Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica

In April 2011 I went to Tortuguero National Park to take part on a wildlife expedition with GVI. The base was incredible; set on the edge of the rainforest, miles of private beach to enjoy in between surveys and great food.

The mammals, reptiles, amphibians and reptiles we saw were fantastic; snakes, toucans, parrots, sea turtles and jaguars. Yes I saw four jaguars. Not just fleeting glances, but full on clear views with time to take pictures. We worked surveying leatherback and green turtles in the night, birds on the canals in the mornings and mammals and reptiles in the afternoons so there was a good variety of work.

The program was well organised, with knowledgeable passionate staff. Survey and free time was well balanced with plenty of hammocks for volunteers to relax in the heat of the day.

If I really do have to pick one negative, then it would be the thin mattresses on the beds, as I hadn’t necessarily expected a bed at all this really is stretching!