Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
Expedition Briefing
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Please read the following information carefully before leaving for your expedition.
The Research
Golfo Dulce, a rare tropical fjord on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, is a critical habitat for a diverse array of marine life—from green and hawksbill sea turtles to sea snakes, scalloped hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and hundreds of other fish species. This unique ecosystem also supports an abundance of other marine mammals, including humpback whales, pantropical spotted dolphins, and resident bottlenose dolphins. Each year, migrating whales gather in Golfo Dulce to breed, give birth, and raise their young in the calm, nutrient-rich waters of the bay.
For over a decade, participants from around the world have worked alongside scientists in Golfo Dulce to study these majestic marine mammals and document their abundance and distribution. The findings from this research have led to the implementation of some restrictive measures that limit shipping activities in the region. In November 2022, Golfo Dulce was designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an Important Marine Mammal Area—a recognition that lays the groundwork for enhanced management and conservation efforts, including the potential future designation as a Marine Protected Area. However, there is much more to discover about the significance and functions of this unique ecosystem to better conserve the species that depend on it.
Scientists are now exploring a largely unstudied but potentially vital feature of the gulf’s ecosystem: floating rafts of marine debris. These natural aggregations of debris—formed by slow surface currents and river inflows into the bay—may play a surprising role in the food web. Yet little is known about how these rafts form, what they are made of, or how they may impact the health and behavior of marine species that interact with them.
While marine debris, comprised of floating collections of organic material and human-made waste, is usually seen as pollution, in Golfo Dulce, it might also function as a unique habitat. Preliminary observations suggest that sea turtles actively forage within these floating aggregations, while yellow sea snakes seek refuge within them. Some dolphins have even been seen using the rafts to help them trap and capture prey.
And there is another pressing concern: how much of this debris contains plastics, and are these plastics being ingested by the marine species that interact with it? The research team will employ a combination of field research techniques, including GPS-tagged buoys, drone flights, and even fish necropsies, to record wildlife interactions with debris rafts, track debris movement and composition, and determine whether marine species are consuming macro- or microplastics. The findings could reveal how deeply plastic pollution may have infiltrated this important ecosystem.
By joining this expedition, you’ll not only support cutting-edge science but you’ll also be part of a meaningful effort to safeguard one of Central America’s most unique marine environments.
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
Research Aims
This research aims to understand the ecological role of marine debris rafts in Golfo Dulce, with a focus on their potential impacts on the food web and ingestion of plastics. Teams will investigate the specific components of the rafts, including the presence and role of macro- and microplastics in their formation. They’ll also record the marine species that interact with the rafts and the ways in which these interactions occur. The research aims to expand scientists’ understanding of how these floating structures support unique foraging behavior, particularly in dolphins. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to broader conservation efforts in the region, informing strategies to protect key marine habitats in and around Golfo Dulce.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:
- Map and analyze marine debris raft “hotspots” based on environmental factors such as tides, temperature, and river inflows.
- Characterize the composition of marine debris rafts, including organic matter and the presence of macro- and microplastics.
- Estimate the likelihood of plastic ingestion by marine species that feed in and around debris rafts.
- Identify which marine species interact with debris rafts and describe their behaviors, particularly foraging strategies in pantropical spotted dolphins and inshore bottlenose dolphins.
- Support marine conservation efforts by providing ecological data relevant to habitat protection and the management of plastic pollution in Golfo Dulce.
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
How You Will Help
The research team will lead you in all research tasks, including observing marine wildlife, making photo identifications, and collecting and recording data.
When you first arrive at the lodge, you’ll receive an orientation and intensive training on research methods. During the days that follow, you’ll support hands-on data collection activities that include:
WATER-BASED RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:
- Travel by boat to deploy GPS-linked buoys to track marine debris rafts.
- Collect environmental data, including GPS readings, surface wind stress, and temperature, as technicians launch drones used to monitor the wildlife interacting with marine debris.
