Make a Difference Without Breaking the Bank: 5 Wildlife Budget Vacations Under $2,000

It almost sounds too good to be true: completing a fulfilling trip and having a positive impact on international wildlife conservation, all at a reasonable price. But trust me, it can be done. SEEtheWILD offers a wide range of conservation tours specifically geared toward those who want to help wildlife on a budget—and rest assured, you get more than your money’s worth.

Not only do you get to enjoy a unique wildlife vacation, but local conservation efforts also benefit! Many of the trips also offer the opportunity to explore local villages and towns, and even to learn some of the language. Free time is spent learning more about local ecology, exploring one’s surroundings, and other optional activities.

See the full list of wildlife budget vacations here. 

Baja Camping and Turtle Research: Explore Baja’s Magdalena Bay by kayak as you assist Grupo Tortuguero with a green sea turtle research project. You will delve into mangrove forests along the coast, stargaze by night, and even get a few opportunities to experience local culture—all for a mere $1,250 per person. Trip duration: 7 days.

Belize Dolphin Research: Swim with dolphins and the occasional manatee as you contribute to a long-term behavioral study of Belize’s bottlenose dolphins. In your free time, you can enjoy walks on the beach, snorkeling, bird watching, or just kick back in the beautiful beachfront cabanas you will be staying in. This rejuvenating experience comes in just under $2,000—at $1,975 per person. Trip duration: 8 days.

Costa Rica Jaguar Research: Venture deep into the rainforest of renowned Tortuguero National Park as you help to track jaguars in their natural habitat. Volunteers will set camera traps to capture images of the elusive cats, walk turtle nesting beaches, and more while they camp in a verdant tropical setting. The cost? $1,785 per person. Trip duration: 14 days.

California Whale Watching: You can make a difference closer to home—and even just over a long weekend! On this 3-day expedition, you will contribute to gray whale research off the coast of California, near Los Angeles. You will visit three different sites, including Rancho Palos Verdes—one of the foremost whale watching sites in the world. This incredible experience comes in under $1,000 at $925 per person. Trip duration: 3 days.

Swim With Whale Sharks: Snorkel with the world's largest fish, the gentle whale shark near Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Also explore the clear crystal Caribbean waters around this beautiful island. Only $825 per person for 5 days.

As this diverse list of trips demonstrates, opportunities abound for the active traveler—even when on a budget. These trips all offer an incredible travel experience paired with a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in wildlife conservation.