On the Expedition
Help conserve the Amazon Basin’s pink dolphins, giant river otters, monkeys, turtles, fishes, macaws and more.
Help conserve the Amazon Basin's pink dolphins, monkeys, turtles, fishes, macaws and more.
Based onthe Clavero, a restored and remodeled vessel from the Rubber Boom era, you'll work with a team of skilled Peruvian biologists to collect information about the wildlife populations in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, along the Samiria River, a major Amazon tributary.
From a motorized canoe, you'll rotate tasks like conducting surveys of dolphins, fish, and river turtles. You'll also count macaws and conduct land surveys of peccaries, tapirs, deer, monkeys, and game birds. At night, you'll search for caimans with a spotlight. With expedition staff to guide you, you'll meet and talk to local people about their fishing, hunting, and conservation efforts.
In your recreational time, you can peruse the Clavero's small collection of field guides and basic ecology books on the Amazon or simply relax on deck as you glide through one of the Earth's greatest wild places.
Meals and Accommodations
The Clavero is a restored 19th-century Peruvian naval mail delivery vessel, 24 meters long and 5 meters wide, and can accommodate more than 40 passengers and crew. You'll share cabins with two or three other volunteers (each cabin has bunk beds) and the boat has community showers, toilets, and sinks. The cabins have fans for when the generators are operational (usually 5:00 pm—11:00 pm, and continuously during navigation); teams on this boat will be running during the cooler season.
The Clavero has a large dinning area also used for project work and lectures, and a sun deck. Basic "camp-style" meals are served by the kitchen three times a day. Emails can be sent and received for a small charge per email, and laundry facilities are also available for a small fee.
You'll provide your own towels and toiletries and will be responsible for laundering your sheets. Pillows are provided, but you’ll want to bring a pillow case and a light sheet/sleeping bag to sleep under. There is 220-volt electricity throughout the boat when the generators run, so you'll be able to plug in laptops and cameras (see the Briefing for more information on plugs, outlets, and adaptors).
In addition to the Clavero, there are many auxiliary boats (e.g. wooden and aluminum canoes) used to access the various data collection points; please see the Briefing for a more detailed description of the accommodations.
Please note that Earthwatch also offers teams for adults based on another research vessel, The Ayapua, which features added amenities. Click here for more information.
About the Research Area
The rainforests of the Amazon basin are virtually overflowing with a diverse array of plant and animal species. You’ll share this tropical environment with beautiful birds, flowers, monkeys, and more aboard a restored riverboat you’ll call home during your expedition.
During your expedition you’ll have the opportunity to interact with indigenous people from a number of villages. The Principal Investigator and his research team have formed very positive relationships with these communities over the past 16 years. These people have always accommodated visitors with openness and friendliness.