- Record wildlife sightings—dolphins, turtles, sea snakes, and more—with detailed encounter logs.
- Capture short wildlife videos using both project cameras and personal phones, offering fresh insights into dolphin foraging, turtle movement, and other rare behaviors.
- Assist in water sampling by collecting and filtering seawater to assess the presence of microplastics.
- Help catch fish for prey analysis and measure specimens for necropsies.
LAND-BASED RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:
- Process water and debris samples for laboratory analysis.
- Process drone footage and video recordings for tracking marine debris and analyzing behavioral patterns.
- Assist in fish necropsies, including weighing and analyzing the digestive tracts of fish to help detect plastic ingestion.
- Help store and log biological samples.
- Support the identification of individual dolphins using photo ID techniques.
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
Life in the Field
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Weather and research needs can lead to changes in the daily schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
After breakfast, the team will begin their work for the day. Boat-based surveys will depart from one of several locations in Golfo Dulce, including Rincon (embarking directly from the field base at El Chontal Ecolodge), Playa Blanca (~15 minutes’ drive to boat embarkation point), (Puerto Jimenez (~30 minutes’ drive), and Golfito (~1.5 hours’ drive). Volunteers will rotate through the different research tasks described above while aboard the boat, under the close support of project staff. Boat surveys can last up to five hours. Opportunistic observation of dolphin and humpback whale behavior, as part of long-term survey efforts, will also take place wherever these species are encountered. Lunch is eaten on the boat or in the field. You may help carry light equipment to the boat and load it on.
Back at camp, the team will inspect the equipment, store the collected audio, footage, and photos from the surveys, catalog the biological samples, and support fish necropsies. There will be free time to rest and escape the sun in the afternoon, followed by data analysis and/or presentations in the evening. The team will eat dinner together, where a discussion on the day’s results, events, and the impact on the current research-conservation project is encouraged.
Wildlife presence in Golfo Dulce varies throughout the year, and sightings of any animal are not guaranteed. The below are some general patterns of species presence in the region:
- Spotted Dolphins: Year-round
- Bottlenose Dolphins: Year-round
- Humpback Whales (Southeast Pacific Population): Early August through mid-October; peak presence in August and September
- Green & Hawksbill Sea Turtles: Year-round
- Yellow Sea Snakes: Year-round
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
RECREATIONAL TIME
On the second-to-last day of the expedition (Day 8), teams will have some time for leisure activities. Participants will be responsible for the costs of (optional) recreational excursions. Offerings vary but may include a visit to a local sloth sanctuary or chocolate farm. Participants should budget $50–60 USD for each activity.
MONEY MATTERS
LOCAL CURRENCY: Costa Rican Colón
PERSONAL FUNDS: We suggest carrying a small amount of cash for (optional) recreational activities. The U.S. dollar is generally accepted, although some vendors may require colones. Credit cards (such as Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in larger towns and urban centers of Costa Rica, but not in more remote areas, including the project location.
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
Essential Eligibility Requirements
All participants must be able to:
- Enjoy spending most of the day outdoors in variable weather, potentially in the presence of wild animals and insects.
- Tolerate temperatures over 30°C (85°F) and high humidity levels.
- Spend long hours sitting on a boat (some may experience seasickness) for an average of 5 hours per day, with only access to a bucket on the boat to relieve yourself for 4–5 days per team.
- Search for dolphin signs (jumps, unusual ripples in the water, movements) and other evidence of marine megafauna on the water's surface while moving aboard the survey boat and on a screen while sitting at a ground station.
- Carry personal daily supplies such as lunch, water, and some small field equipment.
- Assist in the transport of collected water samples, weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Climb into and down out of a minibus and ride, seated with the seatbelt fastened, for up to 1.5 hours at a time (driving distances/days will vary by team but will not exceed 3 hours (round-trip) per day).
- Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion.
- Take an active role in your safety by recognizing and avoiding hazards if and when they arise (including, but not limited to, those described in materials and safety briefings). Always comply with project staff instructions and recommended safety measures.
