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Make a Real Difference for Amphibian Conservation
Join expert amphibian biologist Víctor Acosta Chaves for an immersive, hands-on conservation experience in the heart of Costa Rica. These personalized SAVE THE FROGS! volunteer programs offer you the opportunity to contribute directly to critical fieldwork while learning from one of the country’s leading herpetologists.
Unlike commercial volunteer tourism programs, these are intimate, expert-led experiences focused on real conservation outcomes. You’ll work alongside Víctor on active research projects, potentially contributing to scientific publications while gaining invaluable field experience.
Glass Frog (Teratohyla pulverata) from Costa Rica. Photo by Marina Garrido Priego, 2023 SAVE THE FROGS! Photo Contest
About Your Expert Guide: Víctor Acosta Chaves, M.Sc.
Víctor Acosta Chaves is a Costa Rican amphibian biologist with extensive expertise in the country’s diverse herpetofauna. He has collaborated with SAVE THE FROGS! for years, serving as our expert local amphibian guide on successful SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotours, leading expeditions to amphibian hotspots, and sharing his knowledge with the global amphibian conservation community.
Learn More About Víctor & Costa Rican Amphibians
On April 15th, 2019, Víctor gave an online presentation to the worldwide SAVE THE FROGS! community titled “The Amphibians of Costa Rica: Diversity & Threats.” This comprehensive presentation features stunning photographs of Costa Rica’s amphibians and provides in-depth information about their ecology, the threats they face, and effective conservation strategies.
The presentation is an excellent way to prepare for your volunteer experience and learn about the incredible species you’ll encounter! It’s available on the STF! YouTube Channel
Watch Víctor’s Presentation: The Amphibians of Costa Rica
If you can’t access it through the link above, watch it on the STF! YouTube Channel.
Two Unique Programs
Program 1: Blue-Sided Leaf Frog Conservation (Heredia)
Focus Species: The endangered Blue-sided Leaf Frog (Agalychnis annae)
Location: Heredia, Costa Rica (peri-urban area near premontane forest)
Duration: 7 days minimum
Program Fee: $1,250 USD
What You’ll Do
- Population Monitoring Of Amphibians
- Habitat Improvement: Work with local landowners to enhance their gardens, creating suitable habitats for frogs
- Species Documentation: Learn field survey techniques and contribute to ongoing research
Daily Experience
- Flexible schedule with mix of daytime and nighttime activities
- Stay in private accommodation within the garden you’re helping to improve
- Experience both fieldwork and community engagement
- Options to visit nearby cities like Heredia or San José during free time, or interesting places like La Catalina Botanical Garden or Barva Volcano (at your expense)
- This is an upland area with pleasant temperatures (1,400m, 4,593ft above sea level)
What You’ll Learn
- Field survey methods for endangered amphibians
- Pre-montane forest ecology
- Habitat restoration techniques
- Data collection and documentation that support citizen science efforts
- Community-based conservation approaches
Potential Outcomes
- Hands-on experience with endangered species conservation
- Possible co-authorship on scientific publications (FrogLog articles or peer-reviewed papers)
- Professional reference from expert biologist
- Real-world conservation impact
What’s Included
- Expert guidance from Víctor Acosta Chaves
- Private accommodation for 7 nights
- Transportation to/from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO)
- Field equipment and research materials
- One-time complimentary laundry service
- Required materials: 2 plastic drums (55L) and rope ($100 USD) to create frog habitat. This will be purchased for you by STF!
What’s Not Included
- Meals (you’ll purchase groceries or eat at local restaurants; your lodging has a kitchen area)
- Personal field gear (rubber boots, outdoor clothing, flashlight/headlamp)
- Additional transportation, such as to tourist areas
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
Program 2: Rainforest Frog Inventory at Eco-Organic Farm (Sarapiquí)
Focus: Multiple rainforest species including Red-eyed Tree Frogs, Strawberry Poison Dart Frogs, and Glass Frogs
Location: Sarapiquí, Heredia, Costa Rica (rainforest-surrounded eco-organic farm)
Duration: 7 days minimum
Program Fee: $1,700 USD
What You’ll Do
- Species Inventory: Create a comprehensive baseline inventory of frog species for conservation management
- Habitat Enhancement: Improve potential habitats for amphibians and reptiles
- Sustainable Agriculture: Participate in eco-farm duties and learn how biodiversity thrives alongside organic farming
- Community Education: Help raise conservation awareness with local landowners
Daily Experience
- Mix of daytime and nighttime field activities
- Stay in private cabin adjacent to local family
- All three meals per day provided
- Easy access to world-famous biological stations (Tirimbina, La Selva)
- Optional adventure activities nearby (rafting, ziplining – additional cost)
- This is a lowland tropical area (300m, 980ft above sea level) with hot days but pleasant nights
What You’ll Learn
- Biodiversity survey techniques
- Rainforest amphibian ecology and identification
- Eco-farming and sustainable agriculture practices
- How tropical agriculture can coexist with wildlife conservation
- Tropical natural history from expert naturalist
Potential Outcomes
- Work with diverse array of stunning rainforest species
- Contribute to establishing baseline conservation data
- Possible contributions to scientific publications
- Professional reference for future conservation work
- Deep understanding of sustainable land use
What’s Included
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Expert guidance from Víctor Acosta Chaves
- Private cabin accommodation for 7 nights
- Transportation to/from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO)
- Field activities and research training
- Required materials: 2 plastic drums (55L) and rope ($100 USD) will be purchased for you by STF!
What’s Not Included
- Personal field gear (rubber boots, outdoor clothing, flashlight/headlamp)
- Optional tours and adventure activities
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
Two-Week Back-to-Back Experience (RECOMMENDED)
Get the Complete Costa Rican Amphibian Experience!
Combine both programs for the ultimate conservation adventure. Experience the contrast between peri-urban premontane forests and pristine rainforest lowlands, work with diverse species from endangered endemics to iconic rainforest frogs, and gain comprehensive field experience.
Special Package Pricing:
$2,600 USD (save $350!)
Why Choose Both Programs?
✅ Maximum Learning: Experience two distinct ecosystems and research approaches
✅ More Species: Work with endangered species and diverse rainforest communities
✅ Better Value: Significant savings compared to booking separately
✅ Deeper Immersion: Two weeks allows for more meaningful contribution and learning
✅ Complete Experience: From community-based conservation to pristine rainforest research
The organic farm where you will stay
Who Should Apply?
These programs are ideal for:
- University students studying biology, ecology, conservation, or environmental science
- Zoo and aquarium professionals seeking field experience
- Career changers exploring conservation careers
- Conservation enthusiasts wanting hands-on experience
- Graduate students needing field research experience
- Educators preparing to teach about amphibian conservation
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Reasonably good physical health for field conditions
- Comfortable with irregular hours and nighttime activities
- Respectful, responsible, and safety-conscious
- Passionate about amphibian conservation
Why Volunteer with SAVE THE FROGS!?
🐸 Expert-Led Experience:
Learn from a leading Costa Rican amphibian biologist, not a commercial tour guide
🐸 Real Conservation Impact:
Contribute to active research and habitat improvement projects
🐸 Personalized Attention:
Small-scale, intimate programs focused on your learning
🐸 Scientific Credibility:
Potential for co-authorship on publications and professional references
🐸 Nonprofit Mission:
Your fees support amphibian conservation, not corporate profits
🐸 Global Network:
Be part of the worldwide SAVE THE FROGS! conservation community
🐸 Professional Development:
Gain skills and experience valuable for conservation careers
Scenes from the 2021 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour
Important Information
Mandatory Requirements
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants. You must provide proof of coverage before the program begins. Evacuation insurance is not required but if you want it, we recommend EA+.
Liability Waiver: All volunteers must sign SAVE THE FROGS! liability and safety waiver before participation.
Code of Conduct: Volunteers must adhere to safety instructions, maintain respectful behavior, practice good hygiene, and avoid misuse of alcohol, among other things. Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited and can result in immediate dismissal without refund. Review the STF! Ecotours Code of Conduct and inform us if you have any questions.
Payment Policy
- Deposit: 50% of program fee due to secure your spot.
- Balance: Remaining 50% due two weeks before program start date
- Refunds: All payments are non-refundable (a great reason to immediately purchase travel insurance once you sign up)
Health Requirements
- Must be in reasonably good health for field conditions
- Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or food intolerances
- Bring all necessary medications
- Personal responsibility for managing health needs
Required Personal Equipment
- Rubber boots (essential for wet conditions)
- Appropriate outdoor/field clothing
- Flashlight or headlamp (for nighttime surveys)
- Rain gear
- Personal items and toiletries
- Camera (optional but recommended!)
- See our Ecotour Preparations page (it is ecotour focused and not necessarily up to date, but has plenty of relevant info for volunteers).
Grant Opportunities
If you’re a zoo or aquarium professional, research scientist, or educator, you may be eligible for professional development grants from a variety of organizations throughout the USA and around the world. SAVE THE FROGS! can provide confirmation letters and documentation to support your grant applications.
Students: Check with your university about research grants, study abroad funding, or capstone project support!
Photo of Dendropsophus ebraccatus from Costa Rica by Bruce Jones, from the 2017 Save The Frogs Photo Contest
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply
Ready to make a difference for Costa Rican amphibians?
Email us via our Contact page. Please include:
- Your name and contact information
- Brief background (student, professional, enthusiast, etc.)
- Which program(s) you’re interested in
- Where you are located
- Preferred dates (flexibility is appreciated)
- Any relevant experience or educational background
- Why you want to participate
Please allow one week for a response with next steps and additional information.
About SAVE THE FROGS!
SAVE THE FROGS! is the world’s leading amphibian conservation organization, founded by Dr. Kerry Kriger in 2008. We work to protect amphibian populations worldwide through education, research support, habitat restoration, and advocacy.
Our volunteer programs and ecotours are a major part of our global conservation efforts — providing meaningful opportunities for individuals to contribute directly to amphibian protection while gaining invaluable field experience. Together we can SAVE THE FROGS!
Photo of Craugastor megacephalus from Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, Costa Rica, by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger, 2015.
Ready to Begin Your Conservation Adventure?
Apply here, or contact us if you seek assistance. We’ll guide you through the application process and help make your Costa Rican amphibian conservation experience a reality!
Photo of Craugastor crassidigitus from Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, Costa Rica, by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger, 2015.
Programs subject to availability. All information accurate as of October 2025. Please contact us for most current details.
What Our Supporters Say
“I will never forget this trip and the pure happiness I felt throughout it. It was indeed a dream come true but it ended up being much more than that. Special thanks to Kerry Kriger and SAVE THE FROGS! for making it happen.”
“I have two degrees: a BS in Evolution, Ecology, Environmental Biology and an MS in Biology. I am so passionate and love finding ways I can contribute and be a part of amphibian conservation efforts. I feel strongly that the SAVE THE FROGS! mission is important and can make a real difference with outreach and conservation measures. I would love to be a part of this organization.”
