Welcome to Gandoca, Costa Rica! Located in the southeast corner of Costa Rica, this small town is characterised by a single gravel road leading to the beach, surrounded by family farms.
Wildlife paradise
The real magic of this region lies in its natural surroundings. Gandoca is a key wetland in Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean zone, boasting the largest and cleanest mangrove forest in the country. The area is teeming with wildlife, including various turtle species like leatherbacks, hawksbills and green turtles, as well as howler monkeys, spider monkeys and an impressive array of over 430 bird species.
Sea turtle conservation
At our research station in Gandoca, we offer a teen volunteer program focused on rainforest and wildlife conservation. As a teen volunteer, you’ll directly contribute to sea turtle conservation efforts, assist with coastal cleanups and community recycling projects, and support sustainable farming practices. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in ecotourism initiatives and assist local schools with any projects they require support with.
Free time in Gandoca
When you’re not busy with project activities, get ready for some chill time and exploration. We’ve got exciting plans ahead, like trekking to a hidden waterfall for a refreshing swim and hiking from Gandoca to Mazanillo. This full-day adventure will take you through Costa Rica’s lush jungles, where you can spot monkeys, sloths and tons of tropical birdlife. We’ll also check out Costa Rica’s history at the national museum in San Jose and hang out on Manzanillo’s awesome beach. With so much to see and do, your time in Gandoca is going to be unforgettable!