- Be able to effectively communicate with the staff if you are experiencing distress or need assistance.
- Be able to get along with a variety of people from different backgrounds and ages, often in close proximity, for the duration of your team.
- Be comfortable surrounded by a language and/or culture that is different from your own.
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
Accommodations and Food
* *Please note that not every expedition offers couples’ or single accommodations. Please call or email to check availability before reserving your space(s) on the team.
SLEEPING
Volunteers will stay at locally run cabins called El Chontal, situated in the small community of Rincon. Cabins will be shared between two or more volunteers of the same gender. The cabins are rustic and located in the heart of the rainforest. Each is equipped with a fan, though air conditioning is not available. The lodge provides sheets, pillows, blankets, and a bath towel (however, bringing an extra one will be wise). For nighttime protection from insects and other forest wildlife, participants are advised to travel with a mosquito net, which can be hung from a ceiling hook. Pre-treating your net with Permethrin or another insecticide provides enhanced protection.
* will honor each person’s assertion of gender identity respectfully and without judgment. For both teen and adult teams, where logistics dictate single-sex accommodations or other facilities, participant placements will be made in accordance with the gender identity specified by the participant on their Participant form and/or preferences indicated in discussions with .
BATHROOMS
Bathrooms are shared between 2–3 same-gender volunteers. Hot water showers and flush toilets are available.
There is no bathroom on the boat. The boat is small and lacks an interior cabin. A bucket will be available for bathroom use if someone cannot wait for land. This is standard for small boats and routine for the crew. Everyone aboard will turn away and provide as much privacy as possible.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is 120 volts, 60 hertz, Type A and Type B plugs (as in the U.S.). You may charge electronic equipment, but please avoid plugging in many appliances simultaneously. It is important to note that power outages occur regularly in Costa Rica’s rainy season (May–November).
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
While and project staff have a communication plan in place for emergencies, general communication capabilities are very limited at this remote site. Wi-Fi is not available for participant use at the research site.
Cell reception may be available in select areas of the El Chontal Ecolodge, although it can be spotty during the rainy season. Please check with your service provider regarding coverage in Costa Rica. If you’d like to make calls during your stay, consider purchasing an international prepaid card upon arrival in Costa Rica. The U.S. standard voltage for small appliances, hair dryers, and electronic equipment is 120 volts, 60 Hz, supplied through Type A or B sockets.
Please note: encourages volunteers to minimize outgoing calls and immerse themselves in the experience; likewise, family and friends should restrict calls to urgent messages only. Emergency communications will be prioritized.
DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE
Boat-based surveys will depart from one of several locations in Golfo Dulce, including Rincon (embarking directly from the field base at El Chontal Ecolodge), Playa Blanca (~15 minutes’ drive to boat embarkation point), (Puerto Jimenez (~30 minutes’ drive), and Golfito (~1.5 hours’ drive). Round-trip drives will be no more than 3 hours based on the furthest embarkation point at Golfito. Drive times will vary daily, depending on research needs.
FOOD AND WATER
You’ll enjoy typical Costa Rican fare on this expedition, with meals often based on the staples of rice and black beans. Typical offerings include meat, vegetables, fruits, coffee, and juice. The team will eat breakfast and dinner together at the accommodations and pack lunches to take into the field daily. The local staff will do all meal prep.
Typical Meals
The following are examples of foods you may find in the field. Variety depends on availability. We appreciate your flexibility.
- Breakfast: Gallo pinto (rice and beans, the best in the country), plantains, fresh cheese, eggs
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fruit (e.g., watermelon, pineapple, bananas)
- Dinner: Costa Rican-style rice and chicken, salad, pasta with homemade sauce
- Snacks: Each breakfast and dinner will be accompanied by amazing fresh, local fruit juice. The local grocery store is always well stocked with ice cream at our request; the local brand Dos Pinos is very good. You will have the opportunity to buy snacks during the day.
