A must for all budding conservationists who want to experience the field1

Being an undergraduate BSc Zoology student and wanting to go into conservation myself, I was a little skeptical of GVI at first. I doubted the validity of the science, and how much impact my role as a volunteer would actually have. BUT it was the best decision I have ever made! being at Jalova was a joy, even on the days were tropical storms cancelled the days surveys and we sat in the kitchen for hours playing cards and reading books. The science that is conducted here is used both by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, Costal Jaguar Conservation and MINAE Costa Ricas' Ministry of Environment and Energy, to help manage the park and ensure the wildlife thrives alongside the community who live there!

The jaguar project itself involves camera trapping, turtle track surveying, working dead turtles (smelly, but very important) and walking, lots and lots of walking up and down the beach as the sun is rising over the ocean. Travelling on the jaguar project does not limit or prevent you from getting heavily involved in the other programs run at the base such as the biodiversity or turtle project. Regularly, you go on forest surveys in the jungle night and day, looking for crazy frogs and reptiles, mammals and birds! Wading through knee and some times thigh deep water on some trails! On the beach you conduct night walks, looking for female turtles coming up to nest and nest checks as the sun rises with the waves at your feet!

One of my greatest memories was my first night walk as we watched a green sea turtle female lay over 100 eggs, then get to body check her as she proceeded to throw sand all over us! I mean everywhere!

The park itself is stunning and you have the beach right on the base doorstep. You get used to the simple style of living, with water from a well and disconnect from the constant world of the internet. You fall asleep to the sounds of frogs and tropical birds, sometimes howler monkeys if they have decided to move onto base! The staff are nothing but wonderful and always there to support you and have a laugh! It really is a family and I cannot wait to go back soon!