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Biological Station

Placement number:  0033
Location: Costa Rica 
Preferred Languages: English and Spanish
Date:  All Year 
Minimum Period: 3 weeks

This Biological Station lies in the Pacific lowland tropical rain forest of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica and stretches nearly 150 acres inland from the sea. It is dedicated to preserving tropical eco-systems, through protecting a tract of tropical lowland rain forest and its coastal zones in Costa Rica, offering environmental education programs, and promoting tropical research and studies.

The organization was created in 1990 with the Biological Station as its central focus. The Biological Station offers Neotropical Ecology courses throughout the year for students, family groups and individuals of all ages. Visitors will be treated to a wide array of rare and endangered flora and fauna.

A visit to the tropical rain forest is not for everyone. It is a remote reserve with access by boat and transportation around the reserve on foot. There are no TVs or telephones in your room, no daily mail service, and no freeways. Fast food service means picking some ripe fruit or fishing off the rocky point. Traffic delays mean waiting for the high tide or calm seas.

A New York resident summed it up best, N. Burman said, "I have learned so much, not only about the rainforest, but also about what it takes to live in such a serene, non-techno world - it's a pleasure!"

Role of Volunteer

Volunteers work together with staff on trail interpretation, species inventories and monitoring, trail maintenance, field station maintenance, new construction and repair of old structures, beach and field station clean up, and even dishwashing. There are also plenty of opportunities for relaxation.  Minimum age of 21 years

Cost

While at the Biological Station US$ 25 per day for everything and when at the head office in San Jose accommodation and food is not supplied by us.

Travel

Access to the Campanario Station is generally by sea, departing from Sierpe, the closest town with all-weather roads. Of course you could always hike in, but that might take you 3 days or so. Assuming you travel to Sierpe, a representative from Campanario will meet you at the designated place and time, according to the tides, to transport you down the Sierpe river, through the largest mangrove forest in Central America, out to the ocean and down the coast to Campanario’s protected cove. Once there, everyone hops out into the warm surf to help carry the cargo to the field station and/or tent cabin, a short walk up the beach.  There are no roads, no docks, and no traffic at Campanario.

Travel to and from Sierpe from San José may be by plane and taxi, rental vehicle, or chartered or public bus. The San José office staff can assist you in making reservations to and from Sierpe, or you can sign up for one of our packages which include transport to and from San José. Do not hesitate to call (+506 - 258-5778) or come by the Campanario office in San José for assistance.

 

 

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