- Beverages: We keep a container of filtered water exclusively for participants. We refill the bottle regularly. We encourage constant hydration and water consumption. You’ll sweat a lot even when not exerting yourself, so it’s a good idea to replenish essential electrolytes by drinking a sports drink (e.g., Gatorade) at least once a day.
Special Dietary Requirements
Please notify of any special dietary requirements (e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut allergies, other food allergies, vegetarian, or vegan diets) as soon as possible and note them in the designated space on your volunteer forms.
Accommodation of special diets is not guaranteed. The kitchen staff can provide full options for vegetarians with advanced notice. Other dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan, can be challenging to accommodate due to local food sourcing limitations. If volunteers with particular dietary needs bring supplementary food supplies, staff will be happy to assist with preparing meals tailored to their specific requirements.
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
Travel Planning
MEETING SPOT
Puerto Jimenez Airport, Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica
Specific travel planning details will be provided in your Expedition Logistics Document. This document can be found in your once you enroll. Please do not book travel arrangements, such as flights, until the Expedition Logistics Document matching the current year has been published to your portal account.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
strongly recommends that travelers research their destination thoroughly before departure. Familiarity with the destination’s entry and exit requirements, visas, local laws, and customs can go a long way in ensuring a smooth travel experience. and are helpful resources. For LGBTI travelers, the contains many useful tips and links.
COUNTRY AND PROJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You are responsible for reviewing and complying with the entry and exit requirements of your destination.
Entry visa requirements differ by country of origin, layover, and destination, and do change unexpectedly. For this reason, please confirm your visa requirements at the time of booking and again 90 days before travel. Please apply for your visa early (we recommend starting at least six months before the start of your expedition). Refunds will not be made for volunteers canceling due to not obtaining their visa in time to meet the team at the rendezvous. You can find up-to-date visa requirements at the following website:
If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency to expedite and simplify the process.
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
Project Conditions
The following information is as accurate as possible; however, please note that conditions are subject to change.
The camp is on flat terrain, but any hikes (optional) will likely be in hilly areas. The site is about 10 meters above sea level.
The general climate throughout the year is humid and tropical, with a rainy season that extends from May to early November. The dry season runs from mid-November to April, but even during this period, it’s still very humid with regular afternoon showers.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Please visit and search for your project location for weather and region-specific information.
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
Health and Safety
EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD
There is a VHF radio on the boat, mobile phones, two-way radios in some areas, and a landline phone at the cabins. Project staff members are not medical professionals.
Project staff members are not medical professionals.
has a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency hotline number. Someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service.
All projects have detailed Emergency Response Plans; these will be shared with participants at the start of each team.
IMMUNIZATIONS & TRAVEL VACCINATIONS
Please ensure that your routine immunizations are up to date and that you have received the appropriate vaccinations for your travel destination. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and their doctor. Visit the or the for guidance on immunizations.
If traveling from countries or regions where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.
Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving booster doses, as applicable, is strongly encouraged. For more details, please visit
PROJECT RISKS AND CONDITIONS
Transportation
Teams may encounter poor road conditions and landslides. Only qualified drivers will transport volunteers in well-maintained project vehicles. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Volunteers are not permitted to drive.
Hiking
Hiking may be offered as an optional recreational activity. You’ll likely traverse uneven terrain and hike uphill in humid tropical conditions, which carries a risk of sprains, strains, or breaks due to falling or tripping. You should never walk ahead of the local guide and should follow the guide’s instructions. Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes when walking. At night, carry a personal headlamp or flashlight.
Animals
- Snakes: Venomous snakes are present in the area. Participants should be vigilant and wear closed-toed shoes for any recreational hikes. Sea snakes are observed as part of the research activities, but they are never intentionally captured or handled.
- Insects: You’ll likely encounter many insects; wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and apply insect repellent frequently to avoid bites. Those with insect allergies should bring the proper emergency treatment and inform staff of its location in case they need assistance.
