telephone / fax
+55 (48) 3389 5619

River Otter Conservation Project

This 8 days program, based on Santa Catarina Island, Florianopolis, will give you the opportunity to participate as a volunteer in a renowned conservation and scientific project on the endangered Brazilian River Otter

Brazilian river otter - photo Ekkobrasil Institute

Volunteers working at Lagoa do Peri - photo Ekkobrasil Institute

Price Includes:

Return transfers from Florianopolis airport or bus station to the Project base;
7 nights shared accommodation at the Project base lodgings
Breakfast and Dinner while at the base
Supervision during all field trips and activities
Financial contribution to the Project

Please note
that accommodation at the Project base is dormitory-style and very basic; all facilities are shared with other volunteers.
If you would prefer more privacy and comfort, you can stay at a nearby guesthouse for an additional cost

Price does not include flights, travel insurance (compulsory), meals on Saturday and Sunday, and other meals. Any meals during activities away from the base.

Additional Info

This Program is from Sunday to Sunday
Please request full briefing and schedule of activities week by week
We can also offer 2 weeks programs
Please enquiry about the Toucan Conservation Project in the mountains of Santa Catarina
We can arrange for extensions trips anywhere in South Brazil

Other Services

The river otter is now listed as an endangered species by CITIES, mainly because of the destruction of their natural habitats, such as the Atlantic Forest, by pollution and human development.

Little is know about the Brazilian river otter (Lontra longicaudis). This research project, carried out by the Ekko Brasil Institute in Florianopolis, tries to elucidate many aspects of its ecology to help the conservation of the species.

By volunteering in the River Otter Project, you will have a very unique holiday experience: you will visit places that most tourists never get to see; you will enjoy active adventures, such as walking, trekking and canoeing, in one of the most beautiful destinations in Brazil, and, above all, you will give a serious contribution to a scientific and conservationist project for this most charming animal.

Day 1 - Sunday: Arrival at Florianopolis airport or bus station. Transfer to the Project base. Rest of the day free

During your stay you will be based at Lagoa do Peri, a beautiful freshwater lake located inside a preservation area in the south of Santa Catarina Island. Less than 5 min walk away, you will be at Armação beach, one of the most pristine in the Island.

Days 2 to 6: Project activities according to the week’s schedule.

There is a wide range of scientific studies being carried out simultaneously at the Project, including analysis of otter frequency at shelters, monitoring of nests, ethological and food habits studies. The work is done mainly in the field and in captivity (when there is an otter to be recovered or tagged), but there is also some laboratory analysis involved.

Although based at Peri Lake, short trips to other study areas are part of the program and normally include overnight camping. The work can demand outdoor activities such as trekking through the Atlantic Forest and dunes, rafting, use of canoes or kayaks, and nocturnal observations.

Most activities are carried out early in the morning or evening, so you will have plenty of time to relax in this beautiful environment.

Day 7: Free day to relax and enjoy Florianopolis

Day 8: Transfer to the airport or bus station.