volunteer with us

A gray naval ship named MODOC floating on the ocean under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

LET’s protect wildlife in Costa Rica & Panama

Join our crew for an adventurous ocean and jungle conservation mission.

This is your chance to take direct action where it matters most, on the frontlines of wildlife protection. We do joint patrols with local park rangers to enforce protected areas and target environmental crimes such as illegal fishing, gold mining, and poaching.

As a volunteer, you become essential part of our mission.

Two men (crew from NGO Earthrace Conservation in Costa Rica) in a boat's control room called bridge, one operating the controls and the other sitting by the windows overlooking water and trees. The conservation vessel is called Modoc, ex-navy vessel
Silhouette of a boat crane on conservation vessel Modoc lifting a small boat/Zodiach at sunset, with two crew/volunteers on the boat deck, over a body of water with hills in the distance.

  • We host a dedicated crew of around 8 volunteers year-round. You’ll live and work aboard our 45m ex-navy vessel Modoc, contributing to every aspect of our operations:

    • Join marine & jungle enforcement missions with local rangers

    • Operate and manage small boats

    • Assist with vessel maintenance and engine room tasks

    • Help with logistics, cooking, and daily ship life

    • Work alongside and help care for our K9 Malinois Appa

    No two days are the same - this is hands-on conservation.

  • We welcome people who are ready to step up, contribute, and adapt:

    • Passion for wildlife and protecting nature

    • Strong work ethic and problem-solving mindset

    • Hands-on, motivated individuals eager to learn

    • Team players with a positive attitude

    • Skilled backgrounds (engineering, military/tactical, conservation, media) are highly valuable

    • Schedule: 6 days per week (Sunday usually off)

    A typical day:

    • 06:30 – Workout on the flight deck, followed by coffee & light breakfast

    • 12:00 – Lunch and rest

    • Afternoon – Mission prep, patrols, maintenance

    • 6pm – Sunset and dinner with the crew

    And in between: we can’t promise, but often we are lucky to spot dolphins, turtles, rays, even whales, this is the environment you help protect.

    • Duration: Typically 4–12 weeks or longer

    • Contribution: covers food, accommodation, fuel - everything once you are on the ship. Payments need to be made before arrival to confirm your stay - they are non-refundable, but arrival date may be changed.

      • 1 week: $750

      • 2 weeks: $1.200

      • 4 weeks: $1.600

      • 8 weeks: $2.400

      • 12 weeks: $3.000

    • Age: 18+ years

    • Language: English (mandatory), Spanish is a plus

    • Physically capable and ready for demanding work

    • Scuba/free diving experience is a plus

    • Willingness to learn (boat operations, K9 handling)

    • July: full

    • August: full

    • September: full

    • October- December: Full

    • 2027: Open for applications

    Check our website and Instagram page for last-minute slots!

    This is your chance to take direct conservation action where it matters most. Join our mission!

Group of four people in military or expedition gear, some with face paint, gathered in dense jungle. One person is sitting on the ground pointing to a map, while others stand nearby observing the discussion, surrounded by thick green foliage.
COnservation volunteers jumping off a boat - the conservation vessel Modoc - into the water on a sunny day.

Ready to start you conservation journey with us?

If you’re driven to make a real impact and want to experience conservation beyond the ordinary, this is your call to action.

Reach out if you can support remotely in Fundraising, Content/Social Media, Tech!

Apply here to join the crew!
payment page (outside germany)