Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord

Golfo Dulce, one of only a few tropical fjords in the world, is a sanctuary for marine wildlife—from bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales to sea turtles and sea snakes. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, its calm, nutrient-rich waters provide an ideal habitat for countless species. But its unique geography also makes it a natural collection point for marine debris, a growing concern as tourism, agriculture, and development expand in the region.

For more than a decade, researchers and Earthwatch volunteers have studied the behavior, health, and habitat use of marine mammals in Golfo Dulce, revealing its vital role as a nursery and feeding ground. Now, the project is entering a new phase—exploring the impacts of “debris rafts,” floating patches of organic material and man-made waste, and the surprising ways marine animals interact with them.

You’ll assist scientists in tracking how these debris rafts influence dolphin feeding behavior, sea turtle movement, and plastic ingestion rates. Through boat-based surveys, behavioral observations, and debris analysis, you’ll help piece together the complex relationship between human-generated waste and marine ecosystems.

The data you collect will help fill crucial gaps in our understanding of how pollution is reshaping ocean life in this pristine region. Your work will directly contribute to science-based conservation efforts aimed at preserving the extraordinary biodiversity of Golfo Dulce before the impacts of tourism and pollution become irreversible.

TYPICAL ITINERARY:

• DAY 1: Arrival, orientation to the field base, and introduction to marine debris research, safety procedures, and equipment use 
• DAY 2: Training on marine debris raft monitoring, including tracking buoy deployment, marine animal behavioral surveys, and photo-identification techniques 
• DAYS 3–7: Daily boat-based surveys to track debris rafts and observe marine wildlife; drone flights, water sampling, and fish collection; afternoons spent in camp processing video footage, analyzing samples, and assisting with fish necropsies and data entry 
• DAY 8: Time off to explore, or support lab-based work at camp
• DAY 9: Departure

Highlights to Explore at this Destination

• Pristine Mangroves: Kayak or paddleboard through lush mangrove estuaries to spot birds, crabs, and fish nurseries.
• Piedras Blancas National Park: A lush tropical rainforest with waterfalls, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife (sloths, monkeys, scarlet macaws).
• Bioluminescent Kayaking: Night paddling in the gulf to experience glowing plankton.
• Local Culture and Food: Sample fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Costa Rican cuisine in small villages like Golfito or Puerto Jiménez.

For more information or to book contact our office (03) 9016 7590 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.