- Bats: Bats are prevalent in the Osa Peninsula, including on the premises at El Chontal Ecolodge, and can sometimes enter the cabins. Although human cases are rare, rabies is present in Costa Rica and can be transmitted by bats, as well as other mammals. The pre-exposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for post-exposure medical attention and treatment. Still, it does provide additional protection against the disease in the event of a delay in treatment. The nearest hospital that may offer post-exposure treatment for rabies is in San Jose, though transport to the U.S. may be necessary due to limited availability in Costa Rica. Any animal bites or scratches should be immediately and thoroughly washed with soap, clean water, and a topical povidone-iodine solution or an ethanol-based solution. If you feel unwell upon returning from your trip, inform your doctor that you have recently returned from a tropical region.
Climate and Environmental Hazards
Dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunburn, and other heat-related illnesses can occur, but you can protect yourself by drinking sufficient water, wearing high-SPF sunscreen, and wearing appropriate clothing. Dehydration from sweating can be a problem; please bring water bottles that are easy to carry and refill with electrolyte packets. Due to the high humidity, individuals who use a hearing aid device may find that it doesn’t work properly. Consider purchasing a hearing aid dehumidifier.
The rainy season and hurricane season typically occur from May to November. Flooding and landslides may occur during this time and can disrupt road transport. Field staff will monitor local weather and plan activities accordingly. If local authorities or field staff deem it necessary to evacuate the location, follow all instructions.
Project Tasks/Equipment
Tripping over ropes on the boat or injury from equipment (including fishing line and hooks) is possible. Upon arrival, you will receive a full safety briefing; please follow all staff instructions. A first aid kit will be available on the boat.
Working on a Boat
There is a risk of sprains, strains, or breaks from stepping in and out of the boat or during adverse sea conditions. A ladder will be used when entering and exiting the boat. Hazards may result from falling overboard. Some volunteers may experience seasickness; please bring medication as a precaution. Boarding and stepping out of an inflatable craft, as well as sitting on board when the sea is choppy, may cause problems for those with mobility or spinal conditions. These volunteers should carefully consider participation on the project. In addition, volunteers with back, knee, and hip problems, as well as pregnant women, may face difficulties or discomfort not only when stepping on board and leaving the boat, but also during navigation under choppy sea conditions. Life jackets will be available to each participant and must be worn whenever leaving the inner basin of the gulf and as directed by project staff. Appropriate footwear must always be worn while on deck and the vessel is underway.
Personal Security
Avoid areas designated as off-limits by project staff. Theft and pickpocketing are common crimes in urban centers of Costa Rica, including in tourist areas. If you are traveling in Costa Rica before or after the expedition, take sensible precautions, including avoiding displays of money or valuables and using only official taxis.
Swimming
Sharks, rays, sea snakes, crocodiles, and other dangerous wildlife inhabit Rincon Bay and its adjacent mangrove areas. Swimming is prohibited, including during recreational time and for competent swimmers.
Distance from Medical Care
Arranging transport and reaching the hospital may take an hour or more. If you have a chronic condition that could require immediate medical care (e.g., heart conditions, kidney problems, severe asthma, etc.) or if you are pregnant, please discuss your participation on this expedition with your physician.
Risk of COVID-19 or Other Respiratory Illness
strongly encourages you to take precautions to help protect yourself and others from common viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV: stay up to date with your vaccinations; wash your hands frequently; take steps to improve air quality, for example, by increasing ventilation indoors or gathering outdoors; and use preventative measures to limit the spread if you are sick.
Individuals with a higher risk of severe respiratory illness should consult their healthcare provider before participating.
Disease
Other diseases found in Costa Rica may include rabies, malaria, dengue fever, Zika, tuberculosis, filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, hepatitis, leptospirosis, chikungunya, and typhoid. Please visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention () or the World Health Organization () websites for more information on these conditions and guidance on how to prevent them. You can decrease your risk of most diseases by avoiding mosquito bites, practicing good hygiene, and drinking only bottled or filtered water when appropriate. If you feel unwell upon returning from your trip, please inform your doctor that you have recently returned from a tropical region.
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
Resources
ARTICLES
- Bessesen, B.L., C. Garrido-Cayul, and M. González-Suárez. 2023. Habitat suitability and area of occupancy defined for rare New World sea snake. Conservation Science and Practice 5(1): e12865 (PDF)
- Méndez-Salgado, E., D. Chacón-Chaverri, , L.G. Fonseca, and J.A. Seminoff. 2020. Trophic ecology of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica: integrating esophageal lavage and stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) analysis. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research 48:114–130. (PDF)
- Bessesen, B. L. and G. Saborío-R. 2012. Tropical fiord habitat as a year-round resting, breeding, and feeding ground for East Pacific green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) off Costa Rica. Herpetological Review 43:539–541.(PDF)
- Vargas-Zamora, J.A., E. Gómez-Ramírez, A. Morales-Ramírez. 2021. A fjord-like tropical ecosystem, Pacific coast of Costa Rica: overview of research in Golfo Dulce. Rev Biol Trop 69(3):773-796. ()
- Oviedo Lenin. 2007. Dolphin sympatric ecology in a tropical fjord: habitat partitioning by bathymetry and topography as a strategy to coexist. Journal of the Marine Biological Association. U.K. 87: 1327–1335.
- Oviedo, Lenin et al. 2008. “The song of the southeast pacific humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Las Perlas Archipelago, Panama: preliminary characterization.” Aquatic Mammals. 34: 458-463
- Oviedo, Lenin and Mauricio Solis. 2008. “Underwater topography determines critical breeding habitat for humpback whales near Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: implications for Marine Protected Areas.” Revista de Biología Tropical. 56(2): 591-602
- Bessesen, B., Oviedo, L., Burdett Hart, L., Herra-Miranda, D., Pacheco-Polanco J.D., Baker, L., Saborío-R, G., Bermúdez-Villapol, L. & A. Acevedo-Gutiérrez. 2014. Lacaziosis-like disease among bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus photographed in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. 107(3): 173-180.
- David Herra-Miranda, Oviedo, L., Pacheco-Polanco, J.D. and M. Iñiguez. 2015. Spatial analysis of coastal cetaceans’ critical habitats in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica: considerations for a marina construction project. IWC/66a/SC/E9. Paper presented at the 66th International Whaling Commission Meeting in San Diego, California, 2015.
- Oviedo, L. Fernandez, Marc., Herra-Miranda, David., Pacheco-Polanco, J.D., Hernandez Camacho, C and D. Aurioles. 2018. Habitat partitioning mediates the coexistence of sympatric dolphins in a tropical fjord-like embayment. Journal of Mammalogy.
- Pelayo-González L., Oviedo L., Márquez-Artavia A., Herra-Miranda D., Pacheco-Polanco J. D., Bessesen B., Guzmán H. M. (2022) Habitat use of south-eastern Pacific humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae; Borowski 1781) in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF21357
BOOKS
- Kricher, John. A Neotropical Companion. 2nd ed. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1999. (The best book on the beauty of the tropical rainforest.)
- Hoyt, Erich. Seasons of the Whale. Moray, Scotland: Colin Baxter, 1998. (The best book on the life of the humpback whale.)
FIELD GUIDES
- Shirihai, Hadoram, and Brett Jarrett. 2006. Whales, Dolphins, and Other Marine Mammals of the World. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.
- Folkens, Pieter A. 2002. Guide to Marine Mammals of the World. New York: Knopf.
- Garrigues, Richard, and Robert Dean. 2007. The Birds of Costa Rica: A Field Guide. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press.
PROJECT-RELATED WEBSITE
Floating Habitats: Marine Wildlife in a Costa Rican Fjord
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