Join researchers in the wilds of Costa Rica to conduct critical research on marine mammals and predators. 

Golfo Dulce, a narrow inlet on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, provides a rich habitat for cetaceans (whales and dolphins). It remains fairly pristine, since the many tourists who visit Costa Rica haven’t quite discovered it yet—which makes now a crucial time to investigate what the ecosystem needs to remain healthy. By understanding the behaviour and tracking the abundance of the marine mammals and predators in this region, we can ensure we have the information needed to best protect them when tourism starts in earnest in this beautiful, wild place.

For about a decade, we have gathered information on three species of cetacean in the gulf: the pantropical spotted dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, and the humpback whale. Through our focus on these species, we want to understand how to preserve this beautiful marine ecosystem in general.

We are now entering a new stage in our research and will be expanding our understanding of how the entire Golfo Dulce ecosystem functions by gathering data of the presence of other top predators, including sharks.

Your involvement helps scientists to develop conservation plans to protect the marine biodiversity in the gulf for the future. Your findings may help to develop a permanent marine protected area.

Location

Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Cost

$3895

Includes all accommodation, meals, insurance and research activities

Duration

9 days

Dates

Update October 15 2021: As overseas travel restrictions and covid requirements are not fully finalised, our overseas expeditions are not yet back on sale from Australia. We appreciate that people are as keen as we are to travel and we will facilitate these amazing experiences again as soon as possible. In the meantime, please refer to our Australian experiences.

Activity Level

Easy

Lead Scientist

Lenin E. Oviedo Correa