dollars.


    ACCOMMODATION

     The accommodation is a rustic oceanfront cabin with two rooms (each with three bunk beds, accommodating up to six people per room). There is a dining area, kitchen, laundry area, bathroom, and restroom.

     We have electricity through solar panels.

     We have our own potable water.

     I provide pillows and linens.


     NOTE: Internet access is limited, and you will only have access to the Kolbi line on the beach in front of the cabin. You will receive access upon arrival at the project.

    I'll send you the links to purchase bus tickets and the bus stop location when you make your reservation.

     What do you expect from volunteers?

      To work in harmony, sharing customs and cultures.

     What can volunteers expect from you?

      An environment of peace and harmony with nature. 

     Should volunteers bring special equipment? 


    THINGS YOU NEED

     You can bring binoculars to better observe nature.

     Bring a solar power bank if you like.

     Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.

     You can store your luggage in bags, as we are in a rainy area, and this will protect your luggage while traveling.

     

     The fee includes accommodations, meals, travel to and from Bataan to the Goshen dock, boat transfers to and from the Goshen dock to the project, a weekly trip to the other side of the island, and the Kolbi line for limited internet access.

     Volunteers do not need to worry about transportation to and from Bataan. They simply get off the bus in Bataan, Matina, and will be picked up by a trusted, pre-booked private shuttle for their final trip to their accommodations.

      Volunteers will carry out their activities near the accommodation, always accompanied by me or a trusted local.

     

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $450 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

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    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Dora Enid
    12
    reviews
    4.60
    Perfect
    2019
    Founded

    Verified

      Excellent response rate
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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