Belize: Research & Conservation Experience
8 days / 7 nights
A combination of habitat loss and human impact have affected Belize’s endangered manatee population as well as other marine species and ecosystems that call Belize waters home. Volunteer with a manatee conservation group working to gather statistics and data to continue to keep boats away from the reserves and prevent oil development in Belize to protect these vulnerable creatures.
To achieve the purpose, head out by boat with a marine biologist to collect data on currents, size and populations of manatees, location, and overall health of the reserve, which will be used to better protect these aquatic mammals. This information is crucial for the marine biologists and the NGO you’ll work with who rely on travelers to be able to better track these gentle creatures and gather this crucial data.
During this time, you’ll experience the natural beauty of Belize. Live amongst mangroves where colorful parrots take to the sky for the first part of the trip. Then venture to a quaint seaside town that puts the world famous Port Honduras Marine Reserve at your footsteps for the second half of the trip.
South Africa: Wildlife Conservation Experience
10 days / 9 nights
South Africa’s largest animal reserve faces threats from rhino poachers, leopard-shooting farmers, and outbreaks of immune system viruses among its lion population. Fortunately, there are also many innovative conservation projects happening in the park, with the goal of protecting endangered species. To achieve this purpose, we’ll meet the inspiring leaders spearheading this work, visit wildlife rehabilitation centers, help feed rhinos (if weather permits), and participate in unforgettable game drives. Go beyond the normal safari experience and live in harmony with nature on an exclusive reserve and become part of the wildlife conservation movement to protect the animals of the Greater Kruger National Park region.
You’ll use camera traps to assist a leopard conservation organization gather data on leopard density, behavior, and population dynamics outside of formally protected areas. This will help improve local policymaking and allow conservationists to work with farmers to manage leopard encroachment.
Along the way, you’ll get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife in a way most travelers never do, including a visit Jabulani, an elephant sanctuary that will introduce you, up close and personal, to African elephants and the conservation work that surrounds them. This trip allows you to go far beyond the safari — you’ll become part of the wildlife conservation movement!
Costa Rica Family Volunteer Adventure
8 days / 7 nights
While Costa Rica has an excellent reputation as a leader in sustainability, environmental pressures are rising due to a growing population and increased deforestation. To achieve our purpose and combat these threats, plant trees with a rural community in the highlands, and learn about their traditional way of life. Volunteer at a wildlife rescue center preparing food for sloths, monkeys, and marmosets.
As a family, experience rural Costa Rican life by helping to plant trees for a morning, then learn how to cook a typical meal from a local señora. Enjoy a hands-on workshop at an organic chocolate farm that takes you from harvesting to processing and eventually savoring a delicious treat! Spend a day volunteering at a wildlife rescue center and get up close to sloths, spider monkeys, marmosets, and many more species.
You’ll hike through some of the most spectacular national parks in the country, view active volcanoes, and soak in rejuvenating thermal hot springs. Meander along a series of hanging bridges to experience life in the treetops of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Then, travel to the pristine Pacific coast to explore its oceanfront rainforest teeming with wildlife.
Costa Rica: The Sea Turtle Initiative
8 days / 7 nights
Costa Rica’s sea turtle population has declined by a devastating 90 percent over the past 35 years due to a host of factors, including climate change, increased boat traffic, predators on the beaches, and growth in the amounts of trash clogging up their habitats. To achieve our purpose, dig up hatched nests to determine hatching success rates, and depending on the time of year, either look for nesting females and collect eggs and move them to the hatchery, or release hatchlings into the ocean.
Sea turtles face myriad threats such as boat traffic, domestic animals, climate change, accidental catch by industrial fisheries, and increased trash in oceans and beaches (which they mistake for food). We’ll spend three days volunteering on a turtle conservation campaign. Given the declining population of turtles, every bit of help is welcome and each turtle is precious.
Over the course of the time we spend on the coast, you’ll dig up hatched nests to determine the hatch success rate, do a beach cleanup, and release baby turtles back into the ocean. You’ll also participate in night patrols to gather eggs and collect scientific data, so be prepared for long nights and lots of walking!
Galapagos Island: Family Volunteer Vacation
10 days / 9 nights
By the time the Galápagos National Park was established in 1959, the islands’ giant tortoise population had been decimated, with only 11 of the 14 original populations remaining. We aim to reverse this terrible trend. To achieve our purpose, volunteer at a tortoise sanctuary helping remove invasive plant species and sowing native bushes and grasses that the tortoises eat. Learn first-hand about protecting the natural habitat of the Galápagos’ most emblematic native species.
You’ll spend a day exploring the colonial city of Quito, and also visit the actual Equator line, before flying to the islands. We’ll use the islands of Isabela and Santa Cruz as our two bases from which we’ll explore some the most fascinating and breathtaking sites on Baltra, Isabela, Santa Cruz, North Seymour, and Pinzon.
Spend two mornings volunteering at a nature reserve for giant tortoises, where they live in the wild. We’ll help out by removing invasive plant species and planting native bushes and grasses that tortoises eat. Whether you’re hiking through hardened lava tubes, kayaking out to see blue-footed boobies, snorkeling with friendly sea lions, or simply relaxing and soaking it in – there is a lot of variety that helps create lifelong